Attending Savannah State University is not just about earning a degree for me; it's about embarking on a transformative journey where I can grow personally and professionally. One of the main reasons I chose to pursue Business Administration as my major at Savannah State University is because of the diverse opportunities it offers. I believe that by delving into various aspects of business, I will not only gain valuable knowledge but also clarity about my career path. As I envision my future, obtaining a bachelor's degree is just the beginning. My ultimate goal is to secure a fulfilling and lucrative job that provides me with the experience and challenges I need to grow professionally. However, my aspirations don't end there. I dream of creating and managing my own business someday. While I have a brand idea in mind, I am aware of the importance of patience and preparation to ensure its success. Moreover, I see my college years as a platform to network and establish meaningful connections with industry professionals. Building these relationships not only opens doors to potential opportunities but also enriches my learning experience through diverse perspectives and insights. I aspire to be part of a community of like-minded individuals who are driven to excel and make a positive impact in their respective fields. Looking beyond my personal and professional growth, I am deeply committed to giving back to my community. The Boys and Girls club holds a special place in my heart as it played a crucial role in shaping who I am today. My long-term goal is to return to my roots and contribute to the club's success, providing support and opportunities to the next generation, just as it did for me. As I graduated middle school and started to become a young adult as a freshman at KIPP Atlanta Collegiate, I started to volunteer everyday after school because the Club offered me hour credits that I needed for school in order to graduate in high school. I started working at the front desk with Ms. Wright, answering calls from parents, filing documents in cabinets, checking the kids in and out, as well as guiding kids in the right directions with their questions. I would even work in the computer lab sometimes helping the little kids out with their homework and guiding the kids on the computers to sites when they asked for help. This helped me with skills like leadership, communication, and responsibility. Skills that would help me throughout my life. Volunteering here allowed me many opportunities to show many skills that I have learned along the way. As one of the oldest at the Club, a lot of the younger kids looked up to me and it gave me an opportunity to set a better example for them and reach the minds of these adolescents so that they can have a brighter future. This allowed me to truly open my eyes and see the struggles in communities like mine and how I could play a bigger role in solving our problems. I applied for a job there summer of 2022 so that I could continue to be a part of the growth and change. As a member of the club, I knew how important it was when the staff would interact with us kids and have lots of fun in club engaging activities, but there was nothing more heartwarming than knowing that when I came to work everyday I was able to do that for these kids and give them a reason to smile.

My name is Anayah Cater and I am a freshman in college attending the Savannah State University. Growing up I liked to play around and play basketball. When I first started playing people would say that I was trash, I couldn't shoot, and that my jump shot was weak. It would make me cry because I was trying my best and I just wanted to have fun. In my 11th grade year though a coach saw me shooting around in the gym and said that I should try out for the team. Very excited and anxious I was nervous because I could only think about what people would be saying and if I would make it. There were times when I would be the only girl on the court playing. I can remember times when I would get to school early with my brother in the morning before the school doors opened, and I was the only girl to practice with the 9th-grade boys' team. Things were not given to me. I had to earn my respect. Fast forward, and those times got me a spot as a starter on the girls' varsity basketball team. This opportunity showed me leadership, teamwork, determination, and resilience. Practices were not easy the were some days when I would want to quit or give up because the coaches were disappointed in us and pushing us too hard. But I didn't I stayed and played the whole season and my coaches saw growth in me. There were times when I would witness my mother struggling to provide for her three children growing up. She pushed through and provided so many opportunities for us to succeed and achieve anything we put our minds to. I would not be in the position I am in today if it were not for her. Those skills that I learned are what is needed to get into the career that I am going to college for. I want to own my own business while mentoring young girls who attend the Boys & Girls Club like I did as a child. If I am granted this scholarship, I will be able to complete my college education without going into massive amounts of debt. I will be able to afford all of my books and supplies and also have enough money for campus housing and meals. Thank you so much for believing in and giving young women of color, such as myself, hope for a better future.