One issue I am deeply passionate about is the systemic inequity in education and economic opportunity, particularly within underserved Black communities. Growing up in Detroit, I saw firsthand how lack of access to quality education, financial literacy, and essential community resources continues to widen the wealth gap and keep many Black families in generational poverty. These challenges are not just statistics, they are realities I have lived and fought to change through my community involvement. Throughout high school, I took on several leadership roles in organizations that directly addressed these disparities. As the Recruitment Manager and a Youth Advisory Council member within Teen HYPE Detroit, I help create safe spaces for Detroit youth to have honest conversations about mental health, education, and access to resources. As a Certified Adolescent Peer Educator, I participate in workshops promoting self-empowerment and resilience. I also serve as a Youth Ambassador for Community Health Awareness Group’s Project YOUR where I educated my peers about youth drug overdose prevention and where to find resources, both mental health and drug-related. These experiences solidified my commitment to being a force for change, not just through conversation, but through action and education. I am double majoring in Accounting and Finance and minor in Business Administration at Alabama State University this fall, where I plan to use my academic path as a foundation to fight economic injustice. My ultimate goal is to start a nonprofit financial literacy and entrepreneurship program that specifically targets young people in community of Detroit. This program will teach practical skills such as budgeting, saving, credit building, investing, and how to launch and sustain a small business. Many young people in my community have innovative ideas and powerful dreams, but lack the financial knowledge or resources to turn those dreams into reality. I want to change that. In addition to grassroots work, I am also interested in long-term policy reform. I want to use my financial expertise and professional prominence to influence policies that expand access to capital, create equitable educational funding, and support Black-owned businesses. I believe that combining community-based initiatives with broader structural changes can help create a more inclusive and just economy. My experiences have taught me that lasting change begins with understanding the needs of the community and being bold enough to create solutions. I am not pursuing a degree just for personal success, but I am pursuing it to be a tool, a voice, and a leader for those who have been systematically silenced. I want to create spaces where young people of color feel empowered, informed, and prepared to take ownership of their futures. Ultimately, I envision a future where economic empowerment is not a privilege but a right. I am committed to making that vision a reality through education, leadership, and unwavering community dedication.

From a young age, I’ve had a deep passion for mathematics. I excelled early on, being double-promoted in math and earning the Principle Award for having the highest academic performance at a predominantly white International Baccalaureate school with over 1,000 students in 5th and 8th grade. I even excelled in math during online learning throughout COVID-19, earning an A in Algebra 1. Math has always came natural for me. Last year, I was the only junior in a senior math class, often finding myself tutoring others. Now in AP Calculus AB, I’m thriving, and my teacher, who also teaches at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor, wrote me a strong recommendation letter within months. My love for math led me to pursue a double major in Accounting and Finance with a minor in Business Administration at Alabama State University. These fields align with my strengths and values, including critical thinking, financial responsibility, and leadership. I was raised by a single mother, and from a young age, I helped budget our money. These experiences sparked my passion for helping others manage and understand finances. Finance is also deeply personal for me. It allows me to carry on the legacy of my late godfather, who was a very successful investor. His guidance showed me how financial literacy can uplift entire communities. I took the initiative to complete three financial literacy courses, one taught by Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan and sponsored by KPMG. My goal is to become a Certified Public Accountant and financial advisor, using my knowledge to help undeserved communities build generational wealth. My interest in technology complements these goals. I took Design Tech in 6th grade, Graphic Design in 9th and 10th, and completed a short course on the Foundations of Programming. The accounting and finance program I am pursuing involves computer science and information systems. I look forward to exploring data analysis, digital accounting tools, and financial systems that are essential in today’s business world. I am currently enrolled at Alabama State University as an incoming freshman for fall 2025. Their Master of Accountancy program is one of only 16 nationwide included in the KPMG Master of Accountancy with Data and Analytics. This one-year program will prepare me to sit for the CPA exam and strengthen my skills in financial reporting, auditing, and analytics. Beyond academics, I’m deeply involved in service and leadership. At Teen HYPE Detroit, I serve as the Recruitment Manager, Youth Advisory Council member, and a Certified Adolescent Peer Educator. In March, we reached over 2,400 students through our play Two Detroits, which addressed youth mental health, self-harm, and the gentrification of Detroit. I had a prominent acting role and managed backstage right. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of how advocacy and creativity can influence lives. I also serve as a Youth Ambassador for Community Health Awareness Group’s Project YOUR, where I educate my peers weekly on overdose prevention and drug safety. I completed training for this role and make over 10 meaningful contacts per week, spreading awareness and resources. I am passionate about harm reduction and saving lives through my knowledge. In addition, I volunteered 100 hours as a Teaching Assistant for Wayne State University’s Math Corps, where I taught ninth-grade bridge students and helped them prepare for high school. I truly enjoy giving back through a subject I love. As a Black woman in STEM, I am determined to break barriers and uplift others through financial empowerment. With my education, I will mentor youth and become a trusted CPA and financial advisor who bridges the gap between financial literacy and systemic racism.

One of the most transformative experiences in my life was winning the 2024-2025 Business Ethics Essay Contest at the University of Detroit Mercy. With only a week until the deadline, I immersed myself in research and reflection, fueled by my upbringing in a family of entrepreneurs and the perseverance I witnessed in my mother’s daily sacrifices. When I learned I had won, I felt very accomplished. My insights into enhancing customer experiences were not only valuable, but were also shaped by lived experience and dedication. This contest taught me the power of persistence under pressure. Transferring to Cass Technical High School meant I initially couldn’t choose my own curriculum, yet I was determined to pursue a business path. I enrolled in Business 150 through dual enrollment, and this year I am taking Intro to Entrepreneurship. As I wrote my essay, I recognized how my college coursework had given me a strong foundation, as the theories I learned in class resonated deeply with the real‑world examples I found in my research. Attending the award ceremony at the University of Detroit Mercy was a phenomenal experience. I was one of the few Black students in a room dominated by white attendees, including the dean and current business students at the school. Growing up in predominantly white International Baccalaureate (IB) schools in the Royal Oak School District—where I won the Principle Award for having the highest academic achievement in both 5th and 8th grade—I learned early the importance of resilience and breaking barriers. Standing near that podium, I felt proud not only of my essay, but also of every obstacle I had overcome. These experiences have shaped my aspirations at Alabama State University, where I will enter this fall as an incoming freshman double majoring in Accounting and Finance with a minor in Business Administration. I am passionate about increasing financial literacy and economic empowerment in underrepresented communities and HBCUs through my education. I plan to start a financial literacy program at Alabama State University and back at home in Detroit, where I will lead workshops on budgeting and investment, and collaborate with campus and Detroit-based organizations to extend these resources into the Montgomery community and Detroit community. Looking beyond my bachelor’s degree, I want to pursue a master’s degree in accounting. As far as my career aspirations, I want to become a Certified Public Accountant and a financial advisor. My long‑term vision is to launch a nonprofit organization that offers accessible financial education, mentorship programs, and resource networks to underserved neighborhoods and HBCUs. I envision hosting free seminars in community centers and partnering with local schools to integrate financial literacy lessons into their curricula. In honoring my mother’s perseverance and the confidence I gained from that essay contest, I will dedicate my career to creating equitable opportunities. Entrepreneurship, I have learned, is not just about generating profit, but it is a driving factor for social impact. Through my academic journey, professional milestones, and nonprofit leadership, I will strive to uplift others just as I was uplifted, turning challenges into momentum for positive change.

My name is Anyla Harrington, and I will be attending Alabama State University in the fall, double majoring in Accounting and Finance with a minor in Business Administration. I am passionate about African American history, social justice, and community activism. These passions are deeply personal to me, and they guide the path I plan to take in my professional life. I want to use my education and career to create meaningful change by increasing financial literacy, access to resources, and generational wealth in underserved communities, particularly those that have historically been left out of economic opportunity. I believe economic empowerment is one of the most effective tools for achieving equity. Through a career in finance, I hope to help families and small businesses, especially those in Black and marginalized communities, understand how to manage their money, build credit, invest, and create long-term financial plans. Far too many people grow up never learning how to build wealth, and I want to change that. My goal is to empower others with the tools they need to break generational cycles of poverty and financial instability. As a student committed to growth, I’ve had to overcome many challenges that shaped who I am. I grew up in a low-income household where financial hardship was constant. My mother, a single parent, worked tirelessly to support me and now struggles to provide for my younger brother as well. From a young age, I took on a lot of responsibility. I learned how to be independent, how to pull myself up by my bootstraps, and how to support others even when I was struggling myself. Watching my mother persevere despite countless challenges taught me the importance of hard work, resilience, and the value of caring for your family. Attending Cass Technical High School was both a blessing and a challenge. It offered me an excellent education, but to uphold my school’s standards I had to take on long hours of studying, extracurricular involvement, and community service. I had to balance this with the personal stress of financial insecurity, exposure to substance abuse in my community, and the emotional toll of seeing people I care about fall victim to systemic struggles. Rather than allowing these obstacles to hold me back, I used them as motivation. I leaned on mentors and stayed focused on my goals by practicing discipline. Today, I serve in several leadership roles that allow me to give back. I’m the Recruitment Manager for Teen HYPE Detroit, a Youth Advisory Council member within Teen HYPE Detroit, a Youth Ambassador for the Community Health Awareness Group’s Project YOUR, and a Certified Adolescent Peer Educator. I’ve volunteered for The Greening of Detroit, the Horton Family Holiday Giveaway, and the Wayne State University Math Corps, where I served over 100 hours as a Teaching Assistant helping ninth-grade bridge students improve their math skills. I also participate in the Student Leadership: Social Justice & Advocacy program at my school, bringing issues within my community to the forefront and speaking out against inequality. All of these experiences reflect who I am: someone who doesn’t wait for change, but actively works to create it. I plan to carry that same mindset into my career by using accounting and finance as tools to build a more just, empowered, and financially free future for underprivileged communities, my family, and myself.

I am pursuing a double major in Accounting and Finance at Alabama State University this fall. I aspire to obtain a master’s degree in accounting, a field that allows me to combine my passion for mathematics with my natural tendency for financial management. From a young age, I have been drawn to numbers, but it wasn’t until recently that I discovered accounting as my chosen path. Growing up, I witnessed my single mother struggle financially, which had a profound impact on her physical and mental well-being. I was determined to help mitigate all of her burdens. I often advised her on budgeting, suggesting ways to save money and avoid unnecessary purchases. Even as a child, I developed a habit of saving, starting with the piggy bank I received for my first birthday. This early exposure to managing finances inspired me to take numerous courses in financial literacy, reinforcing my desire to pursue a career in accounting. I have since realized that accounting offers a professional career where I can continue helping others, much like I did with my mother. My passion for helping others has led me to volunteer with organizations like The Greening of Detroit, assist churches, and tutor children, further demonstrating my commitment to giving back to my community. I have proudly completed over 250 hours of community service over the course of my two years at Cass Technical High School, which reflects my dedication to service and leadership beyond the classroom. This year, I am enrolled in AP Calculus AB, one of the most rigorous courses at Cass Technical High School, alongside AP Biology. It is the second hardest course in the school, after AP Biology, and it aligns with the Calculus 1 course offered at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. While the course is challenging, I remain deeply passionate about mathematics. Despite the complexity of the problems, I am determined to keep going. My teacher, who also teaches Calculus 1 and 2 at the University of Michigan, knows the subject exceptionally well, and I aspire to mirror his persistence and intellect. Although my friends often believe I am simply “smart,” they don’t see the countless hours I dedicate to studying and tutoring. Intelligence alone is not enough—success in math requires hard work and persistence, qualities I have elevated over the years. It is ironic that many people say they dislike math, yet I find it fascinating and exhilarating. I often think of myself as a human calculator because I am able to solve math problems quickly in my head. By earning a master’s degree in accounting, I aim to deepen my knowledge and skills, earn my CPA license, and become a trusted financial advisor. I want to use my understanding of both accounting and finance to help individuals from underserved communities build financial freedom through budgeting, investing, and long-term planning. Accounting and finance are not only my career goals, but they are also my tools for empowering others.

My name is Anyla Harrington, and I am a first generation high school senior with a cumulative 4.02 GPA, student athlete, and soon to be Alabama State University Hornet, where I will be double majoring in Accounting and Finance with a minor in Business Administration. I come from a low-income, single-parent household, and I have had to fight through personal and academic challenges to get to where I am today. This scholarship would not only help ease the financial burden of college but also support me in becoming a successful Black woman in business, leadership, and community service. From a young age, I have had a deep love for learning and a strong drive to succeed. I attended all-white International Baccalaureate schools from preschool until tenth grade. While I excelled academically and received the Principle Award in both fifth and eighth grade for having the highest GPA out of more than 1,000 students, I often felt disconnected, unseen, and purposeless. This weighed heavily on my mental health. I needed a change, so I begged my mom to let me transfer to Cass Technical High School, one of Detroit’s most prestigious and diverse schools. Cass Technical High School changed my life. It gave me a sense of cultural pride and community that I had never felt before, it resembled something that reminded me of a Historically Black College or University. The Black excellence in this school inspired me daily. As a student athlete, I have learned what it means to show up even when it is hard, balancing long practices, leadership commitments, and AP classes while pushing through personal obstacles. Basketball has taught me how to lead with discipline, keep my body and mind in sync, and never settle for mediocrity. These same lessons fuel my academic and career goals. I plan to use my degree to promote financial literacy, build generational wealth in my community, and help Black-owned businesses grow. My ultimate goal is to return to Detroit and start mentorship programs for first generation students like me, specifically those who may not know where to begin, but are eager to change the course of their lives. Being a first generation college student means everything to me. It means stepping into unknown territory and choosing a better future not just for myself, but for my family and future generations. Financial support like this scholarship makes a difference. It brings me one step closer to breaking generational curses and being able to give back in a remarkable, lasting way. The quote by Vince Lombardi, “The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence,” speaks to the story of my life.Throughout my two years at Cass Technical High School, I dedicated over 157 hours to community service, where I worked with local organizations to support youth and social justice initiatives. I have always been committed to excellence, not just for recognition, but because I believe Black excellence is revolutionary. This scholarship would help me stay focused on my studies, grow into a successful businesswoman, and become a visible example of what is possible when you’re truly passionate about something. Like Sean Kelly, I am committed to becoming the best version of myself in sports, in the classroom, and in life. Women’s flag football is a pilot sport that has gained tremendous popularity. This fall, I will be matriculating into Alabama State University and joining their women’s flag football team. This is a sport I always played with the boys in middle school but never had the chance to play on an official team as a woman.

I was raised by my mother in a single-parent household after my father was incarcerated when I was three years old. Before prison, he lived a flashy lifestyle fueled by drug dealing, but once he lost everything, he was never the same. After his release, he became a heavy alcoholic, emotionally distant, and ultimately absent from my life. Despite his success in business today, he remains uninvolved. I don’t know exactly how prison changed him, but I’ve heard from family that he was never the same person when he returned. Growing up, I made a conscious decision not to follow in his footsteps. I chose to focus on my education and surround myself with positive influences. My mother worked overnight shifts to make sure I never felt deprived. Her sacrifices taught me what real hard work looks like, and I’ve committed myself to living in a way that honors her resilience by working hard towards my goals and not depending on anybody to make my success happen. One of my proudest accomplishments is winning the 2024–2025 Business Ethics Essay Contest at the University of Detroit Mercy. I only found out about the contest a week before the deadline, but I was still determined that I could win. I wrote about how businesses can enhance customer experience, drawing influence from my background in a family of entrepreneurs and the strength I saw in my mother. I also pulled from my dual enrollment Business 150 class and my current Intro to Entrepreneurship class. That essay showed me how much I already knew, both academically and through life experiences. It confirmed that business is not only my interest but my calling. Attending the award ceremony was surreal. I was one of the only Black students in a room full of white men, including the dean and business students. Not to mention, the school itself was a predominantly white school. But instead of feeling out of place, I felt motivated. I’ve spent much of my life in predominantly white academic spaces, attending the Royal Oak School District from pre-K to 10th grade, and I’ve never let that stop me. I’ve earned top academic honors like the Principle Award for having the highest grades in both 5th and 8th grade International Baccalaureate (IB) schools. Through every challenge, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of who I am. I’ve learned that I’m capable of rewriting my story, that I can be a leader without compromising my values, and that self-care is a form of survival. I found healthy ways to cope with stress through music, basketball, gaming, and alone time where I self-reflect. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s shaped me into a determined, focused, and purpose-driven young adult. I will graduate from Alabama State University, I will succeed in business, and I will uplift others while doing it.

I’m a true HBCU advocate, and I told myself I would never attend a predominantly white institution. I grew up attending all-white International Baccalaureate schools from preschool through 10th grade, where I excelled academically. I won the Principle Award in 5th and 8th grade for having the highest grades (in two schools with over 1,000 students). But when I got to high school, I began to feel depressed and purposeless. I begged my mom to let me transfer to Cass Technical High School, a nationally recognized magnet school in Detroit. Cass Tech is not only the most notable school in Detroit but is also predominantly Black and diverse. It felt like a mini HBCU, as evidence in their phenomenal marching band, cheer team, sports, and strong sense of Black empowerment and excellence. I’ve encouraged so many of my friends to attend an HBCU. I applied to over 20 HBCUs and got accepted into all of them, including Spelman, Clark Atlanta, Howard, North Carolina A&T, and Tuskegee. I am honored to be attending Alabama State University, where so much history was made and will continue to be made. There’s been a huge increase in the number of Black students applying to HBCUs, and it makes sense. These schools allow us to thrive both academically and socially. The campus culture is unmatched. In 2020, 24 percent of students enrolled at HBCUs weren’t even Black. That tells you everything. People want to be part of something that feels like home. HBCUs give students the environment to grow, be heard, and be empowered. Why choose a PWI when you can be supported and celebrated at an HBCU? I plan to keep advocating for HBCUs through the organizations and programs I’m in, like Teen HYPE Detroit, Project YOUR, and Student Leadership. These leadership roles give me the voice and credibility to influence others. I want to return to Detroit and show the youth that they can go to college and succeed. I want to be a role model, especially for kids who don’t have one. HBCUs are also more affordable. According to the UNCF, the average cost of attending an HBCU is 27 percent less than attending a comparable PWI. With inflation and poverty rising, especially in Black communities, we have to be smart about where we invest our time and money. There’s a myth that HBCUs don’t give out funding. You just have to apply early and have good grades/SAT scores because they are severely underfunded. I personally received more aid from HBCUs than any of the PWIs I applied to. I plan to use my experience to help other students get funding too. I want to start mentorship groups and teach students what I’ve learned. Coming from a low-income, single-parent household, I know what it’s like to struggle. I’ve always had perseverance and motivation. I believe that every kid has the potential to succeed if they’re given the right tools and chances. I would rather my child go to an HBCU where they can build real connections, get scholarships, and grow socially. I’ve been to college panels where students were so passionate about attending HBCUs, and even when they couldn’t afford it, they made it work through scholarships and networking. One girl racked up $50,000 within six months. Stories like that inspire me and remind me that with the right mindset, anything is possible. The recent rollback of DEI policies and the Equal Opportunity Act is another reason why Black people need to attend HBCUs. At these schools, we’re not outsiders—we belong. I am very militant when it comes to civil rights, and I believe my degree will allow me to create strong, educated groups in my community that are proud to represent HBCUs. We won’t be afraid of politics because we’ll have unity and purpose. I know how powerful conversations can be. When I speak to people, I see the motivation in their eyes shift. I’m real, but I also believe in the power of encouragement. People like Shirley Chisholm and Louis Stokes were so qualified that even white people couldn’t ignore them. That’s the power of a degree. While social media might be the popular route now, I’m going to show people that college, especially an HBCU, can change your life. Many civil rights leaders came out of HBCUs, and I plan to follow in their footsteps. I plan to make a difference for my family and community through both my actions and Accounting and Finance. These fields will allow me to understand the true value of money, build wealth, and teach others how to do the same. Coming from a low-income, single-parent household, I developed a sense of resourcefulness and helped my mother manage her finances at a young age. I know firsthand how financial struggles can impact a family. I want to break those generational cycles of poverty within the Black community and build financial stability within my family. With my education, I’ll be able to help small Black-owned businesses grow, create financial literacy programs for youth, and offer guidance to families who want to manage their money better but don’t know where to start. I want to start mentorship groups that educate students on scholarships, early financial planning, and how to navigate college as a Black student. I also plan to continue advocating for HBCUs and showing students how these institutions can empower and benefit them. My goal is to return to Detroit and become a visible example of what’s possible. I’ll use my leadership roles in programs like Teen HYPE Detroit and Project YOUR to influence and uplift others. I want to be the person kids look at and say, “If she did it, I can too.” Through education, financial empowerment, and mentorship, I will make sure my community knows that success is within their reach.

As a Black woman who’s a scholar, Kalia D. Davis’s story deeply resonates with me. I strongly relate to Kalia’s experience as someone who is navigating the challenges of being a young Black woman striving for academic and personal greatness. Her commitment to excellence, her ambition, and her drive to make the most of every opportunity motivates me to push beyond my limits and strive for success. My name is Anyla Harrington, and I am a dedicated scholar, athlete, and community advocate from Detroit, Michigan. Throughout my life, basketball has been more than a sport—it has been a source of confidence, peace, and purpose. I live by the saying “Ball is Life”. I started playing in the second grade and remained passionate through high school, AAU, and streetball. Even when financial hardship kept me off expensive travel teams or limited my access to trainers, I made the most of local gyms and community courts. My proudest moment was playing for Michigan Triple Threat, where I served as the starting point guard and felt completely seen and valued as an athlete. Basketball taught me discipline, resilience, and teamwork. But just as importantly, it shaped my vision for the future. I aspire to launch a nonprofit in Detroit that provides affordable access to basketball teams and training for underprivileged youth, reflecting the values of my AAU team. I want every kid to feel the same confidence I gained from the sport, without being deterred by financial barriers. Off the court, I have indulged myself into community service. As Teen HYPE Detroit’s Recruitment Manager, a Youth Advisory Council member, and a Certified Adolescent Peer Educator, I hold several key roles within this nonprofit organization. It is my duty to serve as a resource and advocate for the youth of Detroit. This March, I reached over 2,400 students in public high schools and middle schools across Detroit through the stage play "Two Detroits." I serve as a Youth Ambassador for Community Health Awareness Group’s Project YOUR, where I educate youth about drug abuse overdose prevention and mental health. I’ve also volunteered with The Greening of Detroit, where I helped plant trees to improve environmental sustainability in underserved neighborhoods. I volunteered 100 hours as a Teaching Assistant for the Wayne State University Math Corps last summer, and I recently joined a social justice leadership program focused on advocacy and policy reform. Academically, I’ve consistently challenged myself with rigorous courses and schools. My elementary, middle, and early high school years were spent at IB (International Baccalaureate) schools. Currently, I attend Cass Technical High School, a nationally recognized magnet school and one of the top schools in Michigan. Being a student at Cass Technical High School has shaped my work ethic, leadership skills, and commitment to excellence. I have a 4.02 GPA and scored a 1250 on the SAT, with a 650 in math. I passed multiple AP exams, including AP U.S. Government & Politics and AP Microeconomics. I am currently excelling in AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, and AP African American Studies. I earned straight A’s on my most recent report card. I will be attending Alabama State University in Fall 2025, double majoring in Accounting and Finance with a minor in Business Administration. This scholarship would not only relieve my financial burden as I pursue higher education, but it would also bring me one step closer to my dream of giving back through sports, mentorship, and nonprofit organizations. I am committed to using my talents and education to uplift others, whether on the court, in the classroom, or within the city I call home.

Interestingly, my Chinese teacher, Mr. Kwong, is the teacher who most deeply influenced me—not through language, but through the way he taught Black history. I had spent years in an all-white school district where I began to feel out of place and unseen in high school, in the wake of what race meant in America. Mr. Kwong’s curriculum introduced me to Black voices, stories, and events I had never learned before. Through this, I found something I had been missing: a connection to my identity and history. Before his class, I had no idea about the depth and richness of Black history. I learned about the Harlem Renaissance, the brilliance of Black Wall Street, and the harsh realities of systemic oppression, such as lynchings, riots, and government-backed violence. I found myself comparing my own feelings of alienation to figures like Ota Benga, who was dehumanized in a human zoo. Although all of my white teachers supported me, I often felt like a foreigner because of how other students treated me in a place that should’ve felt like home. As my passion for learning Black history grew, my desire to be in predominantly white spaces diminished. I realized that being educated meant more than getting good grades, it meant knowing who I was and where I came from. I even took the initiative to dig into my own family’s history and discovered that my great-great-grandfather Matt Gardner’s school was burned down by the Ku Klux Klan. He live in the home of the KKK, Pulaski, Tennessee. He was a wealthy man who can be found in many newspapers and articles. I actually have a book on my family’s history. This history, now preserved in a museum of his home, gave me a sense of pride and fearlessness. Mr. Kwong didn’t just teach a class, he opened a gateway for me. His teachings sparked something in me that changed the entire direction of my life. I became more confident, more curious, and more vocal. I debated misinformation in class, led discussions with my peers, and began sharing what I learned on social media to educate others. The most important information in U.S. history came with being taught outside of the curriculum. Mr. Kwong’s support and his belief in the importance of Black history gave me a sense of purpose that I hadn’t had before. Because of his influence, I pushed myself harder. I applied to transfer schools so I could be in an environment that better reflected my culture. I enrolled in rigorous classes, took on leadership roles, and volunteered over 150 hours in the community of Detroit. More importantly, I found my voice. Today, I approach life with a sense of purpose and persistence. I believe in fighting for the truth, uplifting my community, and never settling for silence in the face of injustice. Mr. Kwong didn’t just teach me history, he helped me find my own. That influence continues to shape how I advance through the world today: informed, empowered, and committed to making a difference.

The documentary 13th was truly eye-opening and has deepened my interest in learning about contemporary issues affecting Africans, African Americans, and Black people globally. Through my AP African American Studies class, I have gained a deeper understanding of systemic racism within the U.S. A leaked 2023 letter between the Florida Department of Education and the College Board revealed disturbing corruption involving Governor Ron DeSantis. This exchange exposed how racism plays a role in limiting what students can learn—particularly topics such as Black Lives Matter, mass incarceration, and reparations. These contemporary issues were erased from the curriculum, and it’s essential to recognize that racism is at the core of that decision. Before watching 13th, I knew basic facts about the presidencies of Nixon, Reagan, and Bush, such as the Watergate scandal or the Iran-Contra Affair, but I wasn’t fully aware of how deeply racism shaped their political strategies. I was shocked to learn that Nixon’s top advisor admitted the “War on Drugs” was designed to criminalize both Hippies and Black people. This racist strategy was the foundation for what became the “law and order” era. Harsh policies like the “Three Strikes” law have continued to plague Black communities. Even Democratic President Bill Clinton adopted similar rhetoric with the 1994 Crime Bill, and Hillary Clinton once referred to Black people as “super predators”—a statement that changed how I viewed her legacy. These revelations reminded me of the character Sonny in “Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi. Once a strong leader, Sonny fell victim to drug addiction. This is a prime example of how Black communities were devastated by the same drugs the U.S. government helped distribute, according to several sources tying the Reagan administration to the Contra drug trade. 13th also highlighted a disturbing loophole in the 13th Amendment: slavery is still legal in the United States as punishment for a crime. This reminded me of H in “Homegoing”, who was imprisoned for allegedly looking at a white woman. H, like many other Black men, was forced to perform dangerous labor, where he was shoveling ten tons of coal daily. This reminds me of the colonizers in Congo forcing the Congolese to mine cobalt for big tech companies in the U.S. Today, the exploitation of Black individuals continues. Companies like CoreCivic (formerly the Corrections Corporation of America), established in 1983, operate private prisons and detention centers. By 2013, they ran 66 correctional facilities, with a capacity of 86,000 beds across 20 states and the District of Columbia. That year, they earned roughly $1.7 billion in revenue. Organizations like ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council), backed by CoreCivic, lobbied for harsh laws like “truth-in-sentencing” and “three strikes”—policies that fueled mass incarceration. According to SourceWatch, CoreCivic and its lobbyists spent over $21 million from 1998 to 2014 lobbying Congress on issues like immigration and detention. The result? A disproportionate number of Black Americans are imprisoned for minor or false offenses and are exploited for cheap labor. This isn’t just a historical problem, it’s happening now. In conclusion, 13th exposed how the ratification of the 13th Amendment allowed slavery to continue under the disguise of criminal punishment. The film clearly connects the “War on Drugs”, systemic racism, and the modern prison-industrial complex. After watching 13th, I’ve been empowered to continue researching African American history and contemporary social justice issues. I’ve even dedicated my final AP African American Studies project to examining how private prisons in the U.S. exploit Black individuals for profit. This documentary has not only informed me, but it has inspired me to take action and become a voice for change.

As a student committed to academic and personal growth, I have faced significant challenges that have shaped my resilience and determination. Growing up in a low-income household, with a mother who struggled to support me and now struggles to support my younger brother as well, I’ve developed a strong sense of independence and resourcefulness. My mother has taught me the importance of perseverance, hard work, and taking care of your family. These values now guide me every step I take toward building a better future for myself and for others Despite financial challenges, I’ve remained dedicated to my education and my community. I will be attending Alabama State University this fall, pursuing a double major in Accounting and Finance with a minor in Business Administration. I chose this path after extensive research and recounting my personal experiences. Accounting and finance are consistently ranked among the most in-demand fields, and I’ve been inspired by CPAs, investors, and financial advisors I’ve met over the years. While working as a caddie at a private country club in Michigan, I’ve met many successful professionals. I always strive to be courteous, professional, and engage with the golfers I assist. It’s been eye-opening to hear them casually talk about being millionaires. These conversations introduced me to the world of wealth management and sparked my deeper interest in financial independence. In addition, my late godfather who was a successful investor with a Fidelity portfolio, also helped ignite my passion. In 2022, I made my first investment in cryptocurrency through my grandmother’s Cash App account. It was just $5, but it doubled in a year. That experience inspired me to keep learning about finance and investing. My interest in accounting began even earlier. I’ve always been a natural saver and budgeter, even helping my mother track her expenses in elementary school. I remember wondering how tax professionals made a lot of money from helping others file taxes. That childhood curiosity evolved into a career goal: becoming a CPA and using my skills to help others manage their money wisely. Outside the classroom, I’ve remained deeply involved in service. At Cass Technical High School, I volunteered for The Greening of Detroit and Alisha Bell’s Annual Prom Dress Giveaway through the National Honor Society. These experiences strengthened my leadership and teamwork skills. Through Teen HYPE Detroit, I serve as a Certified Adolescent Peer Educator and the organization’s Recruitment Manager. I also act and help manage productions that address crucial issues like gentrification, mental health, and self-harm. Our most recently reached over 2,400 students who attend Detroit public schools. Additionally, I am a Youth Ambassador for the Community Health Awareness Group’s Project YOUR, where I educate peers on youth drug overdose prevention. These experiences have also fueled my entrepreneurial spirit. I plan to launch a clothing brand, open a sneaker resell and streetwear shop, and create content for a podcast, all of which will be funded by my future career. I also plan to earn a master’s degree in accounting and become both a CPA and financial advisor. Everything I’ve been through: my upbringing, my service, and my academic goals have inspired me to make a real impact. I want to use my knowledge and success to uplift my family and my community. This scholarship would ease my financial burden and allow me to fully focus on becoming a leader who empowers others through financial education, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.

As a student committed to academic and personal growth, I have faced significant challenges that have shaped my resilience and determination. Growing up in a low-income household, with a mother who struggled to support me and now struggles to support my younger brother as well, I have developed a strong sense of independence and resourcefulness. My mother has also taught me the importance of perseverance, hard work, and taking care of your family. Despite these challenges, I have remained dedicated to both my education and my community. I’m currently pursuing a double major in Accounting and Finance, with a minor in Business Administration, at Alabama State University this fall. I was drawn to this educational route by extensive research and personal experiences. Accounting and finance consistently ranks among the top 10 most in-demand careers, and I’ve been inspired by CPAs, investors, and financial advisors I’ve met over the years. I’ve had the opportunity to meet many professionals while working as a caddie at a private country club in Michigan, where I always strive to be courteous, professional, and engage with the golfers I assist. In addition, my late godfather, a successful investor with a portfolio at Fidelity, sparked my interest in investing. In 2022, I made my first small investment in cryptocurrency through my grandmother’s Cash App account. While it was only $5, it doubled within a year, this confirmed my passion for finance and inspired me to continue studying financial literacy. On the accounting side, my interest goes back to elementary school. I’ve always been a natural saver and budgeter, even trying to help my mom manage her finances when I was younger. I remember being curious about how tax professionals made a living helping people with their taxes, which was an early sign of my interest in accounting. This career path feels like a natural fit, as it would allow me to help others manage their money wisely while also supporting my own entrepreneurial goals. In addition to academics, I’ve remained deeply involved in community service. At Cass Technical High School, I volunteered for organizations such as The Greening of Detroit and Alisha Bell’s Annual Prom Dress Giveaway through the National Honor Society. These experiences helped me build leadership/teamwork skills and a strong passion for giving back. Through Teen HYPE Detroit, I serve as a Certified Adolescent Peer Educator and the Recruitment Manager. I also serve as a Youth Ambassador for the Community Health Awareness Group’s Project YOUR, where I educate my peers on drug overdose prevention. Most recently, I acted and helped manage the production of a powerful play that addressed issues like gentrification, mental health, and self-harm—reaching over 2,400 youth across Detroit. These experiences have shown me the importance of community advocacy and social justice. My mother’s hardships have fueled my entrepreneurial spirit. I plan to launch a clothing brand, open a sneaker resell and streetwear shop, and start a podcast, all of which will be funded by my future career. I also aspire to become a CPA, having to earn my master’s degree in accounting, and a financial advisor. These goals are not only about personal success, but about providing for my family and being a source of inspiration in the community of Detroit. Receiving this scholarship would help lift the financial burden of college and allow me to focus fully on my academic, professional, and community endeavors. With your support, I will continue to grow as a student, leader, and entrepreneur. All in all, I will use my success to uplift others, just as I have been uplifted by those who believe in me.

I’m currently taking a financial literacy series in my Intro to Entrepreneurship class, where finance professionals speak about their careers, how they got started, and what financial success really looks like. In class, we’ve also explored important real-world topics like loans, credit cards, and real estate. These lessons have helped me understand not only how to manage my personal finances but also how to use financial tools to grow a business and create wealth. Learning about interest rates, debt, and property investment has expanded my vision of the future—especially since I plan to pursue multiple income streams and eventually invest in real estate. In addition, I’m part of a financial literacy program through Teen HYPE Detroit, where I’m learning the fundamentals of budgeting, saving, and investing under the guidance of a financial expert, through Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan. Extensively, I completed numerous financial literacy courses on the Zogo app and aced them with top scores. These experiences have helped me develop a strong financial foundation and given me a clear direction for my future. I plan to earn a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance with a minor in Business Administration, and I’m declaring a double major at Alabama State University. After researching top careers with long-term growth and impact, I found that accounting and finance are consistently ranked among the most in-demand fields. I’ve also been inspired by the CPAs, investors, and financial advisors I’ve met along the way, which has only deepened my passion for these majors. My interest in finance became more personal after my godfather—a successful investor—passed away. He had a significant portfolio with Fidelity, and learning about his investment strategies left a strong impression on me. In 2022, I made a small investment of $5 in cryptocurrency through my grandmother’s Cash App account. By 2023, that investment had doubled. While it was a small amount, it confirmed my interest in investing and showed me how financial knowledge can lead to real returns. On the accounting side, I’ve been naturally budget-conscious since elementary school. I used to help my mom manage her finances, and I’ve always been a saver. One funny memory that stands out is when I was young, I wondered how tax professionals made so much money just filing taxes. I found it fascinating that so many people didn’t understand the process and were willing to pay for help. That curiosity sparked my early interest in accounting and showed me how valuable financial expertise can be. Beyond academics, I’m also passionate about entrepreneurship and the creative arts. I plan to pursue rap and DJing, launch a clothing brand, open a sneaker resell and streetwear shop, and create content for a podcast and YouTube channel. I’ve already developed business plans and gained hands-on experience in these areas. Since 2018, I’ve helped manage my uncle’s food truck, Shrimps R Us Shrimp Hut, and I’ve worked toward owning a sneaker resell shop by cleaning and selling shoes from my other uncle’s extensive collection. Giving back is just as important to me. I regularly volunteer with community organizations in Detroit because I truly love supporting others and making a difference. Ultimately, financial education has given me confidence, direction, and skills I can carry for life. Whether I’m filing taxes, investing in stocks, or building a brand, I plan to use what I’ve learned to create a successful, purpose-driven future—and help others achieve financial wellness too.

National Honor Society The Cass Tech National Honor Society is notable for their community involvement. Twice a month I tutor freshmen and I am required to volunteer in the community once a month. There are months where I meet my requirements, but I still continue to volunteer in the community. We have volunteered for the Detroit Free Press Marathon, Greening of Detroit, the Detroit Harvest Fest, and many other organizations/events. I feel empowered giving back to my community. This program also recognizes the outstanding academic achievements of its members. Teen HYPE Detroit "Being a Peer Educator is about working together to make Detroit and the world better." Teen HYPE is a safe space where all young people are welcomed and respected. As a peer educator, I have had the opportunity to express myself through creativity, becoming a certified adolescent health peer educator, meeting other teens, learning about interesting topics, going on field trips, and participating in community service projects all while having fun. In addition, we create a play once a year to send messages to the struggling youth in Michigan. It does not matter if you are shy or outgoing, there is a place for you at Teen HYPE. This program is year-long. Wayne State University Math Corps This was an internship and a volunteer opportunity that I took in order to give back to my community this summer. I volunteered 100 hours in the organization. "Summer camp: A six-week program on the WSU campus that includes math enrichment and mentoring. Students in grades 7-9 receive instruction from university faculty and participate in activities led by college and high school students. High school students in grades 10-12 serve as mentors and role models for the younger students." Specifically, I was a teaching assistant (highest role) for 9th grade students. Community Health Awareness Group (CHAG): Project YOUR "The Community Health Awareness Group (CHAG) is addressing the rise in drug overdoses among young people with Project YOUR (Youth Overdose Understanding Risks." I am equipped with the resources and knowledge to be a youth ambassador in my own community. We learn a lot about different aspects of drug overdose, for example, we learned about peer pressure and using Naloxone. Broad Outreach Supporting Students (BOSS) This is a new program at the Eli Broad College of Business in Michigan State University for business students. It is multiracial, here I learn from the faculty over different departments of business majors about business. Big Sean Studio Adidas Sound Labs This studio was built with funding from Big Sean and is endorsed by Adidas. Here, student singers, rappers, musicians, and producers collaboratively work together to create amazing music. I’m an artist, specifically a rapper. DRII Productions I currently act for Dennis Reed, a prominent producer in Detroit. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of meeting and working with well-known figures such as Brooklyn Queen, Towanda Braxton, and Blade Icewood's son, among others. If I could start my own charity, my mission would be to grant the youth in Detroit with opportunities to excel and overachieve. There’s so many youth in Detroit that face poverty, abuse, discrimination, gun violence, and other traumatic things. The volunteers would be people who share similar experiences, motivators, and successful people.

I aspire to obtain a master’s degree in accounting, a field that allows me to combine my passion for mathematics with my natural tendency for financial management. From a young age, I have been drawn to numbers, but it wasn’t until recently that I discovered accounting as my chosen path. Growing up, I witnessed my single mother struggle financially, which had a profound impact on her physical and mental well-being. I was determined to help mitigate all of her burdens. I often advised her on budgeting, suggesting ways to save money and avoid unnecessary purchases. Even as a child, I developed a habit of saving, starting with the piggy bank I received for my first birthday. This early exposure to managing finances inspired me to take courses in financial literacy, reinforcing my desire to pursue a career in accounting. I have since realized that accounting offers a professional career where I can continue helping others, much like I did with my mother. My passion for helping others has led me to volunteer with organizations like the Greening of Detroit, assist churches, and tutor children, further demonstrating my commitment to giving back to my community. This year, I am enrolled in AP Calculus AB, one of the most rigorous courses at Cass Technical High School, alongside AP Biology. It is the second hardest course in the school, after AP Biology, and it aligns with the Calculus 1 course offered at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. While the course is challenging, I remain deeply passionate about mathematics. Despite the complexity of the problems and moments when I feel like giving up, I am determined to keep going. My teacher, who also teaches Calculus 1 and 2 at the University of Michigan, knows the subject exceptionally well, and I aspire to mirror his persistence and dedication. Although my friends often believe I am simply "smart," they don’t see the countless hours I dedicate to studying and tutoring. Intelligence alone is not enough—success in math requires hard work and persistence, qualities I have elevated over the years. It is ironic that many people say they dislike math, yet I find it fascinating and exhilarating. I often think of myself as a human calculator because I am able to solve math problems quickly in my head. By earning a master’s degree in accounting, I aim to deepen my knowledge and skills, allowing me to make a positive impact in both my professional and personal life. Accounting is not only my career goal but it is my way of contributing to the financial well-being of others. Inevitably, accounting is a professional aspiration of mine.

I plan to pursue a masters degree in Accounting, as I have always had a strong liking for mathematics. In fact, I excelled in math from an early age, even being double-promoted in math upon graduating from elementary school. Additionally, I have been passionate about technology since childhood, having started gaming at the age of three. This early exposure to gaming not only honed my technical skills but also fostered a natural aptitude for problem-solving and fixing technological issues. Growing up, I also developed a strong sense of financial responsibility. Witnessing my single mother’s struggles, I took it upon myself to manage my finances carefully. I saved money from birthday gifts and helped her devise strategies to budget effectively. To further enhance my skills, I recently completed two financial literacy courses. Budgeting has always been a core value, and I believe it plays a crucial role in accounting, which I regard as one of the most impactful fields within STEM. I am particularly motivated to pursue accounting because I recognize the underrepresentation of Black professionals in this field, as well as in other math-related disciplines. I’ve met a few Black accountants from different age groups and they loved their career. I aspire to contribute to increasing diversity in accounting, both through my academic success and by serving as a role model for others from similar backgrounds who might be interested in pursuing careers in this area. In general, not many people pursue math-related degrees. Obtaining my CPA license will motivate not only black women, but people from all backgrounds. I enjoy math and I’ve always enjoyed it. Math is very exhilarating, business is even more exhilarating. I’ve always seen myself as an entrepreneur, never as an employee. I have honed entrepreneurship qualities my entire life, therefore I believe that I will positively impact the business world tremendously. I come from a family filled with entrepreneurs. I’ve admired entrepreneurship from a young age due to me shadowing different entrepreneurs within my family. My cousin owns a prominent multimedia printing company, my uncle owns a food truck, and my other uncle owns a trucking company. Currently, I have many small businesses. I dj, own part-ownership of a food truck, resell shoes and clothing, etc. I plan on attending Clark Atlanta University. In addition to them being known for entrepreneurship, a quality that runs in my family, they also have a great accounting program. Overall, I adamantly plan to use my accounting education to impact the business world in multiple ways.

My name is Anyla Harrington. I am of Irish, Native American, and African American descent. Throughout my life, I have had a deep passion for music, which naturally led me to rap. I also have a strong sense of humor and consider myself to be a comedic person. I was fortunate to be raised in a close-knit family environment, surrounded by cousins, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and others who played pivotal roles in my upbringing. From a young age, I have always been intellectually inclined and have excelled in learning. I am actively involved in several organizations that aim to benefit my community, one of which is the Community Health Awareness Group: Project YOUR, where I serve as a youth ambassador. This program focuses on addressing the critical issue of youth drug overdoses and provides a safe space for students to discuss their concerns and share personal experiences related to drug use. While I have never used drugs myself, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects they can have on individuals. A close friend of mine has experienced a drug overdose, which has deeply reinforced my commitment to staying drug-free. Another friend of mine lost an aunt to a drug overdose. At school, my peers are aware of my stance on drugs, and I am firm in my belief that using drugs is not a solution to any of life’s problems. I’ve seen how drugs can ruin lives, and one of the most impactful moments in the program was when a former boxing champion, who was once the number one in the state, shared his story about how drugs destroyed his dreams of becoming a world champion. Project YOUR is one of my favorite programs because it aligns with my personal passion for promoting healthy choices and preventing drug abuse among youth. Through this initiative, I have gained valuable knowledge from experts and mentors, which I am eager to share with others in order to combat the growing issue of youth drug overdoses in every community. I plan to attend trade school in the future to become a mechanic. Growing up, I was inspired by my Uncle's friend, an Arab mechanic who owned a successful shop. I often visited him there and observed his remarkable skill and the success he had in his business. What particularly struck me was how many people struggle with basic vehicle maintenance, like changing their own oil. Moreover, I noticed how some mechanics would take advantage of women who weren’t knowledgeable about cars. This experience fueled my desire to learn the trade. Currently, I am inspired by Alex, who owns a well-regarded shop specializing in BMWs and Mercedes-Benz vehicles. From a young age, I admired his expertise, and though I initially thought becoming a mechanic would be difficult, I have always been determined to learn new skills. I consider myself a "Jack of all trades," and I believe this mindset will help me succeed in the mechanical field. Ultimately, I aspire to become a part-time mechanic, both to maintain and repair my own vehicles and to assist others—especially women who may be less familiar with car maintenance. I am eager to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to provide honest, reliable service, and to help others avoid being taken advantage of at mechanic shops.

I aspire to obtain a master’s degree in accounting, a field that allows me to combine my passion for mathematics with my natural tendency for financial management. From a young age, I have been drawn to numbers, but it wasn’t until recently that I discovered accounting as my chosen path. Growing up, I witnessed my single mother struggle financially, which had a profound impact on her physical and mental well-being. I was determined to help mitigate all of her burdens. I often advised her on budgeting, suggesting ways to save money and avoid unnecessary purchases. Even as a child, I developed a habit of saving, starting with the piggy bank I received for my first birthday. This early exposure to managing finances inspired me to take courses in financial literacy, reinforcing my desire to pursue a career in accounting. I have since realized that accounting offers a professional career where I can continue helping others, much like I did with my mother. My passion for helping others has led me to volunteer with organizations like the Greening of Detroit. I’ve also tutored middle school students at Wayne State University Math Corps over the summer and assisted with helping churches, further demonstrating my commitment to giving back to my community. By earning a master’s degree in accounting, I aim to deepen my knowledge and skills, allowing me to make a positive impact in both my professional and personal life. Accounting is not only my career goal but it is my way of contributing to the financial well-being of others. Inevitably, accounting is a professional aspiration of mine. One of the most significant challenges I have faced in my life has been the financial struggles within my household. Witnessing my mother work tirelessly yet still face financial hardship was deeply painful for me, and it is a situation I continue to witness. Unfortunately, there was little I could do to alleviate her burden, and that sense of helplessness was difficult to bear. Another challenge I encountered was being African American in predominantly white schools. Despite this, I graduated from both 5th and 8th grade with the Principle Award, recognizing me for having the highest academic achievement. However, I also experienced a troubling pattern of receiving disproportionately low grades from two specific teachers—one in kindergarten and another in fourth grade. I distinctly remember feeling frustrated in fourth grade, as my teacher consistently assigned me minimal grades despite my academic efforts. By 5th grade, however, I was recognized for my advanced mathematical skills and participated in the spelling bee. I consistently excelled in math, rarely missing problems on tests, and was later double-promoted in math after elementary school. Throughout middle and high school, I no longer encountered grading issues, and it was only later that I realized these early academic challenges were likely influenced by racial bias. In high school, I maintained a place on the honor roll and was selected as one of 20 student representatives for the Student Representative Council at an all-white International Baccalaureate (IB) school. Currently, I attend one of the top magnet schools in Detroit and I am a member of the National Honor Society. I made this transition to be around like minded people like me. Throughout my life, I have consistently broken barriers, though I did not always recognize them as such at the time. These experiences have reinforced the profound value of education and instilled in me a strong sense of confidence. I now know that I am capable of achieving whatever I set my mind to.

My experience with mental health has influenced my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations in several ways. Mental health has taught me to continue being kind and making others laugh because you never know what someone is going through. I went into a dark hole of depression after I came out to my mom in the 7th grade right before COVID. It was as if my whole body shut down and I started feeling empty for the first time. My teacher even noticed I was depressed. I then decided to conform to her beliefs and start dressing girly and I tried to go “straight”. I no longer felt empty and like a disappointment. I soon came back to my true self and I still tell my mom I’m straight. I now see why gay men tend to dress masculinely or try and suppress their true selves. When my grandfather died in 2020 I became depressed again and I felt empty. As I got older I stopped visiting my grandpa frequently and that same week I became mad at him because of something he did to my mom. It took a couple of months before I saw the light again and wasn’t depressed. So, depression has taught me to love myself and be who I am. It has also taught me that love conquers all. When I was with my ex last year, my first girlfriend, she treated me horribly. After 2 months she ghosted me then like a dummy I went back. She would constantly break up with me, find someone else, then come back. I gave her everything she wanted and wanted so see nothing but success for her. Then months later she finally told me she wasn’t in love with me. When we finally broke up for the final time I grew to hate her. How could you make someone think you’re in love when in reality you’re a roamer? She played with my time and had me thinking I was fighting for someone worth loving. So, that relationship has hindered me from trying again. I will never be that love blind again. I will never stress myself out and be consistently angry over someone again. To add, I had a friend contemplating suicide and I had to talk her out of it. I told her that just because people do you wrong doesn’t mean theirs anything wrong with you. My Wayne State University Math Corps job just ended, on August 15th. One of the guys stood up and spoke at our debriefing. He spoke about his depression and I mean this guy is fashionable, handsome, and he seems confident. He even shouted me out and said he appreciated me for being his friend and making him feel as if he mattered. Mental health has taught me to put myself first, before my job or career. It has also taught me to push further and that there will always be light at the end of the tunnel. Every time I thought it was over, God has always shined the light on me. Life is about letting go of the past because we all have an expiration date. I am stronger than depression and anxiety. I can do anything through Jesus Christ strengthens me. I will continue to make music, which relieves my stress and allows me to express myself. I will continue to push through college and earn my CPA license. I will continue to help others and feed the homeless because mental health affects everyone! Veterans, college professors, and even therapists are affected. But, we are stronger than our mental health obstacles. To conclude, mental health has taught me I have the perseverance necessary to achieve my career aspirations.

I am a minority of all sorts; I’m a woman, I’m African American, and I’m a lesbian. My biggest life passion is to go to an HBCU in Atlanta, Spelman University or Clark Atlanta University, and graduate with my CPA license. I have many other passions as well, I would like to own a clothing brand and a sneaker reselling shop. I would also like to embark on content creation and my journey as an influencer. With being an influencer, I can embrace my inner child who is comedic, bold, and unique. I plan to continue being a beacon of light in others' lives and continue being a haven for all by allowing people to express themselves. My entire life I have been goofy, I guess you can say I get it from my uncle Derrick. It takes no effort for me to make somebody laugh. Making others laugh has always made me feel good. No matter what I go through, I’m always bubbly and laughing every day. I want to add that I came out in the 6th grade to my school. Shortly after, I started seeing a lot of people come out. I went to a majority all-white school, but someone told me that I gave others the courage to embrace themselves. My entire life I have been outspoken, against societal norms, and not caring what others think about me. Being a minority of all categories pushes you to be confident and overachieving. Lastly, I had a job at Wayne State University Math Corps, where I tutored bridge students in mathematics. Well, this week was our last week and we decided to debrief on Wednesday. There’s a lot of us in one room talking about our week, but since it was the last week things got personal and emotional. A guy I knew stood up and walked to the stage. He sat down and then started talking about his struggle with depression. He spoke about how he had no friends and how he felt worthless. He even showed us his scars. To sum up, he shouted me out thanking me for being his friend. I say all this to say that someone could look beautiful, confident, and courageous in your eyes but inside they might be fighting a battle. Being a member of the LGBTQIA+ community has impacted my goals and dreams tremendously. It has shown me that I can overcome depression. It has shown me that I can achieve anything. It has shown me a sense of confidence and love for myself that nothing else has. Our community is vast, just by meeting someone in the community, you feel connected. This community makes me feel the most welcome. And I want to say that even some heterosexuals are a part of this community. When I came out to my mom in 7th Grade, my friends were there to take away the burden I felt and they made me feel loved. They made me feel like I mattered and that I should embrace who I was. This community has allowed me to keep pushing toward my goals and dreams! Thank you for learning about my journey as an LGBTQIA+ member!

My father was a drug dealer and he spoiled me much up until he was incarcerated when I was 3. He was gone for 3 years and when he got out he was never the same. He lost all of his money and he was absent from my life. He still is absent now. He has a wife, 2 step-kids, and multiple businesses. I don’t know how prison affected him mentally but his nephew told me personally that he was never the same. Before he was sentenced, he had a lot of money and he was arrogant. When you go from having a lot to having nothing I think it takes a mental toll on you. I believe my dad was an alcoholic before the incarceration, but when he got out he became a heavy alcoholic. He still drinks a lot I’m sure. I haven’t seen him in years. I plan to not involve myself in illegal activities and to also control my emotions. Through focusing on education I am avoiding getting in trouble. I will go to college and graduate so that I won’t have to sell drugs or do other unfortunate things. I will work hard just as my mother has done my entire life. My mother has worked graveyard shifts just so I could have everything I wanted and not feel deprived. I will continue to stay in positive environments and I will continue to live in the suburbs. I will not surround myself with ignorant and immature people. I will live in deplorable and tragic environments. I want to see the light and see greater things so that I can get the motivation to become greater. I thought my dad was in school and I came to visit him sometimes. It didn’t affect me because my loved ones always made sure to make me feel loved. They never brought up his absence or beat me down for it. I do take self-care measures in general though. I love music and making music, it sends me to another universe where I’m carefree. I also love playing basketball in my spare time. Shooting 3s and just making shots in general releases dopamine in my brain. Self-care is also about taking time to learn myself and being alone. I’m extroverted, so alone time is a necessity! Thank you for learning about me and caring about my rollercoaster of a journey.

Hello, I’m Anyla Harrington. I was born into a single-parent household, so my mom has always had to work graveyard shifts. I have been low-income my entire life. I know you see the picture of my dad, but he only showed up to my 5th grade graduation and one daddy and daughter dance. He was never involved in my life, and when I was with him when I was younger, he would always drop me off and leave me with his girlfriends. He is what you would consider an alcoholic. It’s absurd, but his entire family consists of alcoholics who party all the time. I stopped going around him when he was about 9 years-old. I’ve soon begun to realize why my mom kept me from him. He’s never provided for me financially; he was always rude to me, trying to act in control as if he were actually present in my life. On the other hand, mom has been an extraordinary mom. She has worked so hard to spoil me and get me what I wanted. I’ve been raised by my aunts, uncles, cousins, grandfather, and my grandma too. I love my family dearly, without them, so many things probably would’ve happened to me. My dad was really a careless parent. My aunt Syrita worked with me academically before I got to preschool, and that’s when she learned that I was a very smart child. From preschool until present, I have excelled in academics. My home life or my father being absent never really bothered me. I have always been considered a “class clown” in school, making people laugh. I’ve always loved school, while other kids despised it. My mom has had some extreme financial stoops, yet she was always strong, and I never had to worry because God always revived us. Middle school was the best days of my life. I came to out in 6th grade. I was the first person to do so, so after others started embracing themselves. I’ve never been one to inflict my sexuality on others, but I have been through some discrimination due too my sexuality, especially on social media. I’ve always been outspoken, blunt, and confident, so not much in real life. I am passionate about my particular STEM field in many ways. First, I have always been smart in math. I remember only getting one or two questions wrong on my math quizzes in elementary school. Math has always been my favorite subject, and when I got to middle school, they made sure to move me up a class. When I graduated 8th grade I earned the Principle Award (highest academics in the school despite COVID)! I went to Royal Oak IB schools my entire life; it was a great school district. When I got to high school, the highest level of math I could take was honors, and I excelled in that. But, in high school, I started feeling like “a fish out of water” surrounded by so many white people. In my junior year, I decided to attend Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Michigan. I made so many friends at my new school of 2,400 students, by me being sociable. I was so adamant about going to this new school, despite many people not getting accepted. I needed this new diverse environment and I needed a perspective change on Detroit. My mom went to Cody High School, and she was bullied for being pretty with long hair, so it put a bad taste in my mouth about Detroit public schools. I always stood up against bullying, and even in elementary school, I was always a leader. I only had one moment when I became two other girls. I would try to fit in and stuff. Then, I finally said, This is enough, and I stopped being their friend. I never tried to fit in after that. I lose friends a lot because I choose not to succumb to ignorance and peer pressure. Anyway, Cass was great, and I met a lot of people like me—people I could connect to. I’ve seen nothing but black excellence, and Cass is actually the top school in Detroit. We are known nationally, and we are a college preparatory school. Therefore, I came to Cass Tech believing it was going to be hard, like people told me. And as always, when people tell me something is going to be hard, it’s easy! I took pre-calculus my junior year and ended up having the highest grade out of all of my teacher's classes, 110%. I was, in fact, helping the seniors with their homework. In conclusion, I’m passionate about mathematics because people have always struggled with it. I feel as if math is my true talent, and I was gifted to pursue it. The impact I would like to make in the future through my work would be to show other minorities that they can accomplish the same things. There are Indians, Asians, Arabs, and other races that attend my school. These kids are so smart, despite some being immigrants or having less income. You can be from a well-off family and still end up homeless. Life is about what you make of it. I would like to give back to my community in Detroit by equipping the youth with tutors to help them learn math. I worked at the Wayne State University Math Corps this summer, and I loved helping my bridge students learn. Through my work, I will instill confidence in the greatness of others. I know the feeling of feeling trapped, as if you will never amount to anything. It’s sickening how some youth go through so many obstacles, such as anxiety, depression, and abuse. I will allow the youth to have a different perspective on life through math and mentorship. I will give the youth a sense of purpose in life. I will fund the youth and create a brighter future through African American detroiters and other cultures!

I am certainly a positive force in society now. When I see the homeless people on the side of the freeways, I give them change or even feed them sometimes. I’m in this program called Teen Hype Detroit and they give us lots of food, so on my way home I always see a homeless person right before the freeway. Every time a homeless person waves, I wave back. I’ve also tutored and fed the homeless with my mom as a kid. My last day of working at the Wayne State University Math Corps was yesterday, August 15th. We shared so many tears in the morning hearing people’s testimonies. My dean who is so bubbly and bright everyday opened up about her father who didn’t attend graduation and at 30 years-old she decided to let the past go yet he still didn’t show up to her wedding. I was so close to bawling and I’m crying writing this right now. All of us were tearing up and I resonated with her the most. I’m sure my dad won’t even show up to my graduation, as a kid he always made broken promises like her dad did, and I haven’t seen him in years. The day before, August 14th, a friend opened up to us about depression and I became very emotional when he called me out and showed appreciation towards me for being his friend. This program allowed me to tutor middle school students and be a beacon of light and their lives. They called me their favorite TA, teaching assistant, and it was a cool experience. So, I see myself in society as bold, beautiful, and courageous, as the dean always told us. My kids, friends, and the homeless people also reminds me of this. In the future, I see myself joining my cousin in Atlanta in “Meals on Wheels”. I see myself continuing to make the people I meet, and friends feel special. I see myself continuing to unknowingly save people from suicide. I also helped another friend refrain from suicide. I see myself guiding people to the light. I see myself being a mentor and supporter in the children’s lives since they are the future! Now on societal norms, I’ve always been a person who never cared about them. People have judged me for who I was always. Some would say I’m cocky. No, I’m not cocky, I’m just confident in myself because I’ve been looked down upon since a little kid. I’ve never cared about opinions, and I’ve always loved myself. But since we’re talking about social norms, they expect black people to stay in the same loop of poverty, drugs, and self-annihilation. Social norms also expect white people to be perfect and prestige. In reality, nobody is perfect, and nobody should go through poverty. I love being black, I love the little percent of melanin that I have in me (I’m light skinned). Black people not only fought for the rights of themselves, but for other ethnicities too. Without black people there wouldn’t be any gay rights, women’s rights, you name it. So, it is in my blood to go against societal norms and help people rise out of systemic loops. If black people built America, it could never destroy us. I say all this to say when combating barriers and being a positive force in society, you have to be ready for the negative forces and bigots. I know it is in my heart to do further than I’ve done, I’ve studied civil rights leaders to their core. Thank you for this opportunity!

My athletic journey has shaped me tremendously. I took a liking to basketball in the 1st grade. I would go outside everyday just to play basketball at recess. I remember just starting and already shooting out-of-bounds shots outside. I was a student who always participated in PE class. My teacher recognized that, so I’m 4th grade he nominate only me to go to the Boys and Girls Club for a shooting contest. In 5th grade, I joined an after-school basketball program with boys included. Mind you, at latchkey I was always the only girl playing with my group of guy friends. I also recall shooting half-court and out-of-bounds shots indoors at this time. I actually aspired to be in the WNBA when I got older. Between 5th grade and 7th grade I would go to the YMCA. I played basketball for my middle school in 6th grade, but COVID ended my 7th grade journey early. I was heartbroken, I really wanted to play that entire year. From 9th to 11th grade, I played basketball for my highschool. During 2020-2022, I would go to my local gym, Pick Up USA Fitness, and play basketball. I also remember going to Midway downtown Detroit to play basketball over the summer. I played with grown men, kids, and athletes my age. It was a cool experience that proved further why being judgmental is ignorant, I’ve seen a lot of people who seemed less fortunate play with me. I would also like to mention that after elementary, I wasn’t really discriminated against because guys started to admire my talent. In 2023, I played for an AAU team Michigan Triple Threat. On that team, I felt the most confident and I was the starting point-guard. On that team, I was with people just like me and I played confidently. Overall, basketball gave me an outlet. Basketball allowed me to feel free and forget my issues. Basketball allowed me to zone out of the world and be myself. Now, I play a lot of pick-up basketball and street ball. I find more joy in this than playing for a high school basketball team. I feel most confident playing as a free agent. I don’t have to deal with coaches choosing favorites and I’m no longer in the same shell from high school basketball. I know plenty of people who love high school basketball. However, it just wasn’t for me. I do encourage my little cousins to play basketball. I want my little brother to go D1 one day and maybe even join the NBA. My passion for basketball is still strong, yet the reason why I didn’t really get to master everything was because my mom couldn’t afford to put me on a team and she worked too much to take me to the gym. So it sort of deterred my skill, I’m a great shooter but it’s things like playing on a team and being a playmaker that withholds me. I haven’t perfected dribbling and left hand layups because I never really had time to practice them. My specialty was 3-pointers! I want to be like my AAU team which didn’t really charge us much as other teams charging thousands just for one summer. I want to give kids the trainers and the team that they need so they can be successful. I want to start this journey in my community, Detroit, as a non-profit organization. Thank you for this opportunity!