Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This verse is my daily reminder that no dream is too big, no challenge is insurmountable, and no blessing is too small. Everything that has happened in my life, even when unexplainable, has a purpose. I’ve lost people who meant the world to me, but I now carry the strength of their memories and the comfort of knowing they are my guardian angels. This opportunity will help me continue my journey to becoming the first college graduate in my family. Growing up, my family made sure we were grounded in faith. We attended church, hosted Bible studies, and participated in daily devotionals. While we weren’t financially wealthy, we were rich in love, faith, and the understanding that God was always with us. My mother worked tirelessly to raise me and my siblings, teaching us the value of belief and perseverance. Though we had little material wealth, we were wealthy in spirit. I was born and raised in the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, NY, as a young Black girl with many talents. From doing hair, nails, catering events and etc, I’ve always found ways to be resourceful to help my family. As the oldest of three siblings, raised by a single mother, I understand the importance of working hard to create a better life for myself and my family. I want to make my mother proud and ensure that my children never face the same hardships I did. In 2016, my life changed when my grandmother passed away. I felt lost and without direction. But that loss became a turning point for me, leading me to fully devote my life to Christ. I vowed not to let sadness or depression consume me. Through prayer and faith, I found the strength to keep moving forward. I believe that “life is a song; we each get to write our own lyrics.” This saying resonates with me because I learned early on that success requires shaping my own future, taking control of my life. During high school, I realized the importance of prioritizing my goals. I learned to separate my wants from my needs to focus on my ultimate vision: becoming a social worker and business owner. Growing up in a low-income family, I knew I had to work hard to get what I wanted and needed. While I faced numerous rejections during my job search, I refused to be discouraged. Life taught me that success doesn’t come easy—it’s earned. When I entered college, I planned to major in Social Work with a minor in Business. However, after careful reflection, I decided to change my minor to Counseling. Despite this shift, my commitment to working hard toward my goals and graduating remains unchanged. My passion for Social Work stems from witnessing the struggles within the foster care system. I’ve seen how some social workers prioritize money over the well-being of children, and I want to be the one who shows these children that they are cared for and valued. Every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and loved. With the support of this scholarship, I am confident I can achieve my dreams and make a meaningful impact. With God by my side, I know that anything is possible. He will empower me to become the social worker I aspire to be—one who helps children in need and ensures they know their worth. I am determined to succeed, and with faith, hard work, and perseverance, I believe I can make a difference in the world.

"Life is a song; we each get to write our own lyrics." I stand behind this saying because growing up I had to learn the importance of doing what I can, to be something in life. Mentally and emotionally I used to feel unprepared when it came to my success. High school helped me prioritize my goals and focuses. To prepare for success, I had to separate my wants and needs to ensure that I focused my attention on the main target ahead;that of becoming a social worker and business owner. Coming from a low-income family I always had to work hard to get the things I wanted and needed. Life has prepared me to be successful by showing me how nothing in life comes easy. Everything has to be worked hard for. I've applied for job after job and didn't get accepted into any. But that did not discourage me. I am fully aware that I must put my best foot forward to be successful. Going into college I want to major in Social Work, with a minor in Business. So I know that I will have to work hard to reach my goals and graduate college. To be successful or to have success, I believe that one must be financially stable, mentally and physically healthy, continuously reaching goals, helping others, creating generational wealth and making something out of themselves. Success is not only about what you accomplish. Yet it's about the steps and obstacles you faced in order to do so… it's about the blood,sweat and tears one must be willing to commit to being successful. My definition is deeper than the surface it lies on. In 20 years I see myself being a social worker. I am most interested in Social Work because I've seen how bad the foster care system is and I know that there are social workers who genuinely do not care about the children, but about the money that they make. We live in a world where many kids are unfortunately stuck in these situations and have to be put in foster care for many reasons. Going through things like this causes trauma and affects them for many years. I want to be that social worker that ensures that the children know someone cares about them and that they understand their worth. I have heard many stories from people about the hardships they go through in their foster homes… where their social worker doesn't do anything to help. Let alone believe that they are telling the truth about the things that are happening to them. I want to help bring awareness to the corrupt foster care system. I have never been a part of it but as an outsider looking in, I wish to be someone that can bring about change. I want children to find coping mechanisms that help them enhance who they are; no matter the circumstances. In 20 years, I hope to be someone that gives children hope and shows them that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Good things do come from some “terrible” situations, but one must stay positive and have hope.

Born and raised in the noisy streets of Brooklyn, NY. A young black girl who's talented in many ways. From doing hair, to doing nails, to catering parties, to babysitting and much more; I can do it all. The oldest out of 3, raised by a single mother. Coming from a low-income family I know how important it is that I do something to make something out of myself; to make my mother proud and to ensure that my children never have to go through the hardships that I went through. In college, I plan to study Social Work as my major with business and/or cosmetology as my minor. I want to help others and also create generational wealth for my family. Growing up I always wanted to do something that can create an exchange for others. Therefore, I see myself becoming a social worker. I am most interested in Social Work because I've seen how bad the foster care system is and I know that there are social workers who genuinely do not care about the children, but about the money that they make. We live in a world where many kids are unfortunately stuck in these situations and have to be put in foster care for many reasons. Going through things like this causes trauma and affects them for many years. I want to be that social worker that ensures that the children know someone cares about them and that they understand their worth. While in college I plan to take on internships or even work a few jobs to ensure that I won't be a financial burden to my mother. Being a first generation college student, this means the world to my mother and I feel as if I owe that to her. She did whatever she could to take care of me and my two brothers and me going to school and becoming successful is my way of showing her that all her hard work didn't go unnoticed. I chose to take on business and cosmetology as my minors because I've always been fascinated with doing hair and nails. I want to create a “One-Stop-Shop” that allows people to come and get luxury self-care treatments. They would be able to get their hair, nails, makeup, massages and facials all in one place. By opening this business, I am giving others the opportunity to showcase their talents as well. I feel as if no one should be tied down to one job or one source of income, when there's multiple ways to become successful. Nothing in life is easy and all things go as planned so I wanted to be sure to have backup plans to still become that successful person I hope to be. Success is not always about how much money one has. But it's about what you accomplish. Yet it's about the steps and obstacles you faced in order to do so… it's about the blood,sweat and tears one must be willing to commit to being successful. My definition is deeper than the surface it lies on. To be successful or to have success, I believe that one must be financially stable, mentally and physically healthy, continuously reaching goals, helping others, creating generational wealth and making something out of themselves. I don't want to be known as the “black girl from the hood”. I want to be known as “Aniyah Whitehead, the social worker and business owner”.

5 years old with a wild fascination of being the world's greatest cook. Collard greens, candied yams, apple pie, fried chicken and more. The smell of fresh southern food filled the air. The hot steam made the walls sweat. Pots of food with a smell that lingered down the building's hallways had our neighbors wondering if we had planned on sharing. “Get down from there baby you’re gonna hurt yourself.” My grandma exclaimed. The 5ft tall dark skinned woman was one to be feared but never harmed a soul. The little old lady stayed in the kitchen and so did I. One would think I was in there to eat but I was actually in there to cook. Me standing on the counter next to the hot stove frightened her. I wasn't afraid nor was I being mischievous, I was just very curious. As the hot grease popped, my smile widened, I knew the food would be done soon and I could say that I helped. I remember constantly saying “Grandma grandma is it done yet?” And each time she would respond and say “Not yet baby, but, when it is you'll be the first to know. I promise.” Every Sunday was a special Sunday. We cooked and celebrated getting through another week. However, this one was one to remember. It was my first time cooking for real and not just helping do the prep work. “The first step is to wash your hands and make sure they are squeaky clean. If you want to cook you can never ever forget that.” My grandmother was my best friend. So this was a very exciting moment for me. In response I laughed and said “I will never ever forget that because that will be nasty and chefs have to be clean.” Being 17 years old now and now looking back has me thinking about how I still love to cook. I've never wanted to study it in school but it is a passion that stuck with me. Creating new recipes and trying ones made by others bring out the joy in cooking. Cooking allows me to free my mind while exploring new things. I can create meals and desserts based on the mood I am in. Despite wanting to major in social work, I never wanted to keep my passion hidden. I hope to pick up culinary as a minor. On November 10 of 2016, when my grandma died, my life changed drastically. I am now old enough to fully understand the lessons she once taught me. Being able to learn independence and patience was a major key to life. Cooking allows me to still feel connected to her. Cooking is a way to not only continue the tradition in recipes but also to keep up the relationship and memories of my grandmother. Nothing is ever going to be easy. Just because you don't get something on the first time, it doesn't mean you never will. Practice and effort makes perfect.