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Ay'Niyae Wilkerson

1,565

Bold Points

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Finalist

Bio

My dream is to one day have a traveling agency catered towards minorities. Coming from a low income household seeing the world and learning about other cultures especially African culture wasn’t really an option. I want to make it affordable for other minorities to see and learn about their lineage as well as others.

Education

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Bachelor's degree program
2021 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other

Grays Creek High

High School
2017 - 2021

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      entrepreneurship

    • Dream career goals:

      Company founder

    • Cashier

      Burger King
      2020 – 2020

    Arts

    • High school

      Theatre
      Show Case
      2017 – 2020

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Cousins Helping Cousins — Vice President
      2018 – 2020

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Entrepreneurship

    Augustus L. Harper Scholarship
    The Value of Education: A Personal Perspective I believe that education is a fundamental aspect of personal growth and development. It equips individuals with knowledge, skills, and opportunities that are essential for success in various aspects of life. Personally, education has played a significant role in shaping my life and has brought immense value to me. Firstly, education has provided me with a strong foundation of knowledge. Through formal education, I have gained a deep understanding of various subjects such as mathematics, science, literature, and history. This knowledge has not only broadened my horizons but has also allowed me to make informed decisions in different areas of my life. It has only empowered me to think critically, analyze situations, and solve problems effectively. Moreover, education has opened doors to numerous opportunities. By acquiring a higher level of education, I have been able to pursue my desired career path and achieve professional success. Education has equipped me with the necessary skills and qualifications that are highly valued in the job market. It has provided me with the tools to compete in a competitive world and secure employment in my chosen field. Furthermore, education has fostered my personal growth and self-improvement. It has encouraged me to explore my interests, discover my passions, and develop my talents. Education has not only taught me academic knowledge but has also instilled important values such as discipline, perseverance, and a thirst for lifelong learning. It has helped me become a well-rounded individual, capable of adapting to new challenges and embracing personal growth. Additionally, when it comes to education it has enabled me to build a strong network of connections. Through educational institutions, I have had the opportunity to meet and interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds. These connections have not only enriched my personal life but have also provided me with valuable insights, as well as a perspectives on the world, and support. Education has allowed me to form meaningful relationships and collaborate with like-minded individuals, fostering personal and professional growth. In conclusion, education holds immense value in my life. It has provided me with not only knowledge, but opportunities for personal growth, and a strong network. Education has empowered me to pursue my dreams, achieve success, and make a positive impact in the world. It is through education that I have been able to unlock my full potential and become the best version of myself.
    Alexander Hipple Recovery Scholarship
    The Transformative Power of Overcoming Substance Abuse on Family Relationships and Career Aspirations Substance abuse is a challenging and complex issue that can have a profound impact on individuals and their loved ones. As someone who has personally experienced the struggles of addiction and the journey of recovery, I understand firsthand how this can influence family relationships and career aspirations. Family relationships are often deeply affected by substance abuse. Addiction can strain trust, communication, and emotional connections within the family unit. During my own battle with addiction, I witnessed the toll it took on my family. The once strong bonds were weakened as they grappled with feelings of frustration, anger, and helplessness. However, as I embarked on my recovery journey, I discovered that overcoming substance abuse can also be a catalyst for positive change within family dynamics. Recovery allowed me to rebuild trust and repair the damaged relationships with my family members. Through open and honest communication, we were able to address the pain caused by my addiction and work towards healing together. The experience taught me the importance of empathy, understanding, and forgiveness. It also strengthened our bond, as we learned to support each other through the ups and downs of life. Moreover, my personal experience with substance abuse has significantly influenced my career aspirations. Addiction can derail one’s professional life, leading to missed opportunities, strained work relationships, and a loss of motivation. However, my journey towards recovery has instilled in me a deep sense of resilience, determination, and empathy. Having overcome the challenges of addiction, I am now driven to pursue a career that allows me to make a positive impact on others who are facing similar struggles. I aspire to work in the field of addiction counseling or advocacy, where I can use my personal experience to provide support, guidance, and hope to those in need. My own journey has shown me the transformative power of recovery, and I am passionate about helping others find their own path to healing and growth. In conclusion, my personal experience with substance abuse and recovery has had a profound influence on my family relationships and career aspirations. While addiction can strain familial bonds, the journey towards recovery can also serve as a catalyst for positive change and growth within the family unit. Additionally, overcoming the challenges of addiction has fueled my passion to pursue a career in the field of addiction counseling or advocacy, where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
    Thadford Dickerson and Paula Schuman Scholar Award
    Implementing Community Gardens to Address Food Insecurity Food insecurity is a pervasive issue that affects many communities around the world, including my own. It is a problem that not only impacts individuals’ physical health but also has far-reaching social and economic consequences. In order to address this issue, a creative solution that can be implemented in my community is the establishment of community gardens. Community gardens are a wonderful way to promote food security and improve the overall well-being of individuals in the community. By providing a space where community members can grow their own fruits and vegetables, community gardens offer a sustainable solution to the problem of food insecurity. These gardens can be established in vacant lots, public parks, or even on rooftops, making use of underutilized spaces within the community. One of the key benefits of community gardens is that they empower individuals to take control of their own food production. By growing their own food, community members can reduce their reliance on expensive and often unhealthy processed foods. This not only improves their physical health but also promotes a sense of self-sufficiency and empowerment. In addition to providing fresh and nutritious food, community gardens also have numerous social benefits. They serve as a gathering place for community members, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie. Gardening can be a therapeutic activity that promotes mental well-being and reduces stress. Furthermore, community gardens can be used as educational spaces, where individuals can learn about sustainable farming practices, nutrition, and environmental stewardship. Implementing community gardens requires collaboration between community members, local government, and non-profit organizations. It is important to secure funding for the initial setup of the gardens, as well as ongoing maintenance and support. Engaging community members through workshops and training sessions can help build the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully manage the gardens. To ensure the long-term success of community gardens, it is crucial to establish a system for sharing the produce among participants. This can be done through a cooperative model, where individuals contribute their time and effort to maintain the gardens and in return, receive a fair share of the harvest. Additionally, partnerships with local food banks and organizations can help distribute excess produce to those in need, further addressing the issue of food insecurity in the community. In conclusion, community gardens offer a creative and sustainable solution to the pervasive issue of food insecurity in my community. By empowering individuals to grow their own food, community gardens not only improve physical health but also promote social cohesion and environmental stewardship. Through collaboration and support, community gardens can make a significant impact in addressing food insecurity and creating a healthier and more resilient community.
    Jeannine Schroeder Women in Public Service Memorial Scholarship
    Taking Action: Addressing an Important Social Issue In today’s world, it is crucial for individuals and communities to actively work towards addressing important social issues. By recognizing the power of collective action, we can make a positive impact and create a more inclusive and equitable society. In this article, we will explore how I am personally working to address an important social issue and the steps I am taking to make a difference. One social issue that I am deeply passionate about is education inequality. Access to quality education is a fundamental right that should be available to all, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Unfortunately, many children around the world are denied this right, which perpetuates a cycle of poverty and limits their opportunities for a better future. To address this issue, I have chosen to volunteer with an organization that focuses on providing educational support to underprivileged children. Through this organization, I have the opportunity to tutor and mentor students from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them overcome educational barriers and empowering them to reach their full potential. In addition to volunteering, I am also actively involved in raising awareness about education inequality. I utilize social media platforms to share informative articles, statistics, and personal stories that shed light on the challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing quality education. By spreading awareness, I hope to inspire others to join the cause and take action. Furthermore, I am committed to advocating for policy changes that promote equal educational opportunities. I engage with local policymakers, attend community meetings, and participate in discussions to voice my concerns and propose solutions. By actively participating in these conversations, I aim to influence decision-making processes and push for policies that prioritize education equity. It is important to note that addressing an important social issue is not a one-time effort, but an ongoing commitment. I continuously educate myself about the root causes and complexities of education inequality, seeking to deepen my understanding and refine my approach. I also collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations to amplify our impact and create sustainable change. In conclusion, addressing important social issues requires a proactive approach and a genuine commitment to making a difference. By volunteering, raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and continuously educating ourselves, we can contribute to the collective effort of creating a more just and equitable society. Together, we can work towards dismantling barriers and ensuring that every individual has access to quality education, ultimately paving the way for a brighter future for all.
    Penny Collins Scholarship
    My goal is to see the world. Im currently enrolled in UNC Pembroke in the business administration for entrepreneurship. My overall goal is to have my own traveling agency catering towards minorities because coming from a low income household I see that we as people don’t get to travel and see the world. I feel that it is important for us to learn and experience different cultures. And that there is more to the world than just an everyday 9 to 5. It is important to me that people like myself aren’t afraid to venture out beyond the U.S. to see what the world has to offer.
    Brandon Zylstra Road Less Traveled Scholarship
    My goal is to see the world. Im currently enrolled in UNC Pembroke in the business administration for entrepreneurship. My overall goal is to have my own traveling agency catering towards minorities because coming from a low income household I see that we as people don’t get to travel and see the world. I feel that it is important for us to learn and experience different cultures. And that there is more to the world than just an everyday 9 to 5. It is important to me that people like myself aren’t afraid to venture out beyond the U.S. to see what the world has to offer.