April 25, 2019 at 11:17AM
Where do you want to go to college and why?
I want my choice of college to be based on my own hard work and achievements. Growing up, I have always been a very independent person. When I was in third grade, I started setting my own alarm clock and making my own lunches for school each morning. I enjoy the challenge of doing things myself and doing them the best I can. As a young child I set goals to constantly challenge myself and to never settle for mediocrity. East Central University has offered me many educational opportunities at a good value. I am a realist, which means I think about practical things like college debt. I see far too many students who financially overextend themselves, accruing debt to attend big name colleges. Not only will East Central offer me an affordable education but will also act as my second home. My sister, who is six years older than me, also attends East Central. I have missed having her close to me. We were best friends growing up together, and East Central is a place where we can grow close again. I am excited to obtain a beneficial education, build relationships through ECU, and become part of the Tiger family.
What is your list of accomplishments including scholarships received?
I am Valedictorian of my class, graduating with a 4.14 GPA and 40+ college credit hours through Eastern Oklahoma State College. I have been awarded the Honors Program Scholarship at East Central University and Eastern Oklahoma State College. I am ecstatic to receive this scholarship from ECU because it offers me an incredible educational opportunity. The Honors Program at East Central allows me to work one-on-one with professors in smaller, discussion-based classes on research dealing with my major. I am striving to be successful in my future career and the Honors Program will give me a learning advantage in my chosen profession. In addition to my scholarship to ECU, a few of my achievements include being an OCSAA All-State Cheerleader, the senior class vice-president, the softball and cheerleading captain, a quiz bowl member, the prom committee coordinator, a member of the National Honor Society (2017-2019), an OSSAA All-Conference softball player, a recipient of Superintendent's Honor Roll recognition (2015-2019), graduation attendant, the school newspaper editor, and a Student Council representative. I have also earned the Academic Excellence award in Math, Science, English, and History every year of my high school career. I will continue to strive to be the best I can, not only throughout my college career, but also after I graduate.
What drives you to succeed?
I have had many role models in my life that have been major cheerleaders for my successes and have positively influenced me to be the best I can be.
My grandmother was the first women in our family to ever to attend college, and with her teaching degree she has helped numerous students. She provided special care to foster kids and to other children sent to live with grandparents due to bad home environments. She was always looking out for the less fortunate, giving them that extra love and attention they so badly needed, and helping them acquire that extra boost of self-esteem.
My grandfather was from an extremely poor family that depended on a milk cow and still did not have running water in the 1960's. He worked hard and was awarded a scholarship to Southeastern and some financial help for college with his promise to teach at a rural school for a few years. After fulfilling his obligation, he was offered a much better paying job with his Mathematics degree, but as a man of integrity he chose not to sell out for the dollar and stay where he could make a bigger difference in the lives of others. He found more life fulfillment serving people by teaching his high school students and offering free tutoring to struggling college students in his community striving for a better life.
My parents were in the ministry when I was young, and we didn't have much growing up, but I never realized that until I got older. My mom was very good at taking nothing and turning it into something amazing. On my 3rd birthday she had a friend teach her how to decorate a cake like a professional, and she designed me a Raggedy Ann cake with red licorice for hair. In effort to make a matching gift that I would equally love, she found an old appliance box the janitor had thrown into the church dumpster and brought it home. She went down to the store and purchased a few cans of cheap red spray paint, a small remnant of fabric, and she turned that box into a beautiful little dollhouse. It was complete with shingles, a chimney, gingham curtains, and flower boxes under the window seals. This was a gift that every little girl could only dream about. When I got older she taught me that success does not come from money, it comes from hard work and ingenuity. My mother encouraged me to be creative and always look for value in the small things.
My great-grandfather, a talented artist and calligrapher, lost his mother to cancer at age 5 and then had a father that abandoned him leaving my great-grandfather to fend for himself as a young teen. I hear stories about how he took his artistic talents to support his family: He made a career for himself drawing maps for oilfield companies. He always told me it was important to try different things to find something you love, that you are good at, and then find a way to make a living doing it. Right before he died, he sold his old Buick and with the proceeds, he left each of his twelve great-grandchildren a small college account to encourage their education. It wasn't much money, but the jester meant the world to me. I want to honor his sacrifice and, in my heart, make him proud.
All these special people in my life have been major driving forces in my success, all in their own unique ways. They have all four taught me that to find success, you just must work hard and find your talents and gifts. I want to make each one of them proud and feel that I carry the torch of success for our family by helping others, making the most out of what God has given, working hard, being an independent thinker, and always going the extra mile.
Who inspires you to excel in school and why?
I have always had an overwhelming sense of compassion. When I see people hurt, I hurt with them. When I was 15 years old, my sister took in a foster baby. His parents were drug addicts, and his mother did drugs while she was pregnant. I watched as my sister stayed up night after night and held him through his withdrawals. He was in our family for the first three months of his life. We all showed him love and truly cared for him. I later watched as my sister had to strap him in the car seat and kiss him goodbye, not knowing what his future held. I still think about him constantly, wondering if he is given the love and attention he deserves. This experience made a lasting impact on my life. It was at this moment that I decided I wanted to become a counselor. I decided that I wanted to love and care for people. I want to take their hurt on as my own and show them that they are not alone. A foster boy's story is what drove me to excel in school so that I could be the best counselor I can be to help kids like him. He not only inspired me to excel in school, but also gave me a strong sense of empathy and compassion that will motivate me for the rest of my life. I want a career where I can help others. I want to go the extra mile, so I can help kids like this sweet baby boy with a less than ideal homelife.
What community activities are you involved in and what drives you to give back to the community?
One of the most inspiring things my parents have taught me while growing up is that it truly is better to give than to receive. There is an abundance of joy and fulfillment in my heart when I am involved in making a difference in the lives of others.
I have been a part of reaching out to my community in a variety of different areas. I have completed 80 hours of documented community service as well as countless undocumented hours.
I have participated in projects like fundraisers for non-profit organizations, helped organize the food pantry at Shared Blessings, assisted in Vacation Bible School at my church, and worked in a school supply drive where we supplied school supplies to my entire school Pre-K-12th grade.
I have volunteered at the McAlester Kindergarten building, and I have also been involved in the mentor program at Lakewood Christian School and Crowder Public School where I participated in tutoring, helping with science experiments, and reading to and with elementary students. Many of the students had bad home lives, and through this program I was able to be a role model to them.
One of the most eye-opening experiences I have had while participating in community outreach projects occurred as I was volunteering at Hospice. I made Christmas gifts and handed them out to hospice patients. In the beginning--when I was first asked to help--I was concerned that just giving a small hand-crafted trinket to them was a waste of time. However, when I got there I realized I had completely misjudged the importance and joy this small gift would bring. I was shocked to see how lonely these people were and what a difference a little effort could make in the lives of others. This little gift put such a smile on their faces. They sat and held the small item like it was a cherished treasure. These people in their final hours of life made me see firsthand how much I take for granted every day and that life is so precious and short.
Since then, I have been involved in outreach to several places such as nursing homes where I have sung, demonstrated how to solve a Rubik's Cube, and talked about history and patriotism with Veterans. I have gained so much wisdom just listening to them tell stories, share their love for our country, and discuss the details of what freedom cost them personally. This part of my e
Where do you want to go to college and why?
I want my choice of college to be based on my own hard work and achievements. Growing up, I have always been a very independent person. When I was in third grade, I started setting my own alarm clock and making my own lunches for school each morning. I enjoy the challenge of doing things myself and doing them the best I can. As a young child I set goals to constantly challenge myself and to never settle for mediocrity. East Central University has offered me many educational opportunities at a good value. I am a realist, which means I think about practical things like college debt. I see far too many students who financially overextend themselves, accruing debt to attend big name colleges. Not only will East Central offer me an affordable education but will also act as my second home. My sister, who is six years older than me, also attends East Central. I have missed having her close to me. We were best friends growing up together, and East Central is a place where we can grow close again. I am excited to obtain a beneficial education, build relationships through ECU, and become part of the Tiger family.
What is your list of accomplishments including scholarships received?
I am Valedictorian of my class, graduating with a 4.14 GPA and 40+ college credit hours through Eastern Oklahoma State College. I have been awarded the Honors Program Scholarship at East Central University and Eastern Oklahoma State College. I am ecstatic to receive this scholarship from ECU because it offers me an incredible educational opportunity. The Honors Program at East Central allows me to work one-on-one with professors in smaller, discussion-based classes on research dealing with my major. I am striving to be successful in my future career and the Honors Program will give me a learning advantage in my chosen profession. In addition to my scholarship to ECU, a few of my achievements include being an OCSAA All-State Cheerleader, the senior class vice-president, the softball and cheerleading captain, a quiz bowl member, the prom committee coordinator, a member of the National Honor Society (2017-2019), an OSSAA All-Conference softball player, a recipient of Superintendent's Honor Roll recognition (2015-2019), graduation attendant, the school newspaper editor, and a Student Council representative. I have also earned the Academic Excellence award in Math, Science, English, and History every year of my high school career. I will continue to strive to be the best I can, not only throughout my college career, but also after I graduate.
What drives you to succeed?
I have had many role models in my life that have been major cheerleaders for my successes and have positively influenced me to be the best I can be.
My grandmother was the first women in our family to ever to attend college, and with her teaching degree she has helped numerous students. She provided special care to foster kids and to other children sent to live with grandparents due to bad home environments. She was always looking out for the less fortunate, giving them that extra love and attention they so badly needed, and helping them acquire that extra boost of self-esteem.
My grandfather was from an extremely poor family that depended on a milk cow and still did not have running water in the 1960's. He worked hard and was awarded a scholarship to Southeastern and some financial help for college with his promise to teach at a rural school for a few years. After fulfilling his obligation, he was offered a much better paying job with his Mathematics degree, but as a man of integrity he chose not to sell out for the dollar and stay where he could make a bigger difference in the lives of others. He found more life fulfillment serving people by teaching his high school students and offering free tutoring to struggling college students in his community striving for a better life.
My parents were in the ministry when I was young, and we didn't have much growing up, but I never realized that until I got older. My mom was very good at taking nothing and turning it into something amazing. On my 3rd birthday she had a friend teach her how to decorate a cake like a professional, and she designed me a Raggedy Ann cake with red licorice for hair. In effort to make a matching gift that I would equally love, she found an old appliance box the janitor had thrown into the church dumpster and brought it home. She went down to the store and purchased a few cans of cheap red spray paint, a small remnant of fabric, and she turned that box into a beautiful little dollhouse. It was complete with shingles, a chimney, gingham curtains, and flower boxes under the window seals. This was a gift that every little girl could only dream about. When I got older she taught me that success does not come from money, it comes from hard work and ingenuity. My mother encouraged me to be creative and always look for value in the small things.
My great-grandfather, a talented artist and calligrapher, lost his mother to cancer at age 5 and then had a father that abandoned him leaving my great-grandfather to fend for himself as a young teen. I hear stories about how he took his artistic talents to support his family: He made a career for himself drawing maps for oilfield companies. He always told me it was important to try different things to find something you love, that you are good at, and then find a way to make a living doing it. Right before he died, he sold his old Buick and with the proceeds, he left each of his twelve great-grandchildren a small college account to encourage their education. It wasn't much money, but the jester meant the world to me. I want to honor his sacrifice and, in my heart, make him proud.
All these special people in my life have been major driving forces in my success, all in their own unique ways. They have all four taught me that to find success, you just must work hard and find your talents and gifts. I want to make each one of them proud and feel that I carry the torch of success for our family by helping others, making the most out of what God has given, working hard, being an independent thinker, and always going the extra mile.
Who inspires you to excel in school and why?
I have always had an overwhelming sense of compassion. When I see people hurt, I hurt with them. When I was 15 years old, my sister took in a foster baby. His parents were drug addicts, and his mother did drugs while she was pregnant. I watched as my sister stayed up night after night and held him through his withdrawals. He was in our family for the first three months of his life. We all showed him love and truly cared for him. I later watched as my sister had to strap him in the car seat and kiss him goodbye, not knowing what his future held. I still think about him constantly, wondering if he is given the love and attention he deserves. This experience made a lasting impact on my life. It was at this moment that I decided I wanted to become a counselor. I decided that I wanted to love and care for people. I want to take their hurt on as my own and show them that they are not alone. A foster boy's story is what drove me to excel in school so that I could be the best counselor I can be to help kids like him. He not only inspired me to excel in school, but also gave me a strong sense of empathy and compassion that will motivate me for the rest of my life. I want a career where I can help others. I want to go the extra mile, so I can help kids like this sweet baby boy with a less than ideal homelife.
What community activities are you involved in and what drives you to give back to the community?
One of the most inspiring things my parents have taught me while growing up is that it truly is better to give than to receive. There is an abundance of joy and fulfillment in my heart when I am involved in making a difference in the lives of others.
I have been a part of reaching out to my community in a variety of different areas. I have completed 80 hours of documented community service as well as countless undocumented hours.
I have participated in projects like fundraisers for non-profit organizations, helped organize the food pantry at Shared Blessings, assisted in Vacation Bible School at my church, and worked in a school supply drive where we supplied school supplies to my entire school Pre-K-12th grade.
I have volunteered at the McAlester Kindergarten building, and I have also been involved in the mentor program at Lakewood Christian School and Crowder Public School where I participated in tutoring, helping with science experiments, and reading to and with elementary students. Many of the students had bad home lives, and through this program I was able to be a role model to them.
One of the most eye-opening experiences I have had while participating in community outreach projects occurred as I was volunteering at Hospice. I made Christmas gifts and handed them out to hospice patients. In the beginning--when I was first asked to help--I was concerned that just giving a small hand-crafted trinket to them was a waste of time. However, when I got there I realized I had completely misjudged the importance and joy this small gift would bring. I was shocked to see how lonely these people were and what a difference a little effort could make in the lives of others. This little gift put such a smile on their faces. They sat and held the small item like it was a cherished treasure. These people in their final hours of life made me see firsthand how much I take for granted every day and that life is so precious and short.
Since then, I have been involved in outreach to several places such as nursing homes where I have sung, demonstrated how to solve a Rubik's Cube, and talked about history and patriotism with Veterans. I have gained so much wisdom just listening to them tell stories, share their love for our country, and discuss the details of what freedom cost them personally. This part of my experience inspired me to take a deeper interest in politics and seize any opportunity to serve my country with my talents and abilities when an opportunity presents itself.
My most recent community activity was my High School Prom. Our school did not have a big prom fund like most schools. We have an extremely small budget. Last year we had a volunteer DJ and a few balloons on the floor. Many of my senior-class peers were very disappointed they would graduate without the true prom experience. Only a couple of juniors were interested in being involved, so I went to the prom sponsor and asked if I could coordinate the event and get some of the senior class involved also.
My family has always been into event planning and keeps a lot of party supplies. So, I raided our storage shed and gathered anything I thought we could use. My mom is a photographer, so we had her do the photos, and we hired a DJ with some of the proceeds from the photos and a little money from the school. We came up with a theme that went well with the free decorations we had available. I sketched out my vision and made some decoration samples for others to replicate. I used the help of a few talented friends in art to assist with the harder decorative elements, like balloon arches, and together we organized a real prom for our high school. Seeing everyone walk in and experience everything with a look of awe and seeing everyone have so much fun that night made all the time and work worth it. I believe work of this kind ultimately betters the community. Through social media, and enthusiastic stories, our prom created a pride in the entire community and such a unity among those that helped make this night possible.
What are your extracurricular activities and how do they improve your education?
Cheerleading and softball have always been my favorite extracurricular activities. Cheerleading taught me that no matter what is going on, I must keep a smile on my face and maintain a positive attitude. Cheerleading also taught me to be confident. Oftentimes, throughout my high school career, I would become overwhelmed from studying, doing homework, and playing in softball games. I would always stay up late to complete my work. As a result, I was always tired, but I had a cheerleader mentality and never got discouraged. No matter what was going on I just kept trying my hardest with a smile on my face. I got through many stressful school days and obtained good grades by keeping a positive attitude and a confident mindset.
Softball taught me to rely on a team. If I made an error in a game, I knew my team was always there to back me up. Softball reminded me that it was okay if I made a bad grade because I could always make up for it, and I had a great support system who was there if I ever needed them. Softball also taught me to have be mentally tough. I had a coach that trained us to be competitors. She did not want our team to let anything get us down. We may face a team that was better than us, but we refused lay down and let them win. If a mistake happened, we would not let the errors build. This tenacity taught me that in school I could not get lazy and give up. During my high school years there were many times that I could have stopped caring about my grades and taken an easier route, but I was determined to take the more difficult course because softball taught me to be a competitor.
Most importantly both softball and cheerleading taught me leadership. I was a captain on both teams, and there were times when my team looked to me for strength. I had to support them and show them that we could get through whatever adversity lied before us. Leadership, mental toughness, and a positive attitude are three of the qualities I learned from my participation in softball and cheerleading that helped me improve my education.
How would a new car help achieve your future goals?
Next fall I want to go to East Central, which is a little over an hour's drive away. Regrettably, my car is not reliable at all. Shortly after I began driving, my car shut down, my steering wheel locked up while I was driving, and my brakes were not working. Luckily, I was able to get onto the shoulder and let the car slow down and avoid a serious wreck. My car and I were broken down on the side of the highway for hours. Then a few months later, it developed an oil leak, so now my car burns oil so quickly that I must put new oil in it every two weeks. If I forget to put oil in it, my motor could burn up. I constantly drive in fear that my car is going to break down again, causing me to be stranded on the side of the road without help. I am going to need a new car soon to drive safely to and from college. The financial stress of college, in addition to buying a car, is going to be extremely difficult for me to afford. My parents will try to help me, but they cannot afford to buy me a different car. While in school I am going to work hard in hopes that I do not have to take out big loans. Being able to go to college and graduate debt free would be a dream. If I can continue to go to college at the rate that I have been, I can graduate with my bachelors at 21 and my master's at 23, but if I must pay for a car, I will have to work more hours and will not be able to graduate as quickly as I want to. I have worked diligently to try to graduate as early as possible, but unfortunately, I have taken so many concurrent college hours it has put me at a disadvantage for many scholarships. Since I am technically a sophomore, I miss out on a lot the freshman scholarship opportunities. Regardless, I still think my concurrent credits will be positive even though currently it has created a financial hardship. Because the ECU honors scholarship alone will only pay for a portion of my college expenses. A new car would be perfect to take pressure off me mentally and enable me to focus strictly on my studies. I would drive off in it every day with gratitude in my heart. Thank you for providing an opportunity like this to graduating seniors, it is truly appreciated.
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