Lotus Scholarship

“When there is no struggle, there is no strength.” - Oprah Winfrey Growing up in a low-income household, I quickly learned that every obstacle presents an opportunity for growth. My mother’s relentless dedication to providing for our family, against all odds, taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance. Watching her work multiple jobs while still finding time to encourage my dreams inspired me to face my own challenges head-on. As a first-generation, low-income college student, navigating the complexities of higher education has felt like being dropped into uncharted waters. From financial aid applications to navigating class registration, I’ve had to rely on grit and resourcefulness to find my way. These experiences have greatly shaped my perspective, instilling in me a deep sense of gratitude for every opportunity I’ve been given. My journey has sparked a passion for supporting those who have a similar story as mine. Combining my professional expertise in marketing with my passion for social impact, I’m developing an interactive blog designed specifically for first-generation or low-income students. This platform will serve as a space where students can chat, access resources, and find a supportive community that understands the unique struggles they face. Having experienced the loneliness of being a trailblazer in my own family, I am committed to ensuring others feel seen and supported. Currently, I am taking entrepreneurial courses and learning web design to bring this vision to life. I see this project as a way to give back to the community and leave a lasting impact, ensuring that others have the support system I once lacked. Through this initiative, I hope to inspire others to preserve, just as I have, and to show them that their dreams are within reach– no matter the obstacles they face.

Growing up in a low-income household with immigrant parents, I learned the value of perseverance and the importance of financial equity. My parents faced significant challenges navigating a new financial landscape, often lacking the opportunities others took for granted. Witnessing their struggles fueled my passion to pursue a career focused on financial equity, where I could work to create a world where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive. This drive led me to work with Small Step Loans, where I lead international outreach efforts to provide interest-free microloans to small businesses in underdeveloped countries. By empowering entrepreneurs who face similar financial challenges to those I observed growing up, I contribute to a broader movement toward economic justice. In my community, I’ve also been dedicated to educating others about financial literacy through the Youth Finance League. I understand that knowledge is power, especially when it comes to finances, and I’m committed to sharing what I’ve learned to help others make informed decisions that can improve their lives. As I continue my education in finance, I plan to develop innovative solutions that address the systemic inequalities preventing people from achieving financial stability. Whether through policy advocacy, financial education programs, or accessible financial products, I’m determined to make a positive impact in the world. This scholarship would alleviate the financial burden of college and empower me to continue pursuing my goals with the same perseverance and determination that has brought me this far. With your support, I’m confident that I can make a meaningful difference.

After getting suspended from high school in my sophomore year, I found out I was pregnant. I had no clue what to do and I knew nothing about how to move forward. So my life was drastically changed in 1997 when I gave birth to my son at the age of 15. Having relocated from Kansas City, MO where my childhood with my single mother included a life filled with poverty, foster care, drugs, alcohol, sexual, verbal, mental, and physical abuse, I was ready to break the vicious cycle in my family. Thankfully, the then Emerson Alternative School had an Outreach Program for pregnant girls and teen mothers. The Program constantly told the teens to “Be Something, Do Something” and reinforced self-esteem, confidence, goal setting & achievement. The program made learning fun and inspirational. It showed me possibilities. The teachers, mentors, and volunteers who worked at Emerson were like a family to me. I always vowed that I would return and give back because of the impact they made on my life. They saw me and connected with me. They helped me understand there’s more to life than the traumatic life with my single mother I had experienced. Because of that, I pushed through and graduated at 17 years old. I was the only person in generations to receive a high school diploma. No one should have to witness the things I witnessed as a child or young adult. Living with a single mother who was on drugs and doing the worst things a mother could was very traumatic. I knew growing up I had to be different if I had children and protect them and make sure they had a better life than I did. I was determined to do something different with my life and not fall into the same cycle my family was in. So, in 2009, I began volunteering in schools, which led me to start the nonprofit Lilies & Reeds Society in 2012 to support at-risk youth & teen parents. With that came the development of a life skills program that was integrated into the public school system. By 2016, this initiative increased graduation rates by seventy percent at Metro Career Academy and made the program an elective on student transcripts. This success earned me several state awards, recognition in articles and books, and the Mentor of the Year award at the state capital. Today I no longer work with at-risk youth, but instead with single mothers. I have turned the curriculum I built for Lilies & Reeds Society into a program that helps single mothers overcome their obstacles. So many of them remind me of the struggles that my mother endured until the day she died. Currently, I am working on implementing aspects of the program into a transitional housing program that I am building. I am hoping that I can continue to encourage and equip single mothers with the tools they need. In conclusion, I am the first person in my family to graduate with a high school diploma, an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree, and a master's degree. I will be the first person in my family to have a doctorate. This doctorate will help me continue to be a role model in our community for minorities. This scholarship catalyzes meaningful and lasting change in my life and other's lives. The funds will help me have less stress about taking the needed time to work through my doctorate. It will empower me to turn ideas into actions and foster an environment where positive impact can thrive.