Throughout my high school career I have demonstrated a commitment to people and service. I have been able to participate in clubs and organizations, leading, learning, and aiding with my heart at the forefront. Firstly, joining the Scholars Leadership Program Honor Society at my high school has given me a community of fellow African American girls whom I can learn from and relate to. The community and support I received through the Scholars Program inspired me to offer the same opportunities to others. Today, I am the community service coordinator for the program. In this role, I lead bi-weekly mentorship meetings for black female students at the local middle school. As a mentor, I seek to create a safe space where the students feel strengthened and supported. I design each meeting to build confidence through discussions and activities. I also organized the program’s first black-history month celebration. Through educational bonding activities, I made sure the girls understood their identity and felt free to celebrate it. In addition, interning at the Howard County Office of Human Rights and Equity has given me the opportunity to make an impact on my county as a whole. I have not only assisted investigators with cases of discrimination but helped foster conversation about ensuring equity is present in Howard County-even completing a Webinar series with an office administrator engaging in conversation about how racial equity in Howard County can be established and improved. Lastly, one of my most proud accomplishments is one that is also the closest to my heart-my job at the local retirement home: Lutheran Village at Miller's Grant. Serving the senior residents and being able to be a part of the Lutheran community is far more rewarding than the compensation that I receive for the job. It truly has been the most rewarding job I could ever ask for. The residents teach me patience, wisdom, and perspective-something. My motivation for my involvement with these activities is based on my drive to benefit my community. Through Scholars I am able to be a role model for younger women, through my internship I get to engage with my local government and help make change in my county, and through my job at Lutheran I get to make a direct impact on individuals, treating senior citizens with compassion and care. Each of these activities allows me to give back to my community, and allows me the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself and make a true impact.