I am a young black male in a world that isn’t always kind and forgiving of even small mistakes, so I have been very focused on sports and academics, to keep me on the path to my dream career in architecture. I’ve seen peers stray away from their dreams but I continue to stay focused. Being a part of a sport team allowed me to connect with other peers. I would travel from state to state and compete in various tournaments. I realized how impactful those experiences were and how they’ve helped shape the young man I'm becoming. I have used these lessons and my personal discipline to keep myself on track to fulfill my dreams. I didn’t let myself get distracted by the outside world. I didn't want to waste my potential by mixing with the wrong crowd, ending up at the wrong place at the wrong time. So, I focused my time and energy into my sports— a healthy distraction. College is important to me because it will allow me to continue to grow, learn and become more educated. I will become more knowledgeable within my field of study. Being able to network with people of all ethnicities and grow a sound foundation. This will also open my eyes to many other cultures and experiences. I plan to engage in the technology industry in my career by utilizing all my resources to create and develop unforeseen structures. It is important to be on the forefront, thinking in advance and into the future. AI is designed by a human who creates a system that problem solves, generates logical decisions, understandable language, and learning tools to inform everyone. If we control the narrative of how it works, I can design buildings with a better purpose and stronger than before. A world with AI must include everyone, from all parts of society contributing and benefiting from it. I am Andre Samuel and today I am an architect at heart; when I graduate college. I can’t wait to design dream homes and sky scrapers with my team. I chose this major because it combines with creativity, problem-solving, and design in ways that shape how people live. I enjoy drawing and viewing buildings with different forms. I want to turn those drawings into real buildings that inspire others. Architecture excites me because it balances art and science, and I look forward to learning how to design sustainable, functional, and beautiful structures that leave a lasting impact.

I am a young black male in a world that isn’t always kind and forgiving of even small mistakes, so I have been very focused on sports and academics, to keep me on the path to my dream career in architecture. I’ve seen peers stray away from their dreams but I continue to stay focused. Being a part of a sport team allowed me to connect with other peers. I would travel from state to state and compete in various tournaments. I realized how impactful those experiences were and how they’ve helped shape the young man I'm becoming. I have used these lessons and my personal discipline to keep myself on track to fulfill my dreams. I didn’t let myself get distracted by the outside world. I didn't want to waste my potential by mixing with the wrong crowd, ending up at the wrong place at the wrong time. So, I focused my time and energy into my sports— a healthy distraction. During the Christmas holiday break, my grandfather passed away. He was a very significant person in my life. It still feels unreal at times. This was so unexpected and will forever affect my outcome of life. I could talk to him about anything and he would give good advice. My grandfather will always tell me to live in my truth and keep paving my way. He was extremely proud of how I am carrying myself as a young black male and believed I have a lot to offer in the years ahead. Upon returning to school, there was a void. I lacked the energy to do anything. Simply functioning looking well on the outside but not well on the inside. This hardship took a toll on me emotionally, physically, and mentally. It began to affect my wiliness to do my assignments in a timely manner and I tuned a lot of things out. After speaking with my mom and supportive staff at school, I now have the support needed to keep my head up, navigate through my loss of my loved one and plans to succeed. I believe I should be rewarded this scholarship because not only will it help me out financially but it will lighten the burden of college expenses. The fear and stress of taking out future debt frightens me; these funds will help me pave the way forward in securing my success with a stable financial ground. I will be able to focus on my studies and worry less. I am Andre Samuel and today I am an architect at heart; when I graduate college. I can’t wait to design dream homes and sky scrapers with my team. I chose this major because it combines with creativity, problem-solving, and design in ways that shape how people live. I enjoy drawing and viewing buildings with different forms. I want to turn those drawings into real buildings that inspire others.

My journey into Christianity began at a very early age. Praying before bed and meals was a daily task. I was born and raised in a Baptist Church. My mom taught me about faith and believing in God. She would take me to church every Sunday and I would participate in the children’s ministry. I also participated in activities with the youth. As I’ve gotten older, I established my own relationship with God and dedicated my life to Christ at the age of 17. It was the first Sunday of the new year in 2025, I stepped in that body of water and gave my life over to Christ. Starting my new journey in faith clear and free. I continue to believe and read the daily word every evening before going to bed. I pray often and seek guidance from our creator. My faith continues to grow daily and I can say I’m a true believer. I am a young black male in a world that isn’t always kind and forgiving of even small mistakes, so I will stay focused on sports and academics, to keep me on the path to my dream career in architecture. College is important to me because it will allow me to continue to grow, learn and become more educated. I will become more knowledgeable within my field of study. Being able to network with people of all ethnicities and grow a sound foundation. This will also open my eyes to many other cultures and experiences. Connecting and relating to people in a positive light show good character. I am destine to push myself further than before, become self-motivating. Over the past few years, I was able to witness my cousins graduate high school and go off to college. From time to time, they share their experiences, the ups and downs, ins and outs of the college life. I can say today, they are successfully on the right path to graduate and become even more successful in life. And I vision myself going down the same path to success. Definitely putting my best foot forward, staying focused, level headed and well grounded. I believe anything is possible if I give it my all from start to finish. I believe I should be rewarded this scholarship because not only will it help me out financially but it will lighten the burden of college expenses. The fear and stress of taking out future debt frightens me; these funds will help me pave the way forward in securing my success with a stable financial ground. I will be able to focus on my studies and worry less. I am Andre Samuel and today I am an architect at heart; when I graduate college. I can’t wait to design dream homes and sky scrapers with my team. I chose this major because it combines with creativity, problem-solving, and design in ways that shape how people live. I enjoy drawing and viewing buildings with different forms. I want to turn those drawings into real buildings that inspire others. Architecture excites me because it balances art and science, and I look forward to learning how to design sustainable, functional, and beautiful structures that leave a lasting impact.

During the Christmas holiday break, my grandfather passed away. He was a very significant person in my life. It still feels unreal at times. This was so unexpected and will forever affect my outcome of life. I could talk to him about anything and he would give good advice. My grandfather will always tell me to live in my truth and keep paving my way. He was extremely proud of how I am carrying myself as a young black male and believed I have a lot to offer in the years ahead. Upon returning to school, there was a void. I lacked the energy to do anything. Simply functioning looking well on the outside but not well on the inside. This hardship took a toll on me emotionally, physically, and mentally. It began to affect my wiliness to do my assignments in a timely manner and I tuned a lot of things out. After speaking with my mom and supportive staff at school, I now have the support needed to keep my head up, navigate through my loss of my loved one and plans to succeed. This loss has lite a small fire in my soul to want to do better than before. I am a young black male in a world that isn’t always kind and forgiving of even small mistakes, so I will stay focused on sports and academics, to keep me on the path to my dream career in architecture. College is important to me because it will allow me to continue to grow, learn and become more educated. I will become more knowledgeable within my field of study. Being able to network with people of all ethnicities and grow a sound foundation. I believe I should be rewarded this scholarship because not only will it help me out financially but it will lighten the burden of college expenses. The fear and stress of taking out future debt frightens me; these funds will help me pave the way forward in securing my success with a stable financial ground. I will be able to focus on my studies and worry less. I am Andre Samuel and today I am an architect at heart; when I graduate college. I can’t wait to design dream homes and sky scrapers with my team. I chose this major because it combines with creativity, problem-solving, and design in ways that shape how people live. I enjoy drawing and viewing buildings with different forms. I want to turn those drawings into real buildings that inspire others. Architecture excites me because it balances art and science, and I look forward to learning how to design sustainable, functional, and beautiful structures that leave a lasting impact.

I am a young black male in a world that isn’t always kind and forgiving of even small mistakes, so I have been very focused on sports and academics, to keep me on the path to my dream career in architecture. I’ve seen peers stray away from their dreams but I continue to stay focused. Even becoming a IB Leadership Counselor to help mentor young under classmen. Keeping them on track and providing the necessary tools to succeed. Being a good role model for my peers is one way to continue to bring goodness to others. I believe if you have the right guidance then your path to success will be smoother. College is important to me because it will allow me to continue to grow, learn and become more educated. I will become more knowledgeable within my field of study. Being able to network with people of all ethnicities and grow a sound foundation. This will also open my eyes to many other cultures and experiences. Connecting and relating to people in a positive light show good character. I am destine to push myself further than before, become self-motivating. Over the past few years, I was able to witness my cousins graduate high school and go off to college. From time to time, they share their experiences, the ups and downs, ins and outs of the college life. I can say today, they are successfully on the right path to graduate and become even more successful in life. And I vision myself going down the same path to success. Definitely putting my best foot forward, staying focused, level headed and well grounded. I believe anything is possible if I give it my all from start to finish. I plan to engage in the technology industry in my career by utilizing all my resources to create and develop unforeseen structures. It is important to be on the forefront, thinking in advance and into the future. I am Andre Samuel and today I am an architect at heart; when I graduate college. I can’t wait to design dream homes and sky scrapers with my team. I chose this major because it combines with creativity, problem-solving, and design in ways that shape how people live. I enjoy drawing and viewing buildings with different forms. I want to turn those drawings into real buildings that inspire others. Architecture excites me because it balances art and science, and I look forward to learning how to design sustainable, functional, and beautiful structures that leave a lasting impact.