The movie that has had the greatest impact on my life is Mulan. At first glance, it may seem like a simple animated film, but for me, it represents courage, self-belief and the transformative power of learning. I’ve watched Mulan countless times with my friend, so often that we can recite the dialogue word for word. Yet no matter how many times I watch it, the message never loses its meaning. What continues to amaze me is the writing. I still can’t fathom how someone could sit down, think so deeply and create a story that speaks to so many people across cultures and generations. Mulan tells the story of someone who doesn’t fit into the expectations placed on her, but instead grows into herself through perseverance, learning and self-trust. That journey mirrors my own in ways I didn’t fully understand until I reflected on it. Mulan’s greatest strength wasn’t physical power it was her willingness to learn and adapt. She struggled at first, failed publicly and was underestimated by nearly everyone around her. Instead of giving up, she learned from her mistakes, asked questions, observed others and used knowledge creatively to solve problems. Watching her taught me that education isn’t just about grades or formal classrooms; it’s about growth, curiosity and the courage to keep going when things don’t come easily. As an immigrant student adjusting to a new country and education system, I often felt like I had to prove myself. There were moments when I questioned whether I belonged or whether my dreams were realistic. Mulan reminded me that believing in myself matters even when others don’t fully understand my path. Her story encouraged me to follow my heart, trust my instincts and continue learning even when the process feels uncomfortable or slow. The movie also changed how I view leadership. Mulan didn’t lead by demanding attention or authority. She led by thinking differently, caring deeply, and using what she learned to protect others. That perspective has shaped how I approach my education and future goals. I want to pursue higher education not just for personal success, but to gain the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to my community. Like Mulan, I believe leadership comes from using what you learn to uplift others. Mulan has stayed with me because it reminds me that growth is not linear and confidence is built through effort. Education, like Mulan’s journey, requires persistence, humility, and imagination. This movie continues to inspire me to embrace learning as a lifelong process and to believe that even when the path feels uncertain, staying true to who you are can lead to powerful impact.

I am an African immigrant student and high school senior who was born and raised in Tarkwa, Ghana and moved to the United States in October 2023. Growing up in a hardworking family taught me resilience, discipline and the importance of building something meaningful through dedication and skill. Attending a girls’ boarding school in Ghana shaped my independence early on and transitioning to life and school in the U.S. pushed me to become adaptable, focused and determined to succeed despite unfamiliar systems and financial challenges. While my passion lies in the culinary arts, my interest in business is what gives that passion direction and sustainability. From a young age, I observed how food and entrepreneurship intersected in my family and community. Many people around me cooked not only to feed others, but to create income, stability and opportunity. Watching this taught me that business is more than profit it is a tool for empowerment. I became interested in learning how businesses are built, managed and grown, especially within industries that rely on creativity and service. As an immigrant student, I am acutely aware of the financial barriers that can limit access to higher education. The rising cost of tuition, fees and living expenses makes pursuing college challenging without external support. I balance school with part-time work and while I remain committed to academic excellence, financial limitations continue to shape my decisions. This reality has strengthened my motivation to pursue a career path that is both meaningful and economically sustainable. Through my future career, I plan to combine culinary arts with business leadership by becoming a chef entrepreneur. I want to build food based businesses that celebrate culture, create jobs and reinvest in the community. My goal is to develop ventures that not only provide quality food, but also offer mentorship and opportunities for young people especially Black and immigrant students who may not see business ownership as attainable. I want to use business principles such as strategic planning, financial literacy and ethical leadership to ensure that my work has long term impact. I believe business has the power to change lives when it is driven by purpose. By owning and managing businesses responsibly, I hope to contribute to economic growth, encourage entrepreneurship and model what it looks like to build success from limited resources. I want to show that with education, discipline and vision, it is possible to create pathways for others while achieving personal goals. This scholarship would support my educational journey by easing financial strain and allowing me to focus fully on developing the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. More importantly, it would affirm that students from underrepresented and financially limited backgrounds deserve the opportunity to pursue bold goals. Through my future career in business, I aim to help the world by creating opportunity, representation and lasting community impact.

Resilience, to me, is not just about enduring hardship it is about continuing to move forward in a way that gives others permission to believe they can do the same. I have demonstrated resilience by navigating major transitions in my life with determination, faith in myself and a commitment to growth, even when the path felt uncertain. I was born and raised in Tarkwa, Ghana, where I attended a girls’ boarding school that taught me discipline, independence, and responsibility from a young age. Leaving that environment to move to the United States in October 2023 was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. I entered a new country, school system and culture all at once. Everything from the way classes were structured to how students communicated was unfamiliar. There were moments when I felt isolated and overwhelmed, but I made the decision not to let discomfort define me. Instead, I focused on adapting. I learned to advocate for myself academically, manage my time more effectively and ask for help when I needed it. Balancing school with part time work required discipline and sacrifice, but it strengthened my work ethic and sense of responsibility. Each challenge I faced became an opportunity to grow stronger and more confident in my abilities. What makes resilience meaningful is its impact on others. As an immigrant student, I’ve had classmates and peers especially other students adjusting to new environments look to me for reassurance and encouragement. By staying focused, participating in leadership roles like Student Council and remaining committed to my goals, I’ve shown that it’s possible to succeed even when your journey looks different from everyone else’s. I’ve had peers tell me that seeing me push forward motivated them to take their own challenges more seriously and believe in themselves. I’ve also demonstrated resilience through my passion for culinary arts. Choosing to pursue a hands on, skill based career path takes confidence, especially as a young woman navigating expectations and limitations. By consistently working toward this goal through coursework, certifications and real world experience, I hope to inspire others especially young women of African descent to pursue paths that align with their passions, not just what feels safe or expected. Hester Richardson Powell’s story resonates deeply with me because it reflects the power of perseverance across generations. Her life proves that resilience, paired with education and service, can create lasting impact. I strive to reflect that same spirit by leading with humility, working hard despite obstacles and using my journey to encourage others. Through my resilience, I hope to inspire those around me to keep going, even when the odds feel stacked against them. I believe that when one person chooses not to give up, it creates a ripple effect one that can uplift families, communities and future generations.

My future plans are rooted in growth, service and purpose. As a high school senior preparing for higher education, I am focused on pursuing a path that allows me to combine leadership, discipline and passion particularly through the culinary arts and hospitality industry. My long term goal is to attend culinary school, build a professional career as a chef and eventually use my skills to give back to my community through mentorship, education and service. I have demonstrated leadership throughout my high school experience by stepping into roles that require responsibility, collaboration, and consistency. One of the most meaningful ways I’ve done this is through my involvement in Student Council. Serving in this role has shown me that leadership is not about authority, but about accountability. I’ve helped support school wide initiatives, worked with peers to address student needs and contributed to events that bring students together. Through this experience, I’ve learned how to communicate effectively, listen to different perspectives and lead with integrity. Leadership has also shown up in how I balance my academic responsibilities with work and extracurricular activities. As an immigrant student adjusting to a new education system, I had to quickly develop strong organizational and time management skills. Maintaining academic focus while working part time has taught me discipline and resilience qualities that reflect both personal and academic excellence. I take pride in showing up prepared, meeting expectations and pushing myself to improve, even when challenges arise. In addition, my involvement in school clubs focused on communication and media has helped me grow as a leader who amplifies others’ voices. These experiences have allowed me to contribute creatively while highlighting student stories and strengthening community connections within the school. I believe leadership is also about representation making sure people feel seen, valued and included and I strive to embody that in everything I do. Looking ahead, my future plans extend beyond personal success. I want to create opportunities for others, particularly young people who may feel limited by financial barriers or lack of encouragement. Through my career in the culinary field, I hope to mentor students, support community programs and create spaces where culture, education and service intersect. I want my work to reflect servant leadership leading by example and using my skills to uplift others. The legacy of Larry A. Montgomery as a servant leader who valued excellence in academics, career and personal life deeply resonates with me. His example reinforces my belief that true leadership is measured not only by achievement, but by impact. As I pursue higher education, I am committed to continuing this standard of excellence while using my education to serve my community and lead with purpose.

Giving back to my community has become an important part of who I am, especially since moving to South Carolina. As an immigrant student adjusting to a new environment, I learned quickly how much a supportive community matters. Because of that, I’ve made a conscious effort to be involved in activities that allow me to serve others and contribute in meaningful ways, even while balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities. One of the main ways I serve my community is through my involvement in student leadership. I am part of my school’s Student Council, where I help support school wide initiatives, events and student engagement. Being in this role has taught me how leadership is not about recognition, but about listening, showing up and working behind the scenes to make sure others feel represented and included. I am also involved in school clubs that focus on communication and collaboration, which allow me to use my voice to share stories, highlight student experiences and build stronger connections within the school community. Outside of school, I work part time in food service. While it may not look like traditional community service, I see it as an opportunity to serve people every day. Working in a fast paced environment has taught me responsibility, teamwork, and patience. I interact with people from all backgrounds and I’ve learned how small actions kindness, consistency and reliability can make someone’s day better. Food has always been a powerful way for me to connect with others and this experience has strengthened my desire to use food as a tool for service in the future. Looking ahead, I believe community improvement starts with access, encouragement and representation. I plan to pursue a career in the culinary arts and I hope to use that path to give back by mentoring young people, especially immigrants and students who may not believe their dreams are attainable. I want to create opportunities where food education, cultural appreciation and community support intersect whether through local programs, workshops, or businesses that prioritize giving back. For future generations, I believe communities thrive when people feel seen and supported. I hope to help create spaces where young people are encouraged to explore their talents, where culture is celebrated and where service is part of everyday life not just special events. Sophie’s legacy of selflessness and community impact reflects the values I strive to live by: showing up, caring deeply, and leaving things better than I found them. Through my activities and future goals, I aim to continue contributing to my community one step at a time, believing that consistent service no matter how small can create lasting change

I decided to pursue an education in the culinary arts because cooking has always been more than a skill to me it has been a language, a comfort and a way to express who I am. I grew up in Tarkwa, Ghana, in a family where food was central to daily life. My grandmothers cooked, my older brother cooked, and several relatives worked in food related careers. From a young age, I watched how meals brought people together and how cooking was an act of care, creativity and pride. Those early experiences shaped my love for the kitchen long before I ever thought of it as a career. When I moved to the United States in October 2023, cooking became even more important to me. Adjusting to a new country, school system and culture was challenging, and the kitchen became a place where I felt grounded. It was where I could reconnect with home while also experimenting with new techniques and ingredients. Through school culinary programs and hands on experience, I realized that I don’t just enjoy cooking I thrive in it. I love the discipline, the precision and the creativity involved. I especially enjoy cooking for others, even though I’m a picky eater myself, because seeing people enjoy something I’ve created is deeply fulfilling. I am pursuing an education in the culinary arts because I want to build a strong technical foundation while continuing to grow creatively. I want to learn not only how to cook well, but how to cook professionally with intention, consistency and respect for the craft. I have already taken steps toward this goal by enrolling in culinary coursework, earning food safety certifications and gaining real world experience in food service. Each experience has confirmed that this is where I belong. My long term career goal is to work as a professional chef and eventually create spaces that reflect both skill and culture. I want to use food to tell stories, preserve traditions and introduce people to flavors they may not be familiar with. I also hope to mentor and encourage young people especially immigrants and students who may not see culinary arts as a realistic path to pursue their passions with confidence. Many talented students are held back by financial limitations or lack of support and I want to be someone who proves that dedication and passion can open doors. Chef Marco Pantano’s story resonates with me because it reflects a life built on passion for the craft and dedication to sharing food with others. This scholarship would support my journey toward becoming a chef who not only cooks with skill, but with heart. By helping me continue my education, it would bring me one step closer to a future where I can honor my roots, refine my craft, and contribute meaningfully to the culinary world.

My name is Agnes Esinam Aku Kpogoh, and I come from a family full of people who love food not just eating it, but creating it. I was born and raised in Tarkwa, Ghana, where my mom owns two restaurants. From a young age, I was always in the kitchen, helping her out or just watching and learning. Both of my grandmothers were amazing cooks too. I also have a cousin who is a nutritionist with her own health-focused restaurant, and an aunt who is a chef in Canada. She used to visit us and always brought something new for me to try. Even my older brother cooks really well. It’s safe to say food has always been a big part of my life. In 2023, I moved to the U.S. and continued working toward my dream of becoming a chef. I’m currently in high school, and I’ve taken Culinary Arts classes, earned my ServSafe Food Handler Certificate, and completed Level One of the Restaurant Management and Culinary Arts program. I’ll be completing Level Two and the ServSafe Manager Certificate in my senior year. I also work part-time at Bojangles, where I prepare food, help manage the kitchen, and get real-life experience in a fast-paced environment. Outside of the kitchen, I’m involved in Student Council and recently joined my school’s News and Media Club. What draws me to the culinary arts is the way food brings people together. I want to make people feel seen, loved, and comforted through the meals I prepare. I especially love baking — there’s something peaceful about starting with simple ingredients and creating something beautiful from scratch. I think it’s becoming rare to find people who bake from scratch with real care and creativity, and I want to keep that tradition alive in my future work. My long-term goal is to attend culinary school and eventually open my own restaurant or bakery. I want it to be more than just a place to eat — I want it to be a community space where people feel welcome. I also want to create opportunities for young people who want to learn how to cook but may not have access to culinary programs or mentorship. Back in Ghana, I didn’t always have access to fancy tools or equipment, but I had passion — and that’s what pushed me to keep going. I want to be the kind of chef who not only serves food but serves people in real ways. I believe that when you cook with heart, it shows. And when you use your skills to uplift others, that’s when it becomes something even greater. This scholarship would help me continue learning, growing, and one day giving back to my community just like so many in my family did for me

My love for cooking started back home in Tarkwa, Ghana. I grew up around food — not just eating it, but watching it come to life. My mom owns two restaurants, and both of my grandmothers loved to cook. Even my older brother cooks really well. I also have a cousin who’s a nutritionist with her own healthy food restaurant, and an aunt in Canada who’s a chef. Whenever she visited Ghana, she’d cook or introduce me to something new. All of that shaped me. Cooking was never just something people in my family did —it was something we shared. When I moved to the U.S. in 2023, I didn’t leave that passion behind. I’ve taken Culinary Arts classes, earned my ServSafe Food Handler Certificate, and completed Level One of the Restaurant Management and Culinary Arts program. I’m planning to do Level Two and take the ServSafe Manager exam next year. Outside of class, I work part-time at Bojangles, which has helped me gain real experience in a kitchen. I’m also involved in Student Council and recently joined the News and Media Club at school. My faith as a Christian keeps me grounded. It reminds me to stay humble, to serve others, and to keep going when things get hard. One day, I want to open my own restaurant not just to serve food, but to create a space where people feel cared for. I want to give back to my community and help young people who are chasing big dreams like I am.

Growing up in a small town, my dream of exploring the world led me to become an international student. My diverse experiences have shaped my perspective and determination to pursue a degree. I have faced challenges such as homesickness, cultural differences, and pressure to excel academically in a foreign environment, but these have strengthened my character and motivated me to work harder. My family's unwavering support has been a constant source of motivation for me to pursue a degree. In today's digital age, pursuing a degree is crucial for several reasons. First, it provides a strong foundation of knowledge and skills essential for long-term success, equipping students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical abilities. Second, it opens doors to diverse career opportunities, providing a safety net and greater job security. Third, it fosters personal growth and development, allowing students to explore their interests, discover passions, and develop a sense of purpose. Finally, a degree is a testament to perseverance and dedication, representing the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination.

"About Myself and My Interest in Culinary Arts" My name is Agnes Kpogoh, originally I am from Ghana in West Africa until I recently moved to the States. From a young age, I have always been enchanted by the magic of cooking. The transformation of simple, raw ingredients into delightful and memorable dishes has always intrigued me. My interest in the culinary arts was ignited by watching my family prepare traditional meals, and it blossomed as I started experimenting with recipes and techniques in my own kitchen. Cooking is not just a hobby for me; it's a passion that brings me immense joy and fulfillment. The culinary arts offer a unique blend of creativity, precision, and cultural expression. I am particularly drawn to this field because it allows me to explore diverse cuisines, experiment with flavors, and continuously learn and innovate. I believe that food has the power to bring people together, create lasting memories, and celebrate cultural diversity. A career in culinary arts will enable me to share my love for cooking with others and make a positive impact through the meals I create. ** Why culinary arts? My fascination with the culinary arts stems from its endless possibilities and the joy it brings to people. Cooking is an art form that combines creativity with technique, allowing me to express myself while also adhering to the principles of taste and presentation. The process of developing a dish, from conceptualization to execution, is both challenging and rewarding. It requires a deep understanding of ingredients, flavors, and cooking methods, which I find incredibly stimulating. Moreover, the culinary field is ever-evolving, with new trends and techniques constantly emerging. This dynamic nature keeps me motivated to stay updated and continuously improve my skills. I am particularly interested in the farm-to-table movement and the emphasis on sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients. By focusing on these aspects, I hope to contribute to a more sustainable food system and promote healthier eating habits. Giving Back to the Community I am committed to using my culinary skills to give back to the community in meaningful ways. One of my long-term goals is to establish a community kitchen that provides nutritious meals to those in need. This initiative would not only address food insecurity but also foster a sense of community and support. Additionally, I plan to offer cooking classes and workshops for young people, teaching them valuable culinary skills and encouraging healthy eating habits. By empowering the next generation with cooking knowledge, I hope to inspire them to make healthier food choices and appreciate the art of cooking. Furthermore, I aim to collaborate with local farmers and producers to promote sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. By supporting local agriculture, I can contribute to the local economy and reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. These efforts will help create a more sustainable and resilient food system, benefiting both the community and the environment. In conclusion, my passion for the culinary arts drives my desire to pursue a career in this field. Through my work, I hope to bring joy to others, celebrate cultural diversity, and make a positive impact on my community. By giving back through initiatives like community kitchens, cooking classes, and support for local farmers, I aim to create a supportive environment where everyone can enjoy the benefits of good food and culinary education.