Augustus L. Harper Scholarship

Learning, in my opinion, is perhaps the best force for empathy and transformation. At its finest, it teaches us how to see each other beyond stereotypes, labels, and assumptions. In a race and class-torn world of misunderstanding, learning gives us the basis to span differences between groups that might otherwise never encounter one another. As a 20-year-old Black man with locs in his head, navigating professional spaces, I’m constantly reminded of how deeply these assumptions run. I’ve had to earn respect before even speaking, and I often feel the need to overperform just to be seen as competent. That reality can be disheartening, but education gives me the tools to challenge those narratives. It sharpens my voice, strengthens my confidence, and reshapes how others perceive me. More importantly, it prepares me to lead with compassion rather than outrage because I know ignorance is all too often simply a lack of exposure. I believe that when people are truly educated, they begin to question the prejudices they've unwittingly acquired, the implicit biases that make us react without realizing it. Education opens up our empathetic capacities by making us familiar with experiences beyond our own. We become more questioning, more introspective, and much less likely to view others only through superficial judgments. That kind of awareness can heal rifts and assist in building the kind of inclusive communities we so desperately need. But education does more than encourage empathy. I will be the first in my family to attend college and earn a degree. Education serves more than just a personal goal; here, it serves as a family milestone, as the beginning of a legacy of a well-educated Black family. With that achievement comes access to networks, resources, and spaces that have long appeared out of reach. It's a responsibility that I take pride in because I know I'm paving the way for my younger brother and sister and other members of my family to realize they can do the same and more. The quest for knowledge has already changed my life. It's gotten me into rooms and situations that challenge the assumptions normally made about kids from the South Side of Chicago. Whether it’s through my journey with my collegiate or personal studies, education continues to elevate my potential and guide my vision. It’s helped me think critically, speak with intention, and act with purpose. More than anything, it’s made me realize how much more is possible when you’re equipped with the right tools. Learning matters because it breaks cycles. It allows us to understand others more richly and to aspire more broadly for ourselves. That's what it has done for me. And that's why I will never stop learning, not just for myself but for all the people who will follow after me.

A famous philanthropist once said that education is one of the most powerful weapons that can help change the world. A college education is one of many steps that will help me use acquired business skills and innovation to support organizations that keep the world going. School offers an extensive number of career opportunities and I accepted the pleasant challenge of choosing a future accounting career. Education has and will help me learn the value of ambition and risk-taking; they have molded me into the person I am today and have continued to guide me as I pursue my goals. With a major in Accounting and Finance, I look forward to a future where I can utilize my problem-solving skills to help business owners achieve their goals. Whether it’s a career in accounting, economics, finance, or any business-related profession, there are vast possibilities, flexibility, and societal impact in each alternative. While growing up, my definition of leadership reformed. As immigrants with limited English, my parents were forced to work full-time minimum-wage jobs, but they always pulled through just enough to pay the bills and set the food on the table for the six of us. Each day presents a challenge, sacrificing their time and energy, but they never complain. They never wanted us to get jobs to help them pay the bills; they wanted us to focus on our education. Even though problems constantly came their way, they always maintained the resolve to overcome them by themselves. By observing my parents' leadership, I learned the value of persistence, perseverance, and service. Through these qualities, I have developed the passion to become a leader not just for my future, but also to give back to others. I want to make an impact and I can start by going to college. With all my involvement in past community service projects, I realized community service is about getting out of the comfort zone to contribute to one's time to help and establish a direct positive influence on others. As I move forward with my education, I hope to attain skills and knowledge and give back to my community. My community involvement has helped me become an evident image of a student leader to those around me. Developing my leadership skills has given me the skills necessary to make more positive impacts in the future, big or small. How will I make a difference in others if I don't make a difference in myself first? Consequently, I have not only grown, but I have secured the courage to keep growing. Proudly I can say I have defeated some of the darkest moments in my life, and my education will help me take the first steps on the journey toward my future. My first and foremost goal is to make a difference, whether that is in someone's life, in my future career, or in the community. Through this goal, I hope to continue having the pleasure of creating and seeing my ideas in action to aid others. With eagerness, I look forward to the many opportunities to come where I can become an influence. If one plan fails, I will try again and develop another route; I will reevaluate and approach from various angles. I am confident in my decision-making, and even though I do not know what the results will be, I know it will be worth it.

Education has always been important to me, and it has brought countless values and benefits to my life. Growing up in a low-income, marginalized community, I saw firsthand the ways in which a lack of education can hold individuals back and limit their opportunities. But despite the challenges and obstacles I faced, I was determined to succeed and make the most of my education. One of the most valuable things that education has given me is a sense of hope and possibility. It has shown me that with hard work and dedication, I can overcome any obstacle and achieve my goals. It has also provided me with the knowledge and skills to understand and navigate the world around me, empowering me to make informed decisions and take control of my own future. But education has brought me more than just personal growth and development. It has also given me the opportunity to give back and make a positive impact on my community. As a student at Carnegie Mellon University, I have been fortunate enough to have access to some of the best resources and opportunities in the country. And I am determined to use these resources to make a difference and pay it forward to those who have supported me along the way. One way that I have been able to give back to my community is through volunteering and service work. I have worked with organizations that provide support to homeless youth, and I have also organized fundraisers and other events to raise money and awareness for important causes. These experiences have not only allowed me to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, but they have also given me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that is hard to find elsewhere. But my dedication to education and service extends beyond just my time in college. I am also committed to using my future career to make a positive impact on the world. I am passionate about investment banking and private equity, and I believe that my knowledge and expertise in these fields can be used to empower marginalized communities and invest in the entrepreneurs and leaders of tomorrow. I hope to eventually own my own firm where I can continue to make a difference and use my skills to make a positive impact. In conclusion, education has brought countless values and benefits to my life, and I believe it is one of the most important things we can pursue. It has given me hope and possibility, personal growth and development, and the opportunity to give back and make a positive impact on my community. And I am committed to using my education and skills to make a difference and pay it forward to those who have supported me along the way.