During my summer as part of the Laidlaw Undergraduate Leadership and Research Program, I had the privilege of working with the Rural Schools Collaborative on a leadership in action project. The Rural Schools Collaborative is an organization dedicated to supporting rural schools and communities across the country. My role involved networking with their regional hub partners and designing a #ruralcollegeequity social media campaign, which is set to launch in the first week of August. I thoroughly enjoyed interviewing students and partners to gather their insights and perspectives in shaping this campaign.

One significant experience during my placement was attending the Regional Hub Summit, hosted in Springfield, Missouri. This summit provided an opportunity for me to connect with organization partners and educators who are deeply invested in rural education. It was inspiring to learn about their unique initiatives and witness the impact of on-the-ground community work. One highlight was attending the grand opening of Missouri State University's Center for Rural Education, which further emphasized the commitment to addressing rural education challenges. Through these interactions, I realized the importance of both grassroots efforts and national-level policy advocacy in driving meaningful change.

Reflecting on my experience, I have gained a deeper understanding of the need for national, policy-oriented initiatives to address the specific challenges faced by rural areas. I aspire to pursue future opportunities that contribute to providing accessible and impactful policies for rural communities. One avenue I am particularly interested in is collaborating with the USDA's Rural Development program to make their grant applications more accessible. It was disheartening to hear from individuals at the Hub Summit that the inaccessibility of national grant applications hinders the support rural students receive in accessing higher education. By working towards streamlining these processes, I hope to contribute to creating equitable opportunities for rural students to pursue their educational aspirations.

My personal lived experiences as a rural student have guided this work and will continue to guide my educational advocacy efforts in the future. The challenges I encountered, ranging from limited course options to a lack of community support, have shaped my understanding of the transformative power of education. Armed with this firsthand knowledge, I am resolute in my commitment to effect systemic change. By combining my passion for education with my dedication to policy advocacy, I strive to ensure that no rural student faces the same barriers that once hindered my own educational journey.

I invite everyone to look out for the upcoming launch of the #ruralcollegeequity social media campaign in the first week of August -- coinciding with the release of the common application. It is my hope that this campaign will spark meaningful conversations, raise awareness about the challenges faced by rural students, and inspire collective action towards creating a more equitable education system. Your support in amplifying this message and engaging with the campaign will make a significant difference.

I am immensely grateful to the Laidlaw Foundation for providing me with this incredible opportunity to participate in the Laidlaw Undergraduate Leadership and Research Program. The foundation's investment in aspiring leaders like myself has empowered me to explore my passions, develop essential skills, and make a positive impact in the realm of education. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to my fellow Laidlaw cohort members, whose support and collaboration have enriched my journey. Together, we are a community of change-makers, and I am inspired by each of your unique perspectives and contributions.

As I continue on my path, driven by my experiences as a rural student and the insights gained from this leadership in action project, I am committed to advocating for educational equity and empowering rural students to achieve their dreams. With unwavering determination, I look forward to contributing to a future where every student, regardless of their geographic location, has equal access to transformative educational opportunities.