ECCL Divine 9 Scholarship

Currently, I am a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. Becoming a member of the Divine Nine has significantly impacted my educational journey and personal growth for the better. When I first entered college, I was very uncertain about my goals and the path I would take after graduating from undergraduate. However, when I got to the University of the District of Columbia, I was warmly welcomed by many members of the Divine Nine, but specifically members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. They displayed an approachable personality and leadership skills and helped build a stronger community for the incoming freshmen. When entering school, I was unsure about what to do after finishing college, and I was not satisfied with my major. Still, with the guidance of Delta women, I was connected to mentors, many of whom were also members of the Divine Nine, who helped me navigate my academic concerns. They reassured me to keep my motivation to continue school and let me know that it is okay not to have everything figured out as a freshman. I was taught that I could change my major if I was not satisfied with the one I had and that it would not set me back in my academic career. After getting the help I needed to achieve my dreams, I learned I would like to further my education after college and get my master's degree in Dietetics. When I receive my master's, I will serve as a dietitian in underserved communities on the East Coast, mainly serving people of color and preadolescents. I have shared my experience with the incoming freshmen, helping them feel welcomed and heard. I learned that it is very common for freshmen to come in confused. However, I have made it my job to help them successfully navigate throughout college and be a student leader. Since becoming a member of the Beta Iota chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, I have helped show my chapter how to be more supportive of the student body and incoming freshmen. We have helped the school community and the District of Columbia become a cleaner and better environment. With the skills I have acquired from becoming a Delta woman, I will show the younger children how to be active in their community and keep the environment clean. Due to my chapter being a very small chapter, we run into many difficulties, such as people not being available to support events, position chairs being vacant, and low visibility. However, these obstacles have only fueled my determination. I’ve taken on the responsibility of promoting our events, increasing student engagement, and helping our chapter remain visible and active within the community. Through campus cleanups, service initiatives, and educational outreach, we’ve strengthened our impact at the University of the District of Columbia and throughout the District of Columbia. I plan to bring this same passion and commitment back to my hometown of Philadelphia by collaborating with local sorors and continuing my service through an alumnae chapter. I will always extend a helping hand to my undergraduate chapter, and I am committed to giving back to the sisterhood that has given so much to me.