I come from a family and community that has taught me the importance of hard work, strength, and never giving up. Growing up, I learned early that success does not come easy and that you have to work for what you want. My family has always supported my goals, even when things were challenging. My community also played a big role in shaping who I am. Being around people who face obstacles but still push forward inspired me to want more for myself and my future. My educational journey has not always been easy, but it has helped me grow. Being in early college classes showed me that higher education is possible for me, even when I doubt myself. This is what inspired me to want to continue my education in the United States and work toward a meaningful career. One challenge I have had to overcome is learning with dyslexia. School has always been harder for me because reading and writing take more time and effort. There were moments when I felt frustrated or discouraged, especially when I felt like I had to work twice as hard as others. Instead of giving up, I learned how to ask for help and find learning strategies that work best for me. This challenge taught me patience and resilience. It also helped me understand that everyone learns differently, and that is okay. Overcoming this has made me more confident and proud of how far I have come. Someone who has inspired me greatly is my cousin Ty. They encouraged me to turn my passion into something more and helped me believe in myself. When I doubted my abilities, they reminded me of my potential. Their support pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. Seeing someone believe in me made a big difference in my life. Because of them, I learned the importance of encouragement and being a positive influence on others. After I complete my education, I plan to become a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. I want to help people who are struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. I believe that everyone deserves support, understanding, and guidance during difficult times. My goal is to work in my community and help create positive change. Higher education will give me the knowledge and skills I need to make a difference. I hope to use my education not only to build a career but also to help others find hope and healing.

I would describe myself as a hardworking and creative person who is always trying to grow. I like learning new things and pushing myself, even when it feels challenging. From a young age, I learned how to be independent by starting small businesses and taking responsibility for my goals. These experiences has helped shape who I am today. I value kindness, growth, and giving back to others. Even though I do not have a direct connection to Nigeria, I feel connected to the African diaspora. Learning about African culture and history has helped me feel proud of who I am and where I come from. Learning in environments different from my family’s background has helped me grow as a person and a student. Being in early college classes showed me new ways of thinking and learning. I have been around students from different cultures and life experiences, which taught me that everyone has their own story. As a student, this helped me become more open-minded and respectful of others. Being in these spaces also taught me how to speak up for myself and ask for help when I need it. These lessons helped me gain confidence in both school and life. Through my education so far, I have learned more about myself and the world around me. I learned that I am stronger than I thought and capable of handling responsibility. Balancing school, work, and personal goals was not always easy, but it taught me discipline and time management. I also learned how important mental health is and how taking care of yourself helps you succeed. Culturally, I have learned to appreciate diversity and understand that different communities share similar struggles. These lessons helped me grow into someone who wants to help and support others. My academic and career goals are connected to the impact I want to make in my community. I plan to become a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC). I want to help people who are struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. I believe everyone deserves support, understanding, and a second chance. Education is important to me because it gives me the tools to help others in a meaningful way. Receiving this scholarship would help me stay focused on my education without worrying as much about finances. It would allow me to continue working toward my goals and give back to my community in the future.

My name is Amiya, and I am a 17 year old student at Victory Early College High School. I am working toward graduating in 2026 with both my high school diploma and an associate degree. Over the past few years, I have grown as both a student and an entrepreneur, and I’ve learned that my purpose connects deeply with helping others. I own a small business called Delana’s Studio, where I offer photography and nail services. What began as simple hobbies turned into meaningful work that taught me discipline, confidence, and how important it is to make people feel understood and supported. These lessons are a major part of why I plan to pursue a career as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. My long-term goal is to support people who are struggling with addiction, especially young people who often lack safe spaces and consistent guidance. Addiction is one of the biggest challenges in many communities, yet it is still surrounded by judgment instead of compassion. I want to be someone who provides real support. Someone who listens without assuming, cares without conditions, and offers encouragement during moments when people feel like giving up. I believe helping individuals regain control of their lives creates a ripple effect that benefits families, neighborhoods, and future generations. Entrepreneurship showed me how powerful connection can be. Through my nail business especially, I’ve realized how much people open up when they feel comfortable. A simple nail appointment can turn into a conversation where someone shares their stress, their dreams, or something they really needed to get off their chest. Having those experiences made me realize that I naturally create safe, calm environments. Counseling will allow me to build on that strength and turn it into a career focused on guiding people toward healthier choices and stronger self-worth. After graduating, I plan to attend Lamar University to earn my bachelor’s degree and complete the requirements to become a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. My goal is to help reduce the stigma around mental health and addiction by meeting people where they are and offering support that feels human, not clinical. In the future, I hope to create programs or workshops for teens that teach coping skills, build confidence, and give them a sense of belonging. Overall, I want to use my career to bring healing, guidance, and hope to people who need it most. Making a positive impact starts with helping one person at a time, and I am committed to doing exactly that.