For as long as I can remember, my parents have instilled in me the values of hard work and resilience. As the children of immigrants, they grew up without luxuries and had to teach themselves how to succeed, eventually passing those lessons down to me. Because of them, I approach my future career goals with a fervor to succeed. My journey into STEM has been shaped by three pivotal moments of sacrifice, growth, and enlightenment that mirror the very resilience my parents instilled in me. The first pivotal moment occurred when I became an IT Technical Assistant. Walking into a professional tech environment, I was exhilaratingly aware of being the youngest person and the only person of color in the room. Instead of letting that isolation discourage me, I treated it as a call to action. Reflecting on how my parents had to teach themselves to survive, I sacrificed my free time outside of school to study for my CompTIA A+ certification. Balancing technical troubleshooting with my high school and dual-enrollment responsibilities taught me that driving your own education is the only way to overcome a lack of early support. My second defining moment came during an advanced marine science project, where I designed a 3D piranha plant model with a functional corkscrew base. Halfway through engineering the wire and clay structure, it collapsed under its own weight. At that moment of frustration, I experienced a sudden enlightenment. Just as my parents taught me that failures are simply lessons that lead to better decisions, I had to think like an engineer—assessing stress points, re-evaluating the physics, and rebuilding it stronger. This taught me that STEM is about having the courage to iterate and push through setbacks. The third pivotal moment happened on the track. As a varsity cross country and track athlete, I have spent years pushing my physical limits. During a grueling race last season, when my body wanted to quit, I realized that the stamina needed for endurance running mirrors the mental conditioning required for a career in technology and finance. Success is a long-distance race. The discipline to manage my energy and push past exhaustion is the exact same drive I bring to my academic goals as I finish my high school diploma and Associate of Arts degree simultaneously this senior year. My ultimate goal is to make enough of an impact to truly turn someone’s life around. My parents taught me that the true power of a match isn't its faint light, but the potential to start a blaze. This scholarship will provide the momentum needed as I transition into the University of Florida’s online finance program. I have the ambition and the work ethic to ensure I never squander my opportunities, and I will use my success to spark a blaze for the next generation of young Black men in STEM.

Few people can have as meaningful an impact on the trajectory of one's life as a mother. My mother was an elementary school teacher during my formative years, and seeing her come home tired yet inspired—and listening to the unique challenges she selflessly overcame—sparked something deep inside me. She gave me a profound appreciation for educators who pour into the next generation. That inspiration drove me to seize every opportunity to volunteer in the classroom, accumulating over 260 hours of community service working with my wonderful former teacher, Mrs. Erhardt. Patiently breaking down difficult lessons for struggling students taught me that the core of education isn't a job title; it is the willingness to give your time, empathy, and heart to individuals who need reassurance. While my profound respect for learning was born in the classroom, my personal career goals have evolved toward the world of business and finance. Currently, I am heading into my senior year of high school on track to graduate with my Associate of Arts degree, while simultaneously completing the prerequisites necessary to transfer into the University of Florida's online business program. My plan is to secure a stable, prosperous career in banking. However, choosing a corporate path does not mean abandoning my dedication to education. Instead, I plan to be an educator who operates outside the traditional school system, using my professional platform to make a positive impact on the world. To me, being an educator by action—rather than by profession—means committing to financial literacy, mentorship, and community empowerment. In the corporate finance world, I want to use my knowledge to demystify complex financial systems for underprivileged individuals and families who were never taught how to build wealth. True economic mobility requires education, and I plan to facilitate workshops, provide free financial counseling, and mentor young people on budgeting, saving, and investing. By teaching these practical life skills, I can help people build sustainable futures and break cycles of financial insecurity. Beyond individual mentorship, my ultimate goal is to earn enough resources to create structured, lasting philanthropic support for my community. My parents taught me that the true power of a match isn't the faint light it provides, but its potential to start a blaze. Success means nothing to me if I cannot share it, and I want to use my financial achievements to fund educational scholarships and resources for students who lack opportunity. Whilst this career path may differ from the traditional classroom setting my mother modeled, it allows me to combine my financial ambitions with my educator’s heart. I know that the child in me, who always wanted nothing more than to take care of Mom, Dad, and my little sister, would be proud of this vision. By acting as a financial mentor and a community advocate, I will ensure that my corporate career serves as a vehicle to inspire, teach, and start a meaningful blaze in the lives of others.

Few people can have as meaningful an impact on the trajectory of one's life as a mother. My mother was an elementary school teacher during my formative years, and seeing her come home tired yet inspired—and listening to the unique challenges she selflessly overcame—sparked something deep inside me. To care for strangers' children and be so deeply invested in pouring into their lives day after day, even though they are not your own, requires a level of selflessness I hope to achieve one day. She gave me a profound appreciation for educators who leave their own homes only to return to the classroom to lift up the next generation. That is why, time and time again, I seize every opportunity to volunteer with the teachers who have left a lasting impression on my life. Through these dedicated efforts, I have accumulated over 260 hours of community service, working almost exclusively with my wonderful, inspirational former teacher, Mrs. Erhardt. Spending time volunteering with her young students has meant the world to me. Seeing children before society has taught them to fear individualism or conform to rigid expectations has taught me about the intrinsic, silly, and shining curiosity that exists in each and every one of us. I vividly remember a specific moment when a young student was completely overwhelmed during a difficult reading lesson. Frustrated by his struggle to decode the words on the page and on the verge of tears, he shut his book hard and checked out from the classroom activity entirely. Recognizing his distress, I walked over and sat down next to him at his small desk. Instead of forcing him back into the assignment right away, I patiently listened to his frustrations and validated his feelings. I then broke the reading passage down into small, manageable puzzles, turning a stressful task into a collaborative game. Slowly, his tears turned into a bright smile, and his confidence returned as he began reading aloud proudly. Actively stepping in to support a child in a moment of vulnerability showed me exactly what it means to put someone else's emotional needs above your own comfort. Volunteering with Mrs. Erhardt allowed me to far exceed my volunteer service requirements. More than just fulfilling a routine graduation milestone, however, the experience brought out a level of compassion, empathy, and patience within myself that I didn't fully realize I possessed. True selflessness isn't found in a grand public gesture; it is found in the quiet, consistent choices we make to give our energy, time, and hearts to individuals who need reassurance. By dedicating my time to lifting up the next generation of students in my community, I strive to embody the exact same selfless legacy my mother modeled for me throughout my childhood. My goal is to make enough money to make a difference. Not just in my life, not just enough to live comfortably but enough to give back to those who helped me get so far, to take care of and provide for my family in return for all that they've given me. Hopefully, to one day be able to give back to the less fortunate not a dollar to a homeless person but enough to truly turn someone's life around because my parents taught me that the true power of a match isn't the faint light that it provides but the potential to start a blaze. Success wouldn't mean nothing to me if I can't share it, one day I'd like to inspire others like my parents inspired me, I'd like to start my own blaze.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” I took Mahatma Gandhi's quote to heart when I was young. Back then, I wanted to be an animator at Disney. I watched the soul fade from animated movies and wanted to be the one to revive them, but as I got older, my priorities changed. While making art was important to me, I realized that there is more to a career than passion alone. I want to earn enough to make a tangible, generational difference in my family and my community. My ultimate goal is to provide for my parents and my sister the way they have selflessly provided for me, and I require a career in corporate finance and banking to serve as the means to do so. My immediate milestone to reach this goal involves executing a strict, accelerated academic timeline. Currently, I have completed the majority of my requirements for my associate degree. Entering my senior year of high school, I am on track to graduate with my Associate of Arts degree. Furthermore, I am on track to complete all seven of the business prerequisites required to be admitted into the University of Florida's online business program as a transfer student. Achieving this goal requires a thorough consideration of all paths and resources. By choosing the UF Online pathway, I can strategically mitigate traditional university expenses. To fund the completion of my bachelor’s degree, my resource map relies on securing the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, utilizing local community scholarships, and continuing my part-time employment as an IT Technical Assistant to cover remaining costs out-of-pocket. My financial budget for this two-year degree plan is highly optimized. Because I will be pursuing my degree online, I will eliminate university housing and meal plan fees, allowing me to live at home or relocate affordably. I budget approximately $13,000 total for tuition and fees based on UF Online's cost per credit hour for the remaining 60 credits of my bachelor's degree. I have allocated an additional $2,400 for textbooks, financial modeling software certifications, and technology upgrades over the two years. I have carefully considered all angles of this path, including potential risks. If admission cycles vary, my secondary path for success includes completing my finance degree through a localized state college program while building my resume. To ensure immediate corporate placement upon graduation, I will leverage resources like the UF Career Connections Center and seek out summer internships at commercial banks during my junior and senior years. Additionally, I am currently studying for professional certifications, including the CompTIA A+, to maximize my earning potential and technical capability while in school. Whilst this change of career path may not lead me to the same creative goals the child in me desired, I know that the little kid wants nothing more than to take care of Mom, Dad, and his little sister. By combining structural budgeting, realistic resource allocation, and an unrelenting work ethic, I will turn these career plans into a reality.

Few people can have as meaningful an impact on the trajectory of one's life as a mother. My mother was an elementary school teacher during my formative years, and seeing her come home tired yet inspired—and listening to the unique challenges she selflessly overcame—sparked something deep inside me. To care for strangers' children and be so deeply invested in pouring into their lives day after day, even though they are not your own, requires a level of selflessness I hope to achieve one day. She gave me a profound appreciation for educators who leave their own homes only to return to the classroom to lift up the next generation. That is why, time and time again, I seize every opportunity to volunteer with the teachers who have left a lasting impression on my life. Through these dedicated efforts, I have accumulated over 260 hours of community service, working almost exclusively with my wonderful, inspirational former teacher, Mrs. Erhardt. Spending time volunteering with her young students has meant the world to me. Seeing children before society has taught them to fear individualism or conform to rigid expectations has taught me about the intrinsic, silly, and shining curiosity that exists in each and every one of us. I vividly remember a specific moment when a young student was completely overwhelmed during a difficult reading lesson. Frustrated by his struggle to decode the words on the page and on the verge of tears, he shut his book hard and checked out from the classroom activity entirely. Recognizing his distress, I walked over and sat down next to him at his small desk. Instead of forcing him back into the assignment right away, I patiently listened to his frustrations and validated his feelings. I then broke the reading passage down into small, manageable puzzles, turning a stressful task into a collaborative game. Slowly, his tears turned into a bright smile, and his confidence returned as he began reading aloud proudly. Actively stepping in to support a child in a moment of vulnerability showed me exactly what it means to put someone else's emotional needs above your own comfort. Volunteering with Mrs. Erhardt allowed me to far exceed my volunteer service requirements. More than just fulfilling a routine graduation milestone, however, the experience brought out a level of compassion, empathy, and patience within myself that I didn't fully realize I possessed. True selflessness isn't found in a grand public gesture; it is found in the quiet, consistent choices we make to give our energy, time, and hearts to individuals who need reassurance. By dedicating my time to lifting up the next generation of students in my community, I strive to embody the exact same selfless legacy my mother modeled for me throughout my childhood.

For as long as I can remember, my parents have instilled in me the mindsets and values regarding money that they wish they had been taught during their own formative years. My grandparents on both my mother’s and my father’s side were immigrants who moved to this country to build a better life. Because of this, my parents grew up without many luxuries or extravagances. To achieve the suburban dream they inhabit today, they had to teach themselves healthy financial habits through sheer determination and trial by fire. While they learned some principles from structured classes and the wise counsel of mentors, they also learned many hard lessons through personal failure. They learned through financial decisions that led to adverse repercussions, but despite every hardship, they successfully built a far better life for me than the one they grew up with themselves. Because they know the value of financial literacy, they have worked diligently to instill all of these hard-earned life lessons into my own character. Through their guidance, I have learned to truly appreciate the things I am blessed with and to work with consistent fervor toward my personal goals. They taught me the foundational importance of budgeting, saving, and investing early in life. Specifically, my father taught me how to invest my money to build long-term wealth, showing me how to divvy up my income by automatically saving and investing a set percentage of whatever money I earn. He also stressed the necessity of maintaining an emergency fund containing three to six months' worth of living expenses for a rainy day. Beyond managing money, my parents have taught me to aggressively pursue an education, because a comprehensive education is the ultimate key that opens doors and creates opportunities in one’s life. My primary goal is to use a career in business and finance to earn enough money to make a tangible difference in the world. I do not just want to earn enough to live comfortably; I want to give back to those who helped me get this far, taking care of and providing for my family in return for all that they have selflessly given me. Furthermore, I hope to one day be able to give back to the less fortunate—not just by handing a single dollar to a homeless person, but by offering enough structured support to truly turn someone’s life around. My parents taught me that the true power of a match isn't the faint light it provides, but its potential to start a blaze. Success means absolutely nothing to me if I cannot share it with others. One day, I would like to inspire people the exact same way my parents inspired me; I want to start my own blaze. Currently, I am working diligently to achieve my high school diploma while simultaneously earning an Associate of Arts degree. I am on track to complete all of the required business prerequisites by the end of next May so that I can seamlessly transition into the University of Florida's online business degree program. I possess the ambition and the work ethic my parents instilled in me, and the last thing I want to do is squander the incredible opportunities they provided. I am fully prepared to make a meaningful difference not just in my personal world, but in the lives of underprivileged individuals everywhere.

So much can come from a single test. The course of one’s entire life can feel determined by the scores achieved on a handful of standardized assessments, with the SAT being one of the most impactful. Your SAT score heavily influences the type of college you can get into, which in turn shapes the professional opportunities you will be presented with in adulthood. Recognizing the high stakes of this exam, I have committed myself to studying diligently for this assessment. Over the last few months, I have heard time and time again about many different SAT tips, tricks, and testing hacks. However, I am a firm believer that true hard work pays off and shortcuts are temporary. When you do things right from the very start—truly understanding each conceptual part of the exam rather than just memorizing a test-taking algorithm—you can demonstrate your academic skills in a much more meaningful way. Ultimately, your SAT score should be a true reflection of how much you comprehend, not just how much you have memorized. To prepare effectively for the SAT, I downloaded the official Bluebook app to take full-length, timed practice exams. After completing these, I worked diligently through Khan Academy’s personalized practice test insights, which are automatically provided after each diagnostic. This allows me to isolate my weaknesses, review the specific math and reading concepts I missed, and practice targeted skill-builders. Like a spider weaving a web, one single practice test and one lone review session might not seem to make much of a difference on their own. However, through many consistent iterations, your thinking begins to change, your test-taking stamina increases, and your mental web becomes complete. I actually look forward to my next official SAT date, as it represents another valuable chance to test this mental web I have constructed and prove that deep comprehension is a far more useful skill than pure memorization. From this score, I hope to achieve not just some numbers that I can use for bragging rights. Instead, I hope to pave my first major step on a long path that leads toward a brighter, more stable future. I am working toward a future where I can live comfortably, surrounded by higher education and marked by a career that sets me up for a lifestyle I can truly enjoy. Because an SAT score impacts admissions, my primary goal is to attend the University of Florida. I want to make use of the renowned Gator network to gain valuable mentorships and professional connections that will set me up for future prosperity. Just like Aesop’s fable of the ant and the grasshopper, those who work hard now will be able to enjoy their payoff later; those who sow much seed will reap a bountiful harvest. Studying for and succeeding on the SAT is the crucial seed planted today that will eventually blossom into rich collegiate opportunities and a successful future.

My name is Aaron Hilaire, and I’m a Christian student who believes in the strength of faith, not just as a personal base but also as a way to guide how I lead and help others. For me, leadership isn’t just about being in control — it’s about being a servant first. My faith has taught me that true leadership is founded on the example Christ set for us. One way my faith has influenced my leadership style is through how I support others, especially when they are most vulnerable. I’ve learned that leadership doesn’t always mean standing in front of a crowd — sometimes, it’s about quietly being there, listening, and giving encouragement when no one else does. One of the most significant ways I’ve led others through my faith was during a time when several of my close friends were having spiritual struggles. Some were questioning their beliefs, while others were dealing with stress, doubt, and feeling distant from God. Many nights, I found myself on the phone well past midnight, just listening as they shared their feelings. I prayed with them, reminded them of God’s promises, and talked about how I had also faced moments of doubt. I didn’t try to preach to them or act like I had all the answers — instead, I followed the example Christ set for us: to walk alongside people, not ahead of them. Over time, those conversations turned into deeper connections, and I pray that my friends slowly find their way back to faith and hope. That experience taught me that being a faith-driven leader means being present and consistent, even when no one’s watching. It reminded me that God can use quiet moments of compassion just as powerfully as public acts of leadership. Those late-night talks didn’t just strengthen my friends’ faith — they also deepened my own and confirmed my calling to be someone others can rely on in times of uncertainty. I want to keep leading with empathy and faith. Whether I end up in business, education, or ministry, I plan to create environments where people feel heard and supported. I pray that I stay rooted in the faith and the truth that my parents have raised me up in, as that will be my foundation going into the real world after high school. There is a popular worship song that says, "rain came, wind blew, but my house was built on you." I believe that my biblical foundation will give me grounds to not just remain strong in my faith but to help straighten the faith of those around me. Like the old hymn says: This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.

My name is Aaron Hilaire, and I am a high school student from Florida with a deep passion for entrepreneurship and making a difference in the lives of others. Growing up as an underrepresented minority, I’ve seen firsthand how limited access to resources can limit opportunity, not just financially, but in terms of exposure, mentorship, and belief. My dream is to build businesses that not only generate success but also help close those gaps in underserved communities. From an early age, I’ve been fascinated with the idea of creating something out of nothing. Whether it was selling homemade bracelets at school or organizing community cleanups and small events, I always saw entrepreneurship as more than just business — to me, it was a way to bring people together, solve problems, and make life better for those around me. I’ve always been the kind of person who thinks of ideas and can’t rest until I bring them to life. What drives me most is the desire to create a business that focuses on social impact — whether that means launching a mental health support platform for teens, starting a nonprofit that offers tech education to students in low-income neighborhoods, or building a community co-working space where young people can develop their own ideas and projects. I believe entrepreneurship should not be about making money at any cost, but about using creativity and leadership to make a difference where it matters most. In today’s world, young people are facing mental health challenges, income inequality, and a lack of access to quality education or career paths. I want to be someone who helps shift that narrative. I want to use my entrepreneurial spirit to uplift others, create job opportunities, and invest back into my community, especially for those who have been overlooked or underestimated. I am currently working on developing my skills in business strategy, marketing, and public speaking through school clubs and online learning. I’ve started mapping out plans for future ventures and connecting with mentors in my area. Even without a formal business yet, I think and operate like an entrepreneur, always looking for ways to improve systems, connect people, and think critically about how to solve real problems. Receiving this scholarship would not only help me afford higher education, but also help me grow as a leader and changemaker. I’m excited about the future and committed to using every opportunity to build something meaningful, not just for myself, but for everyone who sees a piece of their story in mine.

My name is Aaron Hilaire, and I am an African-American high school student with a deep interest in STEM, particularly in artificial intelligence and machine learning. My tech journey began with something simple but meaningful — a program called Hour of Code. Through that experience, I was introduced to the basics of coding using code blocks, where we programmed animated characters to dance. I didn’t realize it then, but that moment planted the seed of curiosity that continues to grow in me today. Soon after, I attended a robotics camp where we worked with pre-made kits to build and program robots to complete specific tasks. That was the first time I saw how technology could respond to my input — how something I built could actually move, react, and perform real-world functions based on the instructions I gave it. That experience left me feeling empowered and excited to explore what more was possible. While my coding experience so far has been limited to block-based programming, I’m actively working to expand my skills. I’ve started exploring text-based programming languages like Python and learning more about how AI and machine learning operate behind the scenes. I’m also seeking out online courses and hands-on opportunities to grow my technical knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of how AI can be built and applied. What draws me to AI and machine learning is their ability to shape the future — not just in business or entertainment, but in education, healthcare, and social change. I believe these technologies can be tools for solving problems in underrepresented communities and raising awareness for social causes that often go unheard. But in order for that to happen, the people developing these systems must reflect the diversity of the world they’re meant to serve. As someone who hasn’t always seen themselves represented in tech spaces, I’m passionate about changing that — not just for myself, but for others. I want to be part of the movement that ensures Black voices and perspectives are part of AI’s future. Eventually, I hope to work on projects that focus on improving access to education and mental health support using AI-driven tools. I also plan to mentor younger students and advocate for broader inclusion in STEM. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue developing my skills and taking the steps needed to become a future leader in AI. I may be early in my journey, but I’m driven, curious, and committed to using technology not just to innovate — but to uplift.

My name is Aaron Hilaire, and I am a young African-American man driven by a passion to inspire, empower, and uplift the next generation through education. I believe teaching is more than just a profession — it is a calling. My journey to becoming an educator began in classrooms where I often looked around and realized that none of my teachers looked like me. That experience left a deep impression and helped me realize the critical need for more Black male educators in all learning spaces, especially higher education. My ultimate goal is to become a college literature professor. Literature has always been a powerful tool in my life — a lens through which I’ve come to understand not only the world but also myself. I believe stories shape societies, and yet, so many voices — especially those from marginalized communities — have been silenced or overlooked. As a literature professor, I want to amplify those voices and ensure that students are exposed to a rich and diverse canon that includes Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and Asian authors whose work has too often been excluded from mainstream curriculums. I plan to make a positive impact by fostering inclusive, discussion-based classrooms that invite students to critically engage with texts, challenge assumptions, and embrace diverse perspectives. I want to inspire students to think deeply, write boldly, and use their own voices as instruments of change. Through literature, I hope to awaken a lifelong love of learning and a sense of agency in my students — especially those who, like me, have often felt invisible in academic spaces. Representation matters, especially in higher education, where Black male professors remain significantly underrepresented. I intend to be the kind of professor who not only teaches with purpose but also mentors with empathy — someone who sees his students not just as learners, but as whole human beings with stories and dreams of their own. I want to be a visible reminder that academia belongs to them, too. Receiving the Mark A. Jefferson Teaching Scholarship would provide essential support on my journey to becoming a professor and advancing educational equity. More than that, it would affirm the importance of this mission: to educate with vision, lead with heart, and teach in a way that leaves a lasting legacy. I’m ready to contribute to a more just, inclusive future — one where every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive.

I believe that my athletic journey has shaped me into the person I am today by teaching me valuable life skills such as determination (not backing down no matter how hard the challenges may seem), the value of hard work and persistence, and the power of a positive attitude and outlook on situations. I have gone up against opponents that have seemed and some that were much stronger and faster than me both on the basketball court and on the track but I've learned that that's no excuse not to give your all. Victory is never impossible, sometimes it just comes down to who wants it more. On the track specifically, it is vital to be in a good state of mind because your attitude and mentality can lead or directly contribute to success. To be honest it can be scary stepping into blocks with people who look much more qualified than you but you must trust in the training and the hard work that you put in and just run your best race, aim to win and you'll PR (hit a personal record) in the process. There have been plenty of meets where I stepped onto the track with intimidating opponents but, there have been plenty of times where I walked off that same track the victor. I think people often underestimated me during my freshmen year since I was facing much more experienced runners. It was that feeling of being given up on too soon that pushed me, that fueled my drive for success. Many of my teammates noticed and complemented my desire to go all out during practice. If people in general could apply that hardworking attitude I truly believe people would be more productive. On the basketball court, a similar but different story can be told. The sport basketball at its core is a team game as some people tend to forget and it is teams that not just remember this but can apply it in games that succeed. Part of that is coaching but the majority of it of that team spirit comes from the team. You have to be an encouraging and supportive teammate the same way you want to be encouraged and supported. If you pass your teammate the ball and they miss a shot instead of tearing them down by making some sort of slick comment you should take into account the fact that they are human the same way you are and they make mistakes too. When you support your teammates and people in general it may not change the world but it may just change their world. It is that idea, that goal of changing people's worlds their moods, and their outlooks on life that inspires me. I am and aim to be that teammate, the person who encourages instead of building down to help out those around them and put a smile on their faces. It is when those ideas of encouragement and self-improvement are combined that real change can happen that we can start changing the world one person at a time.