Full Cap Circle by Haven

Full Cap Circle by Haven - February 2025 Scholarship Essay

Three years ago, beneath a beautiful blue sky and scorching yellow sun on a softball field, my knee took a turn for the worse, but my life took a turn for the better. In front of me was a pitcher with a rocket arm and blazing fastball. Like an out-of-control firecracker at a Fourth of July celebration, the ball buzzed toward me at lightning speed. I dodged the wild pitch, but at a steep cost as I fell to the ground with an agonizing dislocated knee. The abrupt end to my summer softball season initially presented a bleak future. My dreams of playing college sports were crushed.

Fortunately, during my junior year of high school, I began taking a class in Human Anatomy & Physiology, the study of the internal and external structure of the human body including the bones, organs, muscles, and nerves and how they operate together so perfectly to sustain life. I was fascinated by what I learned about how the human body is structured, how it functions, and how it can be repaired when injured. The Human Anatomy & Physiology class combined with my sports related injury fueled my passion to learn more and became instrumental in my academic pursuit of an education in health science, my journey toward becoming a physical therapist, and my dream of opening my own physical therapy practice began!
To prepare for the financial burden of college and pursue a career in physical therapy, I have been working as a lifeguard for the past two summers and job shadowing with physical therapists. Despite my academic achievements and hard work, I fear that managing my financial responsibilities and focusing on my studies might prove challenging. That is why I am respectfully requesting your consideration for the Varsity Tutors Scholarship, which would provide me with a life-changing opportunity to attend Marshall University with less financial burden.

Receiving this prestigious award will enable me to pay it forward in the following ways:
• As a licensed Physical Therapist and the owner of Safe Haven-Physical Therapy, I plan to provide services to improve patient’s movement, reduce and manage their pain, restore function, and prevent disability.
• As a community volunteer for various non-profit organizations, I will continue to assist local blood drives and food pantries.
• As a vocalist and fan of the arts, I will utilize my musical talents and financial stability to support and encourage youth music programs.
• As a dual-sport athlete who loves the camaraderie and competition that sports provide, I will use my athletic abilities and financial stability to support and encourage youth teams and leagues.

As evidenced by my academic, athletic, and artistic endeavors as well as my school, church, and community service, I am an emerging leader. In addition to providing high-quality healthcare, supporting food insecurity initiatives, and extracurricular youth programs, my hope is that others who face adversity will witness my perseverance and determination to overcome physical injury, with my dreams of college sports career crushed, and become an example of resilience to my community. It will cap a full-circle journey that started on that fateful summer day three years ago.