Mo Lottie Simons BELIEVE scholarship

Community service and education are important to me because I know that many families cannot afford the education that we are required by law to have, let alone the resources needed to help us while we are in school or even consider furthering our education. Community service is something that can be used to show that not only one person but an entire community cares enough about your environment and education. Having a community that cares about those things will help more students not be afraid and not feel like outcasts for wanting to go to college and do something outside of their community. I remember how I felt when I moved from one state to another; we still didn't have the proper resources, which made me even more afraid and made me feel like an outcast for wanting to do something and having big dreams to make a difference at such a young age. I wasn't necessarily living in the best environment physically, financially, and emotionally, and if I had lived in a community that wasn't so closed-minded, I wouldn't have felt embarrassed and scared about wanting to major in criminal justice. I knew my family was trying their best, and they still are, but it's hard financially and emotionally in rural communities. I believe that community service in my city will benefit students more by providing them with a space where they can be themselves without being judged or fearful for their lives, rather than being on the streets because that's all they knew, and by allowing them to make the best decision and future for themselves. Having community service can also help families see a future outside of poverty and outside of the mindset that selling drugs, fast money and they are only good for the military. Many kids like myself that lived in rural and urban areas don't see many positive things and aren't used to them things because of how small the area is and many do not think of the areas that are not on the map. You do not get that many opportunities versus if you were in a big city and had a better income which doesn't help many kids like myself. You don't have the one-on-one tutoring sections, we didn't have that many computers, not enough desks for students, not enough teachers, not enough events outside of sports and the proper counseling needed for parents and kids. Those are just a few of the things I believe are why community service and education are so important to me and how they can positively affect me and my community.

2017 was a rough year for South Carolinians. Rain, flooding, downed power lines, damaged homes, and complete devastation was the product of a natural disaster birthed directly from Mother Nature herself: a hurricane. Hurricane Irma came into our homes and destroyed what we all worked so hard to rebuild from Hurricane Matthew’s tirade that occurred only a year prior. Natural disaster? Nothing seemed to be quite natural about the turmoil that ensued, and disaster was only an understatement. The untimeliness of Hurricane Irma was a direct blow, but the outreach of our communities, programs, and initiatives spoke louder than any noise Irma made. When I saw how much my community was hurting, I knew that I had to try and assist in any way I could. So with the help of members from the local non-profit organization I’m a part of, Optimism Preventive Services, we came together and gave food to National Guard soldiers and citizens who were displaced from their homes. Giving back in this way helped my personal development and growth throughout this trying time. I was able to help others and make a difference, and find strength in service. Since 2017, I've been inspired to give back to the community in various ways. From canned food and animal shelter drives to anti-bullying forums and gun violence awareness marches, I have dedicated my time to giving selfless service. As I matriculate into college life, I'm hoping to continue to make an impact in neighborhoods around the world. One small act of service can make a huge difference in someone's life. As a first-generation college student, I have always known the importance of education. To afford college, and take the financial strain off of my parents, I've been staying ahead of my classes throughout my high school career to ensure that I'm able to attend any college I want. As a biology major on a pre-medical track, I will be exposed to rigorous coursework that will prepare me for dental school and beyond. Investing in my education now is an investment in my future as a healthcare provider for citizens who have been neglected because of their race, financial status, or location. My education will enable me to go farther in life than my parents, who never had the chance to go to college. To maximize my potential as a leader, philanthropist, and student, I will continue to prioritize and focus on my school work, so that all of the aspirations I have for myself come to fruition.