Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Antonie Bernard Thomas Memorial Scholarship

Ssgt Christopher Travis Ghee (Ret.) On July 4, 2000, I left my hometown of Valdosta, GA on and traveled to Parris Island, SC to complete Marine Corps Boot Camp. After overcoming the mental and physical demands at Marine Corps Boot Camp, my career started while being stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC with 2d Marine Division 2d Supply Battalion. In 2006, I switched military roles and became a Combat Engineer, and was given the tasks to work with military explosives, ordnance detection, mobility, counter-mobility, and survivability support to combat forces. On July 16, 2007, while deployed in Fallujah, Iraq, I was involved in a combat operation where my vehicle was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). This incident resulted in me being diagnosed with several injuries, most severely a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). After 7 months, I finished my combat tour and began the long recovery to heal and get my life back on track. Due to the injuries sustained from my deployment, I was awarded the Purple Heart medal. I was diagnosed with a TBI and PTSD. Over time, I had to end my career due to my disabilities and medically retire from the United States Marine Corps on February 27, 2014. Since retiring, I made it my mission to work very closely with disabled Marines and veterans. I’m very passionate about taking care of disabled veterans and currently I work at Wounded Warrior Battalion East onboard Camp Lejeune, NC. I’m a Recovery Care Coordinator (RCC), and work with the wounded, ill, or injured Marines and veterans to help and assist them with their recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration. While supporting disabled veterans I made the decision to return to college and pursue my education goals. I was a recruiter in the military and is very passionate about human resources. Now, I am enrolled to Webster University with hopes of graduating in the Human Resources Management Master’s Degree Program at the end of Summer 2024. I stopped attending this semester with the hopes of applying for scholarship due to me getting out of student loan debt, I do not want to create brand new debt. I am applying to the Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Antonie Bernard Thomas Memorial Scholarship for the assistance in funding my final year of college. This assistance would be greatly appreciated and would be a big impact on helping me achieve my educational goal of graduating from Webster University in the Human Resources Management Master’s Degree Program. Thank you, Christopher Ghee

My name is Courtney, I'm originally from Chicago, IL and currently reside north of Atlanta, GA and I am a first-generation graduate. I attended Savannah State University Fall 2015 and graduated Spring 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Behavior Analysis and a minor in Abnormal Psychology. During my undergraduate coursework, I worked as a research assistant in cancer detection and prevention, community health and psychoactive medication with the National Science Foundation and National Institute of Health for a total of 4 years. I didn't have the most success in transitioning from college into the workforce and worked a lot of temporary positions. One day someone recommended I become a teacher, and I started working in public schools in Fall 2018. Simultaneously, I started a part-time graduate program and thought that's where my career would begin and end. Unfortunately, that wasn't my experience, and I ran into a lot of roadblocks. Progressing in spite of roadblocks has led to my success. In December 2020, I received a work-related head and neck injury from a student while working as a special education teacher’s assistant. I endured months of physical therapy paired with severe pain, and limited range of motion of my head, neck and shoulders. During that time, I was terminated and made the decision to pursue a career with minimal risk for injury which led me to the NICU. I became a certified nursing assistant in December 2021 and started working on a mother-baby unit. A year later I transitioned into the NICU and started my nursing program. My greatest lesson has been self-accountability. Thus far I have worked full-time as a nursing assistant and been a full-time student while maintaining above a 3.0 GPA. I have had to make sacrifices to balance my schedule, practice weekly planning to stay on task and review my progress to identify strengths and areas for improvement. This has been difficult at times because there have been times that I was sure I was doing a great job and after a midweek review have been proven wrong. However, self-accountability has been the reason I have been able to maneuver so well. After completing nursing school, my goal is to become a NICU resuscitation nurse, also known as a RESUS nurse. They attend high risk or emergent vaginal and cesarean deliveries, evaluate the baby, update the parents and transport them to the NICU for care. As a nursing assistant in the NICU I have the pleasure of attending deliveries to learn more about the day to day to steps of a RESUS nurse which is helping me prepare for my goal.

Every day, I strive to embody strong leadership and communication skills, resilience, unselfishness, focus, and a strong work ethic in all aspects of my life. As a mother of three, these traits are not just abstract concepts—they are the backbone of my daily routine and my journey toward achieving my goals. In my household, I lead by example. Effective communication is vital in managing a family, and I ensure that I listen actively and communicate clearly with my children, encouraging them to express their thoughts and feelings. This approach fosters an environment of trust and mutual respect, which I believe are fundamental components of leadership. In my academic and professional pursuits, I use these skills to collaborate with others, whether it’s in group projects or in volunteering as a doula. Leadership, to me, is about empowering others to reach their full potential while guiding them with empathy and understanding. Life has presented me with many challenges, from balancing motherhood with my education to facing financial difficulties. However, I’ve learned that resilience is not about avoiding difficulties but about facing them head-on with a positive mindset. Being denied admission to nursing school on my first attempt was a significant setback, but instead of giving up, I used it as motivation to improve myself. I earned certifications in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation - Basic Life Support (CPR-BLS) and continued my doula training. These experiences taught me that resilience is the key to overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term success. My desire to pursue a career in nursing and midwifery is rooted in a deep commitment to serve others. During my third childbirth, I experienced firsthand the disparities that women of color often face, particularly when their voices are ignored. This experience fueled my passion to advocate for other women, ensuring they receive the care and respect they deserve. My unselfishness is reflected in my daily interactions, where I consistently prioritize the needs of others, whether it’s caring for my family or supporting the women I work with as a doula. Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) while raising three children requires a high level of focus and determination. I am deeply committed to my studies and my future career. Every day, I set aside dedicated time for my coursework, balancing my responsibilities as a mother and student with careful planning and unwavering determination. My focus is always on the end goal—becoming a nurse and midwife who can make a difference in the lives of others. My strong work ethic is evident in how I manage my time and responsibilities. Whether it is studying late into the night, caring for my children, or continuing my professional development, I approach every task with dedication and perseverance. I believe that success is built on hard work, and I apply this belief to every aspect of my life. My ultimate goal is to become a labor and delivery nurse and a midwife. I am pursuing a degree in nursing because I want to be in a position where I can advocate for women’s health, particularly for women of color who often face systemic disparities in healthcare. This scholarship will help me achieve my academic and career goals, enabling me to focus entirely on my studies and professional growth. To me, leadership is about more than just guiding others—it is about inspiring them to be their best selves and fostering a sense of community. As I continue my education and move forward in my career, I am committed to being a leader who listens, empowers, and advocates for those who need it most.

Growing up in a household where both of my parents served active duty for 20 years in United States Navy, I learned the meaning of servitude and sacrifice. My mother who was born and raised in Jamaica, overcame obstacles in pursuit of her goals. She taught me the importance of hard work and dedication. While my father who was born and raised in Michigan, seeking new opportunities and a chance at a better life, taught me the importance of discipline. During my parent’s time in the service, there were moments where my father would deploy out to sea for 6-month iterations and my mom would hold down the fort, looking after me and my siblings. In these moments, I watched as two sailors rose to the occasion and did what was necessary to support each other. Making sure that their family’s needs were taken care of, while still ensuring mission accomplishment for their commands. They did not do this alone; but they had the support of their church family, who prayed for them and offered a helping hand in times of need. In these moments I began to realize what is most important, that being my faith, family, and having a heart of servitude. As I grew up, I became fond of sports, I remember trying out for the middle school wrestling team with my older brother. Where I was fascinated with the idea of learning techniques, getting stronger, and becoming a great competitor. It was something about the training, preparation, and hard work that it took to defeat opponents that fascinated me. As I progressed, I began investing my time and efforts to be the best wrestler I could be, in my mind I was a warrior getting ready for battle. This became my passion as I grew up, and I discovered my desire to be part of a team that worked together to accomplish a common goal. Upon graduating middle school and competing in high school, I became a 4-time state qualifier and eventually went on to graduate high school and join the Central College wrestling team, where I competed Division III and became a national qualifier. As my time in wrestling concluded, I still desired to be apart of a team, but one that made an even greater impact on the lives of others. So, I commissioned in the United States Marine Corps. 1. Leadership to me is not only leading from the front but setting the example. Understanding one’s team, learning their strengths and weaknesses so they can be effectively employed. Getting to know one’s members and learning ways to keep them engaged. 2. Learning resiliency by creating buy in, igniting a desire for the team to meet the mission at hand. Resilience is a way to measure the heart of a man. Are they willing to put in the work or just quit when things get tough. 3. Unselfishness comes by treating others the way you want to be treated. My favorite quote is by Martin Luther King Jr states “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others”. 4. When someone has truly understood their purpose and calling, they maintain focus and determination. Being focused comes from knowing the importance of accomplishing what one has set out to do. 5.I have learned that hard work pays off. I have seen sacrifices made by my parents and my Marines to be the best they can be. That comes from understanding that nothing is given, but it must be earned.

Being a mentor Being a Mentor: Empowering Individuals and Building Stronger Communities I. Introduction Being a mentor is an invaluable role that plays a significant part in the growth and development of individuals and the overall well-being of communities. Mentoring involves providing guidance, support, and motivation to help individuals overcome challenges and achieve their goals. By sharing knowledge, experiences, and skills with others, mentors can impact the lives of those they mentor. II. Personal Experience as a Mentor Throughout my years as a mentor, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of mentoring relationships. One particular experience stands out: mentoring a young student who struggled academically due to personal circumstances. I provided academic support through regular meetings by helping him develop effective study strategies and time management skills. Additionally, I served as a source of emotional support, listening attentively to his concerns and offering advice when needed. III. Benefits of Mentoring for Individuals Individuals who have mentors often experience numerous benefits throughout their journey. Firstly, having a mentor guides you in navigating various aspects of life, such as education, career choices, or personal relationships. According to research by Rhodes et al. (2006), mentored youth are more likely to graduate from high school and pursue higher education than those without mentors. Moreover, mentoring offers individuals emotional support during challenging times by providing them with someone who genuinely cares about their well-being (Bland et al., 2017). This emotional connection fosters resilience and helps individuals cope with adversities more effectively. IV. Impact on the Community Mentoring not only benefits individuals but also has profound effects on community-building efforts. When people receive guidance from mentors who encourage them to reach their full potential personally and professionally, they are more likely to become active members of society (DuBois & Karcher, 2005). As a result, communities become stronger and more cohesive. Furthermore, mentors often play a crucial role in addressing social issues that plague communities. By guiding individuals away from negative influences and toward positive alternatives, mentors reduce crime rates and improve community well-being (DuBois & Karcher, 2005). V. Conclusion In conclusion, mentoring is an impactful role that positively impacts individuals and the community. Through personal experiences as a mentor, I have witnessed the transformative power of mentoring relationships firsthand. Mentoring provides guidance, support, and motivation for individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Additionally, it contributes to building stronger communities by empowering individuals to become active members of society. As we reflect on the importance of being a mentor, it is evident that this role has far-reaching effects on personal growth and community development. The benefits experienced by mentees are vast - from academic success to emotional resilience. Moreover, through mentoring relationships, individuals gain the tools necessary to contribute positively to their communities. Therefore, I encourage everyone to consider becoming a mentor in their capacity. By sharing our knowledge and experiences with others who may benefit from them, we can create lasting change in individual lives and within our larger communities - fostering an environment where everyone thrives together.

Growing up in a military household, with my father dedicating 20 years to the Air Force, I inherited invaluable lessons in strong leadership, discipline, and respect for others. Additionally, my father instilled in me the belief that service to family, community, and country should be central to my life, significantly influencing my everyday choices and actions, including strong leadership and communication skills, resilience, unselfishness, focus, and a strong work ethic. As a student at the University of Southern California (USC), I actively participate as a team lead for the Los Angeles County Homeless Count, where I consistently apply my strong leadership and communication skills to engage with homeless individuals, survey their conditions, and seek ways to enhance their lives. Juggling three jobs, along with essential commitments like tutoring students in South Central and organizing community service events as a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., underscores my daily resilience. Unselfishness and an unwavering commitment to serving the community are integral to my values, reflected in my role as a dedicated member of the Beta Omega chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where I organize impactful community events. My active involvement in organizing food drives for the homeless population living on Skid Row directly addresses the pressing issue of homelessness in Los Angeles, deepening my commitment to unselfishness and strengthening my resolve to make a tangible difference in the lives of those less fortunate. In pursuit of my degree in computer science at USC, my unwavering dedication and strong work ethic drive my success, allowing me to excel academically and contribute to the betterment of society through research and app development. Looking toward the future, my goal is to utilize my education and skills to make a positive impact in my community by teaching students from low-income backgrounds how to code and helping them pursue careers in STEM fields. My motivation for pursuing a degree in computer science is deeply personal, driven by the desire to attain a stable and fulfilling career that will enable me to care for my parents, who have sacrificed so much for me. For me, leadership means embodying the characteristics mentioned above and making sacrifices for the greater good. It involves taking charge, navigating obstacles, and setting an example for those you lead. My father's teachings and my experiences in community service and education have shaped my understanding of leadership, emphasizing the importance of serving others and inspiring positive change. I believe that strong leadership and communication skills, resilience, unselfishness, focus, and a strong work ethic are integral components of my everyday routine, guiding my actions and aspirations. These qualities align with my future goals and my desire to make a meaningful impact in the world, enabling me to contribute to the betterment of my community, my country, and the lives of those who need it most.

1.) As a strong leader I'm always authentic. People value honesty and sincerity in their leaders so that's what I try to resemble. I always try to have a vivid imagination; seeing everyone's perspective. Communication is key. The better we communicate the stronger our trust and loyalty becomes. I have this group chat set up on my iPhone where I can constantly communicate with my fellow soldiers. 2.) In my own words, resilience is the ability to bounce back from difficult times in life. Resilience comes from the lessons and skills we absorb as we grow up and as we face all our difficulties whatever they are. Being in army help me become more resilient. I am able to handle every and anything this world is able to throw at me. And get back up like nothing every happen. I woke up knowing that life is a challenge that is waiting to knock me down, but my army spirit constantly brings me back to my feet. 3.) As I leader I'm always willing to put others needs and wishes before my own. Whether it's in training or dinner chow my team comes first. With that being said, my followers are willing to follow my great leaderships. Unselfishness makes me a great leader. I have put my fellow soldiers ahead of me so many times that it becomes a way of life. Especially when it comes to safety. As an infantry men it's part of my job to defend this country . Having my soldiers back and putting them first brings cohesiveness so therefore we can work as a team and do what we are train to do ;Protect American lifes. 4.) Everyday I tell myself that the world is mine. I do this on a routine bases so it could process in my brain. I often reward myself for each milestone I complete to stay determined and motivated. As long as I follow my routine there is know way I can fail. Staying focus to me is the key to success. To do anything in life you have to stay consistent. So far my routine has been working well so I plan on keeping it but, if needed it will subject to change in the near future. 5.) I'm always the first to come and last to leave work. I always try to go above and beyond to get the job done. Staying fit inside the gym gives me a real confidence booster. It motivates me and keeps me determined. I typically work 60+ hours a week so my work ethic it better than average.

To whom it may concern, My name is Nolan Coleman and the main thing in my life are my relationship with God, my role as a husband and future father, and my continued service as a United States Marine. I will be adding the title of Wichita City Police Officer in January when I start the academy. I am studying online at Southern New Hampshire University in Criminal Justice in order to develop my knowledge and ability to make a difference in my country and within my community. I have served as a leader as an Eagle Scout, Commanding officer of my high school, Annapolis NJROTC program, and as a rifle team commander. After high school, I followed Gods plan for me and went on a two year church service and proselyting mission in Sacramento, California. We focused of preaching of Christ, serving our neighbors and planning service projects and helping at local food banks as well. I served in leadership for over 18 months of the 24 months, working to create goals, standards and excellence within my fellow missionaries. This was fulltime and required dedication to our beliefs and a strong work ethic and resilience to go out everyday and face the tediousness of doing the almost same routine everyday for two years. Within the Marine Corps, I am a Corporal. As an Non Commissioned Officer of Marines is a big role to acquire and one I do not take lightly. I have personally lost a Marine to Suicide and another to Drug addiction. This has led me to focus mainly, in my style of leadership, on the welfare of my Marines and subsequently those I meet everyday in life. I also have to utilize communication and delegation when we preform our training operations. People can easily work less effectively when communication from the leader is harsh or without care for them. My MOS of 1391, Bulk Fuel Specialist, requires efficiency as we move and lay out portable fuel sites and fuel aircraft and land vehicles. This requires hard work and an effective team that can communicate well in crunch time. I currently work as a security officer at a local mall, where I live, as I wait to start my police career in January. We often deal with homeless, mentally ill, and youth. These groups require more understanding and tactfulness when involved in a situation. This job has greatly increased my skills in communication for such reasons. My life has been filled with leadership roles, desire to be better and the most important giving up as much of myself in the benefit of others. I seek to assist my country, community and family through my work and personal interactions. I have been resilient through ruthless training and opposition to who I am and what I believe and stand true to what is true. I have no greater desire than to continue to develop the traits of a leader and especially that of a selfless friend of all I meet.

Courageous – is the act of being ready and willing to face negative circumstances involving danger or pain. Being courageous is the reason why I am applying to this scholarship now. I decided to take a leap of faith during the process of me getting my second degree. My courageousness will be the beginning of financial freedom for my family and I. In less than seven years my goal is to be debt free and I will begin the process of helping my mother get debt free as well. At the start of 2020, I had no idea that the media studies degree I was going to school for was not going to be used right away. Due to the coronavirus, healthcare jobs started to spike leaving upcoming media studies students jobs very slim. As a 19 year old dropping out of school didn’t seem like the best option. During my time at Fort Valley State University, It was very productive. I joined a number of community service organizations that built my character as an unselfish, caring, focused, patient student with increased strengths in work ethics. A few organizations I joined were The Blue Coat Ambassadors, a group of collegiate students who serve the President of Fort Valley State University, his colleagues, students, alumni, and staff at all special events held on or off FVSU’s campus. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People NAACP to ensure the political, educational, equality of minority group citizens of States and eliminate race prejudice, and Mary Magdalene a group that trained me to assist people who have been sexually abused or harassed. I didn’t realize that staying, and not using my degree right away would put me in more debt than I already was. I had aspirations to be a doctor but I didn’t want to stay in school 8 to 10 years or more but I knew I wanted to have a healthcare job to help and to serve people who may have medical issues. I remained resilient in my decision to stay and God spoke a word over my life. It wasn’t until the beginning of 2022 where I discovered sonography, I was scrolling on TikTok and it found me. Sonography is the perfect job for combining healthcare and photography. This is what I am destined to do. So now with a bachelors degree in media studies, I’m going back to school for my associates degree in sonography. It takes a real courageous person to have $28,000 worth of debt and go back to school for $50,000 with high hopes to get rid of their debt and to have financial freedom before the age of 30. This is what courageous looks like. I refuse to settle and to give up on my dreams, that is how people get depressed because they lose the thrill of life due to circumstances. “Be the change you want to see”, is one of my favorite quotes. I am a God fearing woman who is exercising her faith by walking by faith and not by sight. I also have brains because at Fort Valley State University my last semester ended with a 3.6 GPA. Kristin Kirby is more than capable of becoming a registered diagnostic medical sonography. Taking those good risks, will be my token to an awesome life. God is going to bless me so that I can ultimately bless others. I first must go through the process of continuing to be courageous, kind, and becoming wiser.