When I think about what it means to be a "You Got It Girl," I don't think about someone who has had a perfect journey. I think about someone who keeps moving forward, even when life tries to stop her. A YGIG is resilient, dependable, and committed to showing up for herself and others despite the obstacles in her path. That definition resonates deeply with me because my athletic and personal journey has been built on perseverance. I am a rising sophomore in college and a student-athlete who has been running since the eighth grade. Running has shaped who I am both on and off the track. It has taught me discipline, accountability, and how to push through discomfort to reach my goals. Beyond athletics, I have always been someone who steps up to serve and lead. Throughout high school, I balanced sports with leadership roles in organizations such as Student Government Association and National Honor Society while remaining active in my church and community. These experiences taught me the importance of being dependable and supporting those around me. However, the experience that truly showed me what it means to be a YGIG happened during my freshman year of college. At the CIAA Cross Country Championships, I suffered an injury during the race and was unable to finish. In that moment, I felt devastated. After years of dedication to my sport, I felt like I had let myself and my team down. The disappointment followed me long after the race ended. I struggled emotionally and found myself dealing with depression as I tried to process what had happened. Because of that injury and the mental toll it took on me, I made the difficult decision not to compete during the indoor track season. For the first time in my life, I felt disconnected from the sport that had always been such a large part of my identity. It would have been easy to stay in that place of self-doubt, but I knew I did not want one setback to define my story. Instead, I chose to keep fighting. I focused on healing physically and mentally, leaned on my support system, and reminded myself why I fell in love with running in the first place. When outdoor track season arrived, I returned to competition with a new mindset and a greater appreciation for every opportunity to race. My comeback was not just about running again; it was about proving to myself that setbacks do not determine my future. How we respond to them does. I believe this scholarship would help me continue building toward my goals as both a student and an athlete. College athletics require significant commitments of time, energy, and financial resources. This scholarship would help support expenses related to my education, training, travel, and athletic development, allowing me to focus more fully on becoming the best version of myself. More importantly, receiving support from an organization that celebrates resilient female athletes would be an incredible honor. My journey has not always been easy, but every challenge has made me stronger. I am a You Got It Girl because I continue to show up, continue to believe in myself, and continue to push forward no matter what obstacles stand in my way. I hope to use my story to inspire other young women to do the same.

My experience with mental health has shaped me in ways I did not fully understand while I was going through it. It has influenced how I see myself, how I connect with other people, and the kind of future I want to build. More than anything, it has taught me that people can be going through a lot while still showing up every day like everything is okay. There were times when I felt overwhelmed, but I did not always have the words to explain it. I would push through school, sports, leadership, and responsibilities while carrying things internally that I kept to myself. On the outside, I looked like I had everything together. On the inside, it was harder to explain. I think that is what made it even more complicated, because people often assume that if you are performing well, you are doing well mentally too. I learned that is not always true. Over time, I started to understand that I could not ignore how I was feeling. I had to slow down and actually face it instead of pretending it was not there. That process was not easy. It meant dealing with emotions I was used to pushing aside. But it also helped me realize that I am not weak for having those moments. If anything, it showed me that I am human. This experience has shaped my goals in a deeper way. I still want to pursue sports broadcasting and sports journalism, but now I see it differently. I do not just want to talk about wins, losses, and stats. I want to tell the stories that people do not always see, especially the mental and emotional sides of athletes and individuals. I know what it feels like to carry something silently while still having to show up, and I want my work in the future to reflect that reality. I want people to feel seen through the stories I tell. It also changed the way I connect with people. I became more sensitive to what others might be going through, even if they do not say it out loud. I stop assuming that someone is okay just because they look okay. I try to check in more genuinely, even in small ways. At the same time, I have also learned how important it is to let people in. I used to keep everything to myself because I did not want to burden anyone. But I have realized that silence can feel heavier than honesty sometimes. In my relationships, whether it is with friends, teammates, or people I lead, I try to create space where people feel like they can be real. I understand now that a simple conversation or even just being present for someone can mean more than I realize. I have had moments where someone checked in on me at the right time, and I did not forget it. That is something I try to pass on. This has also changed how I see the world. I used to think strength meant never struggling. Now I see strength as continuing even when things are hard and still choosing to care about others in the process. Everyone is carrying something, even if it is not visible. That realization has made me more compassionate, more patient, and less quick to judge. If I am being honest, this journey has not been perfect. There are still days that feel heavier than others. But I have learned that I do not have to go through those moments alone or pretend they do not exist. And I think that understanding alone has changed everything about how I move forward. My experience with mental health did not just affect one part of my life. It shaped how I see myself, how I love others, and how I want to impact the world.

Growing up as a college-bound student in an immigrant family has shaped how I understand responsibility, growth, and second chances. My mother came to the United States from Trinidad and Tobago in her 20s, but her journey to America started earlier than that. She was sent here by her mother as a teenager because she was struggling back home and needed a fresh start and more structure in her life. That part of her story has always stayed with me because it shows that sometimes people are not defined by their past mistakes but by what they choose to do after them. Hearing my mother talk about her early years taught me that growth is not always easy or immediate. She had to adjust to a new country, new expectations, and a completely different way of life. There were moments where she had to mature quickly and take accountability for her actions while also learning how to survive and build a future on her own. Over time, she created stability for herself and later for our family. Watching that transformation made me realize that change is possible, even when someone starts off struggling. Because of her journey, I have learned to take education seriously. In my family, education is not just about getting a degree; it is about creating opportunities that can shift your entire future. I understand that I am in a position where I can build on the sacrifices and lessons that came before me. That motivates me to stay focused, even when things get stressful or overwhelming. I remind myself that my goals are bigger than temporary challenges. As a college-bound student, I plan to use my education to pursue a career in journalism and sports broadcasting. My goal is not only to report stories but also to tell them in a way that highlights growth, resilience, and humanity. I am especially interested in sharing stories that show how people can change and improve their lives, because my mother’s experience proves that people are not stuck in one version of themselves forever. I also want to make a positive impact by giving visibility to stories that are often overlooked. Many people in immigrant and underrepresented communities face judgment based on their past, their background, or their circumstances. I want to challenge that by using journalism to show more complete and honest narratives. People deserve to be seen for their full journey, not just one chapter of it. In the future, I also hope to mentor and encourage students who may feel like their past defines them. I want to be an example that shows growth is real and success is possible with time, effort, and support. Everyone makes mistakes or faces challenges, but what matters most is what you do next. Overall, my mother’s story has shaped how I see resilience and opportunity. It has taught me that where you start does not determine where you finish. Through my education and career, I want to carry that lesson forward by telling meaningful stories, uplifting others, and helping people see the power of growth and second chances.

For as long as I can remember, I have been passionate about storytelling, leadership, and connecting with people. I am someone who naturally brings energy into the spaces I am part of, whether that is through athletics, community involvement, interviewing athletes, or supporting the people around me. Over time, I realized that the moments I enjoyed most were the ones where I was able to listen to others, share their experiences, and help their voices be heard. That realization is what inspired me to pursue a career in journalism, specifically sports journalism and broadcasting. To me, journalism is one of the most powerful tools for creating change. Stories can inspire people, shift perspectives, and bring communities together. In today’s world, where information spreads so quickly, journalists have a responsibility to report with honesty, empathy, and integrity. I want to be the kind of journalist who uses her platform not only to inform people but also to uplift them. My passion for sports journalism comes from the way sports unite people from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Sports are often seen as entertainment, but behind every game is a deeper story. There are stories of perseverance, sacrifice, mental strength, teamwork, and overcoming obstacles. I want to be the person who tells those stories in a way that makes audiences feel connected to the people behind the uniforms and statistics. As a young Black woman entering the journalism field, I also understand the importance of representation in media. Many communities are still underrepresented or misrepresented in journalism, especially within sports media. I plan to make a positive social impact by helping create more inclusive and authentic storytelling. I want young people, especially young women of color, to see themselves reflected in the media they watch and to feel encouraged to pursue careers where their voices matter. One of the biggest ways I hope to make an impact is by shining light on stories that are often overlooked. Too often, media attention is focused only on major athletes, large schools, or viral headlines, while countless meaningful stories go unnoticed. I want to use my career to highlight athletes and communities that may not always receive recognition but still deserve to have their experiences shared. I believe everyone has a story worth telling, and sometimes hearing someone else’s journey can inspire people to keep going through their own challenges. Beyond reporting, I also hope to use journalism as a way to encourage positivity and connection. In a time where negativity can spread easily online, I want my work to remind people of the power of resilience, community, and humanity. Whether I am reporting from the sidelines, conducting interviews, or creating media content, I want people to walk away feeling informed, inspired, and understood. Ultimately, my goal is not just to build a successful career in journalism but to create meaningful impact through the stories I tell. I want to use my voice to amplify others, inspire future generations, and contribute to a media industry that values truth, diversity, and compassion. Through journalism, I hope to make people feel seen, heard, and empowered, and that is the kind of impact I plan to carry throughout my career.

What made me want to study Sports Broadcasting and Sports Journalism was not something I always had planned for my future. For a long time, I honestly did not know what I wanted to do after college. I had an interest in criminal justice and law, but I never saw myself becoming a lawyer or working directly in that field. I knew I wanted a career where I could connect with people and do something meaningful, but I had not found the right direction yet. That started to change during my sophomore year of high school when I was placed into a media arts class. At the time, I did not choose it because I was passionate about media. I chose it because I thought it would be an easy A. I had no idea that decision would end up changing my entire career path. In that class, I was introduced to media production and storytelling, and I was given opportunities to work with sports teams at my school. That is when I started to realize how much I enjoyed being around sports in a different way. Working with sports teams showed me that there is so much more to sports than just the game itself. I started taking photos, helping document events, and learning how to capture moments that told a story. I realized that every athlete has a journey, and every game has emotions behind it that people do not always see. I found myself paying attention to those details and wanting to share them with others. That experience made me realize that I did not just want to watch sports, I wanted to help tell the stories behind them. A major influence in my decision was my media arts teacher, Mrs. Lawrence. She saw potential in me that I had not fully seen in myself yet. She encouraged me and told me I would be great in this field, and that really stuck with me. Having someone believe in me gave me confidence and made me start taking this path seriously. That encouragement helped me realize that sports broadcasting was not just something I enjoyed, but something I could actually build a career in. One thing I am most passionate about in this field is storytelling, especially telling the deeper stories behind athletes. I feel like people often only see athletes for their performance on the field, but there is so much more to who they are. There are struggles, sacrifices, discipline, and personal journeys that shape who they become. I want to be a sports broadcaster who highlights those stories and helps audiences connect with athletes on a deeper level. I want people to understand the person behind the jersey, not just the stats. This passion has influenced how I approach opportunities now. Whether I am interviewing athletes, working with sports teams, or creating content, I always focus on the story behind the moment. I am currently a communications major with a concentration in sports broadcasting at Bowie State University, and every class and experience is helping me build the skills I need for my future career. My goal is to eventually work for a major sports network as an interviewer or broadcaster and use my voice to tell meaningful stories. Overall, what started as a class I did not take seriously turned into a passion that completely shaped my future. Sports broadcasting gives me the opportunity to combine my love for sports, storytelling, and communication, and I am excited to continue growing in this field.

Mental health has impacted me in ways that I did not fully understand at first, but over time it has shaped how I see myself and other people. I have experienced moments where I felt overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or disconnected from what I was feeling. At the time, I did not always have the language to explain what I was going through, so I often kept things to myself and tried to push through. Looking back, I realize how much that affected the way I moved in my daily life. There were times when I would appear fine on the outside, but internally I was dealing with stress and emotions that I did not fully know how to manage. I also learned that mental health does not always look the same for everyone. It can show up as anxiety, burnout, emotional numbness, or even just feeling like you are constantly carrying pressure without a break. One of the biggest things I have learned from these experiences is the importance of understanding and empathy. I used to think people should just be able to “handle things,” but now I understand that everyone is fighting battles that are not always visible. This has made me more patient and more aware in my relationships with others. I try to check in on people more and not assume I know what someone is going through based on how they present themselves. It has also changed the way I view strength. I used to think being strong meant handling everything alone and not showing emotions. Now I see strength as being honest about what you are feeling and allowing yourself to process things in a healthy way. I have learned that speaking up, asking for support, or taking a break when needed is not weakness, but maturity and self-awareness. These experiences have also influenced my goals for the future. As someone interested in sports broadcasting and storytelling, I want to use my voice to highlight real human experiences, not just achievements. Being an athlete myself, I understand how much mental health plays a role in performance, confidence, and motivation. I want to be someone who helps bring awareness to that side of sports and encourages more open conversations about mental wellness. Overall, mental health has taught me resilience, empathy, and self-reflection. It has shaped how I treat myself and others, and it continues to influence the kind of person I am becoming.

My experience with mental health has shaped the way I see myself, how I connect with other people, and what I want for my future in a really real and personal way. I have had moments where I felt emotionally overwhelmed and other times where I felt kind of numb or disconnected from everything going on around me. Over time, I started to realize that mental health is not just about “big” problems, but also about the small things like stress, pressure, and how you process what happens in your life. Learning that early on has changed a lot about how I move through the world. In my beliefs, I used to think I had to always be strong and handle everything on my own. I thought asking for help meant I was weak or couldn’t handle life the way I was supposed to. But as I’ve grown and experienced different situations, including times where I felt mentally drained or emotionally shut off, I’ve learned that strength actually comes from being honest with yourself. Now I believe that it is okay to not be okay, and it is even more important to speak up or lean on people you trust instead of holding everything in. That shift in thinking has made me more understanding toward other people too, because you never really know what someone is dealing with mentally just by looking at them. In my relationships, mental health has made me more aware and more intentional. I pay more attention to how people are really doing instead of just how they act on the surface. I’ve also learned how important communication is. There were times where I didn’t express how I felt and it caused misunderstandings or distance between me and others. Now I try to be more open, even when it feels uncomfortable, because I’ve seen how silence can build barriers. At the same time, I’ve also learned to set boundaries and protect my own peace. Not every relationship is healthy for you mentally, and it is okay to step back when something is affecting your mindset. When it comes to my career aspirations, mental health has influenced me in a big way. I want to be in a field where I can connect with people and make them feel seen and supported. I am interested in sports broadcasting, and I love storytelling, especially around athletes and their journeys. Being a track and cross country athlete myself has shown me how much mental strength is tied to performance. I want to be the kind of broadcaster who highlights not just achievements, but also the real human side of athletes, including the mental pressure they deal with. I think there is power in using media to normalize conversations about mental health instead of ignoring them. Overall, my experiences have helped me grow into someone who is more aware, more empathetic, and more grounded. Mental health is something I continue to learn about, but it has already shaped how I think, how I love, and what I want to do in the future.