As someone raised with limited resources in a rural town, the mission of CUSOM truly resonates with me. Specifically, advocating for the underserved and committing to a life of service in the Southeast region are principals that CUSOM values which directly align with my own qualities.

Throughout my life, I have witnessed the consequences of being a minority. For example, with 1% of my high school identifying as such, anyone who was not of the white, wealthy class status was shunned. Though these struggles initially made me feel limited, they now motivate me to aid others experiencing similar situations. This is why I have partnered with service organizations such as AmeriCorps that assist the disadvantaged population. These programs have showed