I exemplify a spirit of excellence by refusing to let my circumstances determine the person I will become. To me, excellence does not mean being perfect. It means giving my best effort, learning from my mistakes, treating others with kindness, and continuing to grow even when something is difficult. I try to carry that mindset into every part of my life, whether I am in school, volunteering, writing, or working toward my future goals. One of the ways I demonstrate excellence is through my passion for learning and reading. Reading has always been important to me because it allows me to expand my imagination, understand different perspectives, and strengthen my communication skills. I am especially passionate about writing, and I am currently working on my first fantasy novel. Writing has taught me patience and discipline because creating an entire story requires commitment even when inspiration does not come easily. I am learning to challenge myself, accept constructive criticism, and keep improving instead of giving up. I also believe that excellence means being willing to serve others. Giving back to my community has taught me that even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference. Through my volunteer work with Operation Feed the Bereaved, I have helped provide food and support to people in need. I have dedicated more than 120 volunteer hours to serving my community because I believe no one should feel forgotten or alone during difficult times. Volunteering has allowed me to see challenges outside of my own life and has taught me to appreciate what I have while looking for ways to help others. As I begin my journey at Dillard University, I am excited to take my commitment to service even further. I want to become actively involved in community service opportunities on the Dillard campus and throughout the Gentilly community. I know that there are families and individuals in the surrounding community facing poverty and other challenges, and I want to do whatever I can to be part of the solution. Whether that means helping with food drives, tutoring children, supporting local organizations, volunteering at community events, or simply giving my time to someone who needs it, I want my presence at Dillard to have a positive impact beyond the classroom. I believe being a member of a community means taking responsibility for helping it grow. I do not want to attend Dillard simply to earn a degree and leave. I want to build relationships, serve others, learn from the people around me, and contribute to the Gentilly community in meaningful ways. As an English major, I also hope to use my writing and my voice to encourage others and bring attention to stories and experiences that deserve to be heard. Excellence, to me, is a daily choice—to keep learning, keep serving, and keep becoming better. At Dillard and beyond, I want to live that choice by pursuing my goals while always remembering to reach back and help someone else along the way.

Reading has always been more than a hobby for me; it is one of my greatest passions. Books allow me to escape into different worlds, experience life through someone else’s eyes, and discover parts of myself that I may not have recognized before. The stories I have read have taught me about love, loss, resilience, identity, and personal growth. Most importantly, they have shown me the power that words can have on a person’s life. One series that has stayed with me is the After series by Anna Todd. I connected with the characters because they are imperfect and face complicated emotions, difficult choices, and moments of personal growth. The series taught me that people can make mistakes without being defined by them. It showed me that growing as a person often comes from experiencing challenges, learning from them, and finding the courage to move forward. Those lessons have encouraged me to look at my own challenges differently and understand that my experiences can help shape me rather than limit me. Reading has also taught me the importance of having a voice. I have learned that the way an author tells a story can make readers feel understood, inspire them, or even change the way they see the world. That realization has influenced my own goals because I no longer want to simply be a person who reads stories—I want to become someone who creates them. I am currently writing my first fantasy novel, and beginning this journey has made me appreciate books in an entirely new way. As I write, I am learning how much imagination, patience, and dedication it takes to build characters and create a world that readers can become a part of. Writing my own story has also given me a place to express my creativity and explore ideas that are important to me. Even though my novel is still a work in progress, seeing my ideas become words on a page has made me realize that becoming an author is a goal I genuinely want to pursue. As I begin my journey at Dillard University as an English major, I want to strengthen my writing, explore different forms of literature, and learn from authors with perspectives different from my own. I hope to continue developing my voice and eventually publish stories that give readers the same feeling I have experienced while reading books that touched my life. Reading has shaped my goals by teaching me that a story can transport you, teach you, heal you, and inspire you. My passion for reading has grown into a passion for writing, and I hope to turn that passion into a lifelong career. I want to create stories that allow people to dream, escape, feel understood, and believe in the possibilities within themselves. Most of all, I want my words to leave an impact long after the final page is turned.

Being diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression has affected my life in ways that I never imagined. There have been times when my thoughts became overwhelming, my confidence disappeared, and I struggled to see a future for myself. As a young woman, trying to understand who I am while preparing for my future, I have had to overcome battles that many people never knew I was fighting. One of the darkest moments of my life was my suicide attempt. At that point, I felt overwhelmed by emotions that I did not know how to handle, and I could not see the hope that was still waiting for me. Surviving that experience changed the way I look at life. It taught me that even when I cannot see a way forward, there can still be a future worth fighting for. I am grateful that my story did not end in that moment. Recovery has not been instant or easy. I have had to learn how to speak about my feelings instead of hiding them, accept support instead of pushing people away, and recognize when I need help. I have learned that asking for help does not make me weak. It takes courage to admit when you are struggling and even more courage to choose to keep going. My mental health journey has taught me resilience. I have learned to take life one day at a time and to celebrate progress, even when it feels small. I have also developed compassion for people who may be silently fighting battles of their own. My experiences have shown me how powerful encouragement can be, and I want to become someone who gives others the same hope and encouragement that helped me continue moving forward. Now, I am looking toward my future with a completely different mindset. Attending Dillard University is more than the next step in my education; it represents a new chapter in my life. I plan to major in English because I believe in the power of words and storytelling. I want to use my education and my voice to connect with people, tell meaningful stories, inspire others, and show young people that their circumstances do not have to determine their future. I know that going to college will bring new challenges, but I also know that I have already overcome something that once felt impossible. I am entering this chapter with determination, hope, and a stronger understanding of my own worth. My diagnosis is a part of my story, but it will never be the entire story. I survived my darkest moment, and now I am determined to build a future that makes surviving it meaningful. I want my life to be an example that pain can become strength, setbacks can become motivation, and even after the darkest moments, there can still be a beautiful future ahead. Dillard University is an important part of that future, and I am ready to work for the life I once struggled to believe was possible.

Many young people face obstacles that can make achieving their goals seem difficult or even impossible. Financial hardship, limited resources, and challenging family circumstances often create barriers that many students must overcome while pursuing their education. Despite these challenges, motivated and hardworking students continue to push forward because they understand that education can create opportunities for a brighter future. These students deserve scholarships and grants because they have demonstrated resilience, determination, and a commitment to improving their lives and communities. As a student from a modest background, I understand the challenges that can come with pursuing higher education. While some students can focus solely on academics, many others must balance school, work, family responsibilities, and financial concerns. These obstacles can make the path to success more difficult, but they can also build character, perseverance, and determination. I have learned that success is not determined by where you start in life but by your willingness to keep moving forward despite adversity. Throughout high school, I worked hard to stay focused on my education while also giving back to my community. As a dual-credit student at Beaumont United High School, I challenged myself academically while preparing for college. I also completed more than 120 hours of community service through Operation Feed the Bereaved and Homeless, helping provide meals and support to individuals and families in need. These experiences taught me the importance of compassion, service, and using my abilities to help others. I have faced obstacles that tested my confidence and determination, but I refused to let them define my future. Instead, I used those challenges as motivation to work harder and remain committed to my goals. Every setback taught me valuable lessons about resilience, responsibility, and the importance of believing in myself even when circumstances were difficult. This grant would help remove some of the financial barriers that often prevent students from reaching their full potential. I will be attending Dillard University to study journalism, a field that will allow me to inform, inspire, and advocate for others through storytelling. Financial assistance would help cover educational expenses and allow me to focus more on my studies, leadership opportunities, and professional development. I believe scholarships and grants should invest in students who have demonstrated determination, character, and a desire to make a positive difference. I have worked hard to overcome challenges, serve my community, and prepare for my future. With the support of this grant, I will continue pursuing my educational goals and use the opportunities I receive to create a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

To me, selflessness means being willing to help someone else even when you may not receive anything in return. I believe that being selfless is not always about doing something big or receiving recognition. Sometimes it is simply noticing that someone needs help and choosing to be there for them. Throughout my life, I have learned that kindness, compassion, and service can have a lasting impact on someone. One of the biggest ways I have shown selflessness is through my volunteer work with Operation Feed the Bereaved. I have volunteered more than 120 hours helping provide meals and support to people in my community, including individuals and families who are going through difficult situations. Volunteering has opened my eyes to how many people struggle with things that others may never see. Something as simple as providing a meal can mean so much to someone who may be dealing with financial hardship, loss, or other challenges. What I enjoy most about volunteering is knowing that I am helping without expecting anything in return. I have learned to appreciate the conversations, smiles, and empathy that come from the people we serve, but those things are not why I volunteer. I volunteer because I know that everyone deserves to feel cared about and supported. There have been moments when I was tired or had other responsibilities, but I still made the decision to show up because I knew someone else was depending on us. I also try to practice selflessness in my everyday life by being there for my family, friends, classmates, and people around me. Sometimes helping someone means listening when they need someone to talk to. Other times it means encouraging someone who is struggling or offering assistance when I see that someone needs it. I have learned that you never really know what another person is going through, so I try not to judge people based on what I see on the outside. My experiences have taught me that selflessness is not about being perfect. It is about making a conscious choice to care about others. I want my actions to show that I value my community and the people in it. As I continue my education and prepare for my future, I want service to remain an important part of who I am. I may not always be able to change someone's entire situation, but if I can make their day a little easier, give them hope, or remind them that someone cares, then I know I have made a difference. To me, that is what true selflessness looks like.

Being a first-generation college student means I am opening a door that has never been opened before in my family. It means I am not only pursuing my own dreams but also creating a path for future generations. While I may not have family members who can guide me through every step of college, I have learned to rely on determination, hard work, and the encouragement of those who believe in me. Growing up, I watched my mother work tirelessly to provide for our family while showing me the value of education. Seeing her overcome challenges taught me that success isn't about where you start—it's about your willingness to keep moving forward. Her resilience has inspired me to push myself academically and never give up, even when things become difficult. As a graduate of Beaumont United High School, I am proud to be attending Dillard University, where I plan to major in Journalism. I have always enjoyed telling stories, asking questions, and giving a voice to people whose experiences deserve to be heard. My goal is to become a journalist who informs, inspires, and creates positive change within communities. I believe that truthful, compassionate storytelling has the power to educate others and bring people together. Throughout high school, I challenged myself by participating in dual-credit courses while also dedicating more than 120 hours to community service through Operation Feed the Bereaved. Volunteering taught me the importance of compassion, leadership, and giving back to those in need. These experiences strengthened my desire to use my education to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden of attending college and allow me to focus on my education, campus involvement, and professional growth. It would provide the support I need to pursue internships, develop my skills, and prepare for a successful career in journalism. More importantly, it would help me continue proving that first-generation students can succeed despite the obstacles they may face. Being the first in my family to attend college is both an honor and a responsibility. I want to show my younger siblings, my family, and others in my community that their dreams are possible with dedication and perseverance. This scholarship would not only help me reach my educational goals but also empower me to build a future where I can give back, inspire others, and leave a lasting impact. My journey is just beginning, and I am determined to make every opportunity count.

My name is Aniyah, and my experience with sepsis is very personal because it affected my grandmother. She suffered a severe stroke that left her in a vegetative state for five years. Although I was young, I grew up watching my family care for her with unconditional love, patience, and hope. My mom devoted countless hours to making sure my grandmother was comfortable and cared for, and our family remained by her side through every challenge. Seeing that kind of love and dedication taught me the true meaning of family and resilience. Over the years, my grandmother faced many medical complications because she was bedridden and unable to care for herself. Despite everything she endured, our family never gave up on her. We celebrated every small victory and cherished every moment we could spend with her. Unfortunately, after years of fighting, she developed sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by the body's overwhelming response to an infection. Her health declined quickly, and our family lost her. It was one of the hardest experiences we have ever faced. Although I was still young, I remember the sadness that filled our home after she passed away. I watched my family grieve the loss of someone who meant so much to us. Losing my grandmother made me realize how devastating sepsis can be, especially for people who are already medically vulnerable. Before her illness, I had never heard much about sepsis or understood how serious it was. Her story showed me how important it is to recognize infections early and seek medical care before they become life-threatening. My grandmother's journey also taught me valuable lessons about compassion, strength, and perseverance. I saw firsthand the sacrifices caregivers make every day and the emotional toll that long-term illness can have on an entire family. Those experiences helped shape the person I am becoming. They have inspired me to appreciate the people I love, to show kindness to others, and to never take time with family for granted. Today, I carry my grandmother's memory with me in everything I do. She continues to inspire me to work hard, pursue my goals, and make a positive difference in the lives of others. By sharing my family's experience with sepsis, I hope to help raise awareness about this often-overlooked condition and encourage others to learn the warning signs. If even one family can recognize the symptoms sooner and seek treatment because of stories like mine, then sharing my grandmother's journey will have honored her memory in a meaningful way. Her strength, the love she received from our family, and the lessons she left behind will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Throughout my high school years, I have worked hard to balance academics, work experience, community service, and preparation for my future. Each opportunity I have had has taught me valuable lessons about responsibility, perseverance, leadership, and the importance of helping others. These experiences have shaped the person I am today and have inspired me to continue growing both personally and professionally. One of my first jobs was working as a cashier at CiCi’s Pizza. While some people may view a cashier position as a simple job, it taught me many important life skills. I learned how to manage my time, communicate effectively with customers, and work as part of a team. I was responsible for handling transactions, assisting customers, and helping ensure the restaurant operated smoothly. Working in a fast-paced environment taught me how to stay calm under pressure and solve problems quickly. It also showed me the importance of having a strong work ethic and taking pride in every task, no matter how small it may seem. In addition to my work experience, community service has played a significant role in my life. I have completed more than 120 hours of volunteer service through Operation Feed the Bereaved and Homeless. Through this organization, I have helped provide meals and support to individuals and families facing difficult circumstances. Volunteering allowed me to see firsthand the challenges that many people experience and helped me develop a greater sense of empathy and compassion. It taught me that serving others is not just about meeting immediate needs but also about showing people that they are valued and cared for. Every volunteer opportunity reinforced the importance of kindness and reminded me that even small acts of service can make a meaningful difference. The mentors in my life have also had a tremendous impact on my personal growth. My teachers, counselors, family members, and community leaders have encouraged me to believe in my abilities and pursue my goals with confidence. They have taught me that success does not come without challenges and that setbacks are opportunities to learn and improve. Their guidance has helped me understand the importance of perseverance, integrity, and accountability. Whenever I faced obstacles or moments of self-doubt, these mentors reminded me to stay focused on my goals and continue moving forward. One lesson that stands out is the importance of resilience. Life does not always go according to plan, and there will always be obstacles along the way. Through my experiences at school, work, and in my community, I have learned that determination and a positive attitude can help overcome even the most difficult challenges. This lesson has strengthened my confidence and prepared me for future opportunities and responsibilities. As a graduate of Beaumont United High School and an incoming journalism student at Dillard University, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Journalism is a field that combines my passion for communication, storytelling, and making a positive impact on society. I want to use my education to tell important stories, highlight issues affecting communities, and give a voice to individuals whose experiences might otherwise go unheard. I believe that journalism has the power to inform, inspire, and create meaningful change. Looking toward the future, I hope to continue growing as a leader, student, and community advocate. I want to develop stronger communication skills, expand my knowledge of the world, and gain experiences that will help me become a successful journalist. Most importantly, I want to use my talents and education to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

I plan to make a positive impact on the world by using my education, personal experiences, and career in journalism to inform, uplift, and advocate for others. As a graduating senior from Beaumont United High School and a dual credit student at Lamar Institute of Technology, I have learned that making a difference starts with purpose, consistency, and a willingness to serve others. My goal is to use my voice and my platform to bring awareness to important issues and inspire meaningful change in my community and beyond. One of the main ways I plan to create impact is through my future career in journalism. I plan to attend Dillard University, where I will develop the skills needed to become a strong and ethical journalist. I believe journalism is a powerful tool that can shape perspectives, highlight injustices, and give voice to people who are often unheard. Through my education, I will learn how to research deeply, write effectively, and communicate stories in a way that is both truthful and impactful. My goal is to use these skills to report on issues such as community struggles, education, and social challenges that affect everyday people. My desire to make a positive impact is also rooted in my personal life experiences. One of the most defining moments in my life was witnessing my mother survive domestic violence. At one point, her injuries were so severe that her mouth was wired shut. That experience changed my life forever. However, I also witnessed her strength when she made the courageous decision to stand up for herself, remove us from that situation, and press charges. That moment taught me resilience, courage, and the importance of speaking up. It showed me that even in the most difficult situations, change is possible. In addition to my personal experiences, I have also learned the importance of service through my community involvement. I completed over 120 hours of volunteer work with Operation Feed the Bereaved, where I helped provide meals and support to families who were grieving. This experience taught me compassion, patience, and the importance of being present for others. It showed me that even small acts of kindness can bring comfort during someone’s hardest moments. Moving forward, I plan to continue serving my community in both small and large ways. While in college, I hope to stay involved in volunteer work, mentor younger students, and participate in organizations that focus on helping underserved communities. I also plan to use journalism as a way to highlight stories that matter and bring attention to issues that need change. I want my work to educate others, encourage conversations, and inspire people to take action. Ultimately, my goal is to make a lasting positive impact by combining education, storytelling, and service. I want to be someone who not only achieves personal success but also helps others grow and succeed. Through my career and my actions, I hope to uplift my community, give a voice to the unheard, and contribute to a more informed and compassionate world.

My future goals are rooted in growth, purpose, and making a lasting impact through both education and service. As I prepare to attend Dillard University, I plan to major in journalism and fully dedicate myself to becoming a strong, confident, and impactful communicator. While in college, I want to take advantage of every opportunity available to me, including joining student media organizations, participating in internships, and building relationships with mentors who can help guide my career. I am especially interested in developing my storytelling skills so that I can report on issues that truly matter and represent voices that are often overlooked. In addition to my academic goals, I plan to remain actively involved in community service. Giving back has already played a major role in shaping who I am today. I have completed over 120 hours of community service with Operation Feed the Bereaved, where I helped provide meals and support to families during difficult times. Through this experience, I learned the importance of compassion, consistency, and showing up for others, even in small ways. It taught me that service is not just about helping—it’s about connecting, understanding, and making people feel seen and supported. While in college, I plan to continue my involvement in service by volunteering with local organizations in the New Orleans community. I am particularly passionate about mentoring youth and supporting families in need, so I hope to work with programs that focus on education, food insecurity, and community outreach. I also want to combine my passion for journalism with my commitment to service by writing and reporting on community-based issues. By sharing real stories and highlighting important causes, I can raise awareness and encourage others to get involved. After graduation, my goal is to build a successful career in journalism where I can use my voice to inform, inspire, and advocate for change. I hope to work for a media platform that prioritizes truth and community impact, while also creating my own projects that focus on storytelling and service. Whether it’s through investigative reporting, feature writing, or community-based media initiatives, I want my work to reflect my values and make a difference. No matter where my career takes me, I plan to remain committed to giving back. My long-term goal is to establish programs or initiatives that support underserved communities, especially youth who may not have access to the same opportunities. I believe that education and service go hand in hand, and I am determined to use both as tools to uplift others. Through my journey at Dillard University and beyond, I will continue to grow, serve, and strive to leave a positive impact on every community I am a part of.