Without disclosing the diagnosis that you’ve had direct and/or indirect experience with, please share how the chronic medical condition has impacted your life, what inspires you to excel despite the limitations, and how you seek to impact the world and empower others. When someone you love lives with a chronic illness, it changes you—quietly, permanently, and deeply. I experienced this firsthand through my father’s health struggles. He battled multiple medical conditions for years, and even though we lived in different states, we maintained a close relationship. I watched from afar as his body slowly declined, yet he remained strong in spirit. In 2021, I lost him. His passing was devastating. It’s a loss I still carry with me every day. Seeing him go through what he did taught me a lot about the silent, exhausting toll chronic illness takes—not just on the body, but on the mind, the family, and the people who love you. Toward the end of his life, even basic daily tasks became difficult for him. Watching someone you love struggle like that—and eventually lose that battle—leaves a mark. But it also gives you a new kind of strength. It changes your perspective. It makes you want to live with purpose. His death hit me hard. I struggled with grief and the overwhelming feeling of helplessness. But over time, that pain became my motivation. I knew I had to push forward, not just for myself, but in honor of him. He always believed in me. He always wanted more for me. That keeps me going. Even when I’m tired. Even when I feel lost. Even when I doubt myself. What inspires me to keep excelling, despite the weight of grief and loss, is knowing that I still have the chance to do what he could not. I still have the opportunity to be healthy, to move forward, and to use my life to make a difference. That realization gave me clarity. It showed me that I want to spend my life helping others rise above their own limitations—physical, mental, emotional, or environmental. I’m currently pursuing a degree in sports management with a passion for working with children, especially those with special needs. I know what it feels like to carry something heavy silently. Many children—particularly those with special needs or in underserved communities—carry their own silent battles. I want to be a voice for them. I want to create programs that support, uplift, and empower them. Through inclusive sports, mentorship, and personal development, I plan to give children a place where they are not only welcomed but celebrated. Losing my father reminded me how fragile life is—but it also reminded me how powerful love, connection, and purpose can be. I plan to carry his memory with me in everything I do. His story fuels mine. And in his honor, I’m determined to use my pain to help others heal, grow, and thrive.

What does legacy mean to you and why? How do you feel your upbringing has impacted your path in life, and how do you plan to continue or break the cycle? To me, legacy means living in a way that leaves lasting value for others. It’s not just about personal success or recognition,it’s about how your actions, choices, and compassion create opportunities for people who come after you. A true legacy makes space for others to grow, to feel seen, and to believe that they matter. That’s the kind of impact I want to have in my life and career. I was born in New York City, but my mother and I moved to Delaware in 2006 after she retired from the New York City Department of Corrections. She raised me on her own, and although times weren’t always easy, she never let me feel like I was going without. My mom worked hard and sacrificed daily to give me the tools I needed to succeed. She always stressed the importance of education and reminded me that I had to earn my degree—not just for myself, but for the future we were building together. Her strength and perseverance taught me that circumstances don’t define you,your mindset does. Since my father stayed in New York and wasn’t always present, my mom made it a point to keep strong, positive male role models around me. She understood how important that was for a young Black boy growing up. One of the most impactful people in my life was my basketball coach. He became a mentor and a role model who guided me not only in sports but also in life. He helped me stay focused, taught me about discipline and leadership, and reminded me to use my gifts to help others. These experiences are what inspired me to pursue a degree in sports management. I chose sports management not only because I love sports, but because I see sports as a powerful tool for connection and development. Sports can teach teamwork, structure, communication, and confidence. But more importantly, it can create a safe space for children,especially those with special needs,to thrive. I’ve always had a passion for working with kids, particularly those with special needs. Many of them struggle to express themselves, but I’ve learned that with patience, love, and creativity, every child can find their voice. It’s not about fixing them,it’s about understanding them and creating environments where they feel accepted and supported. My goal is to one day create community-based youth programs that focus on inclusive sports, mentoring, academic support, and life skills. I want to give kids a chance to be part of something bigger than themselves, to believe in their potential, and to be surrounded by people who care. I want to especially serve kids who come from backgrounds like mine, those who might not always have access to opportunities or resources, but have so much potential waiting to be unlocked. If I could be remembered for anything, it would be for my compassion for how I treated others, for the energy I brought into every room, and for how I made people feel seen and valued. As a young Black man, I know there are obstacles, but I also know that obstacles are not walls, they’re just hurdles. I’ve learned to keep jumping. And as I do, I plan to bring others with me.

⸻ My Scholarship Essay: Creating Positive Impact Through Marketing and Sports Management As a sports management major and a young Black man committed to community upliftment, I believe my future lies in helping others—especially children—reach their full potential. Over the next five years, I plan to create a lasting impact in both local and global communities by combining my love for sports, my passion for working with youth and individuals with special needs, and the power of marketing to inspire, educate, and connect. My goal is to build programs that not only support children’s wellness and development but also promote environmental sustainability and inclusive messaging. From a young age, I’ve had a natural ability to connect with kids. I’ve volunteered and worked with children from various backgrounds and abilities, and one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had is working with children with special needs. I’ve seen how powerful it can be when they are given access to programs designed for growth, movement, confidence, and joy. These experiences shaped my career goals. I’m now focused on developing programs that blend sports, wellness education, and life skills—programs that are inclusive and empower children to thrive regardless of their physical or cognitive challenges. But to make these programs truly effective and far-reaching, I know that marketing will be the key. It’s not just about creating programs—it’s about getting the right message to the right people in a way that resonates and inspires action. With my background in sports management, I plan to use my marketing skills to raise awareness about the importance of inclusive youth development and environmental responsibility. I want to launch campaigns that promote community events focused on movement, healthy habits, and eco-friendly practices—such as youth sports leagues that encourage reusable water bottles, recycling initiatives, and partnerships with local environmental groups. Globally, I hope to collaborate with nonprofit organizations, schools, and wellness brands that share my values. I want to help shape marketing strategies that are rooted in storytelling, cultural awareness, and authenticity. I believe the most effective marketing isn’t about selling—it’s about connecting and creating purpose-driven change. By uplifting diverse voices and highlighting real community impact, I want my work to inspire a shift in how we view both inclusion and environmental care. This scholarship would be a critical step in helping me reach these goals. It would allow me to continue my education, gain real-world experience, and build the resources needed to bring these programs to life. I am committed to using my talents to help children grow, teach communities to care for the planet, and use marketing as a force for good in the world. With your support, I will turn that commitment into action.

This is me! I want to be able to give back to the one person that has unconditionally been there for me from day one. Completing my degree will do that. Learning has been a hard, long road to reaching success. I often wonder, “Do I have what it takes to be the best I can be?” I look in the mirror, I see myself and I know it's me, but the reflection is showing me so much more than me. I look closely and I see the one person that is always there, the one person that never gives up on me even when I give up on myself. The one person that never stops teaching me how to live life. The one person who endlessly makes sacrifice after sacrifice for me. I see myself, but the reflection is my mom! The one person that gave me life is also the one person who teaches me how to live life. It's hard to be a mom and a dad at the same time, but this woman is the epitome of true unconditional love, strength and leadership. A mother's love is endless and without her I would be nothing. My mom has motivated me to be the best I can be, provided me with opportunity, and taught me valuable life lessons. As a Black male pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, my journey has been shaped by both passion and perseverance. I grew up under a single devoted mom who afforded loads of opportunities and sports. Sports for example basketball became a way to stay focused, connected, and inspired. Pursuing higher education came with major financial sacrifices. I graduated from high school in 2020 a year that was difficult for everyone an although I received a division 2 scholarship which I thought would cover my college years in 2021 ,I lost my dad and then the drama begun. My mother gave me a reset and paid for college at a 2 year school. After my dad died I started spiraling out and it affected my grades. I got back on track and now attending a division 3 school we had to pay. I’ve worked multiple part-time jobs throughout college to help my mom afford tuition and basic living expenses. Despite careful budgeting, student debt and limited access to generational wealth remain a real burden for m mom and myself. Now at my current school Track and Field has become my focus. My long-term goal is to build community-driven sports programs that empower Black youth through mentorship, education, and opportunity — using sports not just for play, but as a platform for leadership, career exposure, and personal growth. I aim to eventually open a community sports center that offers training, academic support, mental health resources, and professional development for Black youth. I’ve already begun giving back by volunteering with local youth leagues, mentoring young athletes, and organizing community sports events that include workshops on life skills and college readiness. Still, I want to do more — and to do it on a larger scale, I need continued support and education. This scholarship would significantly ease the financial strain on my mom and myself allowing me to invest more time into community work and further professional training. It’s not just about helping me — it’s about helping me help others. Your investment would be multiplied through the youth I support and the systems I aim to change. Thank you for considering me