Being Zomi Burmese American is a huge part of who I am, and I take great pride in my identity. My parents immigrated to the United States to give our family a better life, leaving behind everything they knew to create new opportunities for me. Because of their sacrifices, I was born in this country with chances they never had. But despite my pride in my heritage, growing up, I often felt a deep disconnect from my culture, especially because I never fully learned the language. As a child, not being able to speak Zomi fluently made me feel left out, even in my community. I would listen to my parents, relatives, and family friends speaking, but I struggled to understand and respond. There were times when I felt ashamed or frustrated, wishing I could connect with my culture in the way others did. At family gatherings, I often felt like an outsider, unable to fully take part in conversations or express myself the way I wanted to. It was especially hard when my grandparents spoke to me, and I couldn’t respond in the language they knew best. I wished I had been more connected to my roots, but at the same time, I never stopped being proud of who I am. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that my cultural identity isn’t just about language. It’s about honoring my family’s journey, embracing where I come from, and finding ways to reconnect with my heritage in my way. One of the biggest reasons I want to go to college is my parents. They came to this country with almost nothing, yet they worked incredibly hard to provide for me and my siblings. No matter how tired they were, they never complained. They always put our needs before their own, sacrificing their comfort so we could have a better future. I have seen them struggle, and I have seen how much they have given just to make sure I have the opportunity to succeed. I am forever grateful for their sacrifices, and I don’t want their hard work to go to waste. That’s why I am determined to pursue higher education. I want to build a career that will allow me to support my parents the way they have supported me. I don’t want them to have to work as much anymore. I want them to be able to rest, to enjoy life without the constant stress of providing for our family. I know that getting a college degree won’t be easy, but my parents have shown me that hard work and perseverance pay off. Their sacrifices inspire me to push forward, even when things get difficult. This scholarship would help me take one step closer to achieving my dreams. It would allow me to focus on my education without the overwhelming burden of financial stress. More importantly, it would bring me closer to my goal of giving back to my parents and ensuring that their struggles were not in vain. Being Zomi Burmese American means carrying the strength and resilience of my parents and ancestors. It means honoring their sacrifices by making the most of the opportunities they worked so hard to give me. It means staying proud of my identity, even as I continue learning what it truly means to be Zomi. Most of all, it means working hard to build a future where I can give back, not only to my family but also to my community. I want to be someone who uplifts others, just as my parents have uplifted me.

LeBron James has been a huge inspiration to me for as long as I can remember. I truly believe he is the greatest basketball player of all time. His talent, work ethic, and leadership on the court set him apart from everyone else. Watching him play motivates me to work hard in every sport I play, especially in volleyball. When I first saw LeBron in action, I was blown away by his ability to control the game. His quick thinking, strength, and skill made it clear that he wasn’t just talented, he was a true leader. I learned that being great isn’t just about scoring points or winning games. It’s about determination, perseverance, and lifting your team up. These lessons have stayed with me, pushing me to improve not only in basketball but also in volleyball. I have always admired how LeBron never gives up no matter the situation. His resilience in the face of challenges taught me that hard work and dedication can help overcome any obstacle. This mindset has helped me face my own struggles in sports and in life. When I felt discouraged, I reminded myself of how LeBron kept pushing forward and that made all the difference. Beyond his performance on the court, LeBron’s influence off the court is equally powerful. He uses his success to support his community and to speak out on important issues. His commitment to making the world a better place has inspired me to think about how I can help others too. Whether it’s through sports or community service, I strive to make a positive impact just like he does. Because of LeBron’s example, I have become more motivated in my own athletic journey. I put extra effort into my volleyball training knowing that every bit of hard work will help me grow as an athlete and a person. His success reminds me that with passion and perseverance, I can reach my own goals. For these reasons, I truly believe LeBron James is the greatest basketball player of all time. He has not only redefined what it means to be an athlete, but he has also shown me how to be a better person through his dedication, kindness, and relentless spirit. His influence continues to drive me to achieve more both on and off the court.

I am a first-generation Asian student of Zomi/Burmese descent, and I will be the first in my family to go to college. My journey has not been easy, but it has shaped who I am today. I was born in Florida, and then moved to New York, and then to Oklahoma, moving to a new state that many times was a big change for me. Adjusting to a different environment was tough, and on top of that, I was bullied for being different. At first, it was hard, but over time, I learned to stand up for myself. Those experiences made me stronger and helped me realize how important it is to stand up for others, too. Because of what I went through, I make it a priority to help kids who are being bullied, whether in person or online. I speak up when I see someone being treated unfairly, and I try to resolve conflicts in a way that promotes kindness instead of negativity. I also teach kids how to be safe on the internet by warning them about the dangers of sharing personal information and the impact of their words online. If I can help even one child feel safer, then I know I’m making a difference. Another big part of my life is my church. I have been involved in many ways, from teaching Sunday school to working on the media team and even singing backup in the worship team. Teaching Sunday school is one of the most rewarding things I do. I get to help kids learn not only about faith but also about being kind and respectful to others. In the media team, I help make sure our services run smoothly, and as a backup singer, I get to be part of something that brings people together. Volunteering at church has taught me the value of community and giving back, and it has helped me grow into a more confident and caring person. Even though I am excited about college, the cost is a big challenge for my family. We cannot afford the full tuition and fees with just FAFSA and Oklahoma Promise. My parents have always worked hard to support me, but finances are still tight. This scholarship would help lift some of that burden and allow me to focus on my education without constant worry about how to pay for it. I want to continue being a role model for younger kids, showing them that they can rise above them no matter where they come from or what challenges they face. Whether through my church, my advocacy against bullying, or my future career, I want to make a positive impact. Education will give me the tools to do that, and with the help of this scholarship, I can take the next step toward achieving my dreams.