Hines Scholarship

As I reflect on my childhood, I remember having big dreams and aspirations as a young girl. I held onto unrealistic dreams, like imagining myself as a princess, and also envisioned a life of sophistication and wealth as a black woman. I longed for a future without struggles, hoping for a life where everything would fall into place effortlessly. However, the reality of my upbringing was vastly different. I grew up in a single-income household, where my mother faced numerous challenges as the sole provider. Financial struggles were a constant part of our lives, and I witnessed my mother's unwavering determination to ensure that our bills were paid and we had enough to eat. Despite her own hardships, she made sure that I never went without. Living in predominantly low-income neighborhoods exposed me to street violence, homelessness, and other issues that my mother tried to shield me from. She worked tirelessly to keep me on the right path, and I feel fortunate to have had a mother who always made things happen, even in the face of adversity. This upbringing has molded me into a resilient, intelligent, and empathetic young woman. I have a deep passion for helping young people discover their true identities and connect with their roots. Inner peace and self-discovery are values that I hold dear, and I am committed to breaking generational cycles and empowering others. It took me a while to cultivate this mindset, as I often found myself feeling disillusioned and yearning for a perfect life. However, I came to the realization that perfection is an illusion and that imperfections exist in every aspect of life. I also began to contemplate my future career path and knew that I wanted to pursue a degree in psychology. My desire to become a therapist for adolescents stems from my innate ability to listen to and support my friends. I aspire to offer hope and mentorship, helping others overcome their insecurities without fear of judgment. Having experienced overwhelming challenges myself, I am eager for the opportunity to inspire and guide others, encouraging them to pay it forward and help those in need. I have come to understand that there is no such thing as a perfect life, but I remain steadfast in my aspirations to become the empowered and sophisticated black woman I have always dreamed of being. Going to college and achieving my dreams means breaking generational curses, overcoming childhood trauma, making my mother proud, achieving success, and being the first in my family to do so.