I've always had a love for technology, yet my exploration of this field has been somewhat limited. Despite the prevailing discussions within the greater Atlanta community about the opportunities in technology, my exposure has mainly been confined to my smartphone and school-issued laptop. However, my passion for competitive gaming introduced me to adult gamers who frequently discussed the growth and financial rewards in the technology career field, particularly for those specializing in high-demand functions. These conversations solidified my conviction in pursuing a career in this field. Fueled by newfound confidence, I sought leadership opportunities, resulting in the formation of my own esports team and my subsequent involvement with Booker T. Washington High School’s ESports team. Attending Booker T. Washington High School has instilled in me a profound appreciation for the community. During my four years at Washington, I have been able to freely and actively explore innovative pursuits, particularly in developing programs that contribute meaningfully to the youth in my community. The establishment of an Esports team under my initiative at Washington has significantly heightened my ambition to pursue a degree in computer science within the STEM domain. The enriching environment at Washington has not only deepened my sense of community but has also cultivated a passion for technological advancements. The initiation of an Esports team stands as a testament to my commitment to the realm of technology and gaming, igniting a desire to further my academic journey in computer science. After high school, I aspire to enroll as a first-generation college student in an HBCU, choosing to major in Computer Science with a minor in Real Estate at Morehouse. The unique sense of community among Morehouse men and attendees aligns with my values and reminds me deeply of my time in Washington. I believe attending Morehouse will challenge me to broaden my perspectives and step out of my comfort zone. With the goal of establishing and leading multiple businesses, I am confident that Morehouse will equip me to navigate any challenges that may arise. Following graduation, I plan to initiate my career in Cybersecurity while concurrently obtaining a real estate license. This dual focus will empower me to represent myself in property acquisitions within my home community. Recognizing the scarcity of affordable housing options for families in my neighborhood, despite increased investments by the city, fuels my commitment to ensuring that economically disadvantaged families can stay close to opportunities, affording their children the exposure I lacked.

Going back as far as I can remember, there's always been one person who has had my back. Through all the hardships of growing up in a low-income and under-resourced community, it was easy to get discouraged and complacent. Many times, it felt like the world was against me, but through it all stood my mom, ready to fight for me and carry the weight that was too heavy for me to bear. In times of crisis or misfortune, I can hear her voice telling me that everything will work out in the end. Her love and confidence in me have shown me that, despite living in an unforgiving world, kindness can still prevail. As I was growing up, I remember my mother always spreading kindness. I recall her helping random strangers regardless of their circumstances. Her kindness radiates through me, even in the simplest of gestures like opening doors or helping a lady with her bags. These acts of kindness didn’t just change my moral compass; they also inspired me to become a loving person rather than one who causes pain to others. Every Sunday, my mother would bring us to church, where I learned about the kindness of Jesus and how, even though he was hated and despised, he still chose to remain kind to everyone. This newfound spiritual faith, which I discovered in my early youth, sparked my early years of taking on leadership roles. Throughout my life, my mother has shielded me from the hatred of others and from the negative stereotypes placed on me just because I'm a young Black man. I never realized how dangerous this world can be and how much she shielded me from it. I will forever thank her for that, and I will repay her by using what she taught me to help others and protect my younger sisters. My mother also taught me how to properly respect and treat women. Growing up with my mother, there wasn’t anyone else to teach me how to be a man, so she had to play both roles, and she did an immaculate job. Yet, my mother taught me the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship. One of her favorite quotes comes from an unknown source: “It’s her right to be treated with love and dignity. A woman wants a man to protect her like a daughter, love her like a wife, and respect her like a mother. If you cannot respect women, you cannot respect anybody else—because it is from women you come.” I believe that if you are kind to others, they will have the opportunity to spread that kindness to someone else. I believe that by doing so, you are building a community of people who support each other. This lesson from my mother will stay with me wherever I go. I hope to instill this in my own children, making the world a better place, one kind act at a time.

I've always had a love for technology, yet my exploration of this field has been somewhat limited. Despite the prevailing discussions within the greater Atlanta community about the opportunities in technology, my exposure has mainly been confined to my smartphone and school-issued laptop. However, my passion for competitive gaming introduced me to adult gamers who frequently discussed the growth and financial rewards in the technology career field, particularly for those specializing in high-demand functions. These conversations solidified my conviction in pursuing a career in this field. Fueled by newfound confidence, I sought leadership opportunities, resulting in the formation of my own esports team and my subsequent involvement with Booker T. Washington High School’s ESports team. Attending Booker T. Washington High School has instilled in me a profound appreciation for the community. During my four years at Washington, I have been able to freely and actively explore innovative pursuits, particularly in developing programs that contribute meaningfully to the youth in my community. The establishment of an Esports team under my initiative at Washington has significantly heightened my ambition to pursue a degree in computer science within the STEM domain. The enriching environment at Washington has not only deepened my sense of community but has also cultivated a passion for technological advancements. The initiation of an Esports team stands as a testament to my commitment to the realm of technology and gaming, igniting a desire to further my academic journey in computer science. After high school, I aspire to enroll as a first-generation college student in an HBCU, choosing to major in Computer Science with a minor in Real Estate at Morehouse. The unique sense of community among Morehouse men and attendees aligns with my values and reminds me deeply of my time in Washington. I believe attending Morehouse will challenge me to broaden my perspectives and step out of my comfort zone. With the goal of establishing and leading multiple businesses, I am confident that Morehouse will equip me to navigate any challenges that may arise. Following graduation, I plan to initiate my career in Cybersecurity while concurrently obtaining a real estate license. This dual focus will empower me to represent myself in property acquisitions within my home community. Recognizing the scarcity of affordable housing options for families in my neighborhood, despite increased investments by the city, fuels my commitment to ensuring that economically disadvantaged families can stay close to opportunities, affording their children the exposure I lacked. This scholarship is key to me accomplishing my aspirations. It represents more than just financial support, it also represents an investment in my personal growth and my commitment to effecting positive change. By awarding me this scholarship, you are contributing directly to the realization of a future business leader and a first-generation college graduate, who is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in their community. I see this scholarship not just as an opportunity for personal advancement but as a spark for a brighter and more inclusive future, where opportunities are available to everyone.

As a child, we are often unaware of the world’s challenges and hardships. However, as we mature and experience life, this brief moment of ignorant bliss quickly fades. As a young Black male child, I’ve felt the adult burden of being a target of violence, a victim of stereotypes, and the responsibility of stabilizing my family financially. I grew up in a low-income neighborhood, attending public schools and living with nine-plus people in our two-bedroom apartment with parents who barely scraped by each month. While I never questioned the love of my mom, coming from a low-wealth household meant missing out on opportunities that others had due to a lack of funds, transportation, and exposure. Most notably, the lack of exposure can lead to a narrow perspective about career options as well as your view of the world. I have always been fascinated by technology, and my participation in the First Robotics Lego League during middle school only fueled my passion. However, I have had limited opportunities to explore this field in high school, and my exposure has primarily been confined to my smartphone and school-issued laptop. Despite this, I have managed to establish my own E-Sports team, which became Washington High School’s Official E-Sports team. After graduating from high school, I aspire to enroll in an HBCU as a first-generation college student, pursuing a major in Computer Science with a minor in real estate. I want to dedicate at least one semester to studying abroad to help broaden my worldview. My ultimate goal is to specialize in Cybersecurity while simultaneously delving into real estate ventures within my community. I am driven by the realization of the scarcity of affordable housing options in my neighborhood, which has contributed to the increasing difficulty for many residents to sustain themselves in Atlanta. As a male African American navigating the rapidly expanding field of technology, I am driven by the ongoing disparity in opportunities faced by students from diverse backgrounds. Growing up in a low-income environment, I have experienced firsthand the challenges of limited resources and educational access. Being the first in my family to pursue a college degree adds another layer to my journey, motivating me to set an example for my younger sibling while contributing to our financial well-being. The Jerzee Foundation Scholarship will help me offset the cost of enrollment and achieve my academic and career goals. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to contributing to the tech industry and my community. Thank you for your consideration.