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Amir Lyles

1x

Finalist

Bio

I'm someone who enjoys learning new skills and exploring different interests, especially in business, creativity, and technology. Through school projects, hands on assignments, and personal experiences, I've developed strong communication, organization, and problem solving abilities. I like taking on challenges that push me to grow, and I see consistency as one of my guiding principles. With a mindset focused on improvement and opportunity, I continue building experiences that shape who I'm becoming.

Education

Southeast Guilford High

High School
2024 - 2026

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Real Estate

    • Dream career goals:

      Sports

      Football

      Varsity
      2021 – 20254 years
      Maurice Geyen Business Scholarship
      I am someone who has always been motivated by growth, opportunity, and the idea of building something meaningful for my future. Throughout my life, I’ve learned how important it is to understand not just what you want to do, but why you want to do it. Those experiences both in school and in my personal life have pushed me toward majoring in business. I’ve always been drawn to how companies run, how leaders make decisions, and how ideas can turn into real results. What interests me most about business is that it connects people, creativity, problem solving, and discipline all into one field. It allows you to take charge of your path while learning skills that apply almost anywhere. I chose to major in business because I want a career that is flexible, challenging, and filled with opportunities to grow. Business isn’t just about money; it’s about strategy, communication, and understanding people. I like the idea of being in an environment where every day brings something new to analyze or improve. Business also teaches you how to think ahead, plan smartly, and make decisions that benefit both yourself and the team around you. These are skills I want to develop so I can be a strong leader and someone others can rely on. I want to learn how to manage finances, understand marketing, solve problems under pressure, and make choices that help a company or project succeed. Choosing business feels like the right path because it gives me the tools to take control of my future and open doors to careers that match my ambition. Another big reason I chose business is because of my long-term goals. I want to be in a position where I can create stability for myself and my family. Education has shown me that success is not just about what you know it’s about how you use the knowledge you gain. Business gives me the chance to learn practical skills I can use to build a career that lasts. In the future, I can see myself working in management, entrepreneurship, or even starting my own business once I gain more experience. I want to learn how to run a team, make smart financial decisions, and build something that reflects my hard work. After I graduate, my plan is to find a job that allows me to grow, learn from others, and eventually step into leadership roles. Over time, I want to take everything I’ve learned and use it to give back whether that means helping my community, supporting my family, or creating opportunities for people who come after me. Ultimately, majoring in business is more than just a career choice for me it’s the first step toward the future I want to build. It represents independence, responsibility, and the chance to turn my goals into reality. I’m excited for the journey ahead and for everything I’ll learn along the way.
      Matthew E. Minor Memorial Scholarship
      Growing up, I learned early that community matters. I was raised in a single parent household, and seeing my family work hard to provide for me taught me the value of supporting the people around you. Because of that, I try to be involved in my community in ways that create safety, encouragement, and opportunities for younger kids. I volunteer with youth spaces in my neighborhood, help with local events, and often check in on younger kids at school or in after school programs. To me, being involved is not just about showing up for big events it’s about being consistent, dependable, and someone younger kids feel comfortable coming to when they need guidance. As I prepare to enter higher education, financial need is one of the biggest barriers between me and my goals. Coming from a single income household makes it difficult to afford tuition, books, housing, and transportation without taking on heavy debt. I do not have the financial cushion that many students rely on, so scholarships are a crucial part of my ability to attend college. I plan on working while in school, but even with that, the rising costs of higher education make outside support necessary. Receiving financial assistance would not only ease the burden on my family, but it would allow me to stay focused on my academics and long-term goals. One of the ways I try to give back to my community is by helping keep children and youth safe both in person and online. I’ve had friends who were affected by bullying and cyberbullying, so I take this responsibility seriously. In my community, I make an effort to step in when I see kids being picked on or isolated, and I try to create an environment where everyone feels respected. Sometimes that means pulling someone aside privately, sometimes it means redirecting a situation before it escalates, and sometimes it means being the person who listens when a kid doesn’t feel like they have anyone else. Online, I encourage younger kids to protect their privacy and think twice before posting something that could be used against them. I talk to them about things like not sharing personal information, blocking/reporting harmful accounts, and understanding that everything posted online has consequences. I also try to model positive behavior using social media responsibly, supporting people instead of tearing them down, and not participating in negative comments or online drama. When someone younger asks me for advice about something they’re dealing with online, I try to guide them toward safer choices and encourage them to talk to a trusted adult if something becomes serious. Overall, my goal is to show leadership by creating safer spaces for kids in my community and by continuing my education so I can make an even bigger impact in the future. I want to be someone who uses my experiences both the challenges and the lessons to uplift others. Continuing my education will allow me to build a career where I can support youth on a larger scale, and scholarships will help give me the foundation I need to get there.
      Dream BIG, Rise HIGHER Scholarship
      Education has always been one of the strongest guiding forces in my life, not just because of what I’ve learned in the classroom, but because of the direction, confidence, and purpose it has helped me build. Growing up, I didn’t always have the clearest picture of what my future would look like. There were moments when my circumstances made it difficult to think beyond what was right in front of me. But the more I learned, the more doors I realized could open. Education gave me the structure I needed when life felt uncertain, the encouragement I needed when things got overwhelming, and the belief that I could create a future that looked different from the challenges I started with. From a young age, school became a place where I felt a sense of stability. Even when things at home were stressful or unpredictable, education gave me something to hold on to a routine, a purpose, and a space where my effort actually made a difference. I realized early on that knowledge is powerful. It can change how you see yourself, how you understand the world, and how you move through it. For me, education became a way to understand my own potential. Every new skill I learned and every challenge I overcame made me more certain that I had the ability to build something meaningful for myself. But this journey hasn’t been simple or smooth. I faced challenges that tested my motivation, my confidence, and my resilience. There were times when I had to balance school with personal responsibilities that most people my age didn’t have to think about. There were moments when outside stress made it hard to focus, and times when I questioned whether I had the same opportunities or advantages as others. What kept me going was the awareness that doing nothing wouldn’t change my situation but my education could. Through these challenges, I began developing the qualities that would soon shape my goals: discipline, consistency, and a deep sense of responsibility. School taught me how to manage my time, how to stay committed even when I didn’t feel like it, and how to push through obstacles without giving up on myself. Every time I succeeded despite setbacks, I proved something to myself. I learned that I’m capable not only of keeping up, but of rising above. As I got older, education also helped me discover what I’m passionate about. Certain classes, conversations with teachers, and hands on assignments opened my eyes to career paths I had never actually considered before. I realized that I enjoy problem solving, understanding how systems work, and thinking creatively about solutions. I like helping people find clarity, organizing ideas, and seeing the bigger picture in situations. Over time, these strengths pointed me toward future careers in fields like business, leadership, or community focused work. Education gave me direction in another way too it helped me understand the kind of person I want to be. I started to recognize the impact that support, guidance, and encouragement can have on someone who is navigating challenges. I began to see how important it is to have people who believe in you, or systems that are designed to lift people forward instead of leaving them behind. These realizations shaped not just my career interests, but the purpose behind them. I don’t want a career that only benefits me. I want a career that allows me to make a positive difference in the lives of others especially people who come from backgrounds like mine. Looking back, one of the most meaningful parts of my education has been learning how to turn challenges into motivation. Instead of letting struggles define me, I’ve used them to push myself further. I’ve learned that coming from a difficult background doesn’t make you less capable it can make you stronger, more aware, and more driven. My experiences have given me empathy for people who feel like the odds are stacked against them. That understanding is something I plan to carry into my future career, no matter what specific direction I choose. In the long run, I hope to use my education to build a better future not only for myself, but for others as well. I want to create stability, opportunities, and resources for people who might not have them. I want to show that your circumstances don’t have to limit you that education, effort, and resilience can take you further than you ever expected. Whether I end up starting a business, working in leadership, or developing community programs, I want my work to reflect the lessons I’ve learned: that growth is possible, that challenges can fuel success, and that helping others succeed is one of the most meaningful impacts you can make. Education didn’t just shape my goals; it shaped me. It gave me focus when I needed direction, strength when I needed confidence, and a sense of purpose that continues to push me forward. And now, with everything I’ve learned inside and outside the classroom I’m committed to building a future that reflects that growth, that determination, and that hope.
      Chris Ford Scholarship
      I would describe myself as a curious, driven, and growth oriented person who is always looking for ways to improve and understand the world around me. Throughout my life, I’ve been shaped by experiences that taught me the importance of consistency, responsibility, and building a strong mindset. I enjoy figuring out how things work whether it’s people, systems, or ideas and I’ve developed a genuine interest in business, problem solving, and creating opportunities. I like being someone who thinks ahead, pays attention to details, and looks for solutions instead of excuses. Every challenge I’ve faced so far has helped me become more focused, mature, and intentional about the direction I want my life to go. One thing that motivates me is the idea of making a positive impact on others. I believe that success means more than just personal achievement; it involves helping people, improving communities, and leaving situations better than I found them. I’ve learned that even small acts of leadership or support can make a big difference, whether it’s helping someone understand a concept, bringing people together to work on a project, or simply setting a good example. I want to continue carrying that mindset into my future career, wherever it leads me. Looking ahead, I plan to use my interests and skills to build a career that combines creativity, leadership, and real world problem solving. I see myself entering a field where I can design solutions, manage teams, or develop ideas that make life better for others. Whether I pursue business, entrepreneurship, technology, or another path, I want my work to have purpose. I hope to create environments where people feel supported and empowered, and where new ideas can grow. A major goal for me is to eventually build something of my own whether it’s a business, a program, or a service that provides opportunities, resources, and inspiration for others. My long-term vision is to be someone who not only achieves success but also lifts others with me. I want to use my communication skills, my ability to stay consistent, and my desire to solve problems to create positive change in any space I enter. I believe that real impact comes from staying dedicated to growth, respecting others, and having the courage to lead when it matters. As I continue learning, gaining experience, and developing my strengths, I’m committed to building a future where my career is not just a job, but a way to contribute meaningfully to the world.