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Nathanael Gooden

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Finalist

Bio

Overflowing with creativity, I am Nathanael Gooden, a senior high schooler with a dream of becoming an writer. Originally I didn't really know what I wanted to do in life, but then came to the realization that I wanted a future that is a step above my present. I wanted to grow from a consumer of fiction to someone who makes and releases their own. Now with a clear goal in mind I now work to forge a road leading down that path. My focus is unwavering as I actively work to make my dream my reality.

Education

Broward College

Associate's degree program
2024 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Environmental Geosciences
  • Minors:
    • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies

Boyd H. Anderson High School

High School
2021 - 2024
  • GPA:
    3.2

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
    • Geography and Environmental Studies
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Renewables & Environment

    • Dream career goals:

      Environmental Scientist

      Public services

      • Volunteering

        Greek Festival — Plate Stacker
        2023 – 2023
      Hines Scholarship
      College has always represented more than just a degree for me as it is a personal journey of growth, and purpose. As an undergraduate student I have embarked on a path that will shape my future, challenge my knowledge, and challenge the road I have chosen for myself. The Hines Scholarship offers me an opportunity to ensure this journey by providing the support needed to transform my goals into achievements. This essay is not only my reflection on what college means to me, but also a statement declaring what I hope to accomplish through my education. Growing up, I was fascinated by the living and environmental aspects of the natural world, from the uniqueness of animals, and the might of natural disasters. Science has always been a beacon of inspiration for me which has called for it to be something I plan on focusing on in college. However, despite my interest this may not be the path I’ll go down. The reality of college is that personal doubts, balancing responsibilities, and pushing past my personal flaws has made the experience life changing and humbling. College, to me, is not just about earning a degree, buts is a place where I can discover who I am and who I want to become. It is a facility of possibilites as well as many activites. Being an active member of my college has pushed me beyond the boundaries of my comfort zone. The time-consuming assignments, the stimulating events, and the support of professors have all played a role in me deciding my future. More importantly, these experiences have taught me resilience and the value of pursuing goals, no matter how stressful or annoying they are at the moment. Through my college education, I am not just seeking a degree, but to become a scientist who loves their craft. My goal is to earn my degree in science and use that foundation to delve into research that could have meaningful impacts like environmental sustainability or medical discoveries. I envision myself as a catalyst for solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. Furthermore, I want to inspire others who, like me, might have felt unsure of their capabilities at the beginning of their educational journey. To conclude, going to college is about finding myself and building a future with purpose and passion. My college has been a foundation for me to grow both academically and personally, and with the support of the Hines Scholarship, I am confident that I can reach even greater heights. Receiving the Hines Scholarship would be more than financial assistance but also grants me time to spend on my studies. It would allow me to fully dedicate myself to deepening my understanding of the world without the burden of financial strain. My hope is to grow as a college graduate with a degree in science as well as a dedicated researcher committed to making a positive difference in the world. The journey may be challenging, but it is one that I embrace with gratitude and determination.
      Anime Enthusiast Scholarship
      I find it interesting how animation can really connect with people. Mob Psycho 100 is the one that connects to me the most. When I started to watch the anime, I became interested in the characters and how their problems were like mine. I also found myself asking myself the same things the characters did. The protagonist, Shigeo Kageyama, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and growth, and I as a viewer go on a journey along with him. As more characters are introduced with more internal issues I notices more of my own. The realism of their issues and struggles as well as a banger of an intro and great animation makes this anime endlessly captivating for me. To empathies one of the reasons Mob Psycho 100 stands out is its characters' depth and relatability. I resonate with Shiegeo Kageyama's feelings of not knowing what do do in life nd feeling constantly lost. Similarly, Reigen Arataka's facade of confidence and skill, despite his underlying insecurities, mirrors how I feel in any leadership scenario. These characters are not just fictional creations, they represent real emotions and experiences that many viewers, including myself, can identify with. Their authenticity is one of the many things that draws me back to the series time and time again. The growth of the characters is another reason I enjoy the show. From Shiegeo understanding himself more and Reigen becoming more capable I enjoy seeing the characters get past their struggles. As the series goes on and the protagonist and main characters become better people, we see villains and side characters with traits that represent a more negative path in life. Seeing someone like Teruki Hanazawa and his narcissism made me reflect on my own skills and how I see others in the same field. Him being humbled and changing into someone who supports the talents of others made me decide to do my best and never become overconfident or narcissistic. The villains and redemptions play an important part to the series to show that life doesn’t lead to happy endings alone but can tear people down, but then bring those people back up when they do the right thing. Next is the art and music in Mob Psycho 100 are also key elements that make it endlessly captivating. The unique animation style is vibrant and dynamic, perfectly complementing whatever scene is displayed. The soundtrack enhances the viewing experience, evoking a range of emotions to support the scene. Each episode is a treat, both visually and audio wise which makes it impossible to grow tired of the series. The creative presentation of the anime keeps it fresh and engaging alongside the characters is what keeps brining me back. In conclusion, Mob Psycho 100 remains an anime I can watch repeatedly due to its relatable characters, profound character development, and exceptional art and music. The relatable characters, their profound growth, and the outstanding art and music make it both of my favorites and a captivating series. The series not only entertains but also resonates on a personal level, reflecting real-life struggles and growth. It is this blend of relatability and artistic excellence that solidifies Mob Psycho 100 as my favorite anime, one that never fails to leave a lasting impression, making it an anime I can enjoy repeatedly enjoy.
      Nintendo Super Fan Scholarship
      Gaming has always been a significant part of my life, providing countless hours of entertainment and opportunities for connection with friends. One game that stands out in my co-op experiences is Kirby and the Amazing Mirror. The colorful world, combined with the action and puzzles makes it an incredibly enjoyable game. Playing this game with friends has created some of my most cherished gaming memories I have. This has solidified Kirby and the Amazing Mirror one of my favorite multiplayer games. One memorable moment that solidified its place as my top choice was when a friend and I decided to speed run the game the best we could. As highschoolers with no experience speed running we weren’t good or fast, but we knew what we had to do. Starting the game, the two of us speed off with my friend as player one and I as player two. We both grab sword ability and speed through the cloud tutorial stage and skip the cutscene if Meta Knight losing but waste a hint of time t the first mirror to Rainbow Route. With the more experienced pal leading the way and me covering his mistakes we were on a smooth roll. We found a balance between his expertise and my enthusiasm created a dynamic session of follow the leader. He had more experience and thus led the way, and I struggled just behind to support them and make the game easier. When they made mistakes, I watched their back which made the game exciting. We transition to Moonlight Mansion as a duo and make good time as I learn the arial movement as I float behind. We meet the mini boss frosty and cut him down with our swords. At this point we’ve decided to only use the sword copy ability and quite literally cut through our obstacles. We press the big button making it so we can get their easier. Our speed slows as we get through the next part of the mansion due to my pal getting us lost for a bit. Though we get back on track for the as we reach the second button and then reach the King Golem. Another boss bites the dust as we our swords assure another swift victory and getting our first shard. Unfortunately, this is where the run ends as free period ends, and we get to our next period. We unfortunately don’t continue or start another run in the future, but we still meet up and talk as friends. The best part of our speed run was the banter, and while I don’t remember what we exactly said I remember s talking about shows we’ve watched recently. It was a heartwarming few minutes that I spent with my pal. In the end Kirby and the Amazing Mirror is my favorite Nintendo coop game because of the game. In conclusion, Kirby and the Amazing Mirror holds a special place in my heart due to this powerful moment I shared with my close friend. The cooperation, shared victories, and the joy of playing together have made it an unparalleled experience. This game has shown me the true essence of multiplayer gaming a fun adventure that lets the players use their skills to the best of their ability. As I wrote this essay, I had to watch a speed run to remember the names of the locations and funnily enough it made me realize how slow we were. None the less I’ll treasure the moment with my brother from another mother.
      Book Lovers Scholarship
      People can learn new things, be inspired, and even expand their perspectives by reading books. For me the Pokémon Special manga series is what triggered growth in my younger-self. There was a time I watched the Pokemon anime in my youth, but I grew to find the show to be boring and repetitive. Later, when I was older, I found the Pokémon Special series that reinterpreted the world to have more depth. This version of the Pokémon universe captivated me and brought entertainment the child friendly anime could never grant. If I could have everyone in the world read one book, it would be any part from this manga that aligns with their favorite game or season. The Pokémon Special series tells more complex stories in the world of Pokémon. Though the manga is a separate world from the games and the series in lore is has some some of their elements. This allows People to see the Pokémon under a new lens after reading these stories. I believe that everyone should read a story from the Pokémon Special series to compare with their favorite part of the franchise be it the game, anime, or merchandise. This would let them see the similarities and differences between how Pokemon is usually advertised vs a more story driven narrative. it is because of the depth and new take that I believe that anyone can enjoy it. In my eyes the Pokémon Special series demonstrated potential within a franchise by showing how it can be shaped into a grander narrative. The complicated characters and mature themes in the manga made me thankful and appreciate depth that can be found in any story I read. In conclusion, I would recommend Pokémon Special series because it takes the beloved Pokémon world and turns it into a better story. It was worth reading because it was interesting to me, told a great story, and changed a familiar world into something new and interesting. I will always hold this series in my heart for that because it made me appreciate creative writing and well-developed characters even more no matter how childish a story is. By telling other people to read this series, I hope to spread the enjoyment and knowledge it gave me and makes more people realize how powerful stories can be.
      American Dream Scholarship
      The American Dream has evolved over time but has always embodied the hopes and desires of people seeking a better life. It represents ideals of acceptance, trust, freedom, and acceptance, creating a version of society where everyone has the chance to thrive and thrive gloriously. America, the flawed country as it could never be what is envisioned by the people and though the citizens know this fact the American Dream still lives as the hope for more. As more time passes the singular dream became the dreams of many with different interpretations and concepts and as someone living in America, I have my own version of the dream. Before exploring my dream it is important to understand the aspects of the old American Dream. The first aspect is that of acceptance. Since the 1600s people have consistently moved onto the country of America for various reasons. Some were prosecuted, some had their homes stolen, some wanted to explore, and some wanted profit. With these various motivations they all wanted one thing, and that was acceptance. America is seen as the land of the free because it is the land of the strays that accepts those who want a new home or a second home. The second aspect of the American Dream is property. This also includes making and owning a lot of money. This aspect highlights the potential to find success in America. Anyone can have a job, own a house, own a business, and even own a conglomerate. All it takes is hard work, money management and time. The potential for profit is what brought most to America. This aspect tempts the greed, pride, and hope of everyone who wishes to have success of their own. The final aspect of the American Dream is Happiness. As the most important aspect of the American Dream the other aspects would be meaningless. There would be no point to wanting happiness or property if it doesn’t grant happiness. Without happiness there would be no satisfaction in the American way. If not for these aspects working in conjunction, then the American Dream would be no more than desire. In my view, the American dream is an average life. It envisions America as a country where people from all backgrounds are welcomed and valued for their unique contributions. This dream provides everyone with enough pay all their bills and gives everyone time to indulge in their hobbies. It all takes place in a imperfect country but the fact is that it is the country of the people who make it better through their effort. My American Dream focuses on the together ness of the millions of different people, cultures, beliefs, races, and hearts of the citizens and grants every one of them a life that can grant them more if they work for it. In conclusion, the American dream is a vision of society that embraces acceptance, profit, and joy for every household. It is a dream of a good place to live without all the issues and flaws of the real America. So as America gets worse or better the hope for the American dream will remain in every household. While the dream is not without its flaws, it remains an eternal part of America and its history. By striving to embody these ideals, we can work towards making the American dream a reality for everyone regardless of its seeming impossibility.
      Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship
      Mental health is an important part of who we are and shapes our thoughts, behaviors, and goals. It changes the way we see the world and ourselves. How we see ourselves shapes how our relationships are built and what careers we pursue. To grow as a person and live a happy, and healthy life, you need to take care of your mental health. Learning more about my mental health has changed how I think, who I am, and what my goals are. How I feel about taking care of my appearance has changed a lot because of my mental health. When I was younger and shyer, I learned how much other people could hurt me. Even though they were mean or rude, I didn't hold a grudge against them for it. They could be who they were, with no judgement. I learned that I could be myself because of this. People might find me weird or different, but I'm strong enough to be myself. I like this idea more and it taught me how important it is to value myself. Furthermore, having relationships is important for mental health, and my bonds show this link. My friends and I are close because we like the same things. These ties have given me a place to be honest about how I feel without worrying that they will judge me. My family connection, on the other hand, is different but just as important. Even though we don't always like the same things, we've found things we have in common because we've known each other for a long time. Experiencing this dynamic has taught me how important it is to accept and value differences in partnerships. My aspirations have been deeply influenced by my commitment to maintaining good mental health. As I prepare for an adult life in collage, I am prepared to make new bonds and learn more about myself. Though certainly not flawless I look forward to my approaching time in collage. My goal is to find a job that will keep my mind healthy and help me to make a positive difference in the world. I'm most interested in areas that let me have both personal freedom and professional growth. Finding a balance between personal freedom and success at work is very important to me. I want to work for a company that values being creative and unique. This balance is good for my mental health because it helps me stay true to myself and meet my goals at the same time. In conclusion, my understanding of my mental health has profoundly influenced my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. Mental health services has helped me believe in myself and has allowed me to accept that everyone is different. I am still committed to taking care of my mental health as I continue to grow and work toward my goals. The Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship will help me reach these goals and have a good influence on my college life in the future. Thanks for taking the time to read my article and considering it for this scholarship.
      Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship
      Mental health is a major aspect of general health as it shapes how we think, feel, and set goals. It changes how we act and how we see ourselves. When someone has a healthy mind they become more confident and can proudly pursue their goals. Being aware of how important your mental health is helps you deal with life's problems better and builds good relationships. Accepting and working on your mental health can help you express yourself, make important connections, and respect yourself. My mental health journey has made me realise that everyone has the right to express themselves. I have always felt that, as a human being, I should be able to express myself in ways that is true to me. After being passive in my youth and living based on what people told me I realized that I disagreed with them at points. In this world it’s okay to disagree with others and so it’s alright for me to feel that people should be themselves even if it means being perceived as different or unusual. This conviction has given me the courage to embrace my individuality and reject pressures to conform. Due to this, I feel good about myself and have faith in my unique point of view, which has helped me keep my mental health in good shape. When I make friends they are people who value each other's unique traits. The way I treat interactions is affected by my beliefs. These links are strong because they are based on real connections, not on fake similarities or personalities that are a lot alike. My friends and I support each other in expressing ourselves and when we disagree, we talk out our beliefs and use the topic as a debate subject. My family, on the other hand, and I don't share many interests, so our friendship is more about being there for each other no matter what. While we have different tastes and interests, we get along well because we value each other's uniqueness. It has been very good for my mental health to have a strong bond with my friends and family. My goals have grown because of my desire for freedom and way of expression. I'm even excited about the chances that college will grant me in order to learn more about myself and explore my interests. I want to get a job that will not only pay well but also let people know how talented and unique I am. I care about being myself at work and in my personal life because it affects my mental and emotional health. I want to live a full and healthy life, so I need to find a job that fits with my skills and morals. I have different goals now that I know more about mental health. I also see things and deal with other people differently. It's very important to me to be free, say what I want, and connect with real people. Thanks for giving me the chance to win the Ethel Hayes Scholarship to give me a chance to explore my mental health. That by helping mental health and talking about it, I can get other people to put their health first and be clear on their goals.
      Bright Lights Scholarship
      When you plan for the future, you know what tools you will need along the way like setting clear goals, and know the steps needed to meet those goals. It takes some thought to figure out what you want and then make a plan for how to get it. I want to learn more about the world, so I want to work in that field. Just being naturally interested in the world makes me want to learn more about it and help find long-term answers. There is no doubt in my mind that I will major in science with a focus on environmental science when I start my journey at FIU. In the long run, I want to finish school at FIU and get a degree in Environmental Science. I want to do well in school and find out more about how things in nature work as well as their issues. I want to become an environmental scientist and help people, and teach them about clean energy. I want to work with those who care about the earth as much as I do. I want to make plans that protect and, lessen damage to the environment, as well as, encourage good habits that last. I really hope that what I do will help protect the earth for future generations. I come from a low-income family, so it will be hard for my family to pay for college. This grant is important to me because it grants me some of the needed money I need. Additionally, it will give me access to learning materials, study opportunities, and activities outside of school that will boost my growth. This grant is also more than just a way to get money. It's an acknowledgement of my abilities that will push me to do more. As a result, it breaks down barriers and makes it possible for people from similar situations to reach their goals. Getting the Bright Lights Scholarship will completely change how I learn and work in the future. The first thing it will do is pay for my fees. After that, it will be easy for my family to pay other bills, and this grant will help me focus on school. Jobs, workshops, and gatherings in environmental science are accessible to me if I have money. Supporting me financially will allow me to do environmental science jobs, classes, and events. These will help me get new opportunities, learn new skills, and find out more about the field. Being around people who work as environmental scientists will help me learn more and get ready for my job. Second and Finally, this scholarship will help me help my neighborhood. I want to be an example for people like me and help them along their way by doing well in school and at work. Talking about my journey and how this grant has helped me will motivate other people to face their fears and follow their dreams. I finally want to say that I want to become an environmental scientist whose job it is to fight the important environmental issues we face today. I'm almost there with the help of the Sean Bright Lights Scholarship. It gives me some of the money I need to do well in school. This grant will not only help me pay for school, but it will also inspire and support other people like me to try college. I intend to make a big difference in the study of the world. I can help make the future more stable with your help.
      Strong Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship
      Leadership is the art of guiding others towards a common goal, and thus fostering collaboration between strangers and classmates. As A leader myself I understand the art as I do it on a near daily basis. I am Nathanael Gooden, and in my experience as a leader I know that effective leadership is not just about taking charge, it is about creating an environment where everyone uses their strengths and cooperates.This essay talks about the things about me and my experiences that make me a leader, as well as the effects of being a leader. My high school has a magnet program that organizes its members into squads and then companies. Each company is made from three squads and there are three companies total. I have had the opportunity to develop and demonstrate my leadership skills in various capacities due to this program as the leader of my own squad. Every month each squad must create a PowerPoint on the monthly theme. As the Squad leader I must select who does what slide and ensure everyone has their information on their slide and in their heads. This role required me to serve as quality control and role giver for my team. Learning how to communicate and organize things was very helpful for me in this leading role. With clear goals in mind, I was able to lead my team to finish the project as best as we could. We ensured that everyone stayed on track and dealt with any problems or hurdles they faced, this required regular meetings. Through these interactions I fostered a collaborative atmosphere where my team could bounce ideas and feedback. Something I learnt to do was trust and reinforce what each member decided to do for their slides as doing so gave them a passion to do their part in their own way. There are two key qualities that makes me a leader and they are my focus and adaptability. Leadership is not just about directing tasks or managing people. It is keeping on task and being able to do well when off task. My team is a group of highschoolers and as highschoolers we chat, relax, and complete our assignments. During the preparation of the PowerPoint projects, I made it a point to have everyone have a plan slide and to not have the plan be ridged as to make them nervous. This not only boosted their confidence but also created the sense that mistakes are fine if they just bounced back. Learning how to communicate and organize things was very helpful for me in this leading role. With clear goals in mind, I was able to lead my team to finish the project as thoroughly as we could. To keep everyone on track and help them deal with any problems or issues that came up, they had to meet regularly. Being a leader is an art that changes each time it's used. Being a group leader in the program has taught me how to talk to people, keep things in order, inspire people, and be open.For me, real leadership means giving other people power and pushing them to use it. I will use what I have learned about being a leader in my personal and professional life until I find something new. Thanks for reading my work. Thanks for giving this grant to me.
      Sean Carroll's Mindscape Big Picture Scholarship
      For hundreds of years, people have been curious about and made scientific progress in the quest to understand the nature of the world. Not only is this a quest to figure out the secrets of life, but it's also a way to use what we learn to solve problems right now and in the future. Challenges which serve as trial for mankind to surpass also serve as fuel to fix the smaller problems humanity faces. By studying the universe, we can make progress in uncovering the laws and principles of natural phenomena. With the intention of exploring why I want to learn more about the universe I will explore various things that inspire me to go down such a path. First is having the knowledge and desire to understand how the world works. It would meet our desire to learn and be curious, and it would also encourage new ideas. It's hard to know what we are and what we want in the world because it's so big and complicated. This understanding fosters a sense of wonder and inspires further exploration and greed to get more knowledge. The new discoveries will then create change in the world as new technology is invented and new knowledge is added to records. To understand the universe is the natural thought process of intelligent life watch and understand the horizon of knowledge. Secondly, knowing about the universe has real-world effects. It lets us make tools and technologies which make our lives better. We can use technology like GPS, which uses what we know about geography, space, time, and weather to help us locate ourselves. An effective way to protect against germs that cause illness is to use what we know about immune systems, bugs, illnesses, and nutrients to create vaccines. Also, what we know about the universe can change how we go into space, take care of the earth, make devices that collect energy, and do other things. Thirdly and finally, understanding the universe is just something people would do as instinct. Some people are motivated by greed, some by desire, but even a simple whim is reason enough to learn about the world. It encourages us to grow and to value our little whims as potential interests. Anything can serve as inspiration to do more and so it makes sense that larger obsessions and passions can start as a whim or even as a side hobby that reaps many results. As humans we have a right to follow our hearts to find out if Doom can be run on a Toaster Personally, the reason I want to learn more about the universe is because its cool. From the smallest of bacteria and quarks to the largest of galaxies and galaxy clusters everything has such nuance within it. I am a major fan of fiction and specifically fantasy fiction, but when it comes to the real-life magic that is existence, I just can’t help but cherish it. It’s because of this reason that I want to become an Environmental Scientist and learn about ecosystems which I have the largest interest in.Originally, I wanted to be an author and on a whim I decided that science would be my new choice, but that whim a deep interest reared its head for me to enjoy. I plan to use a few key ideas and concepts to help me better understand the nature of the universe. First, there is the Scientific Method, which uses hypotheses and experiments to learn more about a topic. Secondly, is Interdisciplinary Collaboration which can be employed by working with others and combining our skills in many fields to reveal a bigger picture. Thirdly, is Sustainability in Environmental Science which explores the world of earth and can reveal small and larger secrets through deep exploration of the planet. Beginning with the scientific method, is that it is fundamental to exploring and understanding the universe. It involves forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing data to draw conclusions. Through repeating these three steps in a cycle, a well-researched hypothesis will be analyzed in peer review. After review if the hypothesis survives then it will become a theory when it gains sufficient evidence. This Theory now stands to be tested more in the future as well as provide insight to the universe. This rigorous approach ensures that our understanding is based on evidence and can be tested and refined over time. Next is Interdisciplinary Collaboration, which is understanding the universe requires insights from various fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, and astronomy through cooperation. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we can combine different perspectives and expertise to gain a more comprehensive understanding by overlaying and or transitioning from one field of study to another. This it to expose the relationship between the many different sciences to build in understanding of everything overall. This approach is also vital in addressing environmental issues, as it allows us to consider the complex interactions between natural systems and human activities. This collaborative approach ensures a complete or more detailed understanding of a subject or occurrence. Finally, is Sustainability through Environmental Science and as an aspiring environmental scientist, I am particularly interested in how exploring the world expands upon the universe. Concepts such as the conservation of energy, the carbon cycle, and climate modeling are essential for developing strategies to mitigate environmental impact. In addition to this but by understanding the aspects of our world we understand the aspects of other planets due to having similarities to earth. We can also learn about terrestrial bodies like asteroids and comets due to just understanding aspects of earth. By applying these principles, we can create sustainable solutions that balance human needs with the health of our planet. The insights gained from understanding the universe can be directly applied to the field of Environmental Science in several ways. We can reduce the effects of Climate Change through our understanding of the atmosphere and solar radiation. We can improve our sustainable resource management through deeper understanding of the water and hydrogen cycles. We can improve Biodiversity conservation by understanding the impact of the environment and it’s smaller aspects like atmospheric pressure and temperature affects various species. The universe plays a key part in the improvement of the world due to is vastness in valuable information. In conclusion, he pursuit of understanding the nature of the universe is a noble and essential endeavor. By employing key ideas and concepts such as the scientific method, interdisciplinary collaboration, principles of sustainability, we can gain a deeper understanding of the universe and apply this knowledge to the field of Environmental Science. As an aspiring environmental scientist, I am committed to using my education and understanding of the universe to develop sustainable solutions that protect our planet and improve our quality of life. The Sean Carroll's Mindscape Big Picture Scholarship will provide me with the support I need to achieve these goals and make meaningful contributions to the field of Environmental Science. I am eager to use my knowledge and skills to create a positive impact on our world and inspire others to join the effort in preserving the natural world for future generations.
      Jaimeson Williams Legacy Scholarship
      The earth isn’t dying, what is dying is all the life on the planet. The increasing environmental issues such as pollution, and climate change demand attention and solutions but at the rate they are being solved it seems life on earth is at risk of extinction. The degree I want is in Environmental Science and my major is in science. My decision to focus on this field stems from my concern for the environment and a desire to have a clean world to live on. To me there is the significance in addressing environmental issues and so I will in life. Nature's problems such as pollution, climate change, and invasive species has hurt Florida. Not only do these problems make the state look bad, they also put people's health and homes at risk. Seeing these issues makes me want to learn more about natural science and to find solutions even more. Even though these ideas might not be able to solve all problems, they can help with more and more of them with hard work. To solve environmental problems, Environmental Science is an area that brings together different STEM subjects. My goal in learning this major is to learn more about the world and how people affect it. Now that I know, I can make plans that will help to protect the earth and make an everlasting impact. I want to make a change in the fight against waste and for clean energy when I finish my course in Environmental Science. It is one of my major goals to work toward making the air, water, and land less polluted. Pollution is a problem that will never go away as it hurts people, animals, and the earth. I want to study and push for more rules to help clean up and improve the world. By finding new ways to handle issues, climate change and damage to the earth are caused by using too many fossil fuels. I want to help in finding a better energy future and reduce our carbon footprint. One way I can help is by encouraging others to work on projects that use solar, wind, and other green energy sources. Besides these goals, I also want to teach people about problems in the world. People can learn to do things that are good for the earth or be inspired to do them through education. By talking to people in their neighborhoods and in public, I want to give them the tools they need to become environmental champions. If enough people work against pollution then the environment will be a healthier. In addition to the environment being healtheir is people and socity as consequence. I'm majoring in environmental science not just because I want to make a living at it, but because I feel compelled to protect all living things on Earth. My time in Florida has given me a new way to look at how badly we need to take care of the world. I want to change the world for the better by lowering smog and supporting cleaner energy sources. Thanks to the Jaimeson Williams Legacy Scholarship, I will be able to reach my goals and make important contributions to the field of environmental science. I'm looking forward to getting help with my schooling so that I can make a difference and encourage others to join the fight to protect future generations.
      Brotherhood Bows Scholarship
      Many secondary school students had trouble with the change to online learning during COVID. Other students and I were confused when we went from school classrooms to internet classrooms all of a sudden. Taking multiple classes, studying for tests, and keeping good grades all at the same time became a bother. Being away from my teachers and peers behind a screen made it hard for me to stay motivated, pay attention, or even care about class, which caused me to start slacking off. This writing will talk about how these problems were solved and how this experience helped me grow. I had to figure out what was wrong in order to get through this. It was hard at first because there wasn't much order and there were a lot of things going on at home. I also learned very quickly that I would either fall asleep, forget to take notes, or just use my phone. That wasn’t the last of it as I started to lose track of time and logging into class late or not finishing online assignments on time. This wouldn’t do and the fact I needed to do better was obvious to me and my grades. I had to figure out what the problems were and start stopping them one by one. To do that, I had to set up a simple plan and get rid of the things that were getting in the way. Because of this, I made a plan that included set times for going to virtual classes, doing homework, and studying for tests. I was able to keep up with my schoolwork because this discipline helped me plan my time better. To stop being so tired in class, I got up and interacted more every day and put my electronics out of sight and out of mind. I promised myself I would stick to my plan, and I did my work early so they would have it when they were due. Besides that, I asked my teachers for help and advice. Realizing that my teachers were still there to help me even though we weren't in the same room. They had virtual office hours where I could talk to them about tough topics and ask questions. On top of that, I could email them questions and get answers that made it clear what I should do. This conversation was very helpful in keeping me on track and upping my academic success. Another important part of my plan was taking breaks often. It was mentally and physically draining to sit in front of a screen for long periods of time. Making plans for short breaks between study sessions and homework tasks helped me stay focused and recharge. It made me feel better that I could do the things I liked during these breaks. This experience taught me many things that still assist me today. Working hard and keeping track of time are the first things I learned. Making and sticking to a plan helped me get through hard times and made me feel like I was making good use of my time. Second, I learned how important it is to use the tools and ask for help when I need it. I learned that it's okay to ask for help when I need it, and the people who helped me were great. This event also taught me how important it is to not sleep or work too much. A good balance of taking breaks and engaging in work helped me complete my work and stay motivated, and when I over indulged in one I slacked in the other which either led to me not doing a lot of work or being bored. It taught me that self-care is essential for my well-being. In my opinion the most important thing I gained was the knowledge of my own support system. In life no one can survive on their own and that is the reason society exists, as it provides support for everyone who can’t live alone. As I prepare to be a student at FIU I know I have the skills needed for collage success. I also know that my future teachers, schoolmates, and current parents will be key in helping me. Another thing I'll be using is my schedule building skills which protected me from the dangers of laziness and overworking myself. During COVID-19, everyone found it hard to switch to online learning. But I used it as a chance to show how driven and determined I was. I got through this tough time by making plans, asking for help, and keeping track of time. I will always remember the lessons I learned from this for the sake of my schooling and future. I'm glad the Brotherhood Bows Scholarship gave me the chance to show that I will keep going even when things get tough and reach my goals.
      Zamora Borose Goodwill Scholarship
      My name is Nathanael Gooden, and my dream is to be a writer, and though this has been my dream for the longest time I have chosen a different path. I want to change the world for the better as an Environmental Scientist. I realized that while being a writer would make me happy it would not give me the benefits of a scientist. These benefits being money, and knowledge. Though my life’s goal is to learn more I’ll always hold writing in my heart as a hobby. To avoid problems caused by things like waste, invasive species, and other things, I hope that this will help make the future more sustainable. Besides my goals, I also want to make a difference in the world.Third and finally is to learn more about myself as I try new things and meet people. As a person of color, I believe collage is the perfect place for self-betterment and self-exploration. Meeting with people and joining clubs would grant me the pleasure of enjoying a new stage of life. Moving further to my long-term goals for the next 5 to 10 years. Firstly, is to graduate from FIU with a degree in environmental science. Secondly, is to be without collage dept in a well-paying job that helps the world. Thirdly, is make enough money to care for my parents and guarantee a safe retirement for myself. Fourth and finally is to enjoy life with the hobbies and skills I have learnt on the side separate from my major. My aim is to work with organizations that focus on conservation, renewable energy, and environmental policy.To avoid problems caused by things like waste, invasive species, and other things, I hope that this will help make the future more sustainable. Besides my goals, I also want to make a difference in the world. I want to raise awareness about environmental issues within underrepresented communities and grant them needed support. Growing up as an immigrant and a member of a low-income family, I have witnessed firsthand the disproportionate impact of the environment on communities of every type. I believe that through education and awareness that we can empower these communities to act and take charge of their environment from all its threats. My goal is to show the importance of the environment, ensuring that more people have access to clean air and water. To sum up, my short-term goals are to do well in school and in life in general. My long-term goals are to do well as a person and as a scientist. Overall, I really want to use what I know to help the earth and make the world more sustainable. Because I am from a minority group that isn't well represented in academia, I'm thankful for the chance to apply for the Zamora Borose Goodwill Scholarship. It will help me reach my academic and job goals. Thank you for taking the time to look over my application. I'm excited about the chance to make a change in the world and contribute to the field of environmental science.
      WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship
      My greatest achievement to date is being accepted into Florida International University (FIU), one of Florida's most distinguished colleges. To be honest I don’t have a prideful view of myself, but I didn’t think I would be accepted. However, against many others who wanted to become a Panther, I was the one who got accepted into my first choice. Not only did getting into FIU make me feel great, it also gave my family hope and pride. They've always believed I could do well. This serves as fuel for my determination to run on, regardless of any difficulties and find success despite my doubts and problems. Furthermore, this experience made me notice various things about myself. It has shown me the importance of my skills and traits and that every bit of experience gained grants me a level in improvement. Despite the financial and social obstacles my family and I have faced, I have learned that regardless of my life’s downs I must create the ups with my own hands. It has also highlighted the value of education in transforming life and opening doors to opportunities that could not have been reached without merit. Merit gained by others seeing and believing in me and then investing in my journey. This journey has made me appreciate what my parents did for me and how much my friends helped me. This has made me more determined to make my future better and made me more compassionate towards people who are going through the same thing. I've learned that my successes isn't just mine, they belong to everyone who has helped and pushed me to get there. Going forward, I hope to keep going on my path with the same drive and desire that got me to FIU. My goal is to grow my education so that I can become a master in my field and love what I do. I aspire to become a role model for others like me as well as, so I can look back at my life with little to no regrets. Last but not least, I want to participate in community service and work on various projects that will help the world and the next generation. By doing this, I hope to start a chain reaction of good that will encourage and support others in their efforts to reach their goals, no matter what obstacles they may face. I want to light a fire that spreads through people embracing their passions that warms the world. On an uncaring planet such as this, there would be no greater honor than to have the world be a better place after my ripple passes. In the end, getting into FIU is my biggest accomplishment, because it is a big step forward for both my family and I. This experience has taught me some important lessons about being strong, working hard, the value of education, and just being proud of who I am. As I move forward, I am committed to achieving my academic and personal goals while giving to communities. In addition to helping communities is granting others help in realizing their potential as well as embracing my own. To achieve my goals and help the world this scholarship would greatly benefit me on my journey.
      Cat Zingano Overcoming Loss Scholarship
      Losing someone is like losing a part of yourself but a fragment of that person lies as a spark within. For me, Nathanael Gooden, this spark is in danger of being snuffed out as my memory is unreliable even at my youthful age. I grapple with the terrifying thought of forgetting people, from the memories we shared to how those memories shaped me. As time passes and the memories with that person become smaller as well as how I get more memories leaves me with the internal struggle of losing myself as I grow over time. As we all know memories are the essence of being alive, defineing who we are. We carry memories of our choices and their consequences, as well as the impact of someone else's decisions on our lives. However, there is one challenge that can bring us to a standstill which is the challenge of losing a loved one. I faced this challenge head-on when I lost my aunt last year. She wasn't just a part of my childhood like any other relative, but for a few years, we shared the same roof like a massive family which created some of the most memorable moments of my early years. The pain of losing her is profound, but what cuts even deeper is the realization that her children, my brothers from another mother, are now without my support. I was unable to be the funeral and had to watch a livestream of it play out. It left me feeling powerless, as if I have no influence on anything around me. This realization struck me hard and sparked a desire for change. I don't want to be a passive observer in my own life. I want to have a say, to make a difference and to actually make progress in living as a person. Here I now find myself at a crossroads, as I never had anything to dedicate my life to. For me the future is uncertain, and I live in the present without any knowledge of whatever is beyond. I want to live but I never really did. This uncertainty presented it head now that I wanted to do something with my future. That and the saddening detail that it took someone close to me losing their own future for me to take mine into my own hands. I realized that I had to pursue my happines. I then remembered the Latin phrase "Memento Mori" which then echoed in my mind, urging me to remember that I, too, will die even if I don’t live. It became a bitter reminder to live each day as if it were my last, embracing the uncertainty and pursuing happiness even if I haven’t pinned what my happiness is. My journey of turning loss into motivation is a deeply personal one. The pain of losing my aunt is a constant companion, but instead of losing heart, I use it as a catalyst for growth. I refuse to let her memory fade away. Instead, I've decided to let it propel me toward a future where I can exert influence, where I can make choices that matter and find happiness with these choices. I have then decided to become and author, someone who makes their story seen and spreads a good message with every tale. It is only in the face of loss, I discovered a newfound strength - which is the strength to transform grief into motivation. The memories of my aunt are now far from fading, and now have become a driving force in my life. I am determined to shape a future where I can make a positive impact, not just for myself but for those I care about with my stories. This journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, showing that even in the darkest moments, there is a fire that burns bright with motivation. A fire that burns throughout the journey of self-discovery and positive transformation