Ronald and Betty Thomas Educational Scholarship

My name is Terrance Parker, and I am a senior at Tampa Bay Technical High School. As a young Black male pursuing a future in art, my journey has not always been easy. Growing up, I struggled academically, especially with reading, and often found it difficult to express myself through words. Because of that, I sometimes felt overlooked or unsure of my place. However, even during those challenging times, I knew deep down that I had potential I just had not discovered how to bring it out yet. Before art entered my life, I felt like I was searching for something without knowing exactly what it was. I spent a lot of time in a small working space, surrounded by old technology and blank sheets of paper that went unused. It was not until around eighth grade that things began to change. That was when I was introduced to art in a way that truly connected with me. What started as simple sketches soon turned into something much bigger. In high school, I found my passion through graphic design and traditional artwork. Art became my outlet, my voice, and my escape. Whether I was using pen and pencil or working through digital programs like Adobe, I discovered a way to turn my ideas into something real. Creating custom logos, experimenting with design, and developing my own style allowed me to express thoughts and emotions I could not always put into words. What once felt like a weakness in communication became a strength through creativity. In addition to my passion for art, I have also dedicated time to giving back through community service. I have participated in school-led service projects and volunteered at local events, helping support my community while building leadership and teamwork skills. These experiences have taught me the importance of using my talents and time to make a positive impact on others. Art showed me that it is more than just drawing it is a culture, a community, and a pathway to educational opportunities I never imagined. It connects people with different backgrounds but similar creative minds, working together with unity and purpose. What I once thought was just a hobby has become something much greater: a lifestyle and a career path. My goal is to attend college and continue developing my skills in art and design. I want to build a career where I can not only support myself but also inspire others who may feel lost like I once did. This scholarship would help me take that next step by giving me access to better resources, education, and opportunities to grow as an artist.

Mastering destiny requires establishing identity and drive. No one told me to teach golf to kids for 200+ hours. No one told me to spend a week talking to strangers in Spain or even coming up with a sustainability plan for the Florida Panthers at a UM college program. I just followed what I was curious about, stuck with it, and somewhere along the way, those small decisions started shaping who I am today. All my life my personality has always been centered on sports. I began to focus more on the business side of things, especially because my father used to network there. I visited facilities, made pitches, and asked team leaders direct questions as part of the University of Miami's summer pre-college program. In order to link the Panthers with Zoo Miami, my team came up with a plan to donate a portion of ticket sales to the Panthers conservation. I frequently indulge my curiosity into new environments, I now have the will to tackle new scenarios in work settings, classrooms, and even on the golf course because of that experience. Doing is the best way for me to learn. Teaching kids golf required more than just helping them improve their game; that experience inspired my next goal: to establish a foundation called Par to Success that assists those in need who cannot afford to play golf. Golf has taught me discipline, dedication, and a feeling of community, and I want to make it available to everyone, not just those who can afford lessons. My goal is to teach children the foundations of the game while also demonstrating how golf builds character and life skills. Par to Success is my way of giving back to the sport that has formed me while also making a lasting effect in my community. I’m excited to take my future and entrepreneurial mindset to the next level through FAU’s Sports Administration/Business program. The hands-on approach to learning, especially through opportunities like the Sport Management internship program and FAU’s partnerships with South Florida teams, aligns perfectly with how I planned this out and I truly believe this is the best fit for me. I want to develop skills to turn my intellectual property into real world opportunities, build connections with mentors and students who share my passion for sports and entrepreneurship, and learn how to make a lasting impact in the sports industry. Throughout all of my life and all these moments I've talked about here, have one thing in common. Curiosity, for me, it's a weird feeling. But if I really want to make it somewhere in life it takes dedication and curiosity. Whether I’m helping a child hit a golf ball for the first time, coming up with a new idea, or just chatting to random people I’ve never seen in my life in Spain. Each one of those situations started slow and unfamiliar, but the lessons and memories I’ve lived through those moments, will never be forgotten. I had no idea that my life would be tied together by my curiosity and imagination. However, it has, and I am confident that the same drive to connect, explore, and never stop learning will lead me not only to new opportunities but also to a greater understanding of the people and environment around me as I go forward. It will shape who I am

One adversity I have faced in my life was losing my grandmother. She was my rock and the person who always believed in me. When she passed away, it felt like a part of me left with her. For a long time, I thought I would eventually get over it, but I realized that losing someone you love is not something you just get over. You learn how to live with it. There are still days when I think about her and feel sad, especially when I think about big moments in my life like graduation that she will not be there to see. Even though it still hurts, I use that pain as motivation to keep going and make her proud. Another adversity I have faced is learning how to stop focusing so much on making other people happy and start focusing on myself and my future. I am the type of person who cares a lot about others and always tries to be there for people, but I had to learn that not everyone will do the same for you. That was a hard lesson for me, but it helped me grow and become stronger. I learned that I have to put myself first sometimes and focus on my goals, my education, and the life I want to build. One thing that helped me during difficult times was working in a preschool classroom. Being there made me realize that teaching children is something I truly love to do. When I am in the classroom, I feel happy and at peace, and it made me realize that this is what I want to do in the future. My goal is to major in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and later get my master’s degree in Educational Leadership so I can become a school administrator. I also want to open my own preschool or daycare centers one day so I can create a safe and positive learning environment for children and help them succeed at a young age. This scholarship will help me achieve my goals by helping me pay for college and focus on my education. It will allow me to continue working toward my career in education and gain the experience I need to become a teacher and later a school leader. Receiving this scholarship would mean a lot to me because it would not only help me financially, but it would also remind me that there are people who believe in me and want to see me succeed. The adversity I have faced has made me stronger and more determined to build a better future for myself. I know that my journey has not been easy, but I also know that I have a purpose, and I plan to continue working hard to achieve my goals and make a difference in the lives of others.

Growing up in a struggling household with a single mother who tirelessly provided for me and my three siblings has profoundly shaped my aspirations and values. As a first-generation college student, I understand the weight of my journey, not just for myself but for my siblings, who look up to me as a role model. Receiving this scholarship would significantly alleviate the financial burden of pursuing a degree in English education, allowing me to focus on my studies and dedicate myself fully to my passion for teaching. The path of education for Black students in America has always been fraught with unique challenges. From systemic inequities to subtle biases, the journey is often an uphill climb, marked by the weight of historical oppression and the constant fight for recognition and equitable resources. We navigate educational landscapes that too often fail to reflect our rich histories, our vibrant cultures, or our boundless potential, leading to feelings of isolation and a curriculum that can feel detached from our lived experiences. This adversity, though deeply personal, is also a collective struggle, one that demands unwavering resilience and a profound commitment to self-advocacy. Yet, it is precisely this adversity that ignites within me an unyielding resolve to continue my education and, ultimately, to become an educator myself. As a proud student at Florida A&M University, majoring in English Education, I see my studies not just as a means to a degree, but as a forge for the future. Learning about my history – the triumphs, the struggles, the indomitable spirit of my ancestors – fills me with an indescribable power and purpose. It is a history that has often been marginalized or omitted, leaving generations of Black students searching for their place in the narrative. This is why I must become a teacher. I envision a classroom where every Black student feels seen, valued, and empowered. I want to be the educator who ensures that future generations know their history not as an elective, but as the foundational truth it is. I want to build a space where curiosity about our past is not only encouraged but celebrated, a place where the brilliance of Black authors, thinkers, and innovators is brought to the forefront. More than just a dispenser of knowledge, I aspire to be a confidante, a mentor who understands the unique challenges my students face, a steadfast presence ready to listen, affirm, and help them navigate their own adversities. My education is the foundation, but my heart is the compass, guiding me towards a future where I can light the way for others, transforming struggles into stepping stones. Upon graduating, I am committed to giving back to this chapter as a FAMU Alumni. I plan to participate in local educational initiatives that promote literacy and provide mentorship for aspiring teachers. I believe it is vital to foster a supportive network for future educators, especially for those from underrepresented backgrounds. By sharing my journey and the lessons I've learned, I hope to empower others to pursue their dreams, just as I am doing. In conclusion, this scholarship is not just a financial lifeline; it is an opportunity to fulfill my dream of becoming an English educator and writer, thereby influencing future generations. I want to be able to support my family while setting a positive example for my siblings. Therefore, I’m applying for every and any scholarship I can because I will make my vision of creating a nurturing educational environment a reality, empowering others to pursue their passions and succeed in their journeys.

Turning Adversity into Purpose: My Path to Early Elementary Education Adversity has a way of testing your limits and teaching you what you’re truly capable of. For me, it came in the form of balancing the demands of school, competitive cheerleading, and a difficult home environment shaped by financial hardship and family responsibility. While others my age focused solely on academics or extracurriculars, I was juggling homework with babysitting younger siblings, working part-time to help with household expenses, and staying committed to my team. Every day was a test of perseverance—and every day, I chose not to give up. There were times when it felt overwhelming. I would go from school to practice, then home to cook dinner, help with homework, and finish my own studies late at night. Despite being exhausted, I kept showing up. That commitment taught me more than any textbook ever could. I learned how to manage time, how to work through stress, and how to push through even when the odds weren’t in my favor. Out of those challenges came clarity about my future. I want to become an early elementary educator—not just to teach children how to read, write, and count, but to help shape who they believe they can become. I’ve seen firsthand how much of an impact a stable, supportive presence can make in a child’s life, especially during those early, formative years. I want to be that steady presence—the teacher who sees every child, believes in them, and helps them discover their strengths. My long-term goal is to earn a degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education and become a certified teacher for grades K-3. I plan to work in under-resourced communities, where passionate, patient educators are needed most. I don’t want to just teach—I want to advocate for my students and help create classrooms where every child feels safe, valued, and excited to learn. This scholarship would make a tremendous difference in helping me reach that goal. Financial obstacles have always been a challenge, and receiving this support would reduce the burden of tuition, books, and living expenses. It would allow me to focus more fully on my coursework, field experiences, and student teaching. More than that, it would represent something deeply meaningful: that someone believes in my dream and is willing to invest in my future. I’ve turned adversity into motivation, and I’m committed to using my experiences to create change through education. Becoming a teacher isn’t just a career for me—it’s my calling. I want to shape not just young minds, but young hearts. I want to help children build confidence early, so they grow up knowing they can thrive—no matter what challenges they face. This scholarship would be more than financial support; it would be a step toward a lifelong mission to uplift, educate, and inspire. And I am ready to take that step forward.

Adversity has shaped who I am today, teaching me resilience, compassion, and determination. One of the most defining challenges of my life has been growing up with my autistic brother and witnessing his struggle to communicate. From an early age, I watched him try to express himself, only to be met with frustration when words failed him. I saw the way people misunderstood him, how they assumed his silence meant he had nothing to say, when in reality, he had a world of thoughts trapped inside. As his sibling, I wanted to help, but I often felt powerless. I tried everything—using picture cards, practicing words with him, even learning to read his body language so I could understand what he needed. But it wasn’t until he started working with speech therapists that I truly saw a change. Their patience and dedication gave him the ability to communicate, not just with words but with confidence. Watching him grow into someone who could finally express his thoughts and emotions was life-changing, not just for him, but for me. It was in those moments that I realized my purpose—I wanted to help others find their voices the way those therapists had helped my brother. With this goal in mind, I dedicated myself to helping others in any way I could. I began volunteering at my church, assisting young children with reading, and understanding how powerful language and expression could be in shaping a person’s confidence. I also participated in community service projects, providing food and school supplies to families in need. Each experience reinforced my desire to pursue a career in speech therapy. I wanted to be the person who gives children the tools they need to communicate, to help them express their needs, share their stories, and feel heard. My ultimate goal is to become a speech-language pathologist, specializing in working with children who struggle with communication disorders. I plan to earn my degree in speech-language pathology, gain hands-on experience, and eventually work in a clinical or educational setting where I can make a direct impact on children’s lives. I know that with the right guidance and support, any child—no matter how difficult their struggle—can learn to communicate and connect with the world around them. However, pursuing this career requires years of education and training, which come with significant financial challenges. My family has always worked hard to provide for me, but the cost of tuition, books, and clinical training is a heavy burden. This scholarship would ease that financial strain, allowing me to focus on my studies without the constant worry of how to afford my education. It would provide me with the opportunity to take on internships, gain valuable real-world experience, and fully dedicate myself to becoming the best speech therapist I can be. More than just financial assistance, this scholarship represents something deeper—it is a vote of confidence in my ability to make a difference. It is an investment in my dream of helping children who, like my brother, just need someone to believe in them and give them the right tools to succeed. I have faced challenges, but I have never let them define me. Instead, they have fueled my passion to help others overcome their own struggles. With this scholarship, I will take the next step in my journey, using my experiences and determination to ensure that every child I work with feels heard, understood, and valued.

When I was a child I had a very tough home life my father was a drug addict and drug dealer and my mother was always working to save up money to move me and my brother out of a household full of negativity, domestic violence, and drugs. I would go to school smelling like weed tired every morning from hearing yelling and arguing all night. I had undiagnosed ADHD and dyslexia so I was already struggling I was getting bullied and I failed a grade so I was the oldest in my class. most teachers just thought I was a bad kid and were annoyed with me every time I spoke. When I was just a kid looking for an escape I loved school. I will never forget my second-grade teacher Miss Robinson. She was the first teacher to talk to me and to sit me down to really get to know me and what I was struggling with at school and home. She would take the time to go over material when I was behind. when I missed school because I was taking care of my brother. She was truly an amazing teacher she was very patient with me even when I acted out in her class and showed me I could do more with education and that I could truly do what I wanted to do when I put effort. now have taken the advice guidance and wisdom she has given me and continued to do well in school and I want to do the same for children. One of my future goals is to become a teacher. I want to show other children what Miss Robinson showed me that you always have people looking out for you and you do have people who see your potential. I firmly believe that teachers should get paid just as much as doctors. we want people to teach our children not only academically but emotionally. I do hope I can inspire a child and not only teach them but make them belive that they are capable of doing anything they put their minds to. She is not the only teacher who has shown me grace throughout my school career Ms. Magui my French teacher, Mr Browne my old English teacher, and my third-grade math teacher Miss Minone. they were all amazing teachers who have helped me develop this goal that I can't wait to accomplish

A life full of challenges can really set you back, especially if they are major ones. Having to live with a single-parent, living in shelter after shelter due to lack of money, then having to get taken away from that only parent, and becoming adopted are my major set backs Growing up in a poverty stricken area in Miami, FL there were very little to no opportunities to grow and strive and having only one parent (who had three kids) trying to make a living and take care of us, the best she could, at the same time was a total fail. So we ended up staying with multiple different people until we were forced out then ended up living in shelter after shelter. So then my mom decided that it was time for us to move. So we ended up going to Gainesville but we still don’t have any money or nowhere to go we were staying with my grandma in her one bedroom one bathroom apartment, where we weren’t supposed to live in the first place so we had to leave. We then ended up staying in Saint Francis House for about six months until my mom was accepted for housing in Alachua Florida, and that’s when we started living our “life”.   One day, within a couple of months into living in our home. The police started knocking on our door, and with the police there were DCF (Department of children and family). Remembering as if happened last week, they asked my mom to step outside to talk. Me and my Brother were baffled sitting on the sofa in the living room, while my little sister was laying in the bedroom, my brother told me that he thought he heard them say that they were going to take us away. One of the DCF counselors came inside and told us to put on and pack some clothes and to get in the van. After hearing this, everyone was screaming and hollering not wanting  to leave. I even tried to convince them to not take us but we ended up getting into the van. And in the van I was wondering what is going on? what is happening? And as the oldest, I thought I was supposed to do something about what was going on, but I couldn’t do anything because I was too young and having see my siblings and my mom cry the way they were crying , I was stuck. so we ended up going to DCF and we’re sitting in there taking fingerprints while the counselors were calling relatives asking if we could stay with them until they got things sorted out. And this is when two of the most important people in my life decided to take us. My uncle and aunt. I really am thankful for my Uncle and Aunt, they were already struggling with one kid of their own and then take three more when no one else wanted to take us in. Even though my sister had to leave ,a couple of years after all of the trials we had to go through, my uncle and aunt became my mom and dad. And since then, I have been able to do the things needed or wanted to, and accomplish major goals without worrying about any problems. For example; i’m ending with my senior year and I’m getting ready to go to college. So any life challenges or setbacks that are happening now, can and will change in the future for something even better. So Don’t let them stop you.

I have overcome so much adversity in my life including the death of my grandfather and having to move constantly from place to place. Ever since I was little, my family and I have been moving from house to house due to financial issues. My mom was a single mom for many years of my life, and she had to support us on her own, which was hard. Even with school, I have had to move from school to school due to my dad coming back into the picture fully and getting partial custody of me and my sister in later years. It has been hard to adjust to one house or school, to have to turn around and move again. The death of my grandfather at an early age drastically changed my life and weighed heavy on me for years. The grief was so intense and unbearable. I had lost family members before, but this was the absolute worst thing that happened to me. We were extremely close and suddenly he was not there anymore. I feel into a great depression after he died, and I went to a dark place. It took me so long to overcome that pain and sorrow I felt, and to accept the fact that he was gone. It was the hardest thing I had to get through, losing him but I recovered and became a better person because of my endurance. My future goals include becoming an elementary school teacher, preferably kindergarten through 4th grade. I plan to go to school for a BS in primary education and as I get at job at a school, I eventually want to go back for my master's degree. In college my goal is to work throughout college and start to save money to get my own apartment before graduating. I want to be well established in my career as a teacher before going back to school for higher education. As a teacher, I want to also be involved in other extracurricular activities such as tutoring to provide extra help for those who need it. Another one of my future goals is to be married and have children of my own after college and after establishing a career in education. This scholarship will help me achieve those goals because it will help me pay for college for my future. It will help me be the best teacher I can be and get the best education that I need to be the educator that I strive to be. With this scholarship it can help me not to stress or worry about the costs of college but focus on what is most important: my life and the future I can have by studying hard and doing the best I can for the career that I want in life.

When I was handed my course schedule in 6th grade, I was devastated to see that I was required to take intensive reading. I cried because I thought everyone would think I was dumb. I tried to hide this class from my friends. I felt even worse when I saw it on my 7th and 8th grade schedules too. Kids can be mean and there were a few who made me believe I was stupid. When I entered high school, I realized that reading is the key to discovery, and I had to work hard to improve. I set a goal for myself to improve enough to test out of that class. I read many books and discovered that I enjoyed reading mysteries and therefore, I dove into that genre. I achieved my goal and tested out of the intensive reading class, but I never forgot how others made me feel during those three years. During my sophomore year in high school, I began tutoring elementary school aged students in reading. My purpose was to help support their teachers by providing extra support outside of the classroom. I started with two students. We would meet once or twice a week and work on reading comprehension, vocabulary, retelling stories, fluency, and phonics. The students were not happy about working with me until I told them about my own struggles with reading. By sharing my story, I gained the student’s trust. Over the past three years I have tutored a dozen students and each one has made improvements. I do not take all the credit as they all had phenomenal teachers, but I do acknowledge that I contributed to their success. My reading challenges helped me become the person I am today. Setting goals and achieving them gave me confidence and compassion for others who struggle with all aspects of life. I went from shy and withdrawn to extremely active and involved. I am currently a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, Go Green Club, Best Buddies Club and am a member of the yearbook staff. I am a varsity sideline cheerleader and on the varsity co-ed competition cheerleading team. During my high school career, I have also been a member of the Students for Students club and cheer captain. My cheer team has awarded me the “Most Encouraging” award for the past three years. I earned an Adobe Certified Professional – Visual Design using Adobe Photoshop certificate during my sophomore year. I am passionate about giving back to my community and have earned over a thousand hours of documented community service. I am currently a volunteer cheerleading coach at Western Pines Middle School, a volunteer teacher’s assistant at Frontier Elementary School and I volunteer in the childcare center at Christ Fellowship in Palm Beach Gardens. My short-term goals are to finish out my senior year with straight A’s, graduate, gain admissions to college, earn a spot on a college co-ed cheer team, and earn scholarships to help with cost of college. My long-term goals are to earn a bachelor’s degree and become a special education teacher. The Ronald and Betty Thomas Educational Scholarship will help with the cost of tuition to attend a university with an excellent education program.