Here is recommendation from my student council teacher. Dear Scholarship Donor, It is my great pleasure to write a reference for Te’yana Brown. As an educator, I am happy to provide this recommendation for such a deserving student. I have had the pleasure of working with Te’yana in Student Leadership for the past year. In the year that I have known Te’yana, she has been more than the ideal student maintaining a strong GPA and setting the example for her peers. Te’yana has impressed her teachers and peers with strong character and leadership skills. I believe that she would be a great selection for this scholarship because she possesses the qualities of a strong leader. She takes initiative and happily takes on responsibilities of Student Leadership. I personally feel that the scholarship should go to someone who possesses strong leadership qualities and a genuine concern for their community. Te’yana fits these guidelines perfectly. Last year, she acted as a student representative for our Red Cross Blood Drive. She was the first to arrive and last to leave. It is because of her genuine concern for the cause and community that she puts so much of herself into these types of events. I believe that the best leaders are those who know how to serve others. Strong leaders are able to assess the needs of others and efficiently utilize their resources to achieve the community goal. With her sharp and dutiful demeanor Te’yana achieves this goal of a leader and earns the respect of her teachers and peers alike. I can wholeheartedly recommend Te’yana for this scholarship. Her demonstrated leadership and vision have made a positive impact on our school community and I have no doubt that if allowed the opportunities she will continue to make a positive impact in her chosen pursuits. Her work, as I am sure you will agree, demonstrating an impressive depth for a young student. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions at: emilymendez@ofy.org Regards, - Emily Mendez I hope that gave you a little insight about me, I am not the type to glorify my community service or public service pursuits. Instead I let my actions speak for my words. I am someone who is passionate about community service. Whether it's in school mentoring students, assisting phlebotomist in the Red Cross or cleaning up our local beaches. I believe community service is a MUST. My whole life, I've survived off the service of others. Whether it was living in shelters, or standing in food bank lines. It feels good to be the giver, for a change. I also believe there is nothing like the feeling of helping others. Last week, I was packaging food boxes at my local food pantry. There was one family I remember, because there two kids looked sad, and clearly hungry. By the end of their visit the kids were smiling ear to ear. We gave them juice boxes and snacks to munch on. And I had shown them where our toy donations were. This resonated with me, because I remember being the same way when I was younger. I'm just glad there are amazing public service workers and volunteers willing to go above and beyond to help those in need. I hope to give back and be one of them. I hope to eventually start my own non-profit in the near future for homeless youth. My goal after college is to create an architectural firm that specializes in building low-income and affordable housing for families in need. Thank you for your time and consideration.

My mom has always advocated for education. As I was growing up she always told me, that "knowledge is power." I never really understood it; all I knew was that she continued pressuring me to memorize spelling words and multiplication tables. Despite the troubled environment I was in, I made sure to always maintain straight A’s or a 4.0 GPA, because I was beginning to realize what she meant, that having a sound head on your shoulders will get you far in life. My mom is my hero because without her to push me, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I wouldn’t be an academic mentor to my peers around me. I wouldn’t have leadership roles in the newsletter or student council within my school, and have great friends to support me. She has been shaped to be brave and bold despite societal norms, or being a minority. In my freshman year, my teacher saw that I had a passion for math, and suggested I take a robotics and engineering course. Although when I walked into the classroom, I felt out of place. I was the only girl, as well as the only black girl. I was starting to feel discouraged. Although, when I told my mom, she just said “Don’t let that stop you.” She encouraged me and made me realize, to not let anything stop me. Because I can be unstoppable when I want to be. After that, I received an A Honors within the course. Then next semester, I took a college computer science, and business course. She taught me despite growing up homeless, despite being a minority, that I am unstoppable. She is my hero because despite all that she's been through she continues to be an inspiration and unstoppable force. At 52 years old, she is going back to school to get her CNA’s license. I see her wake up at dawn to leave for clinicals, and then come back from work late in the evenings. She then, after a 8 hour shift, starts to study. Seeing her never ending grit and determination has inspired me to be the best that I could be. My mother is a trooper, and despite her health problems, needing multiple blood transfusions in the past, she continues to overcome all adversity she’s faced. She has inspired me to be like her, a compassionate, community leader, who continues to help those in need. Although she comes from a family of immigrants, and grew up on little, she continues to give back full heartedly, and inspires me to do the same.

Superfoods are well…SUPER! I love superfoods because superfoods' high vitamin and mineral content can protect your body from illness and keep you healthy. These foods, when included in a healthy diet, can help with weight loss, heart health, energy levels, and even slow the effects of aging. Healthy fats can lower your risk of heart disease, while the antioxidants contained in many superfoods may help prevent cancer. In addition to being included in many superfoods, fiber can aid in the prevention of diabetes and digestive issues, while phytochemicals provide a number of health advantages, including lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, superfoods have been shown to lower cholesterol, regulate metabolism, and reduce inflammation in addition to shielding your organs from pollutants. My favorite superfood is sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, iron, magnesium and potassium. All of these nutrients can help prevent heart attacks, keep you looking younger, promote immune system health, improve vision and maintain healthy teeth, bones and skin. Since sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, they don’t require the extra butter, cream or salt that is typically added to potatoes to make them taste better. I like my sweet potatoes in everything. For me, someone who struggles to gain weight, sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, gluten-free, and are a healthy source of calories and carbs. I love making sweet potato soup, sweet potato spread and so much more. I believe superfoods can keep our bodies super, so don't hesitate to try a superfood today.

No matter how typical it sounds, my passion for STEM first emerged when I was introduced to video games. I’ve always had an interest in creating, drawing landscapes and building, but seeing it on screen was something new entirely. For most kids this wouldn’t be a big deal, but in the perspective of a homeless kid from Oakland, this was the equivalent of winning a Rolls Royce. I was completely enthralled by the ability to create towns, and cities at will. This gave me the ability to completely unleash my limitless imagination. Never have I felt so free, so in control then playing video games. This might sound strange to some, but from someone who has felt so powerless in the past this was a game changer. This hobby became something more. I started teaching myself free computer aided design platforms, such as Autodesk, Tinkercad, Unity, and Unreal Engine. I wanted to make these ideas, landscapes, and buildings in a different light, I wanted to make them my own. This passion gave me a sense of power, because although I could not change how my family was financially, I could change the worlds I created. Making landscapes gave me attention to detail, it pushed me to think critically and become more organized. It also helped me with my academics. It encouraged me to learn about coding, and equations. It ultimately led me to receive a 4.0 academic honors, and honors in my UC computer science and robotics course. This passion pushed me to focus on what I did have, not what I didn’t have. It opened up my range of possibilities, and gave me a sense of confidence. As you can guess, my school loaned computer couldn’t handle all that I had in store for it to do, but when faced with a challenge, I found a solution. My love for creating new things has now become the area I want to pursue in life. It has encouraged me to pursue a degree in Architectural Engineering and Landscape design. My goal is to create an architectural firm that specializes in building low-income and affordable housing for families in need. I hope to minimize the amount of children who have to live in the same conditions I have to, and I hope to lessen the burden of families in tough times. I know this journey will not be easy, I don’t expect it to. As black female pursuing in the field of engineering, I understand the stereotypes, the microaggressions, and stigmas made. With only 3% of national STEM jobs held by black women, the isolation of being one of the few people who look like you is discouraging. Although with all the trials that I’ve been through I don’t intend to back down. I’ve had people multiple times before, disvalidate my intellect, academic awards, my experiences, for no other reasons except their own implicit biases, and sadly people give in to these narratives. Despite the challenges, I have chosen to be the author of my own story, and not give into others narratives. Lastly, I would like to say to all the girls out there pursuing a degree in STEM, no matter how many times they disvalidate you, or make assumptions about you, or discourage you. Your resilience will be rewarded. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Is it corny to say that dreaming is my passion? When I was growing up we didn't have much. My mother and I were living out of homeless shelters in Oakland and San Francisco. But the one thing I always had was a pencil, paper, and my limitless imagination. I used to draw, where I wanted to go, where I wanted us to be. Places I thought I would never be able to see. Needless to say drawing was my outlet. It was a place where I could be free. Somewhere, where I didn’t have to worry about the sound of bullets blaring in the night, or what I’d get to eat. This outlet became something more, not just something I could release my frustrations upon. It became a place of home, a place of peace, it formed into my Passion. I wanted this to be something more. So I started teaching myself free computer aided design platforms, such as Autodesk, Tinkercad, Unity, and Unreal Engine. I wanted to make these drawings, people, and landscapes come to life. This passion gave me a sense of power, because although I could not change how my family was financially, I could change the worlds I created. I could change almost anything and everything. Where the landscapes were, if it was rainy or sunny, how the people looked, what they wore. These activities pushed me to be the best version of myself. Making landscapes gave me attention to detail, it pushed me to think critically and become more organized. It also helped me with my academics. It encouraged me to learn about coding, and equations. It ultimately led me to receive a 4.0 academic honors, and honors in my UC computer science and robotics course. This passion pushed me to focus on what I did have, not what I didn’t have. It opened up my range of possibilities, and gave me a sense of confidence. As you can guess, my school loaned computer couldn’t handle all that I had in store for it to do, but when faced with a challenge, I found a solution. My love for creating new things has now become the area I want to pursue in life. It has encouraged me to pursue a degree in Architectural Engineering and Landscape design. My goal is to create an architectural firm that specializes in building low-income and affordable housing for families in need. I hope to minimize the amount of children who have to live in the same conditions I have to, and I hope to lessen the burden of families in tough times. I hope to strive for success in my field, because the amount of people who look like me is few. I hope to be the bridge that inspires more black teens to join STEM, or the design field. I wish to become the pillar that thrust my family out of poverty, and homelessness. I would like to prove that you can still be successful and do what you love. Lastly, I have a message for anyone who says they can’t do it, pursue your PASSION. For the teenagers struggling with homelessness and financial burdens, pursue your PASSION. And for those who just have something you love, but are scared to do it, just pursue your PASSION. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Someone once told me that, if I could have a name that distinguished me and all that I’ve been through it would be “Triumph”. For me, despite growing up homeless, witnessing domestic violence in my household, and being a third-generation immigrant, I have NEVER become a statistic despite the circumstance. The challenges I’ve overcome and the amount of discipline I’ve accumulated over the years, I know will stay with me for a lifetime. Being I, Te’yana Brown, am more than just a child of bad circumstances. Because no matter how disadvantaged, I may have been as a child, I did excel in one trait above my peers, and that trait was “grit”. Because I had such a trait I began to blossom against all odds. Did we have internet in my house? No. But did that stop me from creating and completing my very first computer presentation? No it didn’t. Neither did I have a quiet and safe space to come home to. But did that stop me from striving for a 4.0 and academic honors. Heck no, it didn’t. Today and everyday I push to strive for academic excellence, I push to become more involved with my fellow peers, whether it’s on the Debate team, mentoring others in Newsletter, or planning events through student council. Because for me community involvement and service is not a have, it is a MUST. As a young Black girl pursuing to study architectural engineering, and landscape design. I hope to receive a bachelor's degree by the end of my study. My goal is to create an architectural firm that specializes in building low-income and affordable housing for families in need. I hope to minimize the amount of children who have to live in the same conditions I have to, and I hope to lessen the burden of families with no place to call home. I hope to strive for success in my field, because the amount of people who look like me is few. I hope to be the bridge that inspires more Black girls to join the field of STEM and public service. I wish to become the pillar that thrust my family out of poverty, and homelessness. I want to become an example to everyone around me, that no matter where you come from, you can still achieve your dreams. I am willing to drive and push myself beyond all obstacles and limitations. Because grit is what I do, and triumph is my name.

A Healthy Lifestyle Matters. Although I wish I had started making healthier diet and lifestyle choices earlier, I am aware of this now. As a senior in high school, I am now 17 years old. I started experiencing tremendous agony when I tried to consume food last January. I gradually stopped feeling hungry at all. I couldn't digest solids anymore. In April I was given the diagnosis of eosinophilic gastroenteritis, and it was found that the bottom right portion of my stomach contained significant levels of white blood cells. I was gradually wasting away my usual 220 pound self, and was losing weight rapidly. In a period of 8 months, I had gone from 220 pounds, to 140. I had lost 80 pounds without even trying. Things had to change, and although the doctors could prescribe all the medicine in the world my lifestyle had to change as well. So I began taking small steps, the first goal was becoming more active and to exercise more. I began joining every school club and event imaginable. Student Council, Newsletter, The VIP Volunteers, and Debate. I could not give in to this affliction and I had to become more active as I was becoming weaker by the day. For my second goal, I had to maintain my weight. So I decided to get a job to help my mom pay for the cost of Ensure, the nutritional drink I had to consume in order to stay healthy. I had to drink 5 a day in order to get the minimum of 1200 calories a day. She was spending an average of $50 a week. And over $200 dollars a month on me alone. I decided to help out, It was the least I could do. So I began helping out around my community and I got an Internship at Goodwill. And lastly, I had to change my mindset. This was simply a season of hardship I had to face, but it was also a wake up call. To treat my body well, to eat better and to exercise more. I began to inspire those around me to do the same. My sister started eating plant-based foods, and my mom started exercising more with me and began eating more fruits and vegetables. In July, I redid my endoscopy. And all the Eosinophils were gone from my stomach! Although my main problem is gone, I am still not out of the woods yet. I am still unable to digest solid foods without pain. Although this journey has been hard, a healthy lifestyle both mentally and physically can help you through the hardest of times.

After experiencing homelessness intermittently over the years and finally escaping a terrible domestic violence environment in Fresno, my family recently was blessed to be taken in by some relatives. However, I spent a lot of my early years in homeless shelters in Oakland and San Francisco. My mom has always advocated for education. As I was growing up she always told me, that "knowledge is power." I never really understood it; all I knew was that she continued pressuring me to memorize spelling words and multiplication tables. Despite the troubled environment I was in, I made sure to always maintain straight A’s or a 4.0 GPA, because I was beginning to realize what she meant, that having a sound head on your shoulders will get you far in life. My mom is my hero because without her to push me, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I wouldn’t be an academic mentor to my peers around me. I wouldn’t have leadership roles in the newsletter or student council within my school, and have great friends to support me. She has been shaped to be brave and bold despite societal norms, or being a minority. In my freshman year, my teacher saw that I had a passion for math, and suggested I take a robotics and engineering course. Although when I walked into the classroom, I felt out of place. I was the only girl, as well as the only black girl. I was starting to feel discouraged. Although, when I told my mom, she just said “Don’t let that stop you.” She encouraged me and made me realize, to not let anything stop me. Because I can be unstoppable when I want to be. After that, I received an A Honors within the course. Then next semester, I took a college computer science, and business course. She taught me despite growing up homeless, despite being a minority, that I am unstoppable.

Less than two years ago, the world lost one of the most passionate scientific minds of women of color in the world. Her name was Dr. Patricia Bath. Bath’s ambitions made her known as the woman who could break barriers and move mountains. The young intern from Harlem was quick to observe that half of her patients were blind or visually impaired, and that number was doubled among blacks. After this, she forged a path to create change, but this was not met without resistance; in 1974, Bath joined UCLA and became the first woman faculty in the department. She was offered an office "in the basement next to the lab animals." Even with UCLA’s policies, she faced neverending racism and sexism. Despite her discrimination, Bath became a laser scientist and inventor, creating the "Laserphaco"; her invention recovered the sight of people who had been blind for over 30 years.