Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship

Navigating the challenges of life as a Black girl has taught me the value of resilience, determination, and community. In today’s society, building a layer of thick skin and resilience is crucial if you want to succeed. After reading up on Kaila’s story, I notice that we have many similarities. Like Kaila, I am often told that I have a really strong work ethic. I’ve had straight A’s my entire life, I’ve played any sport that you can name, and I love being involved within my community by being a part of clubs, my city’s council, and engaging in community service often. As a soon-to-be first generation college student and the daughter of two immigrants from Jamaica, I make it my number one priority to do two things: excel and leave an impact on others. Seeing the hard work that my parents have poured into our lives has motivated me to rise above any obstacle that tries to block my path to success. I strive everyday to ensure their efforts are not taken for granted. This strong work ethic has driven me to excel academically, athletically, and in my community. I’ve been class vice president for a year and class president for two years, I tutor people weekly, I feed unhoused people weekly, I am also a captain of the varsity basketball and flag football teams at my school! I’ve been playing sports for as long as I can remember. From track to handball, I played it all! As I’ve never faced as many obstacles as I have while playing sports. I’ve had nearly career ending injuries and mental battles like no other. I didn’t let them stop me though. Even though it was tough and may have taken some time, I just paused and took a step back when faced with these obstacles to find the best way to overcome them. Success to me isn’t just about monetary gains or winning a trophy, it is about making sure that I make positive impacts on my community around me. I know that I am already on the right track when it comes to this because the energy that I have poured in others has shown itself most vividly through the strong relationships I have built with those who I have helped. I’ve always been “an overachiever” and despite the praise and accolades I have received over time, I have always felt like something is missing, almost like there was a void in me. When I began volunteering at my local church that takes care of unhoused people, that void began to become filled. When I volunteer there, I form bonds with all the people we take care of and I enjoy the conversations we have and the stories they tell me. Volunteering at the church has grounded me as a person and allowed me to really take in everything going on in life. I am thankful for the opportunity to apply for the Kaila D. Davis Scholarship, learn about Kaila’s life, and share a bit of mine with you. I live my life with the same principles that Kaila lived hers with and her story has inspires me to continue striving for excellence, serving my community, and pursuing my dreams of becoming a radiologist in her honor. This scholarship will help me get one step closer to my goal of becoming a radiologist in the future by reducing the financial barriers that may otherwise distract me. Thank you for sharing Kaila’s story and considering mine.

As someone who often struggles to make friends, I truly believe that Kalia and I would have formed a meaningful connection. After learning about her legacy—her dedication and her commitment to both academic and athletic excellence—I see so many ways in which we are alike. Yet, at the same time, our differences would have complemented each other perfectly. To start, both Kalia and I share a love for track. There’s something special about being part of a track team—if you’ve ever been on one, you know exactly what I mean. It’s not just a team; it’s a family that celebrates each other’s victories, big or small. During the 2024 track season, I genuinely struggled. It had been months since I achieved a personal record in the 400-meter dash. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't beat my best. I let frustration take over. But the thing about track is that someone is always there to lift you up. For me, that person was Omarion. No matter how much I fell short, he never let me believe I wasn’t good enough. He’d tell me I was the fastest guy he’d ever met and invite me to train with him. He pushed me to be better. Eventually, I did break my PR, and I credit it all to Omarion. From everything I’ve learned about Kalia, she reminds me of Omarion—someone who uplifted those around her, not just hoping they would improve, but by actively helping them get there. If I had the honor of meeting Kalia today, the first thing I’d ask her is, “What’s your secret?” I consider myself a hardworking, determined individual, but some days, it’s tough to keep going. Kalia’s achievements are a testament to the kind of drive I aspire to have. Like Kalia, my aspirations are huge! For years, I’ve been fascinated by genetic engineering and biotechnology. However, my interest in genetics is personal. My father, and many men in my family, have always struggled with male-pattern baldness. For me, I love my hair, and I’ve become determined to find ways to slow, or even reverse, hair loss at a genetic level. The idea that my future research could help others is what excites me. With a commitment to advancing our understanding of genetics, I hope to make real contributions to this field in college and beyond. But what truly makes me believe Kalia and I would have complemented each other isn’t just our similarities, but rather our differences. As a board member of the Black Student Union, I would have loved the opportunity to learn from Kalia, to better understand how I can go beyond words and take meaningful action toward justice and equality. It’s an area where I still have much to learn, and I know Kalia’s leadership would’ve been an incredible guide. At the same time, I wish she could have come with me to volunteer at the local Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis, where we help to cook and serve meals to the families staying there. I genuinely believe she would have loved the conversations and connections that come from listening to, and supporting, those families. And maybe, just maybe, she could have even taught me how to dance! Despite everything, I’m committed to living each day by Kalia’s core values: determination, resilience, exploration, and grit. To Kalia—you are an inspiration. Whether I am awarded this or not, I will continue to run fast like you, continue to uplift others like you, and most importantly, continue to smile while doing it.

Losing someone close to you is an experience that leaves an indelible mark on your soul. The pain, the memories, and the unfulfilled dreams linger, shaping your perspective on life and fueling your drive to make the most of every moment. When I heard about the scholarship in honor of Kalia D. Davis, I felt an instant connection to her story, her spirit, and her legacy. As I reflect on her remarkable life, I am inspired to share my journey and aspirations, knowing that her legacy of excellence, kindness, and ambition lives on through those who strive to make a difference in the world. Like Kalia, I have experienced the profound loss of a dear friend at a young age. Losing someone so young and full of potential is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. It is a pain that never truly fades, but instead becomes a source of strength and motivation to honor their memory by living a life of purpose and impact. Kalia's resilience and unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life serve as a guiding light for me as I navigate my path. I share Kalia's passion for running and cross country, finding solace and joy in the rhythm of each stride, and the feeling of freedom that comes with pushing my limits. Running has taught me perseverance, discipline, and the importance of setting goals and working tirelessly to achieve them. It is a sport that transcends physical boundaries, instilling in me a sense of determination and resilience that extends far beyond the track. As I prepare to embark on the next chapter of my academic journey, pursuing a career in dentistry, I am filled with a sense of purpose and determination to make a difference in the lives of others. Just as Kalia was dedicated to excellence in her studies and extracurricular activities, I am committed to excelling in my academic pursuits while also giving back to my community through volunteering and service. The opportunity to receive the Kalia D. Davis Scholarship would not only alleviate the financial burden of pursuing higher education but also serve as a meaningful reminder of the importance of striving for excellence and making a positive impact on the world. This scholarship would honor Kalia's memory and provide me with the support and encouragement to continue pursuing my dreams with passion and determination. It would enable me to focus on my studies and extracurricular activities without the added stress of financial worries, allowing me to fully immerse myself in pursuing knowledge and personal growth. More importantly, it would be a constant reminder of the legacy of excellence, kindness, and ambition that Kalia embodied, inspiring me to carry her spirit with me in everything I do. In conclusion, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to apply for the Kalia D. Davis Scholarship and share my story with you. Kalia's legacy of living, loving, laughing, learning, and leaving a legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that one individual can have on the world. With this scholarship, I am committed to honoring her memory by continuing to strive for excellence, kindness, and ambition in all aspects of my life. Thank you for considering my application.

I am an individual deeply moved by the story of Kalia D. Davis, whose life exemplified excellence, resilience, and a profound commitment to making a difference. Her journey, marked by remarkable achievements and an unyielding spirit, resonates with me on multiple levels. As someone who aspires to embody similar values of hard work, dedication, and service to others, I find Kalia's story both inspiring and motivating. My background, while unique in its challenges, has instilled in me a similar drive to excel academically and personally. Like Kalia, I have always aimed to achieve at the highest levels in my education and community involvement, often balancing multiple responsibilities to support my family and contribute to my community. My journey has been characterized by a dedication to excellence, not merely for personal accolades but to pave the way for meaningful contributions to society. Receiving this scholarship would significantly impact my ability to continue my education without the overwhelming burden of financial stress. It would provide me with the resources needed to pursue my academic goals with the same fervor and dedication that Kalia demonstrated throughout her life. This support would not only honor Kalia's legacy but also enable me to follow in her footsteps of excellence and service. My ambition is to use my education to make a tangible difference in the world, specifically in addressing pressing social issues and contributing to the betterment of my community. I am particularly interested in fields that allow for direct impact on the lives of others, drawing inspiration from Kalia's planned service in the military and her active involvement in her university community. This scholarship represents more than just financial assistance; it symbolizes a commitment to the values Kalia lived by and the continuation of her legacy through the pursuits and achievements of scholarship recipients. In honoring Kalia's memory, I am committed to upholding the principles she embodied: hard work, kindness, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This scholarship will help me to advance my education and career aspirations, enabling me to contribute positively to my community and beyond. It will allow me to focus more fully on my studies and community service, reducing the financial barriers that might otherwise divert my attention from these goals. Ultimately, this scholarship would empower me to achieve my academic and professional goals, inspired by Kalia's remarkable life and legacy. It would afford me the opportunity to develop as a leader and innovator, committed to making a positive impact in the world, much like Kalia aimed to do through her aspirations and actions.