My name is Alana Franklin, I’m 17 years old from Charlotte, North Carolina. Reviving this scholarship would make a life-changing difference for me. My long-term goal is to start a food truck business and eventually open my own restaurant. I dream of becoming my own boss—building something from the ground up, even knowing it will take time, hard work, and relentless dedication. This scholarship would help me take a big step forward by supporting my education and allowing me to focus on both my business and culinary aspirations. My journey hasn’t been easy. In August 2021, just four days before my 15th birthday, my mom was hospitalized with COVID-19. She was pregnant at the time and placed on a ventilator in a coma for three months. It was one of the most painful and stressful periods of my life. Then in September, I became seriously ill and was diagnosed with MIS-C, which caused my body to become extremely inflamed. My organs began to shut down, and I lost control of my body. I had to relearn how to walk and eat, all while my mom remained in the hospital. It felt like my world was falling apart. What helped me recover was my faith in God, my love for basketball, and my passion for cooking. I knew I wanted to get back on the court. I knew I wanted to cook again. So I pushed myself physically, mentally, and emotionally to recover. I’m proud to say I made it through. High school has also been hard for me in other ways. I’ve been bullied just for being myself. People have made fun of my appearance, especially my teeth, which are very small. That might seem like a small thing to some, but it really affected my confidence. I’ve always had a hard time making friends because I’m afraid people will continue to treat me that way. Even with all that, I’ve kept going and stayed true to who I am. I believe I’m a strong candidate for this scholarship because I’m determined, hardworking, and passionate. I know that with support, I will finish my education and accomplish my dreams—not just for me, but to inspire others who may be struggling too. I believe college is a powerful way to help students like me achieve their dreams and become the best version of themselves. Although it can be expensive, I am determined to find opportunities and use every available resource to reach my goals