First and foremost, I am a Black woman of Ghanaian descent. My identity has been broken apart historically, from my cultural background to my beauty, intelligence, and worth. Black women have been defined by others and constantly reduced to stereotypes and caricatures. My effect on women’s empowerment will center black women, encourage the pursuit of self discovery, self love and confidence. Growing up in a Ghanaian household surrounded by hard working and loving women that immigrated to this country for better opportunities was drastically different from the media and historical portrayal of black women which portrayed us as mammy’s, jezebels, sapphire’s, and breeders. Each caricature has defined us as obedient, promiscuous, aggressive, or subhuman. Even though these caricatures are a harmful part of our history, I believe they should not be forgotten because that's not the reality of all black women. The reality is that through everything that black women have endured we still carry ourselves with grace and understanding. Those qualities have been passed down through generations of black women in circumstances that require them to fight back. I know this because I come from a family of women who have fought to stay in this country because of the opportunities and possibilities available. Women of color have had to constantly justify their existence in certain spaces because people have judged them based on their appearance, speech, and status. Members of my own family have been subjected to being questioned and portrayed in a certain way because others don’t understand cultural differences or immediately assume the worst when it comes to minorities. It’s an unfortunate reminder of the division that has become normalized in many of the institutions we support. Despite the differences, black women continue to make sacrifices similar to how my mother has worked night and day to provide my brother and I with food, shelter, and clothing. I believe her presence in our lives and the inspiration that she has been to my brother and I has been extremely valuable in shaping us to be the best version of ourselves. I have seen her overcome struggles professionally and personally that have shown the grace and understanding she has towards others. I have seen her challenge systems that have been against her with poise which has encouraged my pursuit of defending minorities in the criminal justice and immigration system, especially women who don’t have the resources to receive the legal justice that they deserve. The immigration system can be a challenging journey for many women of color who only want to create a better life for themselves and their family. My goal is to bridge the gap between the system and women like my mother who have had to fight for everything they have earned in this country. I want to be a voice that champions these women and lets them know that they are loved, understood, and heard even when they feel like they have been cast aside based on their gender and race. They deserve to know that these stereotypes don’t define them because black women are not a monolith. We are multifaceted and complex human beings who are reclaiming our identities. I hope to empower women with self confidence and love that they can find and validate within themselves. We have spent too many years allowing the system to define us and I believe it’s our time to take it back. This scholarship would be one step toward that goal, providing the financial freedom to continue my educational journey toward becoming a lawyer representing women of color and their needs.

Throughout our rich history and fight for independence, the continent of Africa has survived exploitation, government coups, and brutality. But even in the face of our oppressors we have overcome every obstacle. This fact shaped the entire story of my life, and it begins with my grandparents, who were the first in my family to immigrate from Ghana. I want to start with their story because they came from nothing and built everything on their own. They taught their son, my father, the value of his Ghanaian culture, which led him back to the homeland. While he was abroad, he met my mother, and they fell in love. From their love, they created my brother and me. Their journey has shaped my identity in every way possible. It’s a reminder that being the oldest daughter has been the greatest responsibility and honor, I have been able to experience the successes and challenges that come with being a minority in this country. These experiences have shown that challenges can be lessons that provide momentum to create change because even in the face of hatred, I have taken the negativity and turned it into fuel to defend and protect others. This dream has provided me with the opportunity to attend the Community College of Rhode Island with a major in Criminal Justice. Once I complete my undergraduate degree, I hope to become a lawyer that represents people from different backgrounds and circumstances who weren’t provided the necessary tools and solutions to their issues. I believe the criminal justice and immigration systems need individuals such as myself that come from a perspective that values the differences we share in this country. This goal became even more clear when I observed the criminal justice system in action. I recall having an assignment that required the students to observe criminal and judicial system processes within the district courts. From this assignment I had the opportunity to visualize everything being learned in the textbooks in real life. I bring this up because there was a moment when a Spanish speaking person approached the judge, and the court appointed interpreter had briefly left the building. Luckily, an attorney representing another client stepped in and became an interpreter between the judge and the Spanish speaking person. The language barrier in that moment became apparent and showed the importance of having the necessary tools to accommodate people of different backgrounds in the courtroom. If not for that attorney, the defendant would not have gotten their constitutional right to a fair trial. This attorney is an example of being a solution to issues that tend to happen in the courts, and I hope to become part of the meaningful changes made in the criminal justice and immigration systems because of them. To close, I’m extremely thankful for my grandparents and their journey. I have learned the value of our culture and understanding the importance of our history. Even with the challenges I have faced I never let them define me, but rather encourage the desire to help others in similar positions. With that goal, I continue pursuing my dreams of one day becoming a lawyer who represents people of all backgrounds who come from different kinds of circumstances that don’t provide them with the fair legal representation that they deserve. This scholarship would support this dream of mine and would be a great help toward lessening the financial burden associated with earning an undergraduate degree and receiving a license to practice law. Thank you so much for your time and consideration. Best wishes, Angel Owusu Ansah

Every generation has the power to shape, impact, and change the future, especially mine. When it comes to influence and reach we have the tools and resources to do whatever we set our mind to. I personally believe that representing the immigrant community and other individuals that don’t have the means to get the legal justice they deserve in the criminal justice system is my way of shaping the future. Because I come from a background of immigrants who earned everything through sweat and tears but also the strength of their ancestors. I’m extremely passionate about advocating for meaningful changes to be made within the courts because I have seen them face discrimination and prejudice. Even I faced discrimination in certain spaces just based on my background. I hate the fact that human beings can be so divided instead of finding common ground. But with my voice I want to bridge that gap and be a mouthpiece for those who don’t have anyone in their corner. When I was growing up I was typically the only minority and I didn’t have the courage back then to stand up for myself the way I do now. But as time went on and I met people of all backgrounds who were also interested in advocating for marginalized groups I realized the value in our voices being heard by lawmakers and these institutions that impact us on a daily basis. I recall when I began my journey at the Rhode Island State House where I got to observe everyday people and politicians speak on legislation. It created a space for open dialogue on topics such as an act relating to providing inmates free communication services when held in residential and detention centers. Acts such as this brought people of all backgrounds to the State House where they testified on the impact that communication with the outside world had on inmates and the fact that Rhode Island minimum wage for incarcerated individuals was the highest in the country and made it difficult for them to afford conversations with loved ones. I appreciate the awareness that these individuals brought to the State House on this subject. It was truly inspiring to witness that testimony at such a young age and this moment influenced the decision to attend the Community College of Rhode Island and pursue a degree in Criminal Justice. From the Community College of Rhode Island I have grown so much and hope to utilize the skills and knowledge to shape and create a better life for others. Similar to the people who testified about their loved ones and spoke on their behalf about issues relating to the prison system. With this scholarship I hope to do the same once I complete my undergraduate degree at the Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College, I will begin taking steps toward becoming a lawyer who speaks on issues that others are afraid of, representing the clients that need me the most and never forgetting the role my family, the State House, the Community College of Rhode Island, and Rhode Island College played in my journey toward making meaningful changes within the judicial and immigration system.

Since the moment I stepped onto the State House floor, I knew I wanted to do more. Being surrounded by people of all backgrounds, such as lawmakers, and everyday people, with the goal of making meaningful changes in Rhode Island was eye-opening and rewarding. It encouraged me to pursue a career in law representing people who don’t have the means to get fair and just legal representation. But first I had to create a plan. Step 1: Undergraduate degree I am a full-time student at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. It costs $2,792 per semester but I am eligible for the Rhode Island Promise scholarship which covers $3,161 expenses excluding fees for technology, parking, activity full time, registration, learning resource, campus service, lab, and courses. I pay about $200-$300 per semester for fees not covered by the scholarship. Once I receive my associate degree at CCRI in May 2027 I will attend Rhode Island College (RIC) in fall 2027 and graduate with my bachelor’s degree. Through RIC and CCRI the Joint Admissions Agreement will allow for a more seamless transition. This program requires students maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above to receive a tuition reduction of 30% Rhode Island College’s tuition. According to RIC, instate tuition costs $6,061.50 per semester but with the current 3.55 GPA I maintain I’ll pay $4,243.05 per semester which will be $16,972.20 for 2 years. Step 2: LSAT To attend law school in fall 2029 I’ll take the LSAT. I’ll prepare with Lawhub Advantage which is a learning alternative with an in depth library that allows for authentic and unlimited practice and costs $124. Once I’m ready I will register for the official LSAT which costs about $253. Overall, the preparation and registration will be $377. Step 3: Law school Once I pass the LSAT I will apply to Roger Williams University School of Law (RWU Law) because they have a more hands-on learning experience that allows for the necessary professional and legal training. I have also chosen RWU Law based on the local aspect and would receive the instate tuition which costs $48,584 per year plus $1,720 worth of student fees which will be $50,304 per year. This doesn’t include the cost associated with books, transportation, miscellaneous, and the third-year law student bar exam increase. Overall, three years of attendance will cost $150,912. Step 4: Bar exam To officially become licensed in Rhode Island I will take the bar exam. But first I must complete the National Conference of Bar Examiners Character Report Application for $30. This background check makes sure everything relating to academic background and personal history is accurate and that I have the qualifications. Then I’ll petition for admission to the Rhode Island Bar which costs $975. This step requires that I have documentation that I attended an ABA accredited institution. Once approved I will officially take the bar exam. Overall, this process will cost $1,005. Altogether this will cost $169,516.20. To close, I want to say that I appreciate even being considered for this scholarship and thank you for being a donor who sees the vision in the future generation of students. I believe every step and plan I’ve created is building towards a future where I can make real changes with my voice such as making an impact on the criminal justice system and immigration process. The State House was only the beginning of my journey and I hope to continue my educational and professional journey, never forgetting my roots and the place that started my passion for advocating.

Type “what’s the definition of an angel” into any search engine and the results will conclude that they are a messenger of God. But what if I told you that an angel could be so much more. You’re probably wondering how I know. Well, I’ve lived my entire life as Angel Owusu Ansah. A Ghanaian American born and raised in Rhode Island from an immigrant family background that taught me the importance of building a relationship with God. It all began with my grandparents who were the first to immigrate from Ghana to Rhode Island with not much but hope and a dream to create a better life for themselves and their son. Through them I learned the value that their faith had in immigrating to the states and how the church was a pivotal environment for our entire family. Personally, I recall the sense of community that I felt being surrounded by fellow Africans who had the same experiences and understanding of the world that I did. Growing up was hard because I was the only minority in the room and it allowed for unfortunate experiences and memories. But when I went to church I felt the complete opposite. I felt welcome and understood by my peers. I also remember attending church with grandma and grandpa on Sunday’s. Sometimes I’d be with them during church service or in Sunday school. Regardless of wherever I was I learned a lot about understanding the word of God and applying his teachings in the real world. This led to leadership roles within the church such as taking care of and supervising the younger kids during Sunday school. As well as participating in events that celebrated our culture and the members of our church with traditional Ghanaian pastries such as fried donuts and meat pies. When my grandparents could no longer take me to church a family friend took on the responsibility and made sure that I was taken care of. They opened their home to me and I will forever be grateful for them and their generosity. Because of the exposure I experienced during my formative years I began to appreciate the sense of community that the church offered. It allowed people from all spectrums of the African community to come together and follow the teachings of God. It also built an open space for communication with God whether during the day or at night. It was really beautiful that everyone could lean on each other just like I did when I had no form of transportation to make it to church and a family friend took on the responsibility. With that I grew to appreciate and want to help others in the community just like a family friend did for me and my family. It’s one of the reasons I want to pursue a career in law and represent the community that has done so much for me. Especially being from an immigrant family background I have seen firsthand how the system has treated immigrants based on stereotypes and prejudice. I want to be a voice for them and help them when they're navigating the immigration and criminal justice system. With this scholarship I would be able to continue my educational journey and give back to the community that raised and supported me. I believe that my faith will be an asset when it comes to advocating for the community. It will continue to provide a wealth of knowledge and understanding that I can apply in the courtroom with the goal of being fair and empathetic.

My story begins with the ancestors that gave me life. They are the reason I have chosen this path. It’s one that will allow me to represent the underprivileged and those who have been overlooked by society. Unfortunately not everyone in this country can afford quality representation especially when they’re an immigrant without any resources or connections. I hope to one day become a lawyer that makes meaningful changes in the criminal justice system and the immigration process to improve their experience. A little bit about me, I was raised in a Ghanaian household with an immigrant mother and U.S. citizen father. Even though I was not born in Ghana every part of me has a connection to the country I call home. It all begins when my grandparents immigrated to Rhode Island with not much but hope and a dream to create a better life for themselves and their son. They would work many odd jobs just to be able to put food in his mouth and clothes on his back so that when he grew up he could do the same for his children. With his strong will and determination their son created a family built upon Ghanaian culture and values from making traditional cuisine staples such as kenkey, banku, fufu, and yam or attending church on Sundays. But also donating books to children in Ghana or assisting the community with money transfers back home. Besides these contributions, I can also say that I have helped individuals with the green card renewal process because the physical green card expires every 10 years. I understand how stressful the process can be since it does take people some time to figure out all the documents they need to complete the form. So I have helped people complete it online by translating or providing an easier understanding of the form. I have also supported individuals completing the official U.S. immigration application form such as the petition for an alien relative. My goal during the process is to make it as easy and understandable as possible because once you make a mistake it can be hard to correct because of how serious the immigration process is. Sadly I have experienced times when the request has been denied and I provide emotional and mental counselling because most of the applicants only want to provide their family members with the same opportunities they have. With that being said I definitely want to continue working alongside Africans in the community to provide them with the tools necessary to accomplish their goals in the immigration process and the criminal justice system. Even though the local government has made progress I believe more could be done to support people that have been overlooked. I hope this scholarship allows me to accomplish my goals of becoming a lawyer and creating a space for immigrants of all kinds to receive the support they need to prosper in the United States and abroad.

Prom is a very special occasion. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to buy their dream dress. But what if I told you that I was able to make prom dress shopping affordable with the power of social media and word of mouth. It all began a few years ago in October when I was made aware that The North Providence High School Prom Dress Drive needed students to volunteer because they had over a hundred prom dresses to give to students in need and our responsibilities were to either advertise, set up, or run the pop-up shop. Once I heard this I sent Mrs. Ambrose an email and shortly after she invited a couple seniors and I into the North Providence High School Prom Dress Drive Google Classroom to better communicate with us and let us know when we’d be meeting in person. Mrs. Ambrose is a teacher and class advisor at North Providence High School. Due to her role as class advisor she implemented the North Providence High School Prom Dress Drive in 2019 and has run it for six years. So when I met her I gladly volunteered to create a flyer asking for donations of gently used or new prom dresses in clean wearable condition. After that Mrs. Ambrose and I got the flyer approved by the principal and we started sharing it online and hanging them up at local businesses and at school. Next Naomi and I created donation boxes, found, and contacted locations to drop them off. Naomi and Giuliana dropped the boxes off at the North Providence Union Free Library, North Providence Town Hall, and North Providence High School. We waited a couple months to retrieve the donations and inspect the dresses. Almost every week we’d inspect the dresses in the teachers' cafeteria until the day of the pop-up shop which was February 13th. The day of the event Naomi, Giuliana, Jasmine, Andrea, and I all began to move the racks and set up the snack and donation table for the event which was going to start at 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Before the day of the event I was in charge of promoting the event by sharing the flyer with teachers and students through our schools morning announcements and social media. On that day I observed so many young women, mothers, grandmothers, and daughters looking through the racks to find a dress for that special day (prom). It brought me joy when they came out from our makeshift dressing rooms and showed everyone the dress. It felt like Say Yes to the Dress when the bride would show her friends and family her wedding dress and they’d voice their opinion and she’d either say yes or no. All these women came together and uplifted one another. They weren’t negative or judgmental but they formed a sisterhood with girls they didn’t even know. That was the goal and I feel like that was my purpose more than anything else was to make women, especially young women feel comfortable and know that no one is judging them. As well as making the NPHS Prom Dress Drive a safe place for them to come and experience sisterhood and maybe find their dream dress that they can say yes to. At the end of the day we had a total of 141 prom dresses and by 7:00 p.m. we had 91. Canva link for access to the video: https://canva.link/jlgz40mukgjdwk6

One of the reasons I should be considered for this scholarship revolves around the fact that my college journey has only just begun and this scholarship would be a step toward making my dreams come true. Currently I’m a college student at the Community College of Rhode Island pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. I have a 3.55 GPA and have made the Dean’s List twice. In my free time I support my campus by working with the workforce division which provides future and current students with programs to get them started in the workforce. From my experience at the workforce department I have been able to support the director and the frontline staff with external and internal communication. One of them being disseminating program information electronically to potential and existing students. I have assisted students with course selection or scheduling problems. This position has also allowed me to complete check-ins to make sure students are making the progress needed to graduate and become certified in a timely manner. The workforce department prides themselves on meeting students where they’re at and providing them support that keeps them on track. I truly enjoy connecting with people and discussing the opportunities offered in the workforce department because I have seen firsthand how life changing these opportunities are. From the events I have participated in on and off campus I have seen students of all backgrounds be able to apply the skills they learned from the programs in their real life. For example I had the opportunity to meet some of our former culinary students and try their delicious desserts during one of our events at the Rhode Island State House. Secondly, through the Community College of Rhode Island Division of Workforce Partnerships I was also offered the opportunity to have a speaking role on our virtual campus tour. This opportunity showcased multiple locations on our campus for prospective students and families. As well as promoted workforce training opportunities offered on campus such as the dental hygiene program and the Global Wind Organization program. When it comes to extracurriculars I competed in Miss Rhode Island USA. If you’re not familiar with pageants I’ll admit neither was I. But from this experience I learned pageants are more than just the glitz and glamour but about representing the best and brightest that your state has to offer. Every single woman that I met on pageant weekend brought something special to the event whether she was a member of law enforcement or an advocate for domestic violence survivors. In my case I wanted to represent the diversity in Rhode Island. From the outside looking in, some people may believe Rhode Island only represents one kind of person but that’s not true. I have seen firsthand the diversity that lives and breathes throughout our little state. My entire family is an example of immigrants building something in Rhode Island for future generations. It all began with my grandparents immigrating from Ghana to Rhode Island. They didn’t have much but each other. They had to work night and day to provide a better life for my father who would go on to do the same for my brother and I. Their stories have pushed me to pursue my dreams of one day becoming a lawyer that represents the underprivileged and those who have been overlooked in society based on stereotypes. I have unfortunately seen people treat members of my own family differently because they have an accent or their speaking in their native language. As a Criminal Justice major I have also seen and heard members of the public struggling to interact with the courts based on their immigrant background. In recent years, the courts have tried to accommodate those needs but more could be done to make sure that the public is being addressed appropriately in serious situations, especially when it comes to cultural differences and language barriers. My goal with Miss Rhode Island USA was to advocate for policies and changes to be made. Competing meant more when I could be a voice for the community that has raised and supported me. To close things off I would like to say everything I’ve done so far has pushed me to strive for more than I could ever imagine. I have taken chances and risks that I never thought I would and I know with your support I would be able to continue my education and make the necessary changes needed to benefit the immigrant community in the criminal justice system.

When you’re young, everything’s surrounded and covered in the innocence of your youth. You never recognize the harm words or harsh stares have on your psyche. You begin to think that’s just the way the world is. But when you grow up, you begin to reflect on those little comments and odd looks. It all begins in the classroom when the teacher takes attendance and has difficulty pronouncing your last name. The teacher questions you in front of the entire class about the proper pronunciation, so they can remember for the next time. At that moment you think nothing of it. I mean, after all, the teacher is trying to be respectful. But for the other kids, it only fuels the target that has already been made on you. It encourages them to point you out and call you names. They make fun of you and your culture, even for the sake of fitting in with their peers. But you don’t let those words distract you. The negativity only fuels you, not only to defend yourself but also your peers. Growing up, my mother always taught me that I should defend myself when someone has done harm towards me or anyone else. She also taught me the importance of our Ghanaian culture and that no one should make me feel insecure or ashamed about where I come from. Even though I was not born in Ghana, I have always been surrounded by the customs and traditions, ranging from eating fufu and light soup to wearing Ghanaian waist beads. I even learned how to make my favorite pepper sauce with the assistance of my mother, who has been a very important factor in everything I know about our rich history. My mother actually immigrated from Ghana with nothing besides a hope and a dream of creating a better life for herself and the family she left behind. She passed those same dreams onto me with the hope I would continue and raise my own children to stand up in the face of hatred and to always value their culture. She also inspired my interest in pursuing criminal justice to defend and protect those impacted by the immigration process. As a Ghanaian, I have seen the uphill battle immigrants face in my community, and I hope to one day become a lawyer and represent them. I know from personal experience the struggle and fight it has been for my own mother to immigrate from the only home she has ever known to somewhere unfamiliar. I want to guide and support those same people and show them the different avenues and opportunities this country has to offer. Even in the face of the differences we share, I believe that, as people we are more than capable of coming together and supporting one another. It may take some time and a lot of effort, but I am willing to do the work and education necessary to help the people in my community. I can confidently say that my culture has shaped me into the person that I am today, and without it, I don’t know who I would be. Upon further reflection, I believe my heritage should be seen as a positive in the classroom instead of a negative. The classroom should be a space where children of different backgrounds should feel comfortable being different. Based on the experiences that I have had and shared, I dream of one day living in a world where people are not judged based on where they come from, how they look, or the way they speak.

Ten singles, one villa, and $100,000 on the line. The contestants of the hit reality dating show Love Island spend their summer inside a massive Fijian villa with other singles just for the opportunity to win the hearts of a lucky girl or guy, but also the votes of America for the chance at the massive cash prize. Throughout their journey they compete in challenges that test their connections. The challenge I created tests the authenticity of attraction with a game called “Let’s Get Verified”. The idea for “Let’s Get Verified” appeared to me as a viewer of Love Island when I noticed a pattern with the contestants that struggle to experience strong connections in the villa because of production's carelessness surrounding casting the other singles that find it difficult to stray from their usual type. This issue was addressed by a former contestant and winner of Love Island Serena Page in an interview with Kamie Crawford where she stated the producers cast men who were attracted to the same one or two girls and that they intentionally invited them knowing that contestants such as herself and fellow castmate Jana Craig were supposed to only be side characters and comedic relief rather than receiving a chance at love.“Let’s Get Verified” seeks to ask: are you genuinely their type? “Let’s Get Verified” is a tech and spy inspired challenge done behind closed doors. This allows the islanders to make decisions that could impact other couples with messages from the outside world. Two nominated islanders will have the opportunity to individually assign specific islanders the chance to speak with someone or learn information from one of the categories except only five islanders will get a message and they can choose which category the islanders get as well as limit the amount of time the islander gets during the challenge. I have provided the islanders with these five categories. Speak with your current partners friends. This conversation can serve as a tool or hindrance to a relationship in the villa. Some friends might compare past relationships and behaviors to the current couple. Others might drop seeds of doubt about the pairing or encourage the relationship. Speak with your partner's family. Typically parents and siblings always want the best for their loved ones by sharing their unfiltered opinions especially if they have a healthy relationship. Exes can bring closure or open new wounds. If the past relationship ended maturely would it really be so bad for a current partner to speak with an ex to get more insight on the past. Inspect the socials allows the ability to scroll on every social media platform your partner is on and check their posts, following, followers, likes, and reposts. This category is a bit invasive but the internet can be a helpful tool in determining your partners likes and dislikes. Hear conversations involving your partner about who they're interested in.This allows an islander to view almost every piece of footage relating to their current partnering. They have the ability to see unfiltered conversations and thoughts expressed. There’s a saying known as communication is key. I have chosen to give them the ability to communicate with the outside world. The islanders are typically cut off from the outside world. They have no ability to gauge anyone’s authenticity except themselves. My challenge hopes to give them tools to make sure that the relationships they are in are beneficial for them in the long run whether it helps them recognize the fraudulent behavior of their partner or should they give them a chance even when they receive warnings.

Close your eyes and think of spending quality time with your family, what activities come to mind? Maybe you thought of a fun summer road trip that lasts for a couple of days, forcing everyone to cram in a car for hours while listening to throwback music. Perhaps your family prefers staying indoors and playing a board game together in the living room, wearing some comfy pajamas, and eating some buttery popcorn. Regardless of whichever end of the spectrum you fall on, no activity is too big or small when it comes to spending quality time with those you love. I know from personal experience learning math with my parents was my favorite version of spending quality time together. As a Ghanaian American, almost any African you meet will confirm that immigrant parents highly value education and try to instill those same values into their children. For example, my parents set time aside during the weekends and in the summer to teach me all they could about different subjects ranging from reading, writing, history, and math. My father in particular went out of his way and bought math workbooks with quizzes, tests, and assignments. He wanted me to sharpen the skills that I was already learning or lacking in school which helped me be better prepared in the classroom. I remember one instance in the third grade I was struggling a lot with long division and multi-digit multiplication. I found it difficult to communicate about this struggle but my parents came together and realized maybe I need different techniques to understand these kinds of math problems. That's when my mother realized I learn better when the problems were broken down and explained simply compared to quick explanations that are done all at once. Moments like these made me realize math forces us as people to spend some time together and learn from one another. If not for the time my parents invested into my education I would not be who I am today. This form of quality time was very important in developing my communication and teamwork skills inside and outside of school. It showed me the value of learning at home in an environment that is surrounded by those you love. This also made me recognize my love in math and the role it played in my childhood when it came to spending quality time with my family.