What do you plan on majoring in when you get to college and why did you choose that major? by Hadley

What do you plan on majoring in when you get to college and why did you choose that major? by Hadley - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

When I was ten years old, after years of unanswered questions, chronic pain, and behavioral misunderstandings, I was finally diagnosed with tethered spinal cord syndrome — a congenital condition that had gone undetected until it had already caused permanent damage to my spinal cord and nerves. I had lived with this condition for years when it should have been caught at birth. I never should have had to experience the pain and frustration that became part of my daily life. Now, I carry damage that can never be reversed — and we still don’t fully know what that will mean for my long-term health. By the time doctors finally gave my symptoms a name, I had already been struggling with seizures, unexplained weight loss, loss of motor control affecting my ability to walk, bladder dysfunction, and relentless pain. I was a child trapped in a body that wasn’t cooperating — one that constantly hurt and still hurts today.

My parents were tireless in their efforts to find answers. They took me to doctor after doctor, desperately trying to explain what I was experiencing. But too often, my symptoms were treated as isolated problems — the seizures, the weight loss, the pain, the behavior — rather than part of a larger, more complex issue. No one was putting the pieces together. Instead of being seen as a whole person with something deeper going on, I was misunderstood. At school, I got in trouble for being fidgety or “disruptive” — when in reality, I was simply uncomfortable and overwhelmed by sensations I didn’t understand. I wasn’t acting out; I was in pain.

This experience shaped not only my childhood but also my purpose. I plan to major in Kinesiology because it allows me to understand how the body moves, heals, and functions — knowledge that is foundational to my ultimate goal of becoming a nurse. I chose this major because it merges science with human connection and gives me the tools to turn my lived experience into a meaningful career of service. I want to help others feel seen and heard in their healthcare experiences — especially children who, like me, may not have had the words to explain what they were going through. I want to be the kind of provider who looks at the whole picture, not just a list of symptoms. My decision is also deeply inspired by my parents, who have spent their lives in education and public health—roles that reflect a deep commitment to service, compassion, and improving lives.

Despite these challenges, I’ve maintained academic excellence. I currently attend the University of Texas at Tyler, where I am a Women’s Soccer player with a 4.0 GPA. Last year, I played for the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW), earning Dean’s Honor List distinctions both semesters. My academic achievements continued this year at UT Tyler, and I was recognized on the President’s Honor Roll.

Athletics have been a major part of my life, and soccer has been both a passion and a source of healing. Even with physical limitations, I’ve continued to compete at a high level — including multiple All-District and All-Region recognitions, as well as participation in elite club teams like BVB International Academy America. At the collegiate level, I’ve been honored with several awards from my teammates: the “Good Vibes” award at UIW for my positive attitude, the “Brick" award at UT Tyler for leadership, and the “Never Satisfied” award for my work ethic. Being a student-athlete has taught me time management, leadership, and resilience — all qualities that strengthen my future in healthcare.

Outside the classroom and off the field, I work as a student Marketing Assistant at UT Tyler. I help manage social media, coordinate events, and support internal communications. I also have extensive volunteer experience — from zoo education programs and conservation efforts to foundations and community outreach. I’ve held leadership positions in organizations such as Student Council, AVID, National Honor Society, and Health Occupation Students of America. In each of these spaces, I strive to uplift others, just as I’ve been lifted by those who believed in me.

Majoring in Kinesiology and pursuing nursing is not just a career path for me — it’s personal. It’s rooted in empathy, understanding, and a commitment to ensuring no patient feels overlooked the way I once did. I want to be a calming presence, a skilled professional, and a fierce advocate — someone who listens deeply and cares intentionally. I know what it feels like to be invisible in the healthcare system, and I am determined to make others feel seen.

In every challenge I’ve faced — whether physical, academic, emotional, or personal — I’ve chosen to rise. I’ve chosen to grow, lead, and give back. I hope this scholarship committee sees not only my purpose, but also my passion and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,
Hadley Carpenter