Firstly, I am so sorry about your loss. My name is Amiyah Pope. I am 21 years old, and I am trying to pursue a degree in Biology and a minor in Drawing. My life was like a never-ending fight with Mike Tyson, Brutal. I was born in Newark, New Jersey. About 3 years after my birth. Both my grandfather and grandmother passed away a few months apart. It took a toll on my family, and we ended up in Buffalo, New York to start a new life. My parents were working hard trying to make ends meet and putting food on the table. Fast forward to my high-school years, I was diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression disorder, bipolar disorder, and chronic migraines which may reflect some of my grades through the years. I wasn't able to focus on any task. All the lights and sounds would give me a severe migraine. Mentally being around so many new people made me so nervous I would begin to shake and tremor. Excessive worrying and overthinking every situation possible such as what I would wear, where I would sit, and even what stairs I would take. To avoid triggering situations, I would eat lunch in the library and leave early for my class to miss all the drama in the halls. I did not even tell my closest friends that I was going through all of this. While dealing with all of my own problems, my brother, Damone was dealing with his demons privately. He came to the conclusion to end his own life by stabbing himself to death in public. This had to be one of the hardest days of my life. I never thought someone close to me could do that. Knowing my brother was going through so much mentally but was so physically happy hurts me. In a way, I started to blame myself for not noticing. I went into a deep and dark depression all while taking my SAT/ACT and Regents exams. I was not in the right mental space to take them, but life was moving so fast and I didn't want to miss my chances. I am so creative and intelligent, but my anxiety was like a tight belt...it was choking me. It was stopping me. It was pausing my future. As long as I have a say I'm going to fight and push myself past all obstacles put in front of me and move on. I have always been Optimistic. But at least I tried. I ended up not passing one of my math exams and was unable to walk the stage with my peers. The embarrassment. The disappointment. The overall sadness I felt at that moment. I wanted to scream and cry at the same time. I was so close to my dreams. I almost lost to my demons. But I can say i... PERSEVERED. I worked hard and beat my demons. This scholarship would mean so much to me. I doubt I will be able to pay for school next year. I would be the first person to graduate in my family with a bachelor's degree. I had to learn what patience truly was. I may have graduated late but nevertheless, I graduated. I was raised by people with strong hearts and strong mentalities. I am 3 years into my college experience. I’m so excited about my future. I am a black woman trying to pursue a degree in one of the hardest fields/careers. I want to be a person my community can look up to. I’m glad I never gave up.

Throughout my life, I have experienced a lot of great advice and amazing speeches that have made me grow into the woman I am today. It was one quote that changed my entire perspective and outlook on life. A commencement speech at Dillard University by an amazing actor, director and producer, Denzel H. Washington, stated “… don’t be afraid to fail big…to dream big… but remember dreams without goals are just dreams”. I was at my lowest point when I heard this speech. My brother had passed away due to suicide and my grandmother had passed from complications from heart disease. I could not think about my future for awhile after this trying time. I pushed myself to move forward with my life. The words Mr. Washington said within this quote spoke out to me in so many different ways. Specifically, the words “fail big” was confusing at first until those words began to speak out to me. I would say failing big means to always try and push yourself no matter the cost. Also, if you ended up failing at getting to your goal, you can say you pushed yourself enough to try. When I was younger, I was always scared of failing a test or class. Due to this, I have always pushed myself harder and harder until my breaking point. When I needed a break, I would daydream. I have always loved daydreaming. It would take me out of my reality and put me into a false sense of stability. I would stare up at the sky and think about how I want to be a successful person. I would not take the steps needed to become a successful and flourishing person. I became negligent to my own dreams until I was able to hear this quote and create a plan for myself. The plan I had created when I was fifteen years old has had its ups and downs. I have “failed big” many times and succeeded twice as many times. I have pushed past my stereotypes and I am now a soon to be college sophomore. I was on the Dean's list my first and second semester. I am not done succeeding and I hope this scholarship can help me succeed as well. I am thriving because of Mr. Washington’s quote. Thank you for this opportunity.