The spirit of giving has always been a cornerstone of my life. Growing up, “community service” was what we did and was no more extraordinary than any other event in life. Since grade school, I helped my father on Sunday mornings at his church making breakfast for our homeless community members. This mission started years prior included an annual hotdog fundraiser at the local Independence Day parade and a Christmas Eve dinner which fed an average of 500-800 people. My Girl Scout Bronze Award project collected personal care items that were handed out at Christmas Eve, which then became an annual addition to the dinner and then evolved into a supplied closet thanks to my twelfth-grade graduation project. I co-lead a Girl Scout troop January 2023 to February 2024, and continue to volunteer with Girl Scouts of Western Washington at council level. Girl Scouts evolved significantly since my youth, and I’m grateful that they continue to improve equality and equity for all scouts and volunteers. Even though our scouts are nine years old or younger, I found ways to incorporate inclusive language in the development of our troop handbook, addressing the troop as scouts instead of girls, and calling parents caregivers as not everyone comes from a “typical” nuclear family. The goal of my troop was to be service-oriented. I was the logistics leader; my other leaders developed ideas for service projects, and I used my community service history to execute their ideas. My goal is to show that community service can be impactful and simple. We partnered with our local food bank and encouraged our scouts to do food and clothing drives. I take pride in ensuring our projects are scout-led, as historically parents often filled collections with their own purchased goods. I encouraged my scouts to turn to their community to make our efforts more impactful. I currently still volunteer with Girl Scouts of Western Washington at the council level, offering my assistance for overnight and day camps within my area. Currently I act as a Neighborhood Coordinator for the Bremerton FoodLine’s FOOD project. This new project began June 2024, and our first drive collected 139 boxes of diapers and almost 1500 pounds of food. The project is simple for participants: their neighborhood coordinator will drop off reusable grocery bags and a wishlist of what specific items our county food banks are looking to fill. Participants then fill their grocery bags with items from the wishlist, and two months later the neighborhood coordinator picks up the bags from their porch, leaving new bags and a new wishlist. The idea allows for participants to have ample time to shop for items alongside their regular grocery shopping. This also allows for county food banks to request items that run out quickly, are expected to be requested more often in the coming months, and to fill gaps of what people typically donate during food drives. So far as a neighborhood coordinator I have 5 people I collect from, not including myself, and hope that with continued efforts in my apartment neighborhood that I can add to my numbers of participants. When I’m not volunteering with Girl Scouts or the FOOD project, I crochet nests for wildlife rescues through the Wildlife Rescue Network, which services around 100 wildlife rescues in the United States and several rescues globally. I am always searching for ways to contribute to my community and anticipate that I will continue to grow my service resume, be it large long term projects or small occasional assistance.

I’m a fan of Sabrina Carpenter because she embodies a unique blend of talent, resilience, and authenticity that resonates deeply with me. From her beginnings as a Disney Channel star to her evolution as a multifaceted artist, Sabrina has shown an unwavering commitment to personal and artistic growth, which has made her career all the more impactful. She’s not just a pop singer; she’s a role model for anyone navigating the complexities of adolescence, self-expression, and resilience in a world full of external pressures. One of the things I admire most about Sabrina is her ability to stay true to herself while constantly reinventing her music and public persona. Over the years, she’s moved from more light-hearted, pop-centric tunes to deeper, more mature tracks that explore themes like love, self-discovery, and empowerment. This evolution is something I find particularly inspiring because it shows that growth is an essential part of an artist’s journey. Sabrina isn’t afraid to challenge herself, and through her music, she has created space for others to embrace their own changes, both personal and professional. Her album *Emails I Can’t Send* is a perfect example of this evolution. It feels like a diary of her experiences, revealing her vulnerabilities, desires, and frustrations in ways that feel deeply personal yet universally relatable. Songs like “Because I Liked a Boy” and “Vicious” showcase her ability to capture the complexities of relationships, while tracks like “Skinny Dipping” reflect her lighter, more carefree side. Sabrina’s music speaks to a generation that is learning to navigate the intricacies of self-worth, identity, and love, all while recognizing the importance of standing up for yourself and embracing your true feelings. What has had a lasting impact on me is Sabrina’s willingness to take ownership of her narrative. She has consistently faced public scrutiny, particularly during her rise to fame, but instead of allowing those pressures to define her, she’s used them as fuel for her artistic expression. Her song “Skinny Dipping,” for example, addresses the way people can misinterpret or judge her from the outside, but she spins it into a powerful anthem of self-acceptance. This bravery to stand in her truth, no matter the noise around her, is something I deeply respect. Sabrina has shown me that authenticity isn’t about pleasing others—it’s about staying grounded in who you are and letting that shine through, no matter what. Another reason I’m a fan of Sabrina is her work ethic and humility. Despite her fame, she has maintained a level of humility and sincerity that’s rare in the entertainment industry. She genuinely seems invested in her fans and in creating music that not only reflects her growth but resonates with them. Her interactions with her audience, whether it’s through social media or live performances, show that she’s grateful for the platform she’s built, yet grounded in a sense of responsibility to her fans. In essence, Sabrina Carpenter’s career has impacted me by teaching the value of growth, resilience, and authenticity. She’s not afraid to evolve, to express her truth, and to encourage others to do the same. Through her music, she’s created a space for listeners to reflect on their own experiences, to embrace change, and to confidently move forward in their journey. Sabrina reminds us that self-expression is an ongoing process, and there’s beauty in every stage of it.

Chappell Roan’s music has made a profound impact on me due to her ability to blend vulnerability with strength in her songwriting, as well as her fearless approach to storytelling. As an artist, she has an undeniable authenticity that resonates deeply with listeners, especially those who have felt marginalized or misunderstood. Her lyrics dive into themes of identity, love, self-discovery, and emotional turmoil with a rawness that is both relatable and empowering. It’s rare to find an artist who can simultaneously evoke such deep emotional reflection while making the listener feel seen and understood, and Chappell does that effortlessly. One of the aspects of her music that stands out is her unapologetic exploration of sexuality and identity. Chappell’s songs, like "Pink Pony Club" and "Good Riddance," highlight her journey of self-acceptance and a refusal to conform to societal expectations. She embraces her queerness with pride, challenging traditional norms around gender and relationships in a way that is refreshing and liberating. Her boldness gives me confidence and encourages me to embrace my own authentic self, no matter how unconventional it may seem. It’s empowering to hear an artist express their individuality so openly, as it creates a space for listeners to reflect on their own identities and find validation in their uniqueness. What I admire most about Chappell is her storytelling ability. Each of her songs feels like a chapter in her personal journey, with vivid imagery and compelling narratives that transport the listener into her world. She tackles difficult subjects like heartbreak, loss, and the pursuit of love, while also weaving in elements of humor and defiance that make her music both cathartic and engaging. Her songs have a way of making you reflect on your own experiences, whether it’s love that was lost or the joy of discovering your true self. She doesn’t just write songs; she creates a space where listeners can live in the emotions and stories she shares. In terms of musicality, Chappell Roan is incredibly versatile. Her sound is a beautiful blend of indie, pop, and country, and she isn’t afraid to experiment with different genres and styles. The music is always accompanied by emotionally rich vocals, often with a haunting quality that gives her songs an added layer of depth. Whether she’s singing a quiet ballad or an upbeat anthem, her voice always carries the same level of intensity, which pulls you into her music and makes it unforgettable. Supporting Chappell Roan’s career feels important because she represents an artist who is pushing boundaries in both music and representation. In a world that can feel rigid and full of expectations, Chappell’s work is a reminder to be fearless, to embrace who we are without apologies, and to keep exploring our stories with passion. Her voice is one that deserves to be heard, as it has the power to inspire countless individuals to find strength in their vulnerability, to embrace their identities, and to express themselves without fear. In a broader sense, I support her career because she is helping redefine what it means to be an artist in today’s world—one who is unafraid to tackle difficult subjects, who refuses to be silenced, and who creates music that is as complex and multifaceted as the human experience itself.

One of my favorite songs from *Brat* is "Hurt" by Billie Eilish. This track encapsulates so much of what makes Eilish's music so captivating—her ability to express raw, emotional vulnerability through minimalist production and haunting melodies. "Hurt" is a perfect example of her unique style, blending dark, introspective lyrics with an ethereal sound that feels both personal and universal. What draws me to "Hurt" is the way it explores pain and emotional struggle with such honesty. The lyrics delve deep into themes of self-doubt, heartbreak, and the complexities of human relationships. Lines like "I don't deserve this, I don't deserve you" reflect feelings of guilt and insecurity, which many listeners can relate to at some point in their lives. Eilish’s ability to capture such a universal emotion with such simplicity is what makes this song so powerful. It feels like an intimate conversation, almost like a confession, that anyone who's ever felt heartache or confusion can connect to. The production is equally striking. The minimalistic beat and spacey, ambient soundscape allow Eilish’s voice to take center stage, creating a haunting atmosphere that complements the song’s emotional depth. It’s a perfect example of how Eilish uses her voice and minimalistic arrangements to convey a sense of emotional weight without needing excessive instrumentation or complex production. The quiet, vulnerable nature of the song contrasts with the intensity of the lyrics, making it feel like a quiet storm—a song that builds quietly and lingers in your mind long after it's over. Another reason why I love "Hurt" is the sense of emotional catharsis it provides. Eilish’s ability to balance vulnerability with strength is what makes the song so cathartic. While the lyrics focus on feelings of hurt and emotional conflict, there’s also a sense of acceptance and resilience. She doesn’t shy away from the difficult feelings but instead embraces them, creating space for listeners to process their own emotions. The song offers a form of solace, reminding listeners that it’s okay to feel vulnerable, to struggle, and to work through pain in one’s own time. In a broader sense, "Hurt" also resonates with the themes of personal growth and self-acceptance that have become central to Billie Eilish's music. She’s consistently demonstrated through her work that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength, and "Hurt" is a perfect encapsulation of that message. It’s a song that encourages listeners to sit with their emotions, to acknowledge their hurt, and to understand that healing takes time. Ultimately, "Hurt" stands out as one of my favorites from *Brat* because it’s a deeply personal and emotional song that resonates on multiple levels. It’s a reminder of the power of vulnerability, the importance of embracing difficult emotions, and the way music can create space for healing. Billie Eilish’s ability to express such raw emotion with subtlety and authenticity makes "Hurt" a track that continues to linger, long after the music has stopped.

As a fan of athleticism and perseverance, one female athlete from Team USA who stands out is Simone Biles. Biles has redefined gymnastics and become a symbol of resilience, determination, and courage. Her impact extends beyond her sport, making her a figure to cheer for not just because of her athletic achievements, but for her advocacy, authenticity, and the way she’s influenced an entire generation. Biles’s career is marked by an extraordinary combination of physical skill, mental fortitude, and consistency at the highest level. She’s the most decorated gymnast in World Championships history and has more Olympic gold medals than any other gymnast in Team USA history. Her mastery of complex routines, including moves that were named after her (the Biles and Biles II), is awe-inspiring. She consistently pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in gymnastics, defying gravity with flawless executions of skills that many thought were unattainable. However, what sets Biles apart is not just her physical talent, but her ability to show vulnerability and strength in equal measure. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she made the incredibly difficult decision to withdraw from several events, prioritizing her mental health over the pressure of competition. This decision, while initially controversial, was a moment of profound importance. By doing so, Biles highlighted an issue that had long been taboo in sports: the mental health struggles that elite athletes face. Her bravery in this instance transcended her accomplishments in the gym. She gave a voice to countless athletes who felt they had to choose between their health and their careers, reminding the world that mental well-being is just as crucial as physical strength. Biles's transparency about her mental health struggles made her even more relatable and inspiring. She openly discussed how the pressure of competing at the highest level, combined with personal challenges, sometimes led her to experience what she called “the twisties,” a disorienting phenomenon where gymnasts lose their sense of direction in mid-air. Instead of succumbing to this, Biles took time to work through it and focus on her well-being. This moment sparked crucial conversations about mental health, self-care, and the need for support systems in high-pressure environments, especially for athletes. Beyond the gymnastics floor, Biles’s impact extends to her advocacy for sexual assault survivors. As one of the women who was a victim of the abuse by USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, Biles has been outspoken about the need for accountability and systemic change in organizations that are meant to protect athletes. Her courage in speaking out, despite the personal trauma, has made her a powerful advocate for justice and a source of hope for other survivors. She’s used her platform to not only elevate her sport but also address broader societal issues, making her a role model in ways that go far beyond her athletic abilities. Biles's resilience in the face of adversity, her willingness to stand up for her values, and her unwavering dedication to both her sport and her mental health make her a true inspiration. She is a reminder that success isn’t solely defined by gold medals and championships, but by the ability to stand tall in the face of challenges, to speak out for what’s right, and to prioritize one’s health and well-being. Simone Biles is a champion in every sense of the word, not just for what she has achieved on the gymnastics mat, but for the way she has transformed the narrative around mental health, athlete advocacy, and personal strength. She’s a figure that everyone can admire and cheer for—both for her unparalleled athleticism and her bravery off the mat.

The perfect ending to *The Bear* would find its characters experiencing growth, healing, and stability after so much chaos. Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto would step into a leadership role that nurtures his creativity while embracing a healthier work-life balance. The restaurant’s success would come from his ability to lead with empathy, and he would reconcile with his estranged family, acknowledging the importance of connection and healing. Sydney Adamu would gain confidence, thriving in a leadership role herself. She might even open her own restaurant, symbolizing her independence and self-empowerment, with Carmy’s blessing and support. Richie’s transformation would be unexpected. He’d find a career outside of the restaurant, perhaps culinary or not, with a newfound mutual respect between him and Carmy. His personal growth would reflect a shift in his relationships, especially with the family dynamic that has often been strained. Tina and Marcus would thrive too. Tina might take on a larger role, using her voice to mentor the younger staff, while Marcus could train with a renowned pastry chef, finding his creative outlet and purpose. The restaurant would evolve into a thriving, respected institution, focusing on quality, care, and staff well-being. Carmy and Sydney’s collaboration would foster a space where the kitchen is a haven for creativity and growth. The struggles of the past would serve as the foundation for future success and healing. The perfect ending would be one of hope and renewal—imperfect, yet true to life, offering redemption, joy, and a brighter future for each character as they embrace their own potential.

Billie Eilish has become an icon for her deeply introspective lyrics, atmospheric sound, and unique approach to pop music. Three of her songs that stand out for their emotional depth and cultural resonance are "bury a friend," "everything i wanted," and "no time to die." These tracks exemplify her ability to blend vulnerability with raw emotion, resonating on both personal and collective levels. "bury a friend" is a haunting exploration of fear, anxiety, and self-doubt. The minimalist production, featuring eerie whispers and a thumping bassline, creates discomfort that mirrors the lyrics’ existential questions. Eilish's exploration of the inner battle with one's own mind is disconcerting and relatable. The line "What do you want from me? / Why don't you run from me?" speaks to the internal dialogue many experience, questioning their place in the world and their relationships. The nightmarish quality of the song captures the mental disarray of dark thoughts. For many, "bury a friend" offers a cathartic experience, confronting feelings often pushed aside. The track isn't just about fear; it's also about the strength in expressing it. Eilish invites listeners into her vulnerable space, offering empathy and comfort to anyone who has felt similarly trapped. "everything i wanted" reflects on the pressures of fame, mental health, and loneliness. Released after the overwhelming success of her debut album, the song delves into the disconnect between public perception and private struggles. "I had a dream / I got everything I wanted" opens the song with a sense of achievement, yet the following lyrics reveal the hollowness that can come with it. Eilish articulates the loneliness of being in the spotlight, where everything externally may seem perfect but internally, it’s different. The subdued, contemplative melody mirrors the emotional weight of its message, resonating with listeners who’ve experienced the gap between success and fulfillment. In "everything i wanted," Billie addresses the universal conflict of feeling like an outsider even when surrounded by adoration, a theme many can connect to, especially in an age where social media amplifies feelings of inadequacy. "No Time to Die" is one of Eilish’s most cinematic and emotionally charged pieces. As the theme song for the 2020 James Bond film, it blends the mystique of the Bond universe with Eilish’s signature vulnerability. The lyrics convey inevitability and sacrifice, fitting perfectly with the high-stakes world of espionage. However, it’s also about the end of a relationship, and the complexity of love and loss. The mournful orchestration and her delicate delivery create an atmosphere that is both gripping and mournful. The track embodies the balance between strength and fragility, capturing complex emotions where loyalty, regret, and finality intertwine. "No Time to Die" demonstrates Eilish’s ability to take a universal theme and turn it into something intensely personal and relatable. The song’s ability to evoke a range of emotions, from longing to acceptance, makes it resonate deeply with listeners who have faced heartache or intense change. What ties these three songs together is their emotional honesty. Eilish’s ability to tackle topics like fear, self-doubt, loneliness, and heartbreak with raw vulnerability makes her work a powerful mirror for anyone grappling with similar feelings. Her music provides a space to process complex emotions in a world that often feels overwhelming. Each of these tracks highlights a different facet of human experience—mental health struggles, the disillusionment of fame, and the heartbreak of lost love—making them universally resonant, yet uniquely her own.

I come from a family of scientists, but never thought I was good enough to be one. I went to college for a degree I didn’t care for. I worked to a nervous breakdown and in spring of 2016, after marrying, I moved to Washington. I planned to finish school but was diagnosed with Endometriosis. In 2020, my hysterectomy and appendectomy diagnosed me with Appendix Cancer. Once I recovered, I improved overall but my spouse was not pleased. We were five years married, and as I gained independence I couldn’t ignore the years of abuse. Before divorcing, my interest in science resurfaced and I planned to attend Old Dominion University. Currently, I work supply logistics for the Department of Defense, but my purpose is in Public Health. Just as physicians care for the individual, Public Health cares for the population. Their preventative measures reduce strain on our healthcare system by repairing root causes, changing circumstances for our at-risk populations by fixing sources of social inequity, and providing data to support assistance to all. I want to educate others and assist in rebuilding our trust in Public Health systems. Working with the public and bettering circumstances for all populations is a cause close to my heart. I have an extensive history with community service, having participated with a weekly breakfast for our local homeless population in Kenosha, Wisconsin since I was eight years old. My Girl Scout Bronze Award project involved collecting personal care items to be distributed at this breakfast, and my senior high school graduation service project evolved this yearly collection into a regularly stocked closet for people to get items as they needed them year round. I volunteered as a Girl Scout leader and troop treasurer for a year, and continue to volunteer for Girl Scouts of Western Washington as a council volunteer. I also act as a Neighborhood Coordinator for the Bremerton FoodLine’s FOOD project. This new project began June 2024, and our first drive collected 139 boxes of diapers and almost 1500 pounds of food. This project allows for county food banks to request items that run out quickly, are expected to be requested more often in the coming months, and to fill gaps of what people typically donate during food drives. So far as a neighborhood coordinator I have 5 people I collect from, not including myself, and hope that with continued efforts in my apartment neighborhood that I can add to my numbers of participants. When I’m not volunteering with Girl Scouts or the FOOD project, I crochet nests for wildlife rescues through the Wildlife Rescue Network, which services around 100 wildlife rescues in the United States and several rescues globally. My dream is to work for the Centers for Disease Control either in public education or Outbreak Response or with the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID.) My background in federal service helps me understand the application processes CDC and USAMRIID will use, and now I need the educational experience to fulfill the requirements so I can continue to support my country in a different branch of service. The first quarter of my life taught me patience and perseverance, and I know with those skills I can earn the education I want to continue to make a difference in my communities.

The spirit of giving has always been a cornerstone of my life. Growing up, “community service” was what we did and was no more extraordinary than any other event in life. Since grade school, I helped my father on Sunday mornings at his church making breakfast for our homeless community members. This mission started years prior included an annual hotdog fundraiser at the local Independence Day parade and a Christmas Eve dinner which fed an average of 500-800 people. My Girl Scout Bronze Award project collected personal care items that were handed out at Christmas Eve, which then became an annual addition to the dinner and then evolved into a supplied closet thanks to my twelfth-grade graduation project. I co-lead a Girl Scout troop January 2023 to February 2024, and continue to volunteer with Girl Scouts of Western Washington at council level. Girl Scouts evolved significantly since my youth, and I’m grateful that they continue to improve equality and equity for all scouts and volunteers. My first training event I was surprised that folks introduced themselves with their pronouns as naturally as speaking their name. It was encouraging to me that there were other nonbinary members who were more masc-presenting and seeing their acceptance by the other volunteers. I was the only openly queer member of my troop, and I strive to be inclusive and welcoming in all my scout interactions. Even though our scouts are nine years old or younger, I found ways to incorporate inclusive language in the development of our troop handbook, addressing the troop as scouts instead of girls, and calling parents caregivers as not everyone comes from a “typical” nuclear family. The goal of my troop was to be service-oriented. I was the logistics leader; my other leaders developed ideas for service projects, and I used my community service history to execute their ideas. My goal is to show that community service can be impactful and simple. We partnered with our local food bank and encouraged our scouts to do food and clothing drives. I take pride in ensuring our projects are scout-led, as historically parents often filled collections with their own purchased goods. I encouraged my scouts to turn to their community to make our efforts more impactful. I currently still volunteer with Girl Scouts of Western Washington at the council level, offering my assistance for overnight and day camps within my area. Currently I act as a Neighborhood Coordinator for the Bremerton FoodLine’s FOOD project. This new project began June 2024, and our first drive collected 139 boxes of diapers and almost 1500 pounds of food. The project is simple for participants: their neighborhood coordinator will drop off reusable grocery bags and a wishlist of what specific items our county food banks are looking to fill. Participants then fill their grocery bags with items from the wishlist, and two months later the neighborhood coordinator picks up the bags from their porch, leaving new bags and a new wishlist. The idea allows for participants to have ample time to shop for items alongside their regular grocery shopping. This also allows for county food banks to request items that run out quickly, are expected to be requested more often in the coming months, and to fill gaps of what people typically donate during food drives. So far as a neighborhood coordinator I have 5 people I collect from, not including myself, and hope that with continued efforts in my apartment neighborhood that I can add to my numbers of participants. When I’m not volunteering with Girl Scouts or the FOOD project, I crochet nests for wildlife rescues through the Wildlife Rescue Network, which services around 100 wildlife rescues in the United States and several rescues globally. I also participate with the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), a nonprofit organization that pursues the research and re-creation of life and skills before the 17th century. With the SCA I volunteer my time at events and public demonstrations, and I use my talents with fiber arts to donate handmade gifts - called largesse- to the crowns of the kingdom to distribute to newcomers or participants who receive awards or recognition for their efforts within the kingdom. I am always searching for ways to contribute to my community and anticipate that I will continue to grow my service resume, be it large long term projects or small occasional assistance.

I come from a family of scientists, but never thought I was good enough to be one. I went to college for a degree I didn’t care for. I worked to a nervous breakdown and in spring of 2016, after marrying, I moved to Washington. I planned to finish school but was diagnosed with Endometriosis. In 2020, my hysterectomy and appendectomy diagnosed me with Appendix Cancer. Once I recovered, I improved overall but my spouse was not pleased. We were five years married, and as I gained independence I couldn’t ignore the years of abuse. Before divorcing, my interest in science resurfaced and I planned to attend Old Dominion University. Currently, I work supply logistics for the Department of Defense, but my purpose is in Public Health. Just as physicians care for the individual, Public Health cares for the population. Their preventative measures reduce strain on our healthcare system by repairing root causes, changing circumstances for our at-risk populations by fixing sources of social inequity, and providing data to support assistance to all. I want to educate others and assist in rebuilding our trust in Public Health systems. Working with the public and bettering circumstances for all populations is a cause close to my heart. I have an extensive history with community service, having participated with a weekly breakfast for our local homeless population in Kenosha, Wisconsin since I was eight years old. My Girl Scout Bronze Award project involved collecting personal care items to be distributed at this breakfast, and my senior high school graduation service project evolved this yearly collection into a regularly stocked closet for people to get items as they needed them year round. I volunteered as a Girl Scout leader and troop treasurer for a year, and continue to volunteer for Girl Scouts of Western Washington as a council volunteer. I also act as a Neighborhood Coordinator for the Bremerton FoodLine’s FOOD project. This new project began June 2024, and our first drive collected 139 boxes of diapers and almost 1500 pounds of food. This project allows for county food banks to request items that run out quickly, are expected to be requested more often in the coming months, and to fill gaps of what people typically donate during food drives. So far as a neighborhood coordinator I have 5 people I collect from, not including myself, and hope that with continued efforts in my apartment neighborhood that I can add to my numbers of participants. When I’m not volunteering with Girl Scouts or the FOOD project, I crochet nests for wildlife rescues through the Wildlife Rescue Network, which services around 100 wildlife rescues in the United States and several rescues globally. My dream is to work for the Centers for Disease Control either in public education or Outbreak Response or with the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID.) My background in federal service helps me understand the application processes CDC and USAMRIID will use, and now I need the educational experience to fulfill the requirements so I can continue to support my country in a different branch of service. The first quarter of my life taught me patience and perseverance, and I know with those skills I can earn the education I want to continue to make a difference in my communities.

Currently, I work supply logistics for the Department of Defense, but my purpose is in Public Health. Just as physicians care for the individual, Public Health cares for the population. Their preventative measures reduce strain on our healthcare system by repairing root causes, changing circumstances for our at-risk populations by fixing sources of social inequity, and providing data to support assistance to all. I want to educate others and assist in rebuilding our trust in Public Health systems. Working with the public and bettering circumstances for all populations is a cause close to my heart. I have an extensive history with community service, having participated with a weekly breakfast for our local homeless population in Kenosha, Wisconsin since I was eight years old. My Girl Scout Bronze Award project involved collecting personal care items to be distributed at this breakfast, and my senior high school graduation service project evolved this yearly collection into a regularly stocked closet for people to get items as they needed them year round. I volunteered as a Girl Scout leader and troop treasurer for a year, and continue to volunteer for Girl Scouts of Western Washington as a council volunteer. I also act as a Neighborhood Coordinator for the Bremerton FoodLine’s FOOD project. This new project began June 2024, and our first drive collected 139 boxes of diapers and almost 1500 pounds of food. This project allows for county food banks to request items that run out quickly, are expected to be requested more often in the coming months, and to fill gaps of what people typically donate during food drives. So far as a neighborhood coordinator I have 5 people I collect from, not including myself, and hope that with continued efforts in my apartment neighborhood that I can add to my numbers of participants. When I’m not volunteering with Girl Scouts or the FOOD project, I crochet nests for wildlife rescues through the Wildlife Rescue Network, which services around 100 wildlife rescues in the United States and several rescues globally. My dream is to work for the Centers for Disease Control either in public education or Outbreak Response or with the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID.) My background in federal service helps me understand the application processes CDC and USAMRIID will use, and now I need the educational experience to fulfill the requirements so I can continue to support my country in a different branch of service. The first quarter of my life taught me patience and perseverance, and I know with those skills I can earn the education I want to continue to make a difference in my communities.

Though my career and educational paths have changed repeatedly in my lifetime, I never lost my fascination in Public Health. Growing up, my father introduced me to the fascinating world of microbes and viruses and shared with me books and autobiographies that fueled dad’s dreams of working in a level 4 hot-suite with incurable, deadly pathogens like Ebola and Lassa Fever. The dream that has stayed with me in the back of my mind and of which I am finally striving for is a goal to work for a federal health agency such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or Health and Human Services (HHS). Currently I work for the Department of Defense as a civilian Supply Technician and supported the United States Navy since September 2020. I have experience in the field of public service by serving my country in these regards, but I firmly believe I could provide more support to my communities through Public Health. Just as physicians care for the individual, Public Health cares for the population. Their preventative measures reduce strain on our healthcare system by repairing root causes of systemic health threats through research and education. I want to be part of this essential component to the success and security of our nation, to educate our population and assist in rebuilding our trust in Public Health systems. My goal is to stay in federal service, and I continue to apply to entry-level positions that would be relevant in the career paths I wish to pursue after graduation including applications to CDC, HHS, and even my local VA hospital for hospital supply logistics. Being a full-time employee while attending school poses significant challenges that require creative planning. The process first began with connecting with an advisor with Old Dominion University to determine what courses I need for my major. Then, in collaboration with my advisor I researched what courses would transfer from my local technical school, Olympic College, to Old Dominion. While researching transfer equivalency, I also needed to verify that these specific courses would be available in evening sessions or asynchronous to be compatible with my work schedule. My intent to attend Olympic was to not only provide myself opportunities to attend in-person courses, but to also save on costs of university. Furthermore, two chemistry courses required for my major at Old Dominion cannot be taken virtually, so the need for transferable courses from Olympic is absolutely necessary to complete my degree. However, Olympic does not offer those courses in the evenings. With mild panic, I researched other local colleges for alternatives and found that Tacoma Community College offered equivalent courses in the evenings, which my advisor confirmed would transfer. With my current plan, I will satisfy sixteen course requirements for my Public Health degree. My educational path is a collage; by the time I complete my bachelors, I will have credits from four different universities and two College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams. In a spirit of exploration, I researched whether I could receive an associate's degree while I attended Olympic and Tacoma. After research and collaboration with advisors, I determined that I could achieve two associates degrees while taking courses for my bachelors. My skills of scheduling, time management, and research assisted me in piecemealing together my educational path to meet educational goals, save money, and earn my first degree. I know these skills will continue to assist me in my educational and professional careers and will be key components to my continued success in life.

I come from a family of scientists, but never thought I was good enough to be one. As a child I thought of becoming a Microbiologist like my dad or becoming an Avian Veterinarian like my family parrot's physician. But as I got older, I lost a drive to become anything. I went to college for a degree I didn’t care for. I worked to a nervous breakdown and in spring of 2016, after marrying, I moved to Washington. I planned to finish school but was diagnosed with Endometriosis. In 2020, my hysterectomy and appendectomy diagnosed me with Appendix Cancer. Once I recovered, I improved overall but my spouse was not pleased. We were five years married, and as I gained independence I couldn’t ignore the years of abuse. Before divorcing, my interest in science resurfaced and I planned to attend Old Dominion University. Currently, I work supply logistics for the Department of Defense, but my purpose is in Public Health. Just as physicians care for the individual, Public Health cares for the population. Their preventative measures reduce strain on our healthcare system by repairing root causes, changing circumstances for our at-risk populations by fixing sources of social inequity, and providing data to support assistance to all. I want to educate others and assist in rebuilding our trust in Public Health systems. Working with the public and bettering circumstances for all populations is a cause close to my heart. I have an extensive history with community service, having participated with a weekly breakfast for our local homeless population in Kenosha, Wisconsin since I was eight years old. My Girl Scout Bronze Award project involved collecting personal care items to be distributed at this breakfast, and my senior high school graduation service project evolved this yearly collection into a regularly stocked closet for people to get items as they needed them year round. I volunteered as a Girl Scout leader and troop treasurer for a year, and continue to volunteer for Girl Scouts of Western Washington as a council volunteer. I also act as a Neighborhood Coordinator for the Bremerton FoodLine’s FOOD project. This new project began June 2024, and our first drive collected 139 boxes of diapers and almost 1500 pounds of food. This project allows for county food banks to request items that run out quickly, are expected to be requested more often in the coming months, and to fill gaps of what people typically donate during food drives. So far as a neighborhood coordinator I have 5 people I collect from, not including myself, and hope that with continued efforts in my apartment neighborhood that I can add to my numbers of participants. When I’m not volunteering with Girl Scouts or the FOOD project, I crochet nests for wildlife rescues through the Wildlife Rescue Network, which services around 100 wildlife rescues in the United States and several rescues globally. My dream is to work for the Centers for Disease Control either in public education or Outbreak Response or with the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID.) My background in federal service helps me understand the application processes CDC and USAMRIID will use, and now I need the educational experience to fulfill the requirements so I can continue to support my country in a different branch of service. The first quarter of my life taught me patience and perseverance, and I know with those skills I can earn the education I want to continue to make a difference in my communities.

I come from a family of scientists, but never thought I was good enough to be one. I went to college for a degree I didn’t care for. I worked to a nervous breakdown and in spring of 2016, after marrying, I moved to Washington. I planned to finish school but was diagnosed with Endometriosis. In 2020, my hysterectomy and appendectomy diagnosed me with Appendix Cancer. Once I recovered, I improved overall but my spouse was not pleased. We were five years married, and as I gained independence I couldn’t ignore the years of abuse. Before divorcing, my interest in science resurfaced and I planned to attend Old Dominion University. Currently, I work supply logistics for the Department of Defense, but my purpose is in Public Health. Just as physicians care for the individual, Public Health cares for the population. Their preventative measures reduce strain on our healthcare system by repairing root causes, changing circumstances for our at-risk populations by fixing sources of social inequity, and providing data to support assistance to all. I want to educate others and assist in rebuilding our trust in Public Health systems. Working with the public and bettering circumstances for all populations is a cause close to my heart. I have an extensive history with community service, having participated with a weekly breakfast for our local homeless population in Kenosha, Wisconsin since I was eight years old. My Girl Scout Bronze Award project involved collecting personal care items to be distributed at this breakfast, and my senior high school graduation service project evolved this yearly collection into a regularly stocked closet for people to get items as they needed them year round. I volunteered as a Girl Scout leader and troop treasurer for a year, and continue to volunteer for Girl Scouts of Western Washington as a council volunteer. I also act as a Neighborhood Coordinator for the Bremerton FoodLine’s FOOD project. This new project began June 2024, and our first drive collected 139 boxes of diapers and almost 1500 pounds of food. This project allows for county food banks to request items that run out quickly, are expected to be requested more often in the coming months, and to fill gaps of what people typically donate during food drives. So far as a neighborhood coordinator I have 5 people I collect from, not including myself, and hope that with continued efforts in my apartment neighborhood that I can add to my numbers of participants. When I’m not volunteering with Girl Scouts or the FOOD project, I crochet nests for wildlife rescues through the Wildlife Rescue Network, which services around 100 wildlife rescues in the United States and several rescues globally. My dream is to work for the Centers for Disease Control either in public education or Outbreak Response or with the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID.) My background in federal service helps me understand the application processes CDC and USAMRIID will use, and now I need the educational experience to fulfill the requirements so I can continue to support my country in a different branch of service. The first quarter of my life taught me patience and perseverance, and I know with those skills I can earn the education I want to continue to make a difference in my communities.

I am privileged to come from a family of scientists; my grandfather holds a doctorate in Nuclear Medicine and my father holds a bachelor's degree in Microbiology. Yet even though I was surrounded by science, the concept of pursuing higher education in science seemed unobtainable. By the time I entered college, I learned to be small. I applied to Carthage because I was told I needed to. When I learned my college fund was spent to pay my parents’ debts, I was upset that the burden of funding my education fell on me. I worked to a nervous breakdown and in spring of 2016, after marrying to escape the emotional abuse of my mother, I moved to Washington. In Washington I had a goal to get my degree, but I was diagnosed with stage IV Endometriosis. In January 2020, I received my hysterectomy, along with an appendectomy that resulted in diagnosis of Appendix Cancer. Once I was cleared by my oncologist and fully recovered, I got my life back and my spouse was not pleased with this. We were five years married, and as I continued self discovery I couldn’t ignore the signs of abuse. I began therapy to determine if I should leave and learned about myself, including that I am polyamorous and bisexual. January 2021 I asked for a divorce after the transphobic tirade of my spouse on New Years Eve. Months before I separated, I researched degrees in Public Health. My interest in Epidemiology resurfaced and I debated moving to Virginia to attend Old Dominion University. This plan never left my mind. Currently, I work for the Department of Defense. It provides me benefits and pays well, but a future in supply logistics is bleak. My father says I make a difference in the lives of everyone I meet, but currently I know there is more out there for me. My purpose is in Public Health. Just as physicians care for the health of the individual, Public Health professionals care for the health of the population. Their preventative measures reduce strain on our healthcare system by repairing root causes for illnesses and diseases. Public Health can help change circumstances for our at-risk populations by repairing the sources of social inequity while also providing data to support why we need to assist all areas of society. Furthermore, I want to educate others and assist in repairing our trust in the Public Health system. I believe every person deserves to be healthy. The health of our communities benefits the health of all, especially now in a hyper-connected world. There is much work to do, not only with protecting populations from health threats, but repairing trust in each other and our communities. The first quarter of my life taught me patience and perseverance, and I know with those skills I can earn the education I want to continue to make a difference in my communities.

I am privileged to come from a family of scientists; my grandfather holds a doctorate in Nuclear Medicine and my father holds a bachelor's degree in Microbiology. Yet even though I was surrounded by science, the concept of pursuing higher education in science seemed unobtainable. By the time I entered college, I learned to be small. I applied to Carthage because I was told I needed to. When I learned my college fund was spent to pay my parents’ debts, I was upset that the burden of funding my education fell on me. I worked to a nervous breakdown and in spring of 2016, after marrying to escape the emotional abuse of my mother, I moved to Washington. In Washington I had a goal to get my degree, but I was diagnosed with stage IV Endometriosis. In January 2020, I received my hysterectomy, along with an appendectomy that resulted in diagnosis of Appendix Cancer. Once I was cleared by my oncologist and fully recovered, I got my life back and my spouse was not pleased with this. We were five years married, and as I continued self discovery I couldn’t ignore the signs of abuse. I began therapy to determine if I should leave and learned about myself, including that I am polyamorous and bisexual. January 2021 I asked for a divorce after the transphobic tirade of my spouse on New Years Eve. Months before I separated, I researched degrees in Public Health. My interest in Epidemiology resurfaced and I debated moving to Virginia to attend Old Dominion University. This plan never left my mind. Currently, I work for the Department of Defense. It provides me benefits and pays well, but a future in supply logistics is bleak. My father says I make a difference in the lives of everyone I meet, but currently I know there is more out there for me. My purpose is in Public Health. Just as physicians care for the health of the individual, Public Health professionals care for the health of the population. Their preventative measures reduce strain on our healthcare system by repairing root causes for illnesses and diseases. Public Health can help change circumstances for our at-risk populations by repairing the sources of social inequity while also providing data to support why we need to assist all areas of society. Furthermore, I want to educate others and assist in repairing our trust in the Public Health system. I believe every person deserves to be healthy. The health of our communities benefits the health of all, especially now in a hyper-connected world. There is much work to do, not only with protecting populations from health threats, but repairing trust in each other and our communities. The first quarter of my life taught me patience and perseverance, and I know with those skills I can earn the education I want to continue to make a difference in my communities.

I am privileged to come from a family of scientists; my grandfather holds a doctorate in Nuclear Medicine and my father holds a bachelor's degree in Microbiology. Yet even though I was surrounded by science, the concept of pursuing higher education in science seemed unobtainable. By the time I entered college, I learned to be small. I applied to Carthage because I was told I needed to. When I learned my college fund was spent to pay my parents’ debts, I was upset that the burden of funding my education fell on me. I worked to a nervous breakdown and in spring of 2016, after marrying to escape the emotional abuse of my mother, I moved to Washington. In Washington I had a goal to get my degree, but I was diagnosed with stage IV Endometriosis. In January 2020, I received my hysterectomy, along with an appendectomy that resulted in diagnosis of Appendix Cancer. Once I was cleared by my oncologist and fully recovered, I got my life back and my spouse was not pleased with this. We were five years married, and as I continued self discovery I couldn’t ignore the signs of abuse. I began therapy to determine if I should leave and learned about myself, including that I am polyamorous and bisexual. January 2021 I asked for a divorce after the transphobic tirade of my spouse on New Years Eve. Months before I separated, I researched degrees in Public Health. My interest in Epidemiology resurfaced and I debated moving to Virginia to attend Old Dominion University. This plan never left my mind. Currently, I work for the Department of Defense. It provides me benefits and pays well, but a future in supply logistics is bleak. My father says I make a difference in the lives of everyone I meet, but currently I know there is more out there for me. My purpose is in Public Health. Just as physicians care for the health of the individual, Public Health professionals care for the health of the population. Their preventative measures reduce strain on our healthcare system by repairing root causes for illnesses and diseases. Public Health can help change circumstances for our at-risk populations by repairing the sources of social inequity while also providing data to support why we need to assist all areas of society. Furthermore, I want to educate others and assist in repairing our trust in the Public Health system. I believe every person deserves to be healthy. The health of our communities benefits the health of all, especially now in a hyper-connected world. There is much work to do, not only with protecting populations from health threats, but repairing trust in each other and our communities. The first quarter of my life taught me patience and perseverance, and I know with those skills I can earn the education I want to continue to make a difference in my communities.

I am privileged to come from a family of scientists; my grandfather holds a doctorate in Nuclear Medicine and my father holds a bachelor's degree in Microbiology. Yet even though I was surrounded by science, the concept of pursuing higher education in science seemed unobtainable. By the time I entered college, I learned to be small. I applied to Carthage because I was told I needed to. When I learned my college fund was spent to pay my parents’ debts, I was upset that the burden of funding my education fell on me. I worked to a nervous breakdown and in spring of 2016, after marrying to escape the emotional abuse of my mother, I moved to Washington. In Washington I had a goal to get my degree, but I was diagnosed with stage IV Endometriosis. In January 2020, I received my hysterectomy, along with an appendectomy that resulted in diagnosis of Appendix Cancer. Once I was cleared by my oncologist and fully recovered, I got my life back and my spouse was not pleased with this. We were five years married, and as I continued self discovery I couldn’t ignore the signs of abuse. I began therapy to determine if I should leave and learned about myself, including that I am polyamorous and bisexual. January 2021 I asked for a divorce after the transphobic tirade of my spouse on New Years Eve. Months before I separated, I researched degrees in Public Health. My interest in Epidemiology resurfaced and I debated moving to Virginia to attend Old Dominion University. This plan never left my mind. Currently, I work for the Department of Defense. It provides me benefits and pays well, but a future in supply logistics is bleak. My father says I make a difference in the lives of everyone I meet, but currently I know there is more out there for me. My purpose is in Public Health. Just as physicians care for the health of the individual, Public Health professionals care for the health of the population. Their preventative measures reduce strain on our healthcare system by repairing root causes for illnesses and diseases. Public Health can help change circumstances for our at-risk populations by repairing the sources of social inequity while also providing data to support why we need to assist all areas of society. Furthermore, I want to educate others and assist in repairing our trust in the Public Health system. I believe every person deserves to be healthy. The health of our communities benefits the health of all, especially now in a hyper-connected world. There is much work to do, not only with protecting populations from health threats, but repairing trust in each other and our communities. The first quarter of my life taught me patience and perseverance, and I know with those skills I can earn the education I want to continue to make a difference in my communities.

I am privileged to come from a family of scientists; my grandfather holds a doctorate in Nuclear Medicine and my father holds a bachelor's degree in Microbiology. Yet even though I was surrounded by science, the concept of pursuing higher education in science seemed unobtainable. By the time I entered college, I learned to be small. I applied to Carthage because I was told I needed to. When I learned my college fund was spent to pay my parents’ debts, I was upset that the burden of funding my education fell on me. I worked to a nervous breakdown and in spring of 2016, after marrying to escape the emotional abuse of my mother, I moved to Washington. In Washington I had a goal to get my degree, but I was diagnosed with stage IV Endometriosis. In January 2020, I received my hysterectomy, along with an appendectomy that resulted in diagnosis of Appendix Cancer. Once I was cleared by my oncologist and fully recovered, I got my life back and my spouse was not pleased with this. We were five years married, and as I continued self discovery I couldn’t ignore the signs of abuse. I began therapy to determine if I should leave and learned about myself, including that I am polyamorous and bisexual. January 2021 I asked for a divorce after the transphobic tirade of my spouse on New Years Eve. Months before I separated, I researched degrees in Public Health. My interest in Epidemiology resurfaced and I debated moving to Virginia to attend Old Dominion University. This plan never left my mind. Currently, I work for the Department of Defense. It provides me benefits and pays well, but a future in supply logistics is bleak. My father says I make a difference in the lives of everyone I meet, but currently I know there is more out there for me. My purpose is in Public Health. Just as physicians care for the health of the individual, Public Health professionals care for the health of the population. Their preventative measures reduce strain on our healthcare system by repairing root causes for illnesses and diseases. Public Health can help change circumstances for our at-risk populations by repairing the sources of social inequity while also providing data to support why we need to assist all areas of society. Furthermore, I want to educate others and assist in repairing our trust in the Public Health system. I believe every person deserves to be healthy. The health of our communities benefits the health of all, especially now in a hyper-connected world. There is much work to do, not only with protecting populations from health threats, but repairing trust in each other and our communities. The first quarter of my life taught me patience and perseverance, and I know with those skills I can earn the education I want to continue to make a difference in my communities.

I am privileged to come from a family of scientists; my grandfather holds a doctorate in Nuclear Medicine and my father holds a bachelor's degree in Microbiology. Yet even though I was surrounded by science, the concept of pursuing higher education in science seemed unobtainable. By the time I entered college, I learned to be small. I applied to Carthage because I was told I needed to. When I learned my college fund was spent to pay my parents’ debts, I was upset that the burden of funding my education fell on me. I worked to a nervous breakdown and in spring of 2016, after marrying to escape the emotional abuse of my mother, I moved to Washington. In Washington I had a goal to get my degree, but I was diagnosed with stage IV Endometriosis. In January 2020, I received my hysterectomy, along with an appendectomy that resulted in diagnosis of Appendix Cancer. Once I was cleared by my oncologist and fully recovered, I got my life back and my spouse was not pleased with this. We were five years married, and as I continued self discovery I couldn’t ignore the signs of abuse. I began therapy to determine if I should leave and learned about myself, including that I am polyamorous and bisexual. January 2021 I asked for a divorce after the transphobic tirade of my spouse on New Years Eve. Months before I separated, I researched degrees in Public Health. My interest in Epidemiology resurfaced and I debated moving to Virginia to attend Old Dominion University. This plan never left my mind. Currently, I work for the Department of Defense. It provides me benefits and pays well, but a future in supply logistics is bleak. My father says I make a difference in the lives of everyone I meet, but currently I know there is more out there for me. My purpose is in Public Health. Just as physicians care for the health of the individual, Public Health professionals care for the health of the population. Their preventative measures reduce strain on our healthcare system by repairing root causes for illnesses and diseases. Public Health can help change circumstances for our at-risk populations by repairing the sources of social inequity while also providing data to support why we need to assist all areas of society. Furthermore, I want to educate others and assist in repairing our trust in the Public Health system. I believe every person deserves to be healthy. The health of our communities benefits the health of all, especially now in a hyper-connected world. There is much work to do, not only with protecting populations from health threats, but repairing trust in each other and our communities. The first quarter of my life taught me patience and perseverance, and I know with those skills I can earn the education I want to continue to make a difference in my communities.

I am privileged to come from a family of scientists; my grandfather holds a doctorate in Nuclear Medicine and my father holds a bachelor's degree in Microbiology. Yet even though I was surrounded by science, the concept of pursuing higher education in science seemed unobtainable. By the time I entered college, I learned to be small. I applied to Carthage because I was told I needed to. When I learned my college fund was spent to pay my parents’ debts, I was upset that the burden of funding my education fell on me. I worked to a nervous breakdown and in spring of 2016, after marrying to escape the emotional abuse of my mother, I moved to Washington. In Washington I had a goal to get my degree, but I was diagnosed with stage IV Endometriosis. In January 2020, I received my hysterectomy, along with an appendectomy that resulted in diagnosis of Appendix Cancer. Once I was cleared by my oncologist and fully recovered, I got my life back and my spouse was not pleased with this. We were five years married, and as I continued self discovery I couldn’t ignore the signs of abuse. I began therapy to determine if I should leave and learned about myself, including that I am polyamorous and bisexual. January 2021 I asked for a divorce after the transphobic tirade of my spouse on New Years Eve. Months before I separated, I researched degrees in Public Health. My interest in Epidemiology resurfaced and I debated moving to Virginia to attend Old Dominion University. This plan never left my mind. Currently, I work for the Department of Defense. It provides me benefits and pays well, but a future in supply logistics is bleak. My father says I make a difference in the lives of everyone I meet, but currently I know there is more out there for me. My purpose is in Public Health. Just as physicians care for the health of the individual, Public Health professionals care for the health of the population. Their preventative measures reduce strain on our healthcare system by repairing root causes for illnesses and diseases. Public Health can help change circumstances for our at-risk populations by repairing the sources of social inequity while also providing data to support why we need to assist all areas of society. Furthermore, I want to educate others and assist in repairing our trust in the Public Health system. I believe every person deserves to be healthy. The health of our communities benefits the health of all, especially now in a hyper-connected world. There is much work to do, not only with protecting populations from health threats, but repairing trust in each other and our communities. The first quarter of my life taught me patience and perseverance, and I know with those skills I can earn the education I want to continue to make a difference in my communities.

I am privileged to come from a family of scientists; my grandfather holds a doctorate in Nuclear Medicine and my father holds a bachelor's degree in Microbiology. Yet even though I was surrounded by science, the concept of pursuing higher education in science seemed unobtainable. By the time I entered college, I learned to be small. I applied to Carthage because I was told I needed to. When I learned my college fund was spent to pay my parents’ debts, I was upset that the burden of funding my education fell on me. I worked to a nervous breakdown and in spring of 2016, after marrying to escape the emotional abuse of my mother, I moved to Washington. In Washington I had a goal to get my degree, but I was diagnosed with stage IV Endometriosis. In January 2020, I received my hysterectomy, along with an appendectomy that resulted in diagnosis of Appendix Cancer. Once I was cleared by my oncologist and fully recovered, I got my life back and my spouse was not pleased with this. We were five years married, and as I continued self discovery I couldn’t ignore the signs of abuse. I began therapy to determine if I should leave and learned about myself, including that I am polyamorous and bisexual. January 2021 I asked for a divorce after the transphobic tirade of my spouse on New Years Eve. Months before I separated, I researched degrees in Public Health. My interest in Epidemiology resurfaced and I debated moving to Virginia to attend Old Dominion University. This plan never left my mind. Currently, I work for the Department of Defense. It provides me benefits and pays well, but a future in supply logistics is bleak. My father says I make a difference in the lives of everyone I meet, but currently I know there is more out there for me. My purpose is in Public Health. Just as physicians care for the health of the individual, Public Health professionals care for the health of the population. Their preventative measures reduce strain on our healthcare system by repairing root causes for illnesses and diseases. Public Health can help change circumstances for our at-risk populations by repairing the sources of social inequity while also providing data to support why we need to assist all areas of society. Furthermore, I want to educate others and assist in repairing our trust in the Public Health system. I believe every person deserves to be healthy. The health of our communities benefits the health of all, especially now in a hyper-connected world. There is much work to do, not only with protecting populations from health threats, but repairing trust in each other and our communities. The first quarter of my life taught me patience and perseverance, and I know with those skills I can earn the education I want to continue to make a difference in my communities.

I am privileged to come from a family of scientists; my grandfather holds a doctorate in Nuclear Medicine and my father holds a bachelor's degree in Microbiology. Yet even though I was surrounded by science, the concept of pursuing higher education in science seemed unobtainable. By the time I entered college, I learned to be small. I applied to Carthage because I was told I needed to. When I learned my college fund was spent to pay my parents’ debts, I was upset that the burden of funding my education fell on me. I worked to a nervous breakdown and in spring of 2016, after marrying to escape the emotional abuse of my mother, I moved to Washington. In Washington I had a goal to get my degree, but I was diagnosed with stage IV Endometriosis. In January 2020, I received my hysterectomy, along with an appendectomy that resulted in diagnosis of Appendix Cancer. Once I was cleared by my oncologist and fully recovered, I got my life back and my spouse was not pleased with this. We were five years married, and as I continued self discovery I couldn’t ignore the signs of abuse. I began therapy to determine if I should leave and learned about myself, including that I am polyamorous and bisexual. January 2021 I asked for a divorce after the transphobic tirade of my spouse on New Years Eve. Months before I separated, I researched degrees in Public Health. My interest in Epidemiology resurfaced and I debated moving to Virginia to attend Old Dominion University. This plan never left my mind. Currently, I work for the Department of Defense. It provides me benefits and pays well, but a future in supply logistics is bleak. My father says I make a difference in the lives of everyone I meet, but currently I know there is more out there for me. My purpose is in Public Health. Just as physicians care for the health of the individual, Public Health professionals care for the health of the population. Their preventative measures reduce strain on our healthcare system by repairing root causes for illnesses and diseases. Public Health can help change circumstances for our at-risk populations by repairing the sources of social inequity while also providing data to support why we need to assist all areas of society. Furthermore, I want to educate others and assist in repairing our trust in the Public Health system. I believe every person deserves to be healthy. The health of our communities benefits the health of all, especially now in a hyper-connected world. There is much work to do, not only with protecting populations from health threats, but repairing trust in each other and our communities. The first quarter of my life taught me patience and perseverance, and I know with those skills I can earn the education I want to continue to make a difference in my communities.

I am privileged to come from a family of scientists; my grandfather holds a doctorate in Nuclear Medicine and my father holds a bachelor's degree in Microbiology. Yet even though I was surrounded by science, the concept of pursuing higher education in science seemed unobtainable. By the time I entered college, I learned to be small. I applied to Carthage because I was told I needed to. When I learned my college fund was spent to pay my parents’ debts, I was upset that the burden of funding my education fell on me. I worked to a nervous breakdown and in spring of 2016, after marrying to escape the emotional abuse of my mother, I moved to Washington. In Washington I had a goal to get my degree, but I was diagnosed with stage IV Endometriosis. In January 2020, I received my hysterectomy, along with an appendectomy that resulted in diagnosis of Appendix Cancer. Once I was cleared by my oncologist and fully recovered, I got my life back and my spouse was not pleased with this. We were five years married, and as I continued self discovery I couldn’t ignore the signs of abuse. I began therapy to determine if I should leave and learned about myself, including that I am polyamorous and bisexual. January 2021 I asked for a divorce after the transphobic tirade of my spouse on New Years Eve. Months before I separated, I researched degrees in Public Health. My interest in Epidemiology resurfaced and I debated moving to Virginia to attend Old Dominion University. This plan never left my mind. Currently, I work for the Department of Defense. It provides me benefits and pays well, but a future in supply logistics is bleak. My father says I make a difference in the lives of everyone I meet, but currently I know there is more out there for me. My purpose is in Public Health. Just as physicians care for the health of the individual, Public Health professionals care for the health of the population. Their preventative measures reduce strain on our healthcare system by repairing root causes for illnesses and diseases. Public Health can help change circumstances for our at-risk populations by repairing the sources of social inequity while also providing data to support why we need to assist all areas of society. Furthermore, I want to educate others and assist in repairing our trust in the Public Health system. I believe every person deserves to be healthy. The health of our communities benefits the health of all, especially now in a hyper-connected world. There is much work to do, not only with protecting populations from health threats, but repairing trust in each other and our communities. The first quarter of my life taught me patience and perseverance, and I know with those skills I can earn the education I want to continue to make a difference in my communities.

I am privileged to come from a family of scientists; my grandfather holds a doctorate in Nuclear Medicine and my father holds a bachelor's degree in Microbiology. Yet even though I was surrounded by science, the concept of pursuing higher education in science seemed unobtainable. By the time I entered college, I learned to be small. I applied to Carthage because I was told I needed to. When I learned my college fund was spent to pay my parents’ debts, I was upset that the burden of funding my education fell on me. I worked to a nervous breakdown and in spring of 2016, after marrying to escape the emotional abuse of my mother, I moved to Washington. In Washington I had a goal to get my degree, but I was diagnosed with stage IV Endometriosis. In January 2020, I received my hysterectomy, along with an appendectomy that resulted in diagnosis of Appendix Cancer. Once I was cleared by my oncologist and fully recovered, I got my life back and my spouse was not pleased with this. We were five years married, and as I continued self discovery I couldn’t ignore the signs of abuse. I began therapy to determine if I should leave and learned about myself, including that I am polyamorous and bisexual. January 2021 I asked for a divorce after the transphobic tirade of my spouse on New Years Eve. Months before I separated, I researched degrees in Public Health. My interest in Epidemiology resurfaced and I debated moving to Virginia to attend Old Dominion University. This plan never left my mind. Currently, I work for the Department of Defense. It provides me benefits and pays well, but a future in supply logistics is bleak. My father says I make a difference in the lives of everyone I meet, but currently I know there is more out there for me. My purpose is in Public Health. Just as physicians care for the health of the individual, Public Health professionals care for the health of the population. Their preventative measures reduce strain on our healthcare system by repairing root causes for illnesses and diseases. Public Health can help change circumstances for our at-risk populations by repairing the sources of social inequity while also providing data to support why we need to assist all areas of society. Furthermore, I want to educate others and assist in repairing our trust in the Public Health system. I believe every person deserves to be healthy. The health of our communities benefits the health of all, especially now in a hyper-connected world. There is much work to do, not only with protecting populations from health threats, but repairing trust in each other and our communities. The first quarter of my life taught me patience and perseverance, and I know with those skills I can earn the education I want to continue to make a difference in my communities.

I am privileged to come from a family of scientists; my grandfather holds a doctorate in Nuclear Medicine and my father holds a bachelor's degree in Microbiology. Yet even though I was surrounded by science, the concept of pursuing higher education in science seemed unobtainable. By the time I entered college, I learned to be small. I applied to Carthage because I was told I needed to. When I learned my college fund was spent to pay my parents’ debts, I was upset that the burden of funding my education fell on me. I worked to a nervous breakdown and in spring of 2016, after marrying to escape the emotional abuse of my mother, I moved to Washington. In Washington I had a goal to get my degree, but I was diagnosed with stage IV Endometriosis. In January 2020, I received my hysterectomy, along with an appendectomy that resulted in diagnosis of Appendix Cancer. Once I was cleared by my oncologist and fully recovered, I got my life back and my spouse was not pleased with this. We were five years married, and as I continued self discovery I couldn’t ignore the signs of abuse. I began therapy to determine if I should leave and learned about myself, including that I am polyamorous and bisexual. January 2021 I asked for a divorce after the transphobic tirade of my spouse on New Years Eve. Months before I separated, I researched degrees in Public Health. My interest in Epidemiology resurfaced and I debated moving to Virginia to attend Old Dominion University. This plan never left my mind. Currently, I work for the Department of Defense. It provides me benefits and pays well, but a future in supply logistics is bleak. My father says I make a difference in the lives of everyone I meet, but currently I know there is more out there for me. My purpose is in Public Health. Just as physicians care for the health of the individual, Public Health professionals care for the health of the population. Their preventative measures reduce strain on our healthcare system by repairing root causes for illnesses and diseases. Public Health can help change circumstances for our at-risk populations by repairing the sources of social inequity while also providing data to support why we need to assist all areas of society. Furthermore, I want to educate others and assist in repairing our trust in the Public Health system. I believe every person deserves to be healthy. The health of our communities benefits the health of all, especially now in a hyper-connected world. There is much work to do, not only with protecting populations from health threats, but repairing trust in each other and our communities. The first quarter of my life taught me patience and perseverance, and I know with those skills I can earn the education I want to continue to make a difference in my communities.

One of the most significant draws of the Broadway production is the energy of a live performance. The actors feed off the audience’s reactions, creating an experience that is electric and constantly evolving. You get to witness the nuance and emotional range of the performers in real time, which makes the story feel more dynamic and personal. In contrast, a movie can seem more detached due to the controlled environment of film sets and the inability for actors to interact directly with the audience. In live theater, the actors’ physical presence and their immediate reactions to the environment and each other add layers of authenticity to the characters. For Wicked, the choreography, set design, and costume details take on a more vivid life on stage. The grand spectacle of the show feels more powerful in a theater, where the audience can see every detail and feel the impact of the performance. The sound of a live orchestra, the booming acoustics of a Broadway theater, and the sight of massive, imaginative sets all contribute to an immersive experience that a movie struggles to replicate. The magic of Broadway is in its ability to make the impossible feel real right before your eyes. Wicked thrives on its larger-than-life sets, such as the flying broomstick or Elphaba’s levitating spell. These effects are achieved through practical stagecraft, lighting, and timing, and they evoke a sense of wonder that’s hard to match in a film where CGI can sometimes distance the viewer from the magic. The technical elements of the Broadway show make the show feel alive and fluid in a way that’s difficult to recreate with digital effects. There’s a unique joy in experiencing Wicked as part of a live audience. The laughter, gasps, and tears shared by those around you make the emotional beats of the story even more powerful. The sense of community that forms in the theater is something a movie theater or a streaming platform cannot replicate. The collective experience of hearing the audience gasp at a dramatic moment or erupt into applause at the end of a song can intensify the emotions and elevate the experience. Wicked’s musical score is one of the most beloved parts of the show, and the live performances give you the full weight of its orchestral power. The orchestra’s live music, combined with the voices of the talented Broadway cast, create a richness and depth that is hard to capture in a film. The soaring vocals of songs like “Defying Gravity” or “For Good” come to life with a power that is felt throughout the theater, while the audience is swept up in the experience. While film often relies on excessive special effects or lavish visuals to create a sense of magic, Broadway’s Wicked relies on the power of the performance itself. The focus is on the storytelling, the acting, and the live orchestration. There’s something raw and emotional about a live stage performance, where the imperfections are embraced, and every night can bring a slightly different experience. The Broadway show remains grounded in its commitment to performance over spectacle, which makes it feel more genuine to many fans. In conclusion, as a fan of Wicked on Broadway, you appreciate the visceral connection to the story and performers, the stunning live visuals and music, and the emotional energy that only a theater can provide. While the film adaptation may be visually impressive, it can't replicate the magic of being in a Broadway theater, where the story comes to life in a way that feels immediate, personal, and unforgettable.

The spirit of giving has always been a cornerstone of my life. Growing up, “community service” was what we did and was no more extraordinary than any other event in life. Since grade school, I helped my father on Sunday mornings at his church making breakfast for our homeless community members. This mission started years prior included an annual hotdog fundraiser at the local Independence Day parade and a Christmas Eve dinner which fed an average of 500-800 people. My Girl Scout Bronze Award project collected personal care items that were handed out at Christmas Eve, which then became an annual addition to the dinner and then evolved into a supplied closet thanks to my twelfth-grade graduation project. I co-lead a Girl Scout troop 2023 to 2024 and continue to volunteer with Girl Scouts of Western Washington at council level. The goal of my troop was to be service-oriented. I was the logistics leader; my other leaders developed ideas for service projects, and I used my community service history to execute their ideas. My goal is to show that community service can be impactful and simple. We partnered with our local food bank and encouraged our scouts to do food and clothing drives. I take pride in ensuring our projects are scout-led, as historically parents often filled collections with their own purchased goods. I encouraged my scouts to turn to their community to make our efforts more impactful. I currently still volunteer with Girl Scouts of Western Washington at the council level, offering my assistance for overnight and day camps within my area. Currently I act as a Neighborhood Coordinator for the Bremerton FoodLine’s FOOD project. This new project began June 2024, and our first drive collected 139 boxes of diapers and almost 1500 pounds of food. The project is simple for participants: their neighborhood coordinator will drop off reusable grocery bags and a wishlist of what specific items our county food banks are looking to fill. Participants then fill their grocery bags with items from the wishlist, and two months later the neighborhood coordinator picks up the bags from their porch, leaving new bags and a new wishlist. The idea allows for participants to have ample time to shop for items alongside their regular grocery shopping. This also allows for county food banks to request items that run out quickly, are expected to be requested more often in the coming months, and to fill gaps of what people typically donate during food drives. So far as a neighborhood coordinator I have 5 people I collect from, not including myself, and hope that with continued efforts in my apartment neighborhood that I can add to my numbers of participants. When I’m not volunteering with Girl Scouts or the FOOD project, I crochet nests for wildlife rescues through the Wildlife Rescue Network, which services around 100 wildlife rescues in the United States and several rescues globally. I also participate with the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), a nonprofit organization that pursues the research and re-creation of life and skills before the 17th century. With the SCA I volunteer my time at events and public demonstrations, and I use my talents with fiber arts to donate handmade gifts - called largesse- to the crowns of the kingdom to distribute to newcomers or participants who receive awards or recognition for their efforts within the kingdom. I am always searching for ways to contribute to my community and anticipate that I will continue to grow my service resume, be it large long term projects or small occasional assistance.

Though my career and educational paths have changed repeatedly, I never lost my fascination in Public Health, instilled in me by my Microbiologist father, with a goal to work for a federal health agency such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or Health and Human Services. Currently I work for the Department of Defense as a civilian Supply Technician and have supported the US Navy since September 2020 as a contractor. I have experience in the field of public service by serving my country in these regards, but I firmly believe I could provide even more support to my country and communities working in Public Health. Just as physicians care for the individual, Public Health cares for the population. Their preventative measures reduce strain on our healthcare system by repairing root causes of systemic health threats through research and education. I want to be part of this essential component to the success and security of our nation, to educate our population and assist in rebuilding our trust in Public Health systems. My current path to my degree is completing general education requirements at my local technical colleges to become acclimated with school again and to save money, then transfer to Old Dominion University to complete my degree, all while continuing to work full time. My goal is to stay in federal service, and I continue to apply to entry-level positions that would be relevant in the career paths I wish to pursue after graduation.

If my year so far had a soundtrack, the standout song from 1989 (Taylor's Version) that would perfectly capture its essence is "Out of the Woods." This track embodies the journey through periods of uncertainty and the eventual emergence into clarity and resilience. "Out of the Woods" is distinguished by its introspective lyrics and energetic, driving beat, which together evoke a sense of both reflection and progress. The song delves into the nature of recalling and processing past challenges, a theme that resonates strongly with my experiences this year. The narrative of the song centers around looking back at turbulent times with a new perspective, having moved through them and come out stronger. This mirrors the sense of overcoming hurdles and achieving personal growth that has characterized my journey so far. The song’s chorus is particularly poignant, with lines like "The rest of the world was black and white, but we were in screaming color." This lyric captures the dramatic contrast between difficult moments and the vibrant clarity that comes with hindsight. It highlights how, even when facing trials, there are significant moments of revelation and understanding that illuminate the path forward. This sense of moving from darkness into light perfectly encapsulates the transformative experiences of the past year. "Out of the Woods" also resonates with the feeling of navigating through periods of uncertainty with a sense of determination and resilience. The driving rhythm and the repeated refrains of the song emphasize the perseverance required to push through tough times. As the year has unfolded, there have been moments of doubt and struggle, but the song’s message of reflection and triumph underscores how these challenges have led to valuable growth and learning. Furthermore, the song’s energetic yet contemplative tone reflects the balance between facing difficulties head-on and finding joy in overcoming them. The introspective nature of the lyrics, combined with the song’s upbeat tempo, creates a powerful juxtaposition that mirrors the emotional complexity of dealing with and moving beyond adversity. In essence, "Out of the Woods" stands out as the perfect anthem for a year marked by both struggle and progress. Its themes of navigating through challenges, reflecting on past experiences, and emerging with greater clarity and strength resonate deeply with the experiences of the year. The song’s ability to capture the essence of overcoming difficulties and finding new perspectives makes it a fitting and powerful representation of the journey so far.

A character from The Office that I resonate with most is Jim Halpert. Jim’s dry wit, his clever pranks on Dwight, and his ability to find humor in the mundane aspects of office life are traits I find particularly relatable. Jim’s knack for navigating awkward situations with a mix of sarcasm and charm reflects a balanced approach to dealing with everyday challenges. His interactions with colleagues, especially his subtle observations and reactions, mirror the way many of us cope with the quirks and idiosyncrasies of a workplace environment. *The Office* has profoundly shaped my sense of humor by highlighting the absurdity and comedy found in routine office dynamics. The show’s ability to turn mundane tasks into comedic gold through character-driven humor and relatable scenarios underscores the importance of finding levity in everyday situations. It’s a reminder that humor can be a powerful tool in managing stress and building camaraderie among colleagues. Additionally, the show offers insightful perspectives on workplace dynamics, showcasing a wide range of personalities and interactions. It emphasizes the importance of empathy, communication, and the human side of professional relationships. Through its portrayal of various office scenarios, *The Office* illustrates how different personalities can work together, sometimes clashing and other times forming unexpected bonds, shaping how I view and approach workplace environments.

LeBron James' incredible blend of skill, adaptability, and leadership is the main reason I like him. LeBron's remarkable skill set is evident when watching him play; he can score, rebound, and assist while also changing his style of play to fit the changing rules of basketball. In addition to his remarkable strength, speed, and agility, he possesses a high basketball IQ, which enables him to be successful in almost every facet of the game. LeBron's impact goes beyond his accomplishments on the court to include his roles as a leader and an advocate. Taking advantage of his position, he advocates for topics like school reform and racial equality. His charitable endeavors, especially with the "I PROMISE" School, demonstrate his dedication to having a positive influence off the court. Recognizing the intricacies of this comparison is crucial when debating whether LeBron James is the best basketball player of all time. Unquestionably remarkable are LeBron's career accomplishments, which include four MVP honors, countless NBA titles, and multiple choices to the All-Star team. To further complicate this argument, he is contrasted with other greats such as Michael Jordan, whose six NBA titles and clutch plays have established a high standard. LeBron makes a compelling case for his status as one of the greatest players ever because to his consistent greatness over the course of a lengthy career, his influence both on and off the court, and his versatility in game development. In the end, LeBron's reputation is solidified as one of the most accomplished and important players in basketball history, even though the designation of "greatest of all time" can be arbitrary and impacted by personal standards.

With its wide variety of mods, the game Minecraft—which is known for its endless creativity and open-world exploration—reaches new levels of fun and customization. The Minecraft community has made numerous modifications that greatly increase the game's replayability and depth, providing players with an enhanced and personalized experience that surpasses that of the original edition. A multitude of new content becomes available by Minecraft modifications, which increase the game's potential. Although the core game provides a strong framework for exploration, mining, and crafting, mods add a variety of features like additional species, biomes, and gameplay systems. Mods such as "Biomes O' Plenty" add numerous different biomes with distinct ecosystems, and "Tinkers' Construct" adds more complex tool and weaponry systems. These changes cater to a variety of player interests, from those seeking difficult survival experiences to creative construction opportunities, while also adding diversity to the gameplay. Additionally, modders have the ability to significantly change the game's mechanics by adding new challenges and objectives. For example, the mod "SkyFactory" turns Minecraft into a sky-based survival game in which the user builds upon and expands from a small boat. These changes to the gameplay provide repeat value and new experiences, which keep the game interesting and fresh. Devoted enthusiasts create many mods, which improve multiplayer games. To facilitate cooperative play and exploration, mods such as "JourneyMap" offer comprehensive maps and waypoints. This culture of cooperation carries over to modding communities, where users improve the experience by exchanging, debating, and building upon each other's creations. The multitude of Minecraft mods available greatly enhances the experience by providing players with countless chances for creativity and personalization. Mods guarantee that Minecraft stays dynamic and endlessly interesting, a game that can adjust to the changing tastes and preferences of its broad player population by adding new material, changing game mechanics, and encouraging community involvement.

Challenge Name: "Desert Island Dilemmas" Islanders start in simulated deserted island survival scenarios as part of this challenge. This task puts their capacity for problem solving, collaboration, and stress management to the test as they navigate obstacles based on real-life difficulties. The intent is to demonstrate how the Islanders deal with stress and provide support for one another. The villa will convert into an abandoned island with a fake beach, improvised shelters, and survival supplies like ropes, flashlights, and water purification devices. The islanders are split up into pairs, and each couple gets a scenario card with a different survival task that they work together to complete. The scenarios differ in complexity and level of difficulty. Each pair receives a scenario card detailing their predicament. Scenarios might include: - Limited food, water, and tools, and they must find ways to ration and make the most of their resources. - Build a functional shelter from provided materials, ensuring it is secure and weather-resistant. - Create a visible distress signal using available materials to attract imaginary rescuers. - Come come up with a strategy to handle a simulated wildlife encounter, such as dealing with a "dangerous" animal (a mechanical or sound effect). Every couple gets two hours to finish their scenario. To solve the current issue, they must collaborate, be creative, and be resourceful. Following the allotted time, each pair addresses the other Islanders and a panel of judges with their solution and explanation of how they arrived at it. The judges assess their inventiveness, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities. The pairs talk about their experiences with the other Islanders after the assessments. They divulge details of their relationships and personal assets as they talk about how they managed the pressure and helped one another. In addition to being entertaining, this challenge helps viewers gain a better knowledge of how the Islanders depend on one another and deal with difficulties.

Though my career and educational paths have changed repeatedly in my lifetime, I never lost my fascination in Public Health, instilled in me by my Microbiologist father. Growing up, my father introduced me to the fascinating world of microbes and viruses and shared with me books and autobiographies that fueled his dreams of working in a level 4 hot-suite with incurable, deadly pathogens like Ebola or Lassa Fever. I am finally striving for my childhood dream: to work for a federal health agency such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or Health and Human Services (HHS) to support the health of our communities and nation. Currently I work for the Department of Defense as a civilian Supply Technician and supported the United States Navy since September 2020. I have experience in the field of public service by serving my country in these regards, but I firmly believe I could provide even more support to my country and communities working in Public Health. Just as physicians care for the individual, Public Health cares for the population. Their preventative measures reduce strain on our healthcare system by repairing root causes of systemic health threats through research and education. I want to be part of this essential component to the success and security of our nation, to educate our population and assist in rebuilding our trust in Public Health systems. My goal is to stay in federal service, and I continue to apply to entry-level positions that would be relevant career paths I wish to pursue after graduation including applications to CDC, HHS, and even my local VA hospital for hospital supply logistics. I lovingly call my educational path a Frankenstein’s monster; by the time I complete my bachelors, I will have credits from four different universities and two College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams. In a spirit of exploration, I researched whether I could receive an associates degree while I attended Olympic and earn credits for my degree with Old Dominion; I am already intending to attend Olympic for these course requirements and figured if I could earn an associates degree with the courses I intend to take and any possible transferable credits from my previous schooling, I might as well attempt this goal. After significant research and collaboration with advisors at Olympic, I have determined that I only need to add two other courses to my workload while attending Olympic if at least thirty credits transfer from my time at Carthage College in 2014. Of course, if not enough credits transfer from Carthage to meet the requirements, I will not add further courses to my school schedule. My main goal is my bachelors with Old Dominion which does not require me to have an associates degree, just the specific courses I already intend to take. My skills of scheduling, time management, and research have greatly assisted me in piecemealing together my educational path to creatively develop plans to meet educational goals, save money, and possibly earn my first degree in the process. I know these skills will continue to assist me in my educational and professional careers and will be key components to my continued success in life.

Though my career and educational paths have changed repeatedly in my lifetime, I never lost my fascination in Public Health, instilled in me by my Microbiologist father. Growing up, my father introduced me to the fascinating world of microbes and viruses, and shared with me books and autobiographies that often fueled dad’s dreams of working in a level 4 hot-suite with incurable, deadly pathogens like Ebola and Lassa Fever. The dream that has stayed with me in the back of my mind and of which I am finally striving for is a goal to work for a federal health agency such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or Health and Human Services (HHS), not perhaps with deadly pathogens but in a sense of supporting the health of our communities and nation. My background in federal service helps me understand the application processes CDC and HHS uses, and now I need the educational experience to fulfill the requirements so I can continue to support my country in a different branch of service. Currently I work for the Department of Defense as a civilian Supply Technician and have supported the United States Navy since September 2020 as a contractor. I have experience in the field of public service by serving my country in these regards, but I firmly believe I could provide even more support to my country and communities working in Public Health. Just as physicians care for the individual, Public Health cares for the population. Their preventative measures reduce strain on our healthcare system by repairing root causes of systemic health threats through research and education. I want to be part of this essential component to the success and security of our nation, to educate our population and assist in rebuilding our trust in Public Health systems. My goal is to stay in federal service, and I continue to apply to entry-level positions that would be relevant in the career paths I wish to pursue after graduation including applications to CDC, HHS, and even my local VA hospital for hospital supply logistics. I lovingly call my educational path a Frankenstein’s monster; by the time I complete my bachelors, I will have credits from four different universities and two College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams. My main goal is my bachelors with Old Dominion which does not require me to have an associates degree, just the specific courses I already intend to take, but with research and collaboration I have determined I can also earn my associates while I complete these required courses at Olympic College. My skills of scheduling, time management, and research have greatly assisted me in piecemealing together my educational path to creatively develop plans to meet educational goals, save money, and possibly earn my first degree in the process. I know these skills will continue to assist me in my educational, professional, and community focused careers and will be key components to my continued success in life.