I want to start off by saying that I've been through a lot of hardships at a young age, but I've realized that the Lord puts us in situations to prepare us, not to harm us. Every setback, every headache, every tear dropped was never wasted- it built faith, character, discipline in me. I am worth the dreams I aspire to achieve because I've fought through pain with purpose. There were days that I didn't want to attend school due to losing two family members back to back, which took a toll on me. I was broken, sad, depressed, and angry that it filled my heart. But the Lord is always close to the broken hearted. That's when I knew God has always been there for me, even when I wasn't showing up for myself. I'm continuing to learn to trust the process, even when it doesn't make sense. My dreams aren't just about success- they're about growth, healing, stepping into the purpose God has called me to do. I carry a story of strength which has value. I believe that when the Lord gives you a vision it will also bring victory. That's why I'm worth it because I didn't give up when I had every reason to, and because I now walk with intention, faith, and purpose. In 2022 I found Delta Gems which is an organization for girls in the community. It inspired girls to be proactive in the community, learn about our history, becoming outspoken, and building self-esteem within ourselves. At first I didn't want to attend none of the group sessions because of fear, doubt, and shyness. I went to the welcoming group session, it was good we learned what sisterhood was and how it is important to be around woman that deal with the same situations. A year later, I began to become more comfortable with the girls and was a Chaplin. So, now I was the one explaining what sisterhood was, planning events and getting younger girls involved with the community. Being apart of the Delta Gems taught me how to plan accordingly, speak with confidence, and remain productive in the community. Setting goals for myself and achieving them made me realize that if there is something important to you you will make time for it no matter how difficult the circumstances get. Every obstacle that i've been through Jesus has been there. To make me become someone who is wiser, stronger, obedient, disciplined and humble. The journey has been rough but, I see now that the preparation that i've been through, has aligned me with what I am destined to do. I am grateful to have this opportunity to apply for this scholarship it has reminded me of the importance of hard-work, discipline, and the power of a good community.

WOW! As I look around the room I immediately notice a difference. I'm the only woman in here not only that a black women. My heart sunk, but I then remembered my teacher telling me to continue to push through and pursue this career. I'm going to represent for the minority and for myself no matter what. Being the only woman in the room full of men felt intimidating at first but, I'm in this field to make a difference and to showcase my talents that this field of study needs. As someone in a underrepresented background, I've faced imposter syndrome, isolation, and lack of access to networking opportunities. These experiences have affected my self-esteem questioning myself if I belong in this space. Over time, I've realized that I'm not able to do this alone and seeking for help is not a sign of weakness but a step toward growth within myself. Learning the value of mentorship, leadership, community, and asking for support reinforces the way that I now view life knowing that I do have a purpose and I belong. I chose STEM with a focus of Forensics due to the blend of science and real-life aspects. From a young age, I've always been thrilled of exploring cases by using problem-solving skills in order to figure out what happened. What drew me in was uncovering the truth and solving crimes. Solving a crime is telling someones story with evidence involved, materials used to find DNA like a microscope which is commonly used to identify a suspect. For example, in law enforcement we analyzed how to take pictures of a crime scene, fingerprinting, a blood splatter lab, etc. For the blood splatter lab It involved red paint, (if it was real blood that would've been something) we each had are own hammer and a wooden board. It was a white piece of paper that was on the wooden board. We slammed down the hammer on the wooden board that was given to us, plexiglass was around the wooden board to prevent red pain on the floor. YES! We did have on the protective suit which sealed the deal for me. I was ready to go on a real scene at that point in time. After that, we then reviewed different angles of taking pictures and making sure every angle was took. If one picture is missing it can cost everything. For me it's not just about entering a lab but, using science to make a difference in society and in the justice system. This field of study is a challenge but, with the right resources and education it's going to work out at the end. The balance between human impact and science is what draws me closer and closer. My short term goal is to gain more hands on experience in a internship or shadowing a professional in forensic science, who specializes in crime scene investigations. I also want to improve on my writing when it comes down to note taking and explaining what occurred. Long term goal is of course to be a certified forensic technician or analyst, dealing with law enforcement to solve cases. Earning this scholarship will help me stay in college and work toward my degree without constant stress of financial uncertainty. A lift of a financial burden would be gone and I will be able to focus on my education rather than worrying about how i'll afford next semester. I'm truly grateful for this opportunity to be considered, receiving this scholarship would mean more than just financial relief but a reminder to pursue my passion.

Having an education and going to school was something my mom and dad talked about. But, my mama never forced us to go to school because she said “school isn’t for everybody, but if you do go make something out of it” and I did. I applied to different schools in state and out of state I was excited. My ma talked about her experience and how college is fun etc. So, I was excited to get the same experience that she had. I didn’t come from money but my ma made sure I had everything that I needed. Even though I didn’t have enough money that wasn’t stopping me from attending college. I chose an out of state school. I was excited to go to a different state and experience something new. I enjoyed the classes I was in and plus this is my first year of college so, i’m going into school open minded. Met amazing friends, starting to learn myself and get the hang of being away from my family and friends at home. At first I thought all of my expenses was covered due to the scholarship that my University gave me but it’s wasn’t. So, that put a pause in my education having me having to pull out for a semester. On top of that South Carolina had a bad hurricane that hit them which affected my mom her electricity went out for almost 2 weeks making it hard for her to even feed our dogs and herself. I took a train ticket back to go home with her and just been working and praying and knowing that the Lord is with me along this journey. Missing on a semester has taught me a lot. To not take life for granted but also go forward for what you want. If a situation has occurred learn from it and don’t worry because the Lord will always provide no matter what. Receiving this scholarship will help me not worry about finances and push me more to earn a degree in STEM. Earning this Scholarship will help me get back into school and pay off the remaining balance for my tuition. I will be able to continue to pursue a degree in Forensics to be a Forensic Analyst. Earning this scholarship will also remind me that even though we go through challenges in life you should continue to pursue the goals in your life and remember to keep your head up. Thank you for this amazing opportunity.

“Alexis make sure you sweep your hair up off the floor and clean the bathroom when you’re done” ma says, okkk I am, I say. I’ve been washing and detangling my hair for almost an hour now time for me to style it in cornrows. I use my blue magic hair grease, leave in conditioner and gel and began to style it. Everything is looking pretty and fresh. I clean up after myself sweeping the floor cleaning the tub and sink area. Dinner is done I can eat and get ready for tomorrow. The next day I wake up bright and early went in the restroom to use the potty, “AHHHHH” “BOOM”, What in the world is all that banging?” ma says. “Ma it’s a spider in my bathroom” I kid you not I looked closely it’s a piece of my hair balled up. I literally tried killing the “spider” the whole time lol. I fell on my back and everything my mom laughing at me saying “that’s what you get next time clean up properly.” “I did”, then I remembered behind the toilet. The bathroom stay clean even behind the toilet not missing no spots nor corners.

Losing a loved one can leave you with a lot of hurt, anger, memories, and dreams. But while reading Kaila D’s story it seems to be that she is still here with us. Her work ethic, striving to help others laugh and have fun. Kalia D’s journey showed black excellence while thriving in school and also being in a sport. Her journey embraced outstanding achievements with a positive loving spirit. Her story resonates with me on so many levels. I am inspired to share similar values of being ambitious and excelling in life while also helping my community. Like Kalia D, I was a student-athlete who was an honor roll student. Basketball Cheerleading and dance had my heart. Being able to cheer for others and encourage the basketball players made me feel good inside. For dance, I was able to be myself, expressing my emotions freely. My papa passed which made a huge impact on my life. I remember almost quitting dance because I would think about my papa at my dance events. I couldn’t take it. I realized that my papa would come to see me and cheer me on, so I continued to do it. I realized that my papa was still with me no matter what. To continue to strive for excellence. Cheer taught me to use my voice and to speak up for others around me, time management, and sisterhood. Dance taught me freedom, leadership, discipline, and to feel how you feel but continue to push through the hard times. Being able to juggle both sports was a hassle but staying focused on my goals made me push myself harder. The next chapter of my academic journey is pursuing a career in forensic science, helping others who have lost someone. It’s my job to figure out when it happened. Why? And how can I give the family closure about their loved one? Just as Kaila strived for her studies and extracurricular activities, I am committed to helping those in my community while serving others. This scholarship will raise the financial burden, so I can pursue my selected career field. To stay focused on my academics so, I want worry about financial stress or issues. This scholarship would not only honor Kaila's success but allow me to be able to continue to strive for excellence. This scholarship would be a reminder for me to push through hard times and to remember why I am in that career. Kaila was a black woman who showed black excellence but also inspired others to reach for the stars and to love each other. It’s a reminder to show kindness, gratitude, and success like Kaila D embodied, encouraging me to carry a loving spirit with everything that I do. To sum it up, I am honored to be able to apply for the Kaila D. Davis Scholarship and share my story with you. Kaila's legacy will not be forgotten for the way she excelled in life by living, loving, laughing, and also learning. This scholarship will embrace my achievements in academics and ambitions in life. I am committed to continuing to excel in life by also showing kindness, excellence, ambition, and success just the way Kaila D. Davis did. Thank you for this opportunity.