My passion for education and the arts began in childhood, shaped by the influence of my grandparents, both educators, and nurtured through long summer days spent in the library instead of on the playground. Books introduced me to new worlds, taught me empathy, and helped me understand voices and perspectives far different from my own. That early love for stories turned into a calling: to become an educator and writer who uses the power of language to inspire, inform, and connect. As an English major, I am deeply invested in cultural literacy. I believe understanding the stories, struggles, and triumphs of different communities is essential to building empathy and inclusion. Literature is more than entertainment—it’s a mirror and a window. It allows us to see ourselves and understand others. Through my studies, I’ve analyzed works that explore race, gender, identity, and justice. These experiences have taught me that education is not neutral; it’s a powerful tool that can either uphold or dismantle inequality. I choose to use my education to dismantle barriers, broaden minds, and elevate voices that are often overlooked. My passion for education isn’t limited to the classroom. I’ve helped coworkers write professional emails, tutored classmates in essay writing, and led peer support groups for students struggling with academic confidence. I’ve also volunteered at a local food bank, where I learned that education doesn’t just take place in books—it’s in the way we speak to people, the respect we give them, and the stories we take the time to hear. Every interaction is a chance to teach and to learn. Once I complete my degree and transfer to Texas Tech University, I plan to pursue a career in education while also working as a writer. My goal is to teach high school or college English in underserved communities, creating classrooms where students of all backgrounds feel seen, heard, and empowered. I want my students to know that their voices matter, that their stories deserve to be told, and that literacy is a form of liberation. As a writer, I plan to create work that reflects the richness of Black experiences, the complexity of womanhood, and the resilience found in everyday people. I want to publish books, essays, and articles that spark dialogue, celebrate culture, and advocate for equity. Whether I’m in a classroom or writing for the world, my work will center truth, justice, and empathy. Ultimately, I see education and cultural literacy as the foundation of a more compassionate, thoughtful society. By investing in my degree, I’m investing in my community—not just to teach but to uplift, challenge, and lead.

One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had serving my community was volunteering at a local food bank during a particularly difficult time in my life. I was juggling a full-time job and being a full-time student, yet I felt a deep need to give back. I didn’t have much money or time to spare, but I had energy, compassion, and a belief that even small acts of service can create a lasting impact. I was inspired to take action after witnessing how many families in my own neighborhood were silently struggling. As someone who grew up in a home where hard work was essential and resources were often limited, I recognized the quiet dignity of people simply trying to meet their basic needs. Volunteering at the food bank allowed me to be part of a solution, even if only for a few hours a week. I started as a helper sorting donations, and before long, I organized shifts and led efforts to streamline distribution during busy periods. One of the biggest challenges I faced was emotional. I met people who reminded me of my own family—working parents doing their best, grandparents raising grandchildren, and students like me trying to survive. I had to learn how to show empathy without pity and how to serve without judgment. It was sometimes difficult to balance this emotionally heavy work with the demands of school and work, but I knew the impact was worth it. That experience deepened my understanding of leadership. It’s not always about being in front or being the loudest voice—it’s often about listening, supporting, and making space for others. Leadership, I learned, is about being reliable, compassionate, and willing to do the unseen, unglamorous work that builds trust and community. My faith also played a quiet but powerful role in this experience. I believe that we are called to love and serve our neighbors, and that purpose is found not just in grand gestures but in consistently showing up with an open heart. Volunteering taught me that service isn’t just what we do for others—it’s how we allow ourselves to be changed in the process. Through this work, I gained humility, perspective, and a deeper gratitude for the things I once took for granted. This experience also shaped my educational and career goals. As an English major planning to transfer to Texas Tech University, I want to use my writing and future teaching career to uplift unheard voices. I believe stories are a form of service too—they connect us, teach us, and remind us of our shared humanity. My time at the food bank reminded me that the most powerful tools we have are not always material—they’re our time, our voice, and our willingness to care. Ultimately, this experience taught me that service is not about fixing others—it’s about standing beside them. It’s about having faith that even small actions, done with love, can change lives.

Dear Scholarship Committee, Education has always been more than a personal goal for me—it is a legacy. As a Black woman pursuing an English major, my journey is shaped by resilience, a love of language, and the drive to be the change I want to see in the world. Balancing full-time work while being a full-time student has not been easy, but it has taught me discipline, compassion, and the power of perseverance. Currently, I am enrolled at Dallas College and will be transferring to Texas Tech University to continue my education. With a 3.0 GPA, I have worked hard to maintain academic success while managing a full-time job to support myself. My dedication to my studies has earned me a place on the Senior Vice Provost’s Honors List—an achievement that reflects my commitment to academic excellence despite the many demands on my time. As an English major, I am passionate about the transformative power of storytelling. Literature has helped me understand different perspectives and given me the tools to express my own. I plan to use my degree to become both an educator and a writer. I believe in the power of words to inspire, to educate, and to bring about change. In the future, I hope to write stories that elevate underrepresented voices and teach in spaces where students see themselves reflected in the curriculum. I am also a proud member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), an organization that has helped me grow as a leader and advocate. Through NSLS, I have developed goal-setting strategies and leadership skills that I now apply in both academic and professional settings. It has reinforced the belief that leadership is not about titles—it’s about action, service, and example. The challenges I face—navigating higher education while working full-time and striving to maintain a strong academic standing—are significant. But they do not define me. They fuel my determination to succeed. Scholarships like this one represent more than financial support; they are investments in students who are committed to creating impact through education and service. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of tuition and textbooks, but it would allow me to dedicate more time to my studies and community engagement. It would bring me one step closer to becoming an educator who uplifts others, a writer who challenges the status quo, and a leader who leads with empathy and integrity. Thank you for considering my application. I am honored to share my story and my vision for the future.

My love of learning has shaped who I have become in more ways than I can truly explain. As the grandchild of educators, my journey toward higher education began early in life. While most kids spent their summers on playgrounds, mine was spent wandering the aisles of the local library. I vividly remember visiting friends’ houses and noticing that their playrooms full of dolls stood in stark contrast to my beloved bookshelf, filled with poetry, young adult novels, and a curious sense that stories could unlock something greater than entertainment—understanding. This early relationship with reading didn’t just spark a love for books; it opened the door to curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep desire to understand the world around me. Reading helped me explore new cultures, challenge old assumptions, and imagine different lives. Through books, I began to understand injustice, resilience, empathy, and the nuances of the human experience. I wasn’t just entertained—I was transformed. Inside the classroom, this love for learning fueled my pursuit of an English major, where I have continued to sharpen my voice and analyze the stories that shape our lives and identities. Discussions about literature, race, gender, and history have deepened my ability to think critically and speak thoughtfully. Outside the classroom, my learning never stops. Whether I’m researching literary theory, helping coworkers write professional emails, or tutoring friends in essay writing, I see knowledge as something to be shared and multiplied. One decisive moment from my childhood was watching my mother complete her educational journey and receive her master’s degree. She was an example of resilience and strength against the odds—working full-time while completing assignments and reading bedtime stories without missing a beat. That experience reminded me that learning isn’t just about what happens in the classroom; it’s about committing to change your circumstances despite the struggles of your current situation. It’s about opening yourself to the challenges involved in personal growth and showing others that, although it may not be easy, it is well worth the effort. It was then that I knew I wanted to become both an educator and a writer, understanding that hard work would be essential to achieve my dreams of using my voice to uplift and inspire others. Even my work in the community, including volunteering at a local food bank, has been shaped by my love of learning. I have learned the value of humility, service, and listening to people’s stories beyond the surface. Every interaction has taught me something—about kindness, dignity, and the importance of meeting people where they are. This passion for learning continues to guide my future. As I transfer from Dallas College to Texas Tech University, I do so with the determination to use my education not only to build a meaningful career but also to create spaces where knowledge is accessible, inclusive, and empowering. I want to write stories that reflect overlooked voices and teach in classrooms where every student feels seen and heard. Learning has been my anchor, my compass, and my spark. It has shaped my identity and expanded my world. Most importantly, it has given me a sense of purpose: to grow, to give, and to guide others on their own paths of discovery.

Being part of a community has taught me that hope is not something you wait for—it’s something you create through action, connection, and service. As an English major, full-time student, and full-time employee, I’ve discovered that the knowledge I gain through my studies doesn’t just serve me—it’s meant to be shared. That belief has shaped how I engage with my community and how I envision my future. One way I’ve put this into practice is by offering academic support to those around me. I began informally tutoring classmates who were struggling with writing, especially those returning to school after time away. Many were intimidated by academic writing or unsure of how to express themselves clearly. Drawing from what I’ve learned in my coursework, I helped them structure essays, understand readings, and build confidence in their abilities. Over time, this turned into a small support group where we shared resources, edited each other’s papers, and held one another accountable. One of the most rewarding moments came when a co-worker, who had failed her English class twice, passed with a B after our sessions together. She told me, “You made me believe I could do it.” That experience reaffirmed for me that education is a gift best used to uplift others. It also showed me that leadership can be quiet and consistent—often found in showing up for people when they need it most. In addition to academic support, I’ve volunteered at a local food bank during school breaks and weekends. Organizing food, preparing boxes, and serving families face-to-face gave me another perspective on resilience. Many of the people we served were working parents, students, or elderly individuals living on fixed incomes. Despite their challenges, they showed up with grace and gratitude. Serving them reminded me of how interconnected we all are—and how small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact. That time at the food bank taught me that service goes beyond providing—it’s about honoring people’s dignity. Whether I’m helping someone understand an essay or making sure they have groceries for the week, I’ve learned that compassion and respect must guide everything we do. These experiences have given me a deep sense of purpose and hope. They’ve shown me the power of community—the strength that comes from people supporting each other, even in difficult circumstances. As I prepare to transfer from Dallas College to Texas Tech University, I carry these lessons with me. I want to continue using my education not just to build a career as a writer and educator, but to create spaces where learning is empowering, inclusive, and healing. Being part of a community that gives and grows together has shaped who I am. It has reminded me that the future isn't something distant—it's something we shape every day, through how we show up for one another. Thank you for considering my story and supporting students who strive to give back.

Stories are more than entertainment—they are vehicles for truth, empathy, and change. As a Black woman and aspiring writer and educator, I have experienced firsthand how stories shape identity, build bridges across differences, and give voice to those who have been historically unheard. My goal is to use storytelling not just to reflect the world as it is, but to imagine what it could be. Growing up, I often searched for books where I could see myself—not just in appearance, but in culture, struggle, and strength. Too often, I came up short. That absence taught me how powerful it is to be seen, and how damaging it is to be invisible. I realized that if I didn’t see the stories I needed, then I would write them myself. Storytelling became my form of resistance, healing, and expression. As an English major, I’ve come to understand that stories do more than entertain; they inspire empathy and shape thought. A well-told story can humanize people who are too often reduced to headlines or statistics. Through writing, I want to challenge stereotypes, amplify unheard voices, and help others connect across lines of race, class, and experience. In the classroom, I plan to encourage students to explore their own stories and see value in their perspectives. When students feel their voices matter, they begin to see that they matter—and that’s where true change begins. Balancing full-time work and school has been demanding, but I remain committed. With this scholarship, I can continue creating stories that matter—stories that change hearts, shift perspectives, and contribute to a more compassionate world. Thank you for this opportunity.