Adversity has been a constant teacher in my life, shaping me into someone who values resilience, adaptability, and empathy. One of the most defining challenges I faced was navigating my decision to adopt a vegan lifestyle while coming from a culture where meals heavily revolve around meat. This decision, rooted in my values of compassion, sustainability, and social justice, was met with skepticism and resistance from those closest to me. It was not just about dietary changes; it meant challenging deeply ingrained traditions and assumptions, which often left me feeling isolated. Family gatherings became particularly difficult. Questions like “Can you eat anything at all?” made me feel alienated, and I struggled to explain my decision without seeming disrespectful to my family’s cultural heritage. This adversity extended beyond the dinner table. Growing up in a food desert, I also witnessed how access to fresh, affordable produce was limited for many families, including my own. Advocating for a plant-based lifestyle in this context felt like an uphill battle. These challenges tested my resolve and forced me to confront the broader systemic barriers to healthy, sustainable eating. Overcoming this adversity required patience, empathy, and creative problem-solving. To address cultural barriers, I began learning how to recreate traditional dishes in vegan forms and bringing these to family events. This not only helped me feel included but also sparked meaningful conversations about sustainability and compassion in a way that resonated with my loved ones. Additionally, volunteering at a community farm in my neighborhood allowed me to tackle the broader issue of food deserts. Growing crops, harvesting them, and teaching others about the benefits of fresh, healthy eating made a tangible impact. While the work was physically demanding, often under the blazing sun, it reminded me of the importance of persistence and community engagement. This experience shaped me into someone who values inclusivity and understands the power of dialogue and education. It taught me that adversity can be a bridge, not a barrier, when approached with an open mind and heart. By focusing on shared values and finding creative solutions, I was able to build stronger connections with my family and contribute to meaningful change in my community. To someone facing similar challenges, my advice is to start small and be patient with yourself and others. I would also say to educate yourself and look at the options around yourself so you don't feel that you're restricting yourself too much. Eating clean can be expensive so learn how to prep your meals, walk with healthy snacks and budget. Change often meets resistance, but persistence and empathy can pave the way for understanding. Find ways to honor both your values and your cultural heritage, creating solutions that resonate with those around you. Most importantly, surround yourself with supportive communities that encourage growth and amplify your efforts. Adversity may feel isolating at first, but it can also be a powerful catalyst for connection, resilience, and transformation.

My journey with veganism began as a personal experiment to align my actions with values of compassion and sustainability. Over time, it evolved into a profound commitment, intersecting with my passion for food justice, a movement addressing inequities in access to nutritious, affordable, and ethically sourced food. This journey has shaped my understanding of interconnected systems of oppression and influenced my daily actions. Growing up, I rarely questioned where my food came from or how it was produced. A college course on environmental science changed that, revealing the environmental toll of animal agriculture, including greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. Around the same time, documentaries exposing the cruelty of factory farming inspired me to adopt a vegan lifestyle. The transition was not immediate; I gradually learned about plant-based eating while addressing concerns about nutrition, affordability, and cultural expectations. Adopting veganism came with challenges. Coming from a culture where meat is central to meals, my choices were often met with skepticism. Family gatherings sometimes felt alienating as I navigated questions about whether I could “eat anything.” To bridge this gap, I began bringing vegan versions of traditional dishes, fostering dialogue about my values and heritage. These moments taught me patience and empathy, as well as the power of food to connect people. As I deepened my commitment, I became more aware of the links between diet, social justice, and systemic inequities. Food deserts, where access to fresh, affordable produce is limited, disproportionately affect low-income and marginalized communities. I experienced this firsthand while volunteering in a food desert. I worked with a community farm, where I grew crops, harvested them, and sold the produce at affordable prices. The work was labor-intensive, especially under the hot sun, but it was rewarding. Teaching families and children about the benefits of healthy eating and showing them how to incorporate fresh vegetables into their diets reinforced my belief in the power of education and community engagement. One memorable experience was working with elders and children during these efforts. I organized workshops where we prepared simple, nutritious meals using the crops we grew. Seeing their pride and enthusiasm as they learned to make dishes like vegetable stir-fries and lentil stews was inspiring. These interactions highlighted the importance of building trust and fostering understanding across generations. Veganism has also shaped my broader activism. I shifted my purchasing habits to support local farmers and ethical businesses while minimizing my environmental footprint. Additionally, I advocate for policies that address food insecurity and promote sustainable agriculture. Individual choices, while impactful, must be paired with systemic change to create true equity. Through this journey, I have grown more conscious of how my actions intersect with larger social justice issues. Veganism has deepened my empathy and commitment to addressing inequality in all its forms. By embracing this lifestyle and engaging in community-based solutions, I hope to inspire others to reflect on the interconnectedness of their actions and the world around them. Ultimately, veganism is more than a diet. It is a lens through which I approach sustainability, equity, and compassion. It has taught me that change starts with personal accountability but thrives through collective action. My journey continues, guided by the lessons I have learned and the communities I have been privileged to work with.

I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with a minor in Communications to develop software that helps children with special needs communicate effectively. This career goal reflects my passion for creating inclusive technology solutions that bridge the gap between accessibility and communication. Volunteering with organizations that support children with disabilities has shaped my compassion, perseverance, and drive to make a difference. By leveraging technology, I aim to develop applications, devices, and platforms that empower marginalized communities and improve lives. Throughout high school and college, I have maintained a strong GPA while excelling in rigorous courses, demonstrating my dedication to academic success. My commitment to education is further shown through leadership in coding clubs, where I mentor peers and promote teamwork and innovation. These experiences have equipped me with technical and collaborative skills necessary to thrive in the competitive computer science field. As a Black woman in STEM, I recognize that my presence in this field is not just a personal achievement but also an opportunity to inspire others, promote equity, and break barriers. According to the American Association of University Women, only 2.6% of Black women work in computer science, and I am determined to increase this number. I have also seen firsthand the inequities within the Black community that hinder access to education and professional growth. Inspired by the quote, “To whom much is given, much is required,” I plan to use my degree to uplift those around me. While pursuing my education, I will work with organizations to create inclusive opportunities, like mentorship programs that connect minority students to professionals in STEM. Additionally, I want to develop technological solutions—such as apps and educational platforms—that address gaps in access to resources, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Balancing my course load and extracurricular commitments has taught me discipline and time management. My academic plan involves a full course load, focusing on challenging computer science and communications courses, alongside opportunities for internships, research, and leadership development. I actively seek resources like scholarships to alleviate my financial burden, as I come from a background where funding a college education is not easy. Financial assistance is crucial for me to focus on excelling academically and contributing to my community without the additional stress of economic hardship. Ultimately, my career goal is to develop sustainable technology solutions, mentor future STEM leaders, and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. I will continue to share my journey, speaking at schools and panels to encourage underrepresented students to pursue STEM education. By combining my technical expertise with advocacy and service, I strive to create meaningful change in my community. Through academic excellence, leadership, and service, I am committed to making a lasting impact. Financial support will allow me to achieve my career goals, complete my degree successfully, and fulfill my responsibility to uplift others as I build a more inclusive, equitable future.

Inspired by the quote, “To whom much is given, much is required,” I have made it my mission to use my skills and platform to create change. The area of technology I want to pursue is software development, particularly focusing on creating tools that help children with special needs communicate effectively. This interest was sparked during my volunteer work with organizations supporting children with disabilities. Witnessing the challenges they face and the difference that accessible technology can make inspired me to merge my passion for technology with my desire to improve lives. I believe software has the power to bridge gaps in communication, provide support, and empower those who need it most. As a Computer Science major with a Communications minor, I am driven to develop solutions that foster inclusivity, ensuring everyone has a voice and access to the opportunities they deserve. Beyond technology, another passion of mine is giving back to my community, particularly through mentorship and advocacy. Growing up, I recognized the systemic barriers in the Black community that prevent many from accessing education and professional opportunities. Whether it’s mentoring peers in coding clubs, speaking to young students about the importance of STEM, or advocating for diversity in technology, this passion fuels my desire to pave the way for others. Seeing someone else find inspiration or a path forward through my guidance is incredibly rewarding, and it reminds me of the importance of paying it forward. If time were no object, the new skill I would love to dedicate myself to learning is hardware engineering. While I fell in love with the hardware aspect of computing when I built my first computer at 13, I have yet to fully explore this field. Mastering hardware design and engineering would allow me to develop integrated solutions that combine both software and hardware, creating tools that are not only functional but also highly accessible for marginalized communities. This skill would complement my software development expertise, enabling me to create holistic, cutting-edge technology that addresses real-world challenges. By pursuing my passions for inclusive technology, community empowerment, and lifelong learning, I strive to make a lasting impact both as a technologist and as a leader who uplifts others.

Respect for all, cooperation, self awareness, and self control are positive personal characteristics that are developed in people who are raised in and exposed to positive environments where positive reinforcement and healthy communication prevail. Conversely, aggression, defiance, and withdrawal often stem from environments that are stressful, unsupportive and toxic. Last summer, through the New York City Summer Youth Program, I had an opportunity to work in a local daycare center. I am only 17 years old, so my only prior experience working with children (outside of school and peer mentoring) was my extensive experience babysitting my younger sister and cousins. At first, everyone was kind and greeted me warmly, but I quickly noticed some behaviors that were jarring. I have an autistic cousin so I am very aware of the classic characteristics of children on the spectrum, so when I was assigned to the two with special needs with very limited adult supervision I knew there was cause for concern. I noticed that many of the workers would yell a lot at the special needs students out of frustration which I know hurts them even if they can't verbalize it. Instead of reprimanding them for “bad behavior”, I implemented proactive strategies for promoting positive behavior and managing challenging behaviors effectively. For example, my little cousin who is autistic gets very upset whenever she can't find a puzzle piece or if someone moves or touches her iPad. My aunt and mother explained that people with autism like order, routines and structures, so my cousin gets upset with subtle changes. Using the knowledge I obtained about the autism spectrum, I made it my personal goal to understand what the children needed and learn whatever I could do to make the special needs children feel more comfortable and included in their classroom. I deliberately encouraged peer interactions, friendship building, and opportunities for collaboration with their classmates. Each day, I would secure their developmental toys and favorite games to ensure they had the items they needed and reduce the temper tantrums. With the progressive growth and understanding of the children’s needs and how they learn best, I helped to implement empathetic behaviors within the classroom. As I learned, I also shared our routines and effective strategies with the teachers and other workers. The workers did not use my strategies very often, but whenever I saw a situation escalating, I would intervene and try to deescalate the situation to prevent it from getting bigger. By the end of the summer, both children had less emotional outbursts and grew closer to me, and unlike the teachers, I would occasionally receive a smile or get a “high five” after they did something that made them proud. Although I am young, leading with empathy and being an upstander has helped me to make a difference in the lives of these children and also show others through my actions that all children need to be loved and can learn, even those with special needs. Empathy is a powerful force for building bridges and fostering unity in a diverse world. Through empathic leadership, we can build meaningful relationships, work together to resolve conflicts, and do our part as a global citizen to create a more inclusive society.

I remember the first time I was made aware of cultural and racial differences like it was yesterday. I grew up in a tight-knit community where everyone looked like me, the food and culture were a perfect blend of my intersectionality of being a Black, female. Although I love my community, the majority of schools were low performing with poor student outcomes. I am more fortunate than most in my community because my parents were able to pay for me to attend an independent school, but far away in my mother’s childhood neighborhood. School was my safe space where my teachers were Guyanese just like my grandparents and the culture, food, and people were familiar. My classmates and I learned together and they became my extended family in my home away from home, but things began to change. My parents divorced and my mother faced financial hardships that forced my sister and I to leave the only school we knew and loved. Thankfully, we were accepted into the only high performing, screened school near our home. This school was quite different in many great ways- it was larger, diverse, and the engaging classes were taught in a state-of-the art building. I also had the ability to choose from many extracurricular activities my previous school didn’t offer, but I noticed that there were not many teachers or students that looked like me or my community, yet the lower performing, unscreened school across the street with the bad reputation did. For the first time in my life, I didn’t have a teacher who shared my ethnicity. The only people of color I saw were custodians and security guards. Unlike my old school, I did not see proud images of colored people in our books or on the walls of the school building boasting of the contributions my people have made to society. Ironically, I was in a school closer to my home, getting a better education but I felt small, unrepresented, and culturally insignificant. Although I struggled to find where I fit in in a place where I should feel I belong, I did not let the obstacles prevent me from finding my niche. As a first-year student, it was intimidating to apply for the Mouse Squad, our school’s elite tech team that is mainly comprised of upperclassmen males. I took the entrance exam and had the second highest score. Through the years, I continued to participate in school activities and today I am a leader of my school’s Media Team and one of three anchors who lead our school’s weekly television broadcasts. Cultural diversity and representation matters for so many reasons. A student shouldn’t feel alienated or underrepresented in a learning environment. Instead, school should be a place where people not only learn intellectually but, they learn from one another. I once had a classmate ask, “Why do we have to celebrate Black History?” Instead of being judgmental, I took this opportunity to make this a teachable moment by sharing my proud history and highlighting the contributions African Americans have made to our society. As I reflect on my experiences that make me the person I am today, I am grateful for the life lessons that I have learned. I look forward to the next phase of this journey in college as I strive to make a difference in my life and the lives of others. I know that the road will not always be easy, but I will persevere by doing my part to make the world a better place wherever I am and in any way that I could.

Everytime I hear this question, it's hard to think of another answer other than my mother who is the true definition of resilience. As a single mother, she gracefully balances being a school leader, a mother of two children, a doctoral student and a local community leader. Her selfless leadership has been demonstrated through her actions and her impact on the lives of everyone who has had the benefit of being in her care. I remember my 4th birthday celebration very well. I remember the homemade white cake with pretty pastel-colored sprinkles. I remember helping my mom bake the cake the night before and topping it the following Easter Sunday morning with the gummy candies my grandfather gifted me. After church, I strategically placed the candy in a pattern between each of the 4 candles around the bundt cake. We sang and ate cake using Dora the Explorer table setting, and then my sister and I spent the remainder of the day playing in my favorite park late into the evening. Although the facts are the same, my mother’s version of the story is different. She only had five dollars and went two dollars over budget to buy cake mix, sprinkles and a table setting from the local dollar store with my favorite cartoon character. I didn't know it then, but as I got older, I learned that my recently divorced mother was struggling to make ends meet while doing everything in her power to raise my sister and in a healthy environment. Although she made it look easy, basic needs such as paying for childcare, food and gas to travel to work kept her awake at night. Being a first hand witness of my mothers’ ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and maintain a positive outlook has been a source of inspiration and strength for me. My mothers resilience has instilled in me the belief that with perseverance and hard work, I can overcome any obstacle and achieve my aspirations. Throughout the years, my mother has taught me to keep my head up and persevere through any setbacks that life may throw my way. Seeing my mothers determination, positivity, and grace in the face of hardship continues to motivate me to overcome obstacles, pursue my goals, and strive for success. College is a time of growth and exploration, but it's also a time of challenges and hiccups. Looking past rigorous coursework and distractions, I will continue to make due with what I have. As I navigate the journey towards my aspiration, I carry with me the trait of resilience learned from my mother, knowing that with perseverance, anything is possible.

Everytime I hear this question, it's hard to think of another answer other than my mother who is the true definition of resilience. As a single mother, she gracefully balances being a school leader, a mother of two children, a doctoral student and a local community leader. Her selfless leadership has been demonstrated through her actions and her impact on the lives of everyone who has had the benefit of being in her care. I remember my 4th birthday celebration very well. I remember the homemade white cake with pretty pastel-colored sprinkles. I remember helping my mom bake the cake the night before and topping it the following Easter Sunday morning with the gummy candies my grandfather gifted me. After church, I strategically placed the candy in a pattern between each of the 4 candles around the bundt cake. We sang and ate cake using Dora the Explorer table setting, and then my sister and I spent the remainder of the day playing in my favorite park late into the evening. Although the facts are the same, my mother’s version of the story is different. She only had five dollars and went two dollars over budget to buy cake mix, sprinkles and a table setting from the local dollar store with my favorite cartoon character. I didn't know it then, but as I got older, I learned that my recently divorced mother was struggling to make ends meet while doing everything in her power to raise my sister and in a healthy environment. Although she made it look easy, basic needs such as paying for childcare, food and gas to travel to work kept her awake at night. Being a first hand witness of my mothers’ ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and maintain a positive outlook has been a source of inspiration and strength for me. My mothers resilience has instilled in me the belief that with perseverance and hard work, I can overcome any obstacle and achieve my aspirations. Throughout the years, my mother has taught me to keep my head up and persevere through any setbacks that life may throw my way. Seeing my mothers determination, positivity, and grace in the face of hardship continues to motivate me to overcome obstacles, pursue my goals, and strive for success. College is a time of growth and exploration, but it's also a time of challenges and hiccups. Looking past rigorous coursework and distractions, I will continue to make due with what I have. As I navigate the journey towards my aspiration, I carry with me the trait of resilience learned from my mother, knowing that with perseverance, anything is possible.

Everytime I hear this question, it's hard to think of another answer other than my mother who is the true definition of resilience. As a single mother, she gracefully balances being a school leader, a mother of two children, a doctoral student and a local community leader. Her selfless leadership has been demonstrated through her actions and her impact on the lives of everyone who has had the benefit of being in her care. I remember my 4th birthday celebration very well. I remember the homemade white cake with pretty pastel-colored sprinkles. I remember helping my mom bake the cake the night before and topping it the following Easter Sunday morning with the gummy candies my grandfather gifted me. After church, I strategically placed the candy in a pattern between each of the 4 candles around the bundt cake. We sang and ate cake using Dora the Explorer table setting, and then my sister and I spent the remainder of the day playing in my favorite park late into the evening. Although the facts are the same, my mother’s version of the story is different. She only had five dollars and went two dollars over budget to buy cake mix, sprinkles and a table setting from the local dollar store with my favorite cartoon character. I didn't know it then, but as I got older, I learned that my recently divorced mother was struggling to make ends meet while doing everything in her power to raise my sister and in a healthy environment. Although she made it look easy, basic needs such as paying for childcare, food and gas to travel to work kept her awake at night. Being a first hand witness of my mothers’ ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and maintain a positive outlook has been a source of inspiration and strength for me. My mothers resilience has instilled in me the belief that with perseverance and hard work, I can overcome any obstacle and achieve my aspirations. Throughout the years, my mother has taught me to keep my head up and persevere through any setbacks that life may throw my way. Seeing my mothers determination, positivity, and grace in the face of hardship continues to motivate me to overcome obstacles, pursue my goals, and strive for success. College is a time of growth and exploration, but it's also a time of challenges and hiccups. Looking past rigorous coursework and distractions, I will continue to make due with what I have. As I navigate the journey towards my aspiration, I carry with me the trait of resilience learned from my mother, knowing that with perseverance, anything is possible.

I remember the first time I was made aware of cultural and racial differences like it was yesterday. I grew up in a tight-knit community where everyone looked like me, the food and culture were a perfect blend of my intersectionality of being a Black, female. Although I love my community, the majority of schools were low performing with poor student outcomes. I am more fortunate than most in my community because my parents were able to pay for me to attend an independent school, but far away in my mother’s childhood neighborhood. School was my safe space where my teachers were Guyanese just like my grandparents and the culture, food, and people were familiar. My classmates and I learned together and they became my extended family in my home away from home, but things began to change. My parents divorced and my mother faced financial hardships that forced my sister and I to leave the only school we knew and loved. Thankfully, we were accepted into the only high performing, screened school near our home. This school was quite different in many great ways- it was larger, diverse, and the engaging classes were taught in a state-of-the art building. I also had the ability to choose from many extracurricular activities my previous school didn’t offer, but I noticed that there were not many teachers or students that looked like me or my community, yet the lower performing, unscreened school across the street with the bad reputation did. For the first time in my life, I didn’t have a teacher who shared my ethnicity. The only people of color I saw were custodians and security guards. Unlike my old school, I did not see proud images of colored people in our books or on the walls of the school building boasting of the contributions my people have made to society. Ironically, I was in a school closer to my home, getting a better education but I felt small, unrepresented, and culturally insignificant. Although I struggled to find where I fit in in a place where I should feel I belong, I did not let the obstacles prevent me from finding my niche. As a first-year student, it was intimidating to apply for the Mouse Squad, our school’s elite tech team that is mainly comprised of upperclassmen males. I took the entrance exam and had the second highest score. Through the years, I continued to participate in school activities and today I am a leader of my school’s Media Team and one of three anchors who lead our school’s weekly television broadcasts. Cultural diversity and representation matters for so many reasons. A student shouldn’t feel alienated or underrepresented in a learning environment. Instead, school should be a place where people not only learn intellectually but, they learn from one another. I once had a classmate ask, “Why do we have to celebrate Black History?” Instead of being judgmental, I took this opportunity to make this a teachable moment by sharing my proud history and highlighting the contributions African Americans have made to our society. As I reflect on my experiences that make me the person I am today, I am grateful for the life lessons that I have learned. I look forward to the next phase of this journey in college as I strive to make a difference in my life and the lives of others. I know that the road will not always be easy, but I will persevere by doing my part to make the world a better place wherever I am and in any way that I could.

I remember the first time I was made aware of cultural and racial differences like it was yesterday. I grew up in a tight-knit community where everyone looked like me, the food and culture were a perfect blend of my intersectionality of being a Black, female. Although I love my community, the majority of schools were low performing with poor student outcomes. I am more fortunate than most in my community because my parents were able to pay for me to attend an independent school, but far away in my mother’s childhood neighborhood. School was my safe space where my teachers were Guyanese just like my grandparents and the culture, food, and people were familiar. My classmates and I learned together and they became my extended family in my home away from home, but things began to change. My parents divorced and my mother faced financial hardships that forced my sister and I to leave the only school we knew and loved. Thankfully, we were accepted into the only high performing, screened school near our home. This school was quite different in many great ways- it was larger, diverse, and the engaging classes were taught in a state-of-the art building. I also had the ability to choose from many extracurricular activities my previous school didn’t offer, but I noticed that there were not many teachers or students that looked like me or my community, yet the lower performing, unscreened school across the street with the bad reputation did. For the first time in my life, I didn’t have a teacher who shared my ethnicity. The only people of color I saw were custodians and security guards. Unlike my old school, I did not see proud images of colored people in our books or on the walls of the school building boasting of the contributions my people have made to society. Ironically, I was in a school closer to my home, getting a better education but I felt small, unrepresented, and culturally insignificant. Although I struggled to find where I fit in in a place where I should feel I belong, I did not let the obstacles prevent me from finding my niche. As a first-year student, it was intimidating to apply for the Mouse Squad, our school’s elite tech team that is mainly comprised of upperclassmen males. I took the entrance exam and had the second highest score. Through the years, I continued to participate in school activities and today I am a leader of my school’s Media Team and one of three anchors who lead our school’s weekly television broadcasts. Cultural diversity and representation matters for so many reasons. A student shouldn’t feel alienated or underrepresented in a learning environment. Instead, school should be a place where people not only learn intellectually but, they learn from one another. I once had a classmate ask, “Why do we have to celebrate Black History?” Instead of being judgmental, I took this opportunity to make this a teachable moment by sharing my proud history and highlighting the contributions African Americans have made to our society. As I reflect on my experiences that make me the person I am today, I am grateful for the life lessons that I have learned. I look forward to the next phase of this journey in college as I strive to make a difference in my life and the lives of others. I know that the road will not always be easy, but I will persevere by doing my part to make the world a better place wherever I am and in any way that I could.

I remember the first time I was made aware of cultural and racial differences like it was yesterday. I grew up in a tight-knit community where everyone looked like me, the food and culture were a perfect blend of my intersectionality of being a Black, female. Although I love my community, the majority of schools were low performing with poor student outcomes. I am more fortunate than most in my community because my parents were able to pay for me to attend an independent school, but far away in my mother’s childhood neighborhood. School was my safe space where my teachers were Guyanese just like my grandparents and the culture, food, and people were familiar. My classmates and I learned together and they became my extended family in my home away from home, but things began to change. My parents divorced and my mother faced financial hardships that forced my sister and I to leave the only school we knew and loved. Thankfully, we were accepted into the only high performing, screened school near our home. This school was quite different in many great ways- it was larger, diverse, and the engaging classes were taught in a state-of-the art building. I also had the ability to choose from many extracurricular activities my previous school didn’t offer, but I noticed that there were not many teachers or students that looked like me or my community, yet the lower performing, unscreened school across the street with the bad reputation did. For the first time in my life, I didn’t have a teacher who shared my ethnicity. The only people of color I saw were custodians and security guards. Unlike my old school, I did not see proud images of colored people in our books or on the walls of the school building boasting of the contributions my people have made to society. Ironically, I was in a school closer to my home, getting a better education but I felt small, unrepresented, and culturally insignificant. Although I struggled to find where I fit in in a place where I should feel I belong, I did not let the obstacles prevent me from finding my niche. As a first-year student, it was intimidating to apply for the Mouse Squad, our school’s elite tech team that is mainly comprised of upperclassmen males. I took the entrance exam and had the second highest score. Through the years, I continued to participate in school activities and today I am a leader of my school’s Media Team and one of three anchors who lead our school’s weekly television broadcasts. Cultural diversity and representation matters for so many reasons. A student shouldn’t feel alienated or underrepresented in a learning environment. Instead, school should be a place where people not only learn intellectually but, they learn from one another. I once had a classmate ask, “Why do we have to celebrate Black History?” Instead of being judgmental, I took this opportunity to make this a teachable moment by sharing my proud history and highlighting the contributions African Americans have made to our society. As I reflect on my experiences that make me the person I am today, I am grateful for the life lessons that I have learned. I look forward to the next phase of this journey in college as I strive to make a difference in my life and the lives of others. I know that the road will not always be easy, but I will persevere by doing my part to make the world a better place wherever I am and in any way that I could.

I remember the first time I was made aware of cultural and racial differences like it was yesterday. I grew up in a tight-knit community where everyone looked like me, the food and culture were a perfect blend of my intersectionality of being a Black, female. Although I love my community, the majority of schools were low performing with poor student outcomes. I am more fortunate than most in my community because my parents were able to pay for me to attend an independent school, but far away in my mother’s childhood neighborhood. School was my safe space where my teachers were Guyanese just like my grandparents and the culture, food, and people were familiar. My classmates and I learned together and they became my extended family in my home away from home, but things began to change. My parents divorced and my mother faced financial hardships that forced my sister and I to leave the only school we knew and loved. Thankfully, we were accepted into the only high performing, screened school near our home. This school was quite different in many great ways- it was larger, diverse, and the engaging classes were taught in a state-of-the art building. I also had the ability to choose from many extracurricular activities my previous school didn’t offer, but I noticed that there were not many teachers or students that looked like me or my community, yet the lower performing, unscreened school across the street with the bad reputation did. For the first time in my life, I didn’t have a teacher who shared my ethnicity. The only people of color I saw were custodians and security guards. Unlike my old school, I did not see proud images of colored people in our books or on the walls of the school building boasting of the contributions my people have made to society. Ironically, I was in a school closer to my home, getting a better education but I felt small, unrepresented, and culturally insignificant. Although I struggled to find where I fit in in a place where I should feel I belong, I did not let the obstacles prevent me from finding my niche. As a first-year student, it was intimidating to apply for the Mouse Squad, our school’s elite tech team that is mainly comprised of upperclassmen males. I took the entrance exam and had the second highest score. Through the years, I continued to participate in school activities and today I am a leader of my school’s Media Team and one of three anchors who lead our school’s weekly television broadcasts. Cultural diversity and representation matters for so many reasons. A student shouldn’t feel alienated or underrepresented in a learning environment. Instead, school should be a place where people not only learn intellectually but, they learn from one another. I once had a classmate ask, “Why do we have to celebrate Black History?” Instead of being judgmental, I took this opportunity to make this a teachable moment by sharing my proud history and highlighting the contributions African Americans have made to our society. As I reflect on my experiences that make me the person I am today, I am grateful for the life lessons that I have learned. I look forward to the next phase of this journey in college as I strive to make a difference in my life and the lives of others. I know that the road will not always be easy, but I will persevere by doing my part to make the world a better place wherever I am and in any way that I could.

I remember the first time I was made aware of cultural and racial differences like it was yesterday. I grew up in a tight-knit community where everyone looked like me, the food and culture were a perfect blend of my intersectionality of being a Black, female. Although I love my community, the majority of schools were low performing with poor student outcomes. I am more fortunate than most in my community because my parents were able to pay for me to attend an independent school, but far away in my mother’s childhood neighborhood. School was my safe space where my teachers were Guyanese just like my grandparents and the culture, food, and people were familiar. My classmates and I learned together and they became my extended family in my home away from home, but things began to change. My parents divorced and my mother faced financial hardships that forced my sister and I to leave the only school we knew and loved. Thankfully, we were accepted into the only high performing, screened school near our home. This school was quite different in many great ways- it was larger, diverse, and the engaging classes were taught in a state-of-the art building. I also had the ability to choose from many extracurricular activities my previous school didn’t offer, but I noticed that there were not many teachers or students that looked like me or my community, yet the lower performing, unscreened school across the street with the bad reputation did. For the first time in my life, I didn’t have a teacher who shared my ethnicity. The only people of color I saw were custodians and security guards. Unlike my old school, I did not see proud images of colored people in our books or on the walls of the school building boasting of the contributions my people have made to society. Ironically, I was in a school closer to my home, getting a better education but I felt small, unrepresented, and culturally insignificant. Although I struggled to find where I fit in in a place where I should feel I belong, I did not let the obstacles prevent me from finding my niche. As a first-year student, it was intimidating to apply for the Mouse Squad, our school’s elite tech team that is mainly comprised of upperclassmen males. I took the entrance exam and had the second highest score. Through the years, I continued to participate in school activities and today I am a leader of my school’s Media Team and one of three anchors who lead our school’s weekly television broadcasts. Cultural diversity and representation matters for so many reasons. A student shouldn’t feel alienated or underrepresented in a learning environment. Instead, school should be a place where people not only learn intellectually but, they learn from one another. I once had a classmate ask, “Why do we have to celebrate Black History?” Instead of being judgmental, I took this opportunity to make this a teachable moment by sharing my proud history and highlighting the contributions African Americans have made to our society. As I reflect on my experiences that make me the person I am today, I am grateful for the life lessons that I have learned. I look forward to the next phase of this journey in college as I strive to make a difference in my life and the lives of others. I know that the road will not always be easy, but I will persevere by doing my part to make the world a better place wherever I am and in any way that I could.

I remember the first time I was made aware of cultural and racial differences like it was yesterday. I grew up in a tight-knit community where everyone looked like me, the food and culture were a perfect blend of my intersectionality of being a Black, female. Although I love my community, the majority of schools were low performing with poor student outcomes. I am more fortunate than most in my community because my parents were able to pay for me to attend an independent school, but far away in my mother’s childhood neighborhood. School was my safe space where my teachers were Guyanese just like my grandparents and the culture, food, and people were familiar. My classmates and I learned together and they became my extended family in my home away from home, but things began to change. My parents divorced and my mother faced financial hardships that forced my sister and I to leave the only school we knew and loved. Thankfully, we were accepted into the only high performing, screened school near our home. This school was quite different in many great ways- it was larger, diverse, and the engaging classes were taught in a state-of-the art building. I also had the ability to choose from many extracurricular activities my previous school didn’t offer, but I noticed that there were not many teachers or students that looked like me or my community, yet the lower performing, unscreened school across the street with the bad reputation did. For the first time in my life, I didn’t have a teacher who shared my ethnicity. The only people of color I saw were custodians and security guards. Unlike my old school, I did not see proud images of colored people in our books or on the walls of the school building boasting of the contributions my people have made to society. Ironically, I was in a school closer to my home, getting a better education but I felt small, unrepresented, and culturally insignificant. Although I struggled to find where I fit in in a place where I should feel I belong, I did not let the obstacles prevent me from finding my niche. As a first-year student, it was intimidating to apply for the Mouse Squad, our school’s elite tech team that is mainly comprised of upperclassmen males. I took the entrance exam and had the second highest score. Through the years, I continued to participate in school activities and today I am a leader of my school’s Media Team and one of three anchors who lead our school’s weekly television broadcasts. Cultural diversity and representation matters for so many reasons. A student shouldn’t feel alienated or underrepresented in a learning environment. Instead, school should be a place where people not only learn intellectually but, they learn from one another. I once had a classmate ask, “Why do we have to celebrate Black History?” Instead of being judgmental, I took this opportunity to make this a teachable moment by sharing my proud history and highlighting the contributions African Americans have made to our society. As I reflect on my experiences that make me the person I am today, I am grateful for the life lessons that I have learned. I look forward to the next phase of this journey in college as I strive to make a difference in my life and the lives of others. I know that the road will not always be easy, but I will persevere by doing my part to make the world a better place wherever I am and in any way that I could.

I remember the first time I was made aware of cultural and racial differences like it was yesterday. I grew up in a tight-knit community where everyone looked like me, the food and culture were a perfect blend of my intersectionality of being a Black, female. Although I love my community, the majority of schools were low performing with poor student outcomes. I am more fortunate than most in my community because my parents were able to pay for me to attend an independent school, but far away in my mother’s childhood neighborhood. School was my safe space where my teachers were Guyanese just like my grandparents and the culture, food, and people were familiar. My classmates and I learned together and they became my extended family in my home away from home, but things began to change. My parents divorced and my mother faced financial hardships that forced my sister and I to leave the only school we knew and loved. Thankfully, we were accepted into the only high performing, screened school near our home. This school was quite different in many great ways- it was larger, diverse, and the engaging classes were taught in a state-of-the art building. I also had the ability to choose from many extracurricular activities my previous school didn’t offer, but I noticed that there were not many teachers or students that looked like me or my community, yet the lower performing, unscreened school across the street with the bad reputation did. For the first time in my life, I didn’t have a teacher who shared my ethnicity. The only people of color I saw were custodians and security guards. Unlike my old school, I did not see proud images of colored people in our books or on the walls of the school building boasting of the contributions my people have made to society. Ironically, I was in a school closer to my home, getting a better education but I felt small, unrepresented, and culturally insignificant. Although I struggled to find where I fit in in a place where I should feel I belong, I did not let the obstacles prevent me from finding my niche. As a first-year student, it was intimidating to apply for the Mouse Squad, our school’s elite tech team that is mainly comprised of upperclassmen males. I took the entrance exam and had the second highest score. Through the years, I continued to participate in school activities and today I am a leader of my school’s Media Team and one of three anchors who lead our school’s weekly television broadcasts. Cultural diversity and representation matters for so many reasons. A student shouldn’t feel alienated or underrepresented in a learning environment. Instead, school should be a place where people not only learn intellectually but, they learn from one another. I once had a classmate ask, “Why do we have to celebrate Black History?” Instead of being judgmental, I took this opportunity to make this a teachable moment by sharing my proud history and highlighting the contributions African Americans have made to our society. As I reflect on my experiences that make me the person I am today, I am grateful for the life lessons that I have learned. I look forward to the next phase of this journey in college as I strive to make a difference in my life and the lives of others. I know that the road will not always be easy, but I will persevere by doing my part to make the world a better place wherever I am and in any way that I could.