Janie Mae "Loving You to Wholeness" Scholarship

Hello, my name is William. I am an only child, and I was raised by a single mother. My father's absence has been a significant part of my life story. Unfortunately, he was not a United States citizen and had to return to Ghana to avoid being out of status, which would have resulted in his deportation. Since then, my mom and I have navigated life together, facing many transitions and challenges along the way. From an early age, I realized just how much of a hard worker my mother was. Despite the difficulties she faced, she always managed to keep a smile on her face, and I adored her for that. Her positivity and strength were sources of great inspiration for me. Growing up, I often saw how much she had to do around the house, balancing multiple responsibilities with grace and determination. My appreciation for her began at an early age, as I observed her tireless efforts to provide for us. Early in life, I became aware of the many sacrifices my mother made for me. She worked long hours, often juggling multiple jobs, to ensure that I had everything I needed. In return, I did my best to make her proud and to bring a smile to her face whenever I could. Whether it was through small gestures of kindness or striving to do well in school, I always aimed to show my gratitude and respect for her. In addition to appreciating my mother, I also developed a deep sense of empathy and a desire to help others. In my spare time, I volunteer at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and various other organizations in my city. Helping the less fortunate is something I am passionate about. While I may not have the financial means to give, I believe that donating my time is equally important. Volunteering allows me to make a positive impact on my community and to support those in need. One of my long-term goals is to own a business that hires people from disadvantaged backgrounds. I want to create opportunities for others and make a meaningful difference in the community and the world. To achieve this goal, my plan is to go to college and pursue a business degree. By doing so, I hope to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to build a successful business and to continue making my mother proud. My mother's strength and perseverance have been the driving forces behind my ambitions. Her example has taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and compassion. I am determined to honor her sacrifices by achieving my goals and contributing positively to society.