When I think about the word inspiration, my mother is the first person who comes to mind. Throughout my childhood, I watched her determination on display every single day. She would come home from work, take care of my siblings and me, and then immediately sit down to complete her own homework. Even when she was exhausted, she kept pushing forward, showing me what perseverance truly looks like. Looking back now, I realize how much strength it took for her to balance motherhood, work, and education all at once while still making sure our family felt cared for and supported. After earning her degree, my parents started a business together, combining my father’s skills in technology with my mother’s master’s degree in business. I remember watching them sit around the kitchen table late at night discussing schedules, spreadsheets, invoices, and plans for the company, all while my mother continued working her full-time job. At the time, I did not fully understand the amount of pressure they were under, but I could see how much effort and sacrifice went into building something from the ground up. In the beginning, things were financially tight because every extra dollar was invested back into the business. My father worked tirelessly, often six days a week, completing TV mounting jobs across Dallas and sometimes not making it home until after I had already gone to bed. Despite the long hours and uncertainty, my parents never gave up on the vision they had for our family. Instead of allowing challenges to discourage them, they worked even harder to create opportunities for us. Once I was old enough, I began helping with the business myself. At fifteen years old, my first job was working as an administrative assistant for my parents, helping organize paperwork, answer calls, and manage scheduling. That experience allowed me to witness firsthand what it truly takes to run a successful business. I learned that entrepreneurship is not only about financial success, but also about sacrifice, consistency, and believing in something enough to continue working toward it even when the results are not immediate. Today, the business has expanded to service Dallas, Fort Worth, and even Minneapolis, with more than twenty employees. My parents created opportunities not only for themselves, but for our family as well. My father now has the flexibility to choose when he wants to work, and my brothers are able to help support their own families through the business my parents built through years of dedication and sacrifice. Seeing how far they have come reminds me that success is possible when people are willing to stay committed to their goals despite setbacks. Watching my parents’ entrepreneurial journey has given me the strength to persevere through challenges in my own academic career. Balancing school while working full time often feels overwhelming, but it has always seemed possible because I watched my mother do it throughout my childhood. Her example showed me that success is not built overnight, but through resilience, discipline, and the willingness to keep going even during difficult times. Their journey continues to inspire me to pursue my education with determination and to create a future that reflects the sacrifices they made for our family.

As a Black woman pursuing a degree in English Literature with a concentration in Technical Writing, I have always believed that education and literacy have the power to change lives. My goal is not only to earn a degree, but to use my education to make a lasting impact within underserved communities, particularly for young students who may feel overlooked or unsupported. Growing up, I learned that many students are not lacking intelligence or potential; they are often lacking encouragement, representation, and access to opportunities. Because of this, I hope to become a teacher who creates safe and empowering spaces where students feel heard, capable, and inspired to succeed. My passion for education comes from my personal connection to reading and writing. Literature gave me a voice during moments when I struggled to express myself, and writing became a way for me to process emotions, think critically, and better understand the world around me. Through books and storytelling, I realized how important representation is, especially for young Black students who may not often see themselves reflected positively in academic spaces. As a future educator, I want my students to know that their experiences, ideas, and voices matter. I specifically hope to work in low-income communities because I understand how deeply financial hardship and lack of resources can affect a student’s education. Many students carry burdens into the classroom that others may never see, including unstable home environments, food insecurity, or feelings of hopelessness about their future. Too often, these students are labeled as unmotivated when they simply need support, patience, and someone willing to believe in them. I want to become the kind of teacher who recognizes potential in students before they are able to see it within themselves. In addition to teaching literacy and communication skills, I hope to make a positive impact by mentoring young students, especially young Black girls, who may struggle with confidence or feel limited by their circumstances. Representation matters deeply, and I want my future students to see someone who understands their experiences and encourages them to dream bigger for themselves. I believe education should not only prepare students academically, but also help them develop confidence, creativity, and belief in their own abilities. Outside of academics, I currently work while attending school full time, which has taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of perseverance. Balancing both responsibilities has strengthened my work ethic and reminded me why my goals matter so much. Every challenge I have faced has continued to push me toward wanting to create meaningful change for others through education and service. Ultimately, I hope to make a positive impact on the world by fostering literacy, compassion, and opportunity within my community. I want to help students discover the power of their voices and understand that their futures are not defined by their circumstances. Even small acts of encouragement can change the direction of someone’s life, and I hope to become the kind of educator and mentor who inspires students to believe in themselves long after they leave my classroom.

As a Black woman pursuing a degree in English Literature with a concentration in Technical Writing, my ambition has always been rooted in one goal: creating meaningful change through education and literacy. I want to become a teacher in low-income communities where students are often overlooked, underfunded, and underestimated. Growing up, I understood early how much a student’s environment can shape the way they see education and themselves. Many young people are filled with creativity, intelligence, and potential, yet they are rarely given the encouragement or resources needed to fully believe in their own abilities. I want to become the kind of educator who changes that. My drive comes from knowing what education has done for me personally. Reading and writing gave me confidence, perspective, and a voice during times when I felt uncertain about myself and my future. Literature taught me how to think critically, express emotion, and understand experiences outside of my own. Because of this, I believe literacy is one of the most powerful tools a person can have. It creates opportunity, builds confidence, and allows people to advocate for themselves. Unfortunately, many children in underserved communities do not have access to the same educational support, representation, or encouragement that others receive. That is why I want to teach in communities where students need support the most. I want my classroom to feel like a safe space where students are encouraged to ask questions, think creatively, and see value in their voices and experiences. I especially hope to inspire young Black students who may have never had a teacher who looks like them or understands some of the challenges they face outside of school. Representation matters deeply, especially for students who are constantly told, directly or indirectly, that success is out of reach for them. My impact, I hope, will extend far beyond academics. While literacy and education are extremely important to me, I also want to help students build confidence in themselves. Many children carry burdens into the classroom that teachers never fully see, including financial hardship, unstable home environments, or feelings of isolation. Too often, these students are labeled as “difficult” or “unmotivated” when in reality they simply need patience, understanding, and someone willing to believe in them. I want to be the teacher who sees potential before students are able to see it in themselves. One cause I deeply support is improving literacy and educational opportunities within underserved communities. Literacy is not just about reading books or writing essays; it is about empowerment. A student who develops strong literacy skills gains the ability to communicate effectively, think independently, and navigate the world with greater confidence. I want to foster literacy in ways that feel personal and engaging rather than restrictive. I want students to experience reading and writing as something powerful instead of something they fear or resent. If awarded this scholarship, it would help me continue pursuing my education while easing some of the financial pressure that comes with balancing school and work responsibilities. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to creating the kind of impact I have always dreamed of making. I am ambitious not because I seek recognition, but because I understand how life-changing education can be when students are genuinely supported. Ultimately, I hope to leave a lasting impact by becoming an educator who inspires confidence, literacy, and opportunity within communities that are too often forgotten. I want my future students to walk away from my classroom believing their voices matter, their stories deserve to be told, and their futures are not limited by their circumstances.

During the summer, I volunteered at the North Texas Food Bank to help support unhoused individuals throughout Dallas, Texas. I joined simply wanting to give back to my community, but I never expected the experience to impact my life and faith as deeply as it did. While volunteering, I met a young girl around the same age as my younger sister who was living alone on the streets during the brutal Texas summer heat. Seeing someone so young in those conditions immediately broke my heart. The young woman offered to help organize food and supplies at the food bank just so she could remain indoors and escape the heat for a little while. As we worked together, I invited her to sit beside me so she could rest. I gave her food, water, and a place to cool down. Although those gestures may have seemed small, I could tell they meant a great deal to her. What stood out to me most was her kindness despite everything she was facing. As we sat together, she slowly began opening up to me about her hardships and fears for the future. Listening to her story reminded me that many people who are struggling simply need someone willing to listen without judgment. In that moment, I realized service is not always about solving someone’s problems. Sometimes it is about making people feel seen, valued, and cared for. While speaking with her, I felt called to share the story of Job from the Bible. I told her how Job suffered greatly, yet remained faithful even during the darkest moments of his life. I encouraged her not to lose faith in herself or in God, even when life felt overwhelming. Together, we prayed for strength, guidance, and peace over her life. What moved me most was the change I saw in her afterward. As we continued talking, she began speaking not only about her struggles, but also about the kind of life she wanted for herself in the future. For the first time since meeting her, I saw hope replace discouragement in her eyes. Another volunteer overheard part of her story and offered to drive her to a local shelter that could provide additional support and resources. Before we parted ways, I hugged her, told her to keep faith, and invited her to attend church with me the following Sunday. Although she never came to the service, I still think about her often and continue to pray for her safety and future. This experience changed my understanding of service, leadership, and faith. Before volunteering, I believed leadership was about authority or recognition. However, I learned that true leadership comes through compassion, humility, and serving others selflessly. This experience also inspired me to further my education and become a teacher so I can help young people who may feel overlooked or unsupported. I want to encourage students to see purpose beyond their circumstances, just as I encouraged that young woman to do. Social Media Handles: Facebook: @aliviabankston

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.