I’m deeply honored to call Ms. Krista Anderson both my mentor and dear friend. She is compassionate, loyal, and full of faith, and also served as my Girl Scout Gold Award Project Team Leader. As a Gold Star widow, she turned unimaginable loss into a life of service, founding a foundation to support military families. Her voice and advocacy have reached audiences around the world, inspiring action and healing. Ms. Anderson is a true American hero who reminds us all of the sacrifices military families make—and the continued support they deserve.

The past few summers, I’ve volunteered at a small aquarium on Nantucket, where I first discovered my love for marine life. Catching my first horseshoe crab—an ancient species—was unforgettable. Through training with the Maria Mitchell Institute, I’ve learned how climate change and pollution threaten our oceans. Sharing this experience with visitors has inspired me to support stronger environmental protections. Even the horseshoe crab has become a quiet hero to me.

Cancer has touched my family, as it has so many others, when my beloved Uncle James was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form known as appendiceal signet ring cell cancer. A brilliant engineer and gifted musician, he faced his diagnosis with courage, supported by his devoted wife, children, and medical team. For four years, he participated in experimental trials, contributing to vital cancer research. His life and legacy continue to inspire us, and we miss him every day. I believe we can defeat cancer—with bold government action, expanded research funding, and unwavering support for those on the front lines of this fight.

My younger brother Nico is my best friend and greatest inspiration. Though he has a learning difference, he approaches every challenge with resilience, positivity, and determination. For years, he was underestimated, but with the right support and teaching, he’s now thriving. This past June, he was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society—an achievement that proves what’s possible with belief, effort, and opportunity. I’m committed to advocating for resources, training, and policies that ensure all students with learning differences can reach their full potential.