ESOF Academic Scholarship

My educational journey is set to take a pivotal turn at Morehouse College, an institution renowned for its commitment to developing leaders who will change the world. At Morehouse, I plan to major in a field that resonates with my passion for leadership and service, such as business or public administration. This academic pursuit is not just about obtaining a degree; it’s about equipping myself with the knowledge and skills needed to effect meaningful change in society. Morehouse College's rich history and tradition of excellence provide the ideal environment for me to grow academically and personally. The college’s rigorous curriculum will challenge me to think critically and act decisively. I am particularly drawn to the opportunities for mentorship and networking with accomplished alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. These interactions will be invaluable as I forge my path. Moreover, I am committed to excelling in both my studies and extracurricular activities. As a student-athlete, I will continue to participate in football, balancing my time between academics and sports. This dual commitment will hone my time management skills, resilience, and teamwork—qualities that are essential for any successful leader. My goal is to graduate with honors, having made the most of every opportunity at Morehouse. Upon graduating from Morehouse College, my professional aspirations are twofold. First, I aim to establish myself in a leadership role within the business or public administration sectors. I envision myself working in an organization that values innovation, integrity, and community impact. My objective is to rise through the ranks to a position where I can influence policy and strategy, ensuring that the organization not only thrives financially but also contributes positively to society. Second, I am passionate about entrepreneurship. I plan to start my own business that addresses pressing social issues. This venture will be rooted in the values of community service and empowerment. By creating job opportunities and fostering an inclusive work environment, I aim to uplift marginalized communities and drive economic growth. My entrepreneurial journey will be guided by the principles I learn at Morehouse, coupled with my intrinsic motivation to make a difference. In the long term, I aspire to become a thought leader and mentor for younger generations. I want to be a role model, particularly for young black men, demonstrating that with determination and the right support, they can achieve their dreams. My ultimate professional goal is to leave a legacy of leadership, innovation, and service that inspires others to follow in my footsteps. Civic and public service have always been integral to my life. My commitment to service began at a young age and has only deepened over time. One of the primary ways I serve my community is through my involvement in various service projects. I regularly assist with the band, providing support and guidance to younger members. This role allows me to foster a sense of community and teamwork, ensuring that everyone feels valued and included. Additionally, I am an active participant in the Future Man of Distinction (FMOD) program, a Gwinnett County Alpha Phi Alpha initiative. This program focuses on the holistic development of young men, preparing them for future success. Through FMOD, I engage in mentorship, leadership training, and community outreach activities. These experiences have taught me the importance of giving back and the impact that dedicated service can have on individuals and communities. My faith is a cornerstone of my commitment to service. Attending church twice a week, I am deeply involved in my religious community. This involvement reinforces my dedication to living a life of integrity, compassion, and service. The church has provided numerous opportunities for me to engage in charitable activities, from organizing food drives to participating in mission trips. These experiences have broadened my perspective and deepened my empathy for others. Living by the principle of “God First” guides my actions and decisions. I strive to embody the values of my faith in all aspects of my life, including my commitment to civic and public service. By putting God at the center, I ensure that my efforts to help others are grounded in love, humility, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference. My long-term vision for civic and public service extends beyond my immediate community. I aim to establish programs and initiatives that address systemic issues such as poverty, education inequality, and racial injustice. Leveraging my education and professional experience, I plan to advocate for policies that promote social equity and economic empowerment. One of my specific goals is to create a scholarship fund for underprivileged students, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their access to quality education. I also want to develop mentorship programs that connect young people with professionals in various fields, providing guidance and support as they navigate their career paths. In conclusion, my educational and professional goals are deeply intertwined with my commitment to civic and public service. At Morehouse College, I will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in my chosen field and to lead with integrity and compassion. Professionally, I aspire to make a significant impact through leadership roles and entrepreneurial endeavors that address social issues. My dedication to service is unwavering, driven by my involvement in community and faith-based activities. Through these efforts, I aim to inspire and uplift others, creating a legacy of positive change.

What are your educational and professional goals? As I begin my journey at Winston-Salem State University, I have a clear vision of my professional goal of becoming a Sports Medicine Therapist. I am also confident in my educational goals and where I see myself in the next five years. Here’s a glimpse into my future and how I plan to get there: Year one at WSSU, I will lay the foundation. I will immerse myself in the core subjects of health sciences and actively engage in lectures, lab exercises, and group projects. By participating in class discussions and seeking mentorship from faculty, I will build a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. I will also join relevant student organizations to connect with peers who share my passion for sports medicine. Year two, I will focus on gaining practical experience through internships and clinical placements. I aim to secure a position with a local sports team or healthcare facility, where I can observe and assist experienced professionals. Hands-on experience will be crucial in developing my skills in injury assessment, treatment planning, and rehabilitation techniques. I will also take advantage of the resources at the Rams Fitness Center to practice and refine these skills. Year three, I will engage in research and innovation by participating in research projects that explore innovative approaches to sports medicine. I am particularly interested in studying the effects of different physical therapy interventions on athletic performance and recovery. Collaborating with faculty and peers, I will contribute to research that advances our understanding of effective treatment strategies. I foresee presenting my findings at conferences and publishing in academic journals to help establish my reputation as a knowledgeable and forward-thinking professional. I am speaking it into existence! This is my goal after all. Year four, I will focus on developing leadership skills and exploring areas of specialization within sports medicine. I will take on leadership roles within student organizations and participate in community service projects, honing my ability to inspire and lead. I will explore specialized areas such as pediatric sports medicine or orthopedic rehabilitation, trying to identify the specific area where I can make the most significant impact. I’m excited to explore it all and anticipate graduating from undergraduate studies within year four. Year five, post-graduation, I will be well-prepared to transition into professional practice upon graduating from WSSU. My goal is to work with a reputable sports medicine clinic or join the medical staff of a sports team. By obtaining further certifications, such as becoming a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), I will enhance my credentials and expand my opportunities. In this role, I will apply the knowledge and skills gained at WSSU to help athletes achieve their best, whether they are recovering from injuries or striving to improve their performance. Achieving my goals requires a strategic approach beginning with academic excellence, therefore maintaining a high GPA will be a priority. It is essential for pursuing advanced certifications and graduate studies. Being that personal and professional development is an integral part of my plan, I will remain committed to taking advantage of all that WSSU has to offer me in becoming a well-educated and well-rounded student. Winston-Salem State University is an esteemed institution and offers the perfect environment for me to achieve my goals as a sports medicine therapist. The university’s strong academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to community engagement provide a solid foundation for my professional journey. By excelling academically, gaining practical experience, engaging in research, and developing personally and professionally, I am confident that I will be well-prepared to make significant contributions to the field of sports medicine. In the next five years, I see myself as a successful sports medicine therapist, recognized for my expertise and dedication to enhancing the well-being and performance of athletes. My journey at WSSU is just the beginning, and I am excited to embark on this path to achieving my dreams. Also, please describe your commitment to civic or public service. In my community of Washington, D.C. violence is an issue demanding action. I recognize the need for solutions to address it and create a safer environment for everyone who lives here. As my dad says, “It’s hard for a kid to be a kid having to worry about the same things adults do”; growing up fast to protect themselves in doing simple tasks, such as walking to the store or school. There is a need for awareness and education surrounding violence prevention. Some young people, like my peers and younger, may not understand the impact of violence or even know how to recognize warning signs. Programs in communities that teach conflict resolution, promoting the understanding of someone other than just yourself, and raising awareness about the consequences of violent actions is important. My community also needs access to support services for victims, such as counseling and shelters where people can find safety and receive the assistance they need to rebuild their lives. I am committed to public service and contributing to these efforts in several ways. I will advocate for prevention systems in schools, to work with administration to ensure that students receive violence prevention examples through education and support. Students at my own school have been victims of violence, so I plan to return on college breaks to connect with teachers and students to share my positive college experiences, with the thought that this will give students something to look forward to for themselves in creating their own paths. I will look for organizations that provide assistance to victims and volunteer my time, through activities such as fundraising and outreach or just service in general. By participating and lending my voice and helping hand, I hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people affected by violence and help contribute to building a safer and more compassionate community for everyone.

Growing up in the inner city of Chicago, I have seen the impact of generational poverty, witnessed trauma, witnessed the deaths of far too many youths my age and younger and the egregious crimes committed by juveniles. The uprise in suicides among teens and young adults is an indication of the need for mental health services. I am surprised and sadden to learn that suicide is the second leading cause of death among teens and young adults in the United States of America. It is also difficult to process the number of teens and young adults who have thought about suicide or have attempted suicide. I am very fortunate to not personally know anyone who has attempted suicide or who has died from suicide. However, I do know that the alarming rate of teen and young adult suicides has caused this to be a mental health crisis. Having a younger brother with Down Syndrome has caused me to see life through different lenses. Making this adjustment required time, and a lot of understanding and education about his diagnosis. This was not always easy. I’ve grown to understand that when a person has a disability it’s not the end of the world. Disabilities do not define who a person is or what they will become. A disability simply means a person might need additional resources, support, patience, advocacy, and understanding. Depending on a person’s disability, they can achieve goals and have a meaningful life when given a fair opportunity. A disability does not mean a person should be counted out or cast aside. These things have caused me to be passionate about helping youth and families that are in situations beyond their control and advocating for people with disabilities and those who are not empowered to advocate for themselves. As I watched my mom advocate on my brother’s behalf, I learned that advocating is needed in this world and how it can and should be done. These things have inspired me to pursue my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Morehouse College in August 2023. After graduating from Morehouse, I will continue my education to become a licensed clinical psychologist. I will then return to my community to provide trauma-sensitive counseling to youth and families. After college, my immediate goal is to return to my community, provide trauma-sensitive counseling to youth and families, and advocate for those in need. My long-term goal is to ultimately, open a Christian-based youth center. The center will emphasize violence prevention and provide mentoring, tutoring, counseling, sports, and other character-building activities. It will have a healthcare component that will provide dietary and mental health services. The center will also provide educational and supportive services to people with disabilities, along with resources and advocacy. I believe that public service is very important. Through public service, the community can work together, and we can create and impact change. There is strength in numbers and when public servants work with the community, we can empower and support one another. I want my legacy to be that through public service and community building, I impacted positive change, growth, and development. I believe leadership and service go hand in hand. To whom much is given, much is required.

I decided to pursue a degree in Computer Science because of my passion for increasing representation of minorities and women in technology. When I researched the demographics and spoke with Black people studying computer science or working in the field I was disappointed to realize the lack of diversity in Computer Science. Of 2021 college graduates with a degree in Computer Science, only 8% were Black and 2% were Black women (National Center for Education Statistics). In Computer Science, diversity and inclusion is more important today than ever considering how much the technology industry is evolving on a daily basis. People from all different backgrounds use technology, so the people making the technology should reflect the diversity of the users. Otherwise, the technology will not be accessible to all or reflect the needs and preferences of different people. Being apart of Gen Z, who uses technology significantly more than other generations, we are the future of the industry. Facial recognition is a prime example of the need for diversity to ensure its algorithmic fairness. I am committed to increasing representation of people of color in the science and technology field to promote a more inclusive future. Furthermore, interdisciplinary study of mathematics and computer science is of particular interest to me as I enjoy using computer programming to solve mathematical equations. In my Computer Science courses I have learned about exciting, innovative ways I can apply my skills to improve everyday life. I am passionate about increasing diversity and promoting inclusion in the technology sector during my career and have begun this effort by promoting Computer Science education in my high school. I was elected Secretary of the Computer Science Honor Society which is a service-driven organization. As the only African American in the organization, it has been important to me to encourage engagement in our events and Computer Science courses. I have dedicated significant time to planning educational events such as the Computer Science Carnival where I taught students basic Python programming and demonstrated how it can be used to develop interactive tools. I planned a STEM night alongside our Women in STEM club leaders. We held an open house where we exposed students to code through a Python-powered online scavenger hunt where students employed commands to locate the hidden prize. Because of our organization’s efforts, we have raised awareness of the importance of Computer Science education and careers in technology so that we as students in southwestern Pennsylvania feel economically empowered to enter today’s economy. As an African-American girl with no mentors in a STEM profession, I have had to overcome unique obstacles in the pursuit of an education in Computer Science. No one in my immediate family has pursued a career in STEM, so I have to carve my own path. I have had to be resourceful and resilient, and I am proud of how I have risen to the challenge of serving as a trailblazer in my school and community. This summer, I attended Carnegie Mellon University's Computer Science Scholars Program studying college-level Computer Science and Mathematics. Learning in a diverse environment for the first time was empowering to me and gave me the confidence to pursue a major in Computer Science. Having benefited from this program inspired me to want to increase similar opportunities for people of color. People from all different backgrounds use technology, so the people making the technology should reflect the diversity of the users. I am utterly committed to increasing the representation of people of color in the science and technology field to promote a more inclusive future. As a varsity cheerleader for my high school I have served as a leader in my community volunteering to support numerous initiatives. I managed a game booth at our local fair, SummerFest, for three summers as well as served as a staff member at my community's Christmas event, Christmas in the Park. I have volunteer coached six to twelve-year-old junior cheerleaders since freshman year when I initially joined the junior varsity cheerleading squad. I have contributed annually to the Toys for Tots initiative as well as volunteered to support the Breast Cancer Awareness Color Run. As a member of the Girls Leadership Association, I helped arrange a blood drive for women with breast cancer and other illnesses that need blood transfusions to survive. Through National Honor Society, I coordinated and participated in our annual powderpuff football game, having played on both the junior and senior football teams. The proceeds from the event were donated to four different charities including the Make-a-Wish foundation for which our high school has been recognized nationally as one of the organization's cumulatively largest high school donors. Ultimately, at university I plan to major in Computer Science with a minor in Business in hopes of obtaining a job as a Product Manager at a top technology company. With this being the goal, I hope as an African-American woman to write history and bring others along who are not as included in the technology industry.

My ultimate career goal is to practice medicine, with a focus on providing quality care for marginalized communities. To achieve this goal, key objectives include completing healthcare internships throughout high school and college; completing a pre-med degree in biology or biochemistry; and surviving and graduating from medical school in 2030, all while continuing to support my local community. While I have not narrowed my career goal to a specific field of medicine, I am currently interested in learning more about surgery, neuroscience, and oncology. To help narrow my focus and to have a better understanding of the various fields of medicine, I have completed multiple summer programs and internships. Specifically, every summer in high-school, I completed a medical program. Despite being a bit shy, in 2019 I attended a two-week, on-campus program at Vanderbilt University where I attended medical classes; participated in seminars on neurosurgery; and completed hands-on medical procedures, including suturing. Because I thrived at Vanderbilt, in 2020 I applied for and was accepted into Georgetown’s summer medical program; unfortunately, the format was changed to virtual because of Covid, but it was far too expensive for a virtual format! I did not let Covid win, so I attended a less expensive, virtual medical camp provided by Auburn University where I attended medical-focused classes and seminars led by doctors. Finally, in 2021 I completed an on-campus program focused on emergency medicine at Auburn where I attended medical classes; networked with nurses and doctors to understand their experiences; and completed basic, hands-on medical techniques. I also obtained the medical certifications in Health & Safety Institute Emergency Medical Response (EMR) and American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS). These summer programs are significant because they provided opportunities to learn more about medical careers, more about myself, including my strengths and weaknesses, and more about medical school. Overall, these programs demonstrate my determination to succeed at becoming a physician – but not just any physician. While some students want to become a doctor for the money, for me, it is more than that, and I realized this during several internships at outpatient medical facilities. I have seen first-hand how patients are poorly treated. Specifically, I have seen medical assistants bully children for having uncontrollable issues. I have witnessed nurses violating The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and being unsanitary. I will be better than these experiences. I am determined to succeed at becoming a physician that provides quality care to the most vulnerable in our society. Achieving a degree in biology or biochemistry by 2026 is another objective to help me achieve my career goal. Because I want to be challenged intellectually and socially, I have decided to attended Spelman College. The academic rigor of Spelman will prepare me for medical school in 2030. After completing my undergraduate degree – with at least a 3.7 grade point average – I plan to apply to a competitive list of medical schools, including Howard University, Vanderbilt University, and Harvard University. I believe it is a moral imperative to help others, which is a key factor for my desire to enter the medical field. Providing goodwill to a neighbor provides me a sense of purpose, a feeling that I have done my small part to uplift others. To this end, I have completed approximately 840 hours of community service to date. Key projects include being a cheerleading camp coach and participating in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s fundraisers and community service projects. I not only serve as the captain of the Madison Academy varsity cheer team, but I have also served for four years as a Madison Academy elementary cheerleaders’ camp coach and team leader. At camp, I teach my cohort of girls how to perform cheers, dances, and stunts for six hours per day, five days a week. I have enjoyed training, mentoring, and challenging my young girls; I love their energy to learn! I believe it is important to encourage children to believe in themselves, to work hard, to work together, and to have fun while doing so. One example of my impact with the girls deals with self-esteem. Even the most modest cheer outfits can be revealing, and with many of the girls starting puberty and dealing with the resulting body changes and unrealistic beauty expectations, I had to dig deep, using my own experiences with self-hate of my appearance, to uplift and boost the confidence of a one of my girls. It is not easy, but I hope they carry the time spent with me and my encouraging words with them as they continue their cheer journey. Additionally, the team is always well prepared to cheer on the school’s sports team and to rally spectators in the stands. Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time serving as a coach and team leader! In addition to volunteering as a cheer coach, I have had the pleasure of completing approximately 250 hours of service with the Rho Chi Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, including donating shoes, clothes, and hygiene products to girls in the local community. With the sorority, I have also supported backpack fundraisers for less fortunate kids for back-to-school campaigns, and I have raised over $6,000 for historically black college and universities (HBCU) scholarships, which is very important to me, not only because I support HBCUs, but also because I plan to attend one. Completing and leading service projects with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has taught me to be thankful for everything that I have, even the smallest of things. I would be honored to win the ESOF scholarship, which will help support my career goal of becoming a physician, with a focus on reducing health care inequities in marginalized communities. Thank you for your consideration!

Throughout my High School years, I have dreamed about being an entrepreneur and building a lasting business. I want success so much that I took what I learned from my business classes and my family and started my own Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) and began running my own business my sophomore year. Not only did I start my business, but it has also grown and been profitable enough that I have not had to work a traditional part time job. I am confident that I will be successful, but I also understand that having a higher education can improve my skill set, allow me to become more well-rounded, as well as open more doors for me and those behind me. I try to thrive inside and outside the classroom. So far I have been successful with maintaining a 3.51 GPA (even through all the shut down and virtual learning hurdles). Higher education has become important to me because I want to learn how the successful built their legacies. I have a passion for graphic design, and I know that Johnson C. Smith University is the place for me to learn more about that field. I took my first course pertaining to graphic design in 9th grade, at Hillside High School, using the basics of Photoshop. Ever since that class, I have taken Career and Technical Education courses to learn more about technology and art. I still use Adobe Suite to make logos, flyers, album covers and more as a hobby. The opportunity to take more challenging educational courses at Johnson C. Smith will enhance my skills and make me more marketable when I expand my business into designing streetwear. My goal is to bring my client’s visions to life. I also want to make affordable clothing for people who want a “designer” look without having to spend “designer” money. In today’s market, one style is not for everyone. While having a variety of styles, you have to also offer quality while making sure your price meets the demand of your market. I also know personally, a lot of other people are like me and want clothes that don’t look cheap but aren’t so marked up. My decision to attend Johnson C. Smith, a Historically Black College and University came naturally. Most of family have attended and received degrees from HBCU’s from all over the country. The confidence they consistently show along with the continued success they have experienced makes me believe that I can have the same success. It is also important to me to be at a university where the culture speaks to me. I want to be in a place where I am in classes and with students who look like me. I also look forward to the student life that only a HBCU can give (Homecoming)! HBCU’s have thrived and developed some of the strongest networking opportunities. For me to succeed and eventually help others, I knew that the culture and network of an HBCU would be the best and most affordable option. A lot of my growth has come from being involved in sports, organizations and social groups. I am currently a brother of the Theta Phi Psi Fraternity, Inc Gamma Chapter. I joined this organization in Spring of 2020, and I currently hold the leadership position of Treasurer. Theta Phi Psi is a brotherhood and community service organization. We serve our community as well as our school. I have helped to organize, plan and participate in community functions such as serving at nursing homes, feeding the homeless, cooking and preparing food for families at the Ronald McDonald house, as well as various community cleanup efforts and mentorship programs. We love to give back to our community. A lot of African American males at my school are often easily influenced to go down a bad path, and for a lot of us joining Theta has changed our life for the better. Our advisor helps us every day to help us become better men in our society. A person’s dreams are important. Sacrifice is important. My parents have sacrificed time, money, energy and love to help me reach my dreams. And yes, my parents have sacrificed some of their dreams to help me excel at mine. Currently, the affordability of a higher education becomes a tall hurdle. I have seen my parents work to pay back college loans and debts. They shared with me for years, that is their hope and desire that I can go to college without taking on crippling and lasting debt. That is why I have worked so hard to find success and opportunities to have my educational expenses covered. As I stated before, I know I will be successful. I will reach my dreams, and I hope to reach them your support. Higher education will offer me the chance to become even more well-rounded. Higher education with the support of the ESOF Academic Scholarship will give me a chance to engage with people from all over that can challenge me to think outside the box. It will also give me opportunities for educational and personal growth through challenging and hopefully fun courses. Lastly, an affordable higher education is an opportunity to impact my community as an African American male allowing me to help others along the way.