Jorian Kuran Harris (Shugg) Helping Heart Foundation Scholarship

$500
1 winner$500
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jun 9, 2025
Winners Announced
Jul 9, 2025
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
Eligibility Requirements
Major/Career Field:
Business or Entrepreneurship
Education Level:
High school senior or Undergraduate
GPA:
2.5

Careers in business and entrepreneurship cover a wide range of areas and interests, since we rely on various businesses throughout our lives.

Having a background in business allows someone to have an understanding of the business world while also teaching them the importance of innovation and change in a fast-paced world. Learning these lessons can help business and entrepreneurial students to imagine goals for their future careers and then make those dreams a reality. The Jorian Kuran Harris (Shugg) Helping Heart Foundation Scholarship will support a student in one of these fields as they explore what a career in business will look like for them.

High school seniors and Undergraduate students who have at least a 2.5 GPA are eligible to apply if they are planning to pursue a career in business or entrepreneurship.

To apply, tell us about yourself and how this scholarship will make a difference in your life and for your education.

Selection Criteria:
Essay, Ambition, Boldest Bold.org Profile
Published October 5, 2024
Essay Topic

Tell us about yourself and how this scholarship will make a difference for you, what are your long term goals and career aspirations? Also, please describe a time where you have experienced physical or emotional weakness, how did you overcome that situation?

400–600 words

Winning Application

jordyn singleton
Saint Xavier UniversityChicago, IL
My name is Jordyn Singleton, and I’m passionate about pursuing a career in sports law. Growing up, I was always captivated by sports and the dedication it takes to excel at the highest levels. However, it wasn’t just the thrill of the game that fascinated me; it was also the intricate web of legalities surrounding athletes, contracts, and the industry itself. I aspire to become a sports lawyer and eventually start my own firm that offers a unique blend of services, including management, legal advice, and representation for athletes. Within my firm, I also envision implementing a mentorship program for younger students interested in the sports industry. I believe it's important to give back and nurture the next generation of talent, just as I received guidance from those around me. This scholarship is pivotal to my journey because it will help me earn the necessary degrees and gain the knowledge required to achieve my goals. The financial support it provides will alleviate the burden of tuition and allow me to focus on my studies, internships, and networking opportunities. Attending college is not just about acquiring a degree for me; it’s about building a foundation for my future and laying the groundwork for my dream of running my own firm. Throughout my life, I’ve encountered moments of emotional weakness, and one of the most significant times occurred as I prepared to leave home for college. The thought of stepping into a new life without the comfort of my family was daunting. I began to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to quickly adapt to adulthood and carve out my own path. It was an emotionally challenging period for me; I feared losing the familiar support system I cherished. Instead of rushing into this major life change, I made the decision to give myself a year to prepare. This year turned into a transformative time where I focused on not just practical preparations but emotional readiness as well. I spent time discussing my fears and concerns with family and friends, which provided me with comfort and perspective. I engaged in self-reflection, writing about my aspirations while building confidence in my ability to face new challenges. I took the time to explore what it meant to leave home while knowing I was still connected to my support system. By the time I finally left, I felt more equipped and excited about beginning this new chapter of my life. Overcoming this experience taught me the value of patience and self-compassion. I realized that taking time to prepare emotionally can be just as important as the logistical aspects of transitioning to a new phase of life. This lesson will guide me as I develop my law practice and build a supportive environment for both my future clients and the younger students I hope to mentor. As I move forward in my academic and professional journey, I am deeply committed to not only achieving my own dreams but also helping others along the way. This scholarship is more than just financial assistance; it represents an opportunity to build a fulfilling career that honors my passion for sports and my desire to serve as a mentor. With the resources and support provided by this scholarship, I am confident I will be able to achieve my long-term goals and create a lasting impact in the field of sports law. Thank you for considering my application.
Enoch Shodeinde
Avon High SchoolPlainfield, IN
Moving from Nigeria to America when I was 12 was full of contrasts. Back home in my small village, I was known as bright, athletic and popular. But adjusting to my new American middle school, I faced bullying for my accent, appearance and introverted nature in an unfamiliar culture. Those early struggles taught me perseverance that guides me to this day. Part of my challenge stemmed from medical issues. In Nigeria, I did not have access to healthcare to diagnose and treat my severe asthma. The constant wheezing and shortness of breath made sports difficult. My untreated symptoms limited my energy and stamina, causing me to gain weight. Bullies targeted me for being overweight, awkward and different. I felt isolated and doubts crept in about whether I could make friends in this new environment. But I found refuge in school clubs like chess club and robotics, surrounding myself with open-minded peers who saw beyond surface differences. I also began medical treatment for my asthma, which greatly improved my health and self-confidence. As high school approached, I realized I could not let bullies define me. I advocated for myself to get accommodations like extended time on tests to help account for my asthma impacts. I found my voice by joining the debate team, learning to speak up with poise and skill. By embracing all parts of myself, I gained a community of supportive friends. My proudest accomplishment is being selected for the role of Prospero in our school musical production of The Tempest. Singing and acting publicly terrified me, but I was determined to push past comfort zones. The applause on opening night was affirmation that believing in myself leads to amazing places. This journey has shaped my aspirations to become an entertainment lawyer, helping creatives protect their work. My experiences exposed me to the challenges marginalized groups face, inspiring me to advocate for them. Your scholarship would bring me one step closer to this goal through funding my college education. It would alleviate the financial pressure on my parents, immigrants who have sacrificed so much to provide for me. Your investment would uplift my entire family. In college, I look forward to sharpening my legal interests through pre-law coursework while immersing myself in diverse cultural communities. I aim to gain a broad worldview that will aid me in serving a wide range of clients. I ultimately plan to earn my law degree and open my own practice as an entertainment attorney. My vision is to provide legal support to artists, writers and content creators from underrepresented backgrounds. I want to empower them to share their work without limitations and protect them from exploitation. Through media and art, stories can transform culture. I intend to facilitate those narratives that speak truth to power and strengthen our society. The bullies tried to instill shame in me, but instead they lit a fire. Their prejudice fueled my compassion. The wounds of my past now drive my fight for justice. I am determined, resilient and ready to soar. Your scholarship would lift some of the weight off my shoulders so I can proudly chart the course for my future. I know the road ahead holds challenges, but with faith in myself, I am prepared to achieve my dreams.
Bethanny Satcher
Jackson State UniversityClarksdale, MS
Me being a student who dreams of becoming a dentist, I am aware of the financial load that comes with pursuing a profession in healthcare. I'm aware of the high cost of dental school, and many students are forced to take out significant loans to fund their education. So I believe a scholarship would help me achieve my goal of becoming a pediatric dentist. Receiving a scholarship would lessen some of the struggles that come with paying for dental school. As a recipient of this scholarship. I would have the ability to focus more on my studies and clinical work without the worry of tuition and living costs. Which would allow me to focus more on my education and increase my chances of succeeding. A scholarship would provide me with the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities, internships and more that can enhance my education and career prospects. I would be able to explore a variety of opportunities that would enhance my education with the financial support of a scholarship. I believe that winning this scholarship would give me confidence. It would be a great recognition of my academic achievements and serve as a motivation to continue striving for excellence. I know when I win or receive awards it gives me the mindset to keep going. I recall a time when I would break down and give up because of frustration with Math, a subject that I struggle with. I realized that this was a subject that I needed to spend extra time on so that I could understand without my notes. Over the years I've learned to push myself and build my confidence when it comes to something I struggle with. I knew though, that I couldn't let my frustration get the best of me. With that faith and prayer, I am now passing math classes with an 80 or higher grade average, which I would not have achieved without God's assistance. Today I am confident that with Faith, I am capable of accomplishing far more than I previously imagined. My experiences taught me the importance of endurance, the power of prayer and the significance of asking for help when required. It also advises me that everyone has their strength and weaknesses, and it is critical not to compare oneself to others, which is something I frequently do. Instead, we should focus on our development and progress, and we should have trust in our ability to attain our goals.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jun 9, 2025. Winners will be announced on Jul 9, 2025.