“You're not just growing herbs, you're growing people.” That’s what my dad told me as we watered the herb shelf I built from scratch in our front yard. I was thirteen, and what started as a DIY quarantine project turned into something far more something that made my father and I's connection stronger, who had begun gardening after losing his grandmother, and something that grounded me in the power of nurturing. In many ways, that shelf became a symbol of how I live: intentionally, creatively, and genuinely care for others. I attend Charles R. Drew Charter School in Atlanta, where community is our core. It's where I’ve explored how design, storytelling, and service intersect. Whether I'm managing social media for my principal, running my own photography business, or volunteering with Horizons at Georgia Tech, I'm constantly planting seeds of representation, access, and inspiration. My photography isn’t just about images. It’s about impact. After a close friend who also loved photography was no longer here, I committed to carrying his passion through my actions. Through Imagesbyleenicole, I've highlighted underrepresented voices—in particular, our athletes and athletics at my school. I want people to see themselves as worthy, beautiful, and powerful. That’s the same reason I hope to pursue a degree in marketing and design: to build inclusive campaigns that uplift and humanize. One of the proudest moments in my journey was capturing the Charles R. Drew Charter School boys soccer team throughout their season as they made history by becoming the first Atlanta Public School team to win a soccer state championship. Being part of documenting this milestone was not just about photography; it was about preserving an eternal moment in Black history and celebrating our community's excellence on and off the field. I was honored to capture the story of my friend and teammate, Madeline Cooper, who attends our predominantly Black 2A school. She soared to become the national champion in the 100-meter hurdles at the 2024 USATF Junior Olympics, tying the national record with a time of 13.33 seconds. Through my photography, I celebrated her incredible resilience and excellence, showing the strength and talent coming from our community, East Lake. I also had the privilege of being there for Ja’Mya Duckworth’s senior night, a special moment for our dedicated golfer. Over five months, she improved her score from 112 to 86 and earned a spot on the "AA Girls All-State Team." Creating a video to highlight her journey and celebrate her success with our school community was truly inspiring. After college, I plan to launch creative youth programs that combine arts, storytelling, and leadership development to empower young people in underrepresented communities. These programs will focus on building confidence through creative expression, whether through photography, design, or digital media, and providing mentorship opportunities to help youth discover their own voice and passions. In addition, I want to support and collaborate with nonprofits that focus on equity and access, particularly those addressing educational disparities and social justice. Ultimately, I envision growing my photography business into a platform for advocacy, using visual storytelling to highlight issues that matter and amplify marginalized voices. I’m fueled by a deep belief: growth comes from care, and the world changes when we invest in others. This scholarship would allow me to keep planting, keep creating, and keep growing not just for me, but for every person I hope to impact. Like that herb shelf, I am rooted in love and purpose, and I’m building something that will feed futures beyond my own.