I’m a Black girl who is bilingual, and I speak Spanish fluently, a skill that often surprises people in my town. Growing up in North Carolina, where not everyone speaks multiple languages, being bilingual really sets me apart. I started learning Spanish in 1st grade and continued all the way through 8th grade. It wasn’t always easy, but I stuck with it because I knew it was something valuable. It took a lot of consistency and commitment to keep up with the language over those years, and I’m proud of that dedication. Speaking Spanish fluently gives me a special connection to a culture and a community that many people around me don’t experience, and that’s something I treasure deeply. Physically, I’m 5’6” or 5’7” in shoes. I’m also pretty good at basketball. I’ve been recognized by coaches and other players who would often beg me to join their teams. Despite the attention, I don’t really like playing on official teams because I’m shy in those kinds of competitive and public settings. Instead, I prefer playing basketball in the gym with a close friend. That’s where I feel comfortable, relaxed, and able to have fun without the pressure of performing or being judged. I feel it’s a space where I can just be myself and enjoy the game for what it is. Growing up, I faced teasing because I was more of a tomboy in the way I dressed and carried myself. People didn’t always understand my style or personality, and sometimes that made me feel like I needed to change to fit in. But over time, I learned the importance of being confident in who I am rather than trying to meet other people’s expectations. Now, I embrace both sides of myself, the tomboy and the girly girl side depending on how I feel that day. My story isn’t just about the things I do or the languages I speak; it’s about how I own my individuality and make it shine in my own way. Every experience I’ve had, every challenge I’ve faced, and every skill I’ve developed contributes to the person I am today. It’s about embracing all the different layers that make me unique—whether that’s my cultural background, my athletic abilities, or my personal style. I stand out by being unapologetically myself. That confidence to be different, to celebrate what makes me special, is what truly defines me. I’ve learned that the most powerful thing I can do is to stay true to who I am and let that authenticity shine through in everything I do. Overall, I will always be proud of my different blend of skills, personality, and style. Being bilingual, athletically talented, and comfortable in my own skin these are all parts of what make me who I am, and I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world. Being Amia means embracing every part of my story, owning my journey, and moving forward with pride and happiness.

My experiences in sports, especially softball, have played an important role in shaping my character, mindset, and how I approach challenges in life. I played softball for two years of my high school life and also participated in track for one year. Even though my time playing was impacted early on by a serious injury, the lessons I learned and the support of my mom continue to influence who I am today. I am no longer playing at the moment, but I hope to continue in college. When I first started playing softball, I quickly developed a strong love for the game. It taught me teamwork, communication, and trust. I learned that success does not come from one person alone, but from everyone working together toward a shared goal. One of the most difficult moments in my life happened when I broke my fibula during that season. It happened near first base when I rolled my ankle and fell unexpectedly. I even remember hearing someone in the stands assume I had slid into the base, saying, “That’s why you don’t slide first base.” But I was not sliding; it was simply an accident. When I returned to school weeks later, that story followed me, which was difficult because I was already dealing with recovery and felt misunderstood. After the injury, I was told I would need surgery with rods and screws placed in my ankle. Hearing that at a young age was overwhelming because of the risks and uncertainty involved. I had just discovered a sport I loved, and suddenly I had to step away from it. Recovery was one of the hardest experiences I have gone through, not just physically but emotionally. I was on nine pills a day, which I struggled with because I never liked taking medication. My mom was with me every day, making sure I took everything I needed and helping me through it. She even made it easier by mixing pills with applesauce. She helped me with daily tasks I could not do on my own, and that experience showed me what real care, patience, and strength looks like. Losing the ability to play was emotionally painful. It felt like something I had just started to love was suddenly taken away. Over time, I learned to accept the situation and focus on healing. I realized that setbacks do not define a person, but how they respond to them does. My recovery eventually went well, and years later I am in great shape. Looking back, that experience built my resilience, patience, and mental toughness. It taught me that healing takes time and progress is still progress, even when it is slow. Although I am no longer playing softball, I also played track for one year, and I continue to carry the lessons sports taught me into my everyday life. Whether I am working at Wendy’s or Lowe’s, helping at home, or managing school, I apply teamwork, responsibility, and perseverance in everything I do. Looking forward, I want to bring these same values into my future goals in business and entrepreneurship. I want to build something meaningful that reflects creativity, discipline, and resilience. I also want to make my mom proud by turning everything she helped me through into motivation for my success. Overall, my experiences in sports and recovery taught me resilience, strength, and perseverance. Even though my time in softball was cut short, the lessons I learned continue to shape who I am and the future I am working toward.

I have gained a variety of experiences through school, work, babysitting, family responsibilities, and academic programs that have helped shape who I am today. I have worked jobs at Wendy’s and Lowe’s, and both experiences taught me important lessons about responsibility, teamwork, and work ethic. At Wendy’s, I learned how to work in a fast paced environment, communicate with customers, and stay focused under pressure. It taught me how important it is to stay patient, respectful, and efficient even when things get busy. At Lowe’s, I gained experience in a different type of work environment where attention to detail, responsibility, and helping customers find solutions were important. Both jobs helped me understand what it means to show up, work hard, and take pride in what I do. In addition to my jobs, I have also done babysitting, which taught me responsibility at a different level. Taking care of children required patience, attention, and maturity because I had to make sure they were safe, comfortable, and cared for at all times. Babysitting also helped me develop leadership skills and showed me how important it is to be dependable because others are relying on you. In school, I have also worked hard to stay involved and challenge myself academically. I have earned recognition such as making the Principal’s List, joining Jr. Beta, and becoming a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. I am also currently pursuing a business certificate through Edgecombe Community College, where I have taken courses like Introduction to Business, Principles of Marketing, and Business Essentials. I am currently maintaining strong grades in Principles of Management and Business Ethics. These experiences have helped me develop discipline, time management, and the ability to stay committed to long term goals even when things become difficult. Although I have not been involved in formal volunteer organizations, I have still found ways to help others in meaningful ways. One example is using my Spanish immersion background to help my mom communicate with a Spanish-speaking customer. That moment showed me how even small skills can make a difference in someone else’s life. It also taught me the importance of using what I know to help others whenever I have the opportunity. Throughout my life, I have learned important lessons from personal experiences and challenges. Breaking my ankle during my first softball season taught me resilience and how to keep moving forward even after disappointment. Being in Spanish immersion from first through eighth grade taught me discipline and dedication, especially because I stayed committed even when no one else in my family spoke the language. Taking on responsibility at home with my younger siblings taught me patience, leadership, and how to be a role model. Looking ahead, I want to continue growing academically and professionally in the field of business, especially in entrepreneurship and creativity. My goal is to start a business that combines design and culture, and eventually create opportunities for others who are interested in business and fashion. I want to grow into someone who not only achieves personal success but also uses that success to help and inspire others. Overall, I want to continue building discipline, leadership, and creativity as I move forward in life. My experiences so far have shown me that growth comes from consistency, effort, and perseverance, and I plan to carry those lessons into my future education, career, and personal development.