2024 COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY WINNER

We are pleased to announce the winner for our 2024 College Scholarship Essay Contest!!

And the winner is…Sophia Becraft

The Winning Essay

Not a Survivor…A Thriver!

Prick, prick, prick. The mere thought of needles made my skin crawl.”It’s just a ‘poke’. Don’t cry, hold it in, deep breaths, and close your eyes.”These words echoed in my mind every time I approached the infusion center, where nurses accessed my portacath, drew blood, and administered the chemotherapy. I knew I would feel sick later. Witnessing my parents’ tears as they watched me endure this tribulation was heart-wrenching. They tried to be strong, but were not very good at it. I had to be the strong one. Through this ordeal, I learned discipline and to be cooperative with my parents, the doctors and nurses. It made everyone’s life easier -hold still and don’t cry.

After a diagnosis of ALL, 3 years of chemotherapy infusions, spinal taps, 2 bone marrow transplants, 3 portacath surgeries and many stays at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington DC, my family was asked to participate in one of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) biggest fundraisers. I am proud to say that I was the LLS “Girl of the Year” and helped not only achieve but beat the goal of raising over $1 million for much needed blood cancer research. Kids before me had paved the way for the lifesaving chemotherapy that ultimately kept me alive. It was my way to give back.

I am grateful for the extraordinary hospital care and guidance I received during my cancer journey. During college, I would like to volunteer in a hospital’s pediatric oncology art room, as the one at Children’s Hospital in DC served as my sanctuary during prolonged stays. Spending so much time on the oncology floor, I observed the nurses, medical students, interns, and doctors during hospital rotations. I learned how scientists’ research fuels the development of new drugs, leading to clinical studies. I even participated in one such study, helping to refine protocols for cancer treatment. The researchers and individuals who played a vital role in saving my life continue to inspire me. Like them, I want to be an integral part of that world, whether through drug research or by directly caring for and healing patients.

I wear my portacath scar boldly as a symbol of victory, a constant reminder to me and other people of what I’d faced. Conquering childhood cancer has shaped me and my path to success. I was determined to regain my strength and persevere, even during my weakest moments. I never wanted cancer to define me, to be known as the ̈cancer girl ̈, the girl people would pity or see as weak. Taking life for granted was and is simply not an option.

Accordingly, I have worked hard and assumed leadership positions in my school, sports, and community. I built a wall of achievements, determined not to let anything but my own doings speak for who I am. I was determined not to just survive; I wanted to thrive. This led me to earn one of only 13 nationwide positions on the LPGA Girls Golf eLeaders Board of Directors. Here I share ideas on how to improve diversity and inclusion in the golf world. With my self-confidence and leadership abilities, I was chosen as my school’s Varsity lacrosse captain and formed 2 new clubs at my high school hosting monthly meetings for both. I founded both the Astronomy Club and “The Launch Project” Chapter. As Treasurer and being in charge of Marketing/Public Relations for the Astronomy club I organized a representative from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center to speak with us and lead a project about the James Webb Space Telescope. As Vice President of “The Launch Project”, I handle recruiting for this important club centered on young female empowerment.

My interest in the medical field led me to an academic internship performing research at the University of Maryland’s Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences in their Language Development & Perception Lab. Daily, I spend half of my school day at the UMD lab. I feel right at home there. I am developing and executing my own study to determine the age at which children can overcome noise distractions, which could be used to create better learning environments in schools.I will present my findings at my high school’s Research Practicum Symposium in May 2024. Not only am I learning how to conduct a proper research study and vastly enhancing my understanding of the scientific theory and methods, but I am working in the medical field, with patients, to better their lives. This is always what I’ve wanted to do. What has made this such an incredible academic experience, is solidifying my belief that this is where I belong -helping people lead better lives.

Each of these lived experiences have furthered and enhanced the person I am today, providing the tools for my future success in college and beyond. With my leadership experience, I will carry myself with grace and will maintain the busy college life that will keep me on my toes. I will continue to lead by example as a strong-headed, positive influence -a beacon of strength. Bouncing back from my setbacks has made me strong, persistent, and resilient against all odds. I know that in college and in life, I will face many more needles both literally and figuratively. Learning from past experiences, I am confident I will continue to make a positive impact and not only survive, but thrive.

SOPHIA BECRAFT FAQ…COMING SOON

1. What school are you attending? 

2. What is your major?

3. What plans do you have after you graduate?

4.  What are your interests and hobbies?

5.  Share whatever you would like about who Sophia Becraft is.

Meet Our 2024 College Scholarship Essay Winner…Coming Soon

A Word From Our Executive Director

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