Four of ten children in Ethiopia suffer from stunting due to severe malnutrition, forty percent. Learning this sparked a strong urge in me to act. My parents came of age during the Red Terror era, a dark chapter in Ethiopian history marked by violence and loss. The impact of that time shaped them deeply, and in turn shaped me. Being raised by them connected me closely to my heritage, values, and faith. Through visits to Ethiopia, I witnessed both the richness of my culture and the hardships many children endure. I often wondered what if my parents had not immigrated, where would I be?
Two years ago, I turned that question into action by founding Hope for Hiyewetoch, Amharic for “Hope for Lives.” What began as a small idea grew into a community driven effort. I reached out to local churches and organizations, faced setbacks in planning and fundraising, and learned how to navigate challenges through persistence and adaptability. Despite obstacles, we raised over $3,000 and used those funds to assemble and send food and hygiene kits to children in need. While the scale of our work was modest, the impact was meaningful. Seeing how a relatively small amount could directly support children in need reinforced my belief that change is often the result of consistent, collective effort rather than a single large action.
This experience also expanded my perspective. Initially, I focused on providing immediate aid, but over time I began to question the deeper causes of these conditions. Why do such disparities persist? What systems contribute to limited access to nutrition and healthcare? These questions pushed me to look beyond surface level solutions and think more critically about long term impact. I realized that meaningful change requires not only compassion, but also understanding of history, policy, and the social structures that shape people’s lives.
Maya Angelou’s words, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better,” continue to guide me. In the future, I plan to combine service with education and advocacy by pursuing public health. I hope to address both immediate needs and their root causes through research and community based initiatives. As I grow in knowledge, I will continue to act with intention, creating sustainable solutions, empowering communities, and improving access to essential health resources. I am committed to expanding my impact by collaborating with others who share a passion for equity and service. Through these efforts, I hope to contribute to a future where all children have the opportunity to live healthy and dignified lives.
I have taken meaningful steps to support my community through mentorship, service, and active involvement in programs that focus on leadership and personal development. One of the most impactful ways I have contributed is through my participation in organizations such as 100 Black Men of Central Virginia and MOCHA (Men of Color Honor and Ambition). Through these programs, I have engaged in mentorship, leadership training, and service initiatives that are designed to uplift young men of color and encourage academic excellence, discipline, and confidence.
In addition to these programs, I have completed over 65 hours of community service through my school, church, and local outreach efforts. My involvement in youth ministry at Harvest Church of God has allowed me to support and encourage younger students by helping create a positive and supportive environment. Whether assisting with events, volunteering my time, or simply being present, I have learned that small, consistent actions can have a meaningful impact on others.
I have also taken steps toward civic responsibility by preparing to register to vote after turning 18. I believe that being involved in the democratic process is an important way to contribute to long-term change. It is not enough to simply observe challenges in a community—real impact comes from taking action and using your voice to influence decisions that affect others.
While I am proud of the work I have done so far, my experiences have also shown me how much more needs to be done, especially in the area of mental health. Through personal experiences, including my mother’s cancer diagnosis, I have seen how emotional and mental challenges can affect individuals and families. This has inspired me to pursue a degree in psychology so that I can better understand and support people during difficult times.
In the future, I plan to drive change by combining education, mentorship, and advocacy. I want to mentor young people who may lack guidance, helping them build confidence, set goals, and recognize their potential. I also plan to work in the mental health field, where I can provide counseling and support to individuals dealing with stress, trauma, and life transitions. By doing so, I hope to not only help individuals, but also strengthen families and communities as a whole.
Additionally, I plan to advocate for increased awareness and access to mental health resources, particularly in underserved communities. This includes organizing workshops, speaking to youth groups, and partnering with community organizations to create safe spaces where people feel comfortable discussing their challenges. I believe that education and open conversation are key to reducing stigma and encouraging people to seek help.
The actions I have taken so far are just the beginning. I am committed to continuing this work by using my education and experiences to uplift others, create opportunities, and contribute to lasting, positive change in my community and beyond.
