The first time I watched The End of Meat by Gravitas Documentaries, I didn’t expect it to hit me the way it did. I thought I had a decent understanding of the issues with animal agriculture, but the film opened my eyes to the full reality—how animals are treated, how it impacts the planet, and how normalized all of it has become. I remember one scene where a mother cow cried out for her calf after being taken away. It was devastating. That moment, and many others like it, stuck with me. After watching it, I couldn’t pretend not to know anymore—and I didn’t want to. Luckily, I wasn’t starting from scratch. My mom had already been vegan for some time, and her influence played a big part in my journey. Together, we made the switch, and now we’ve been vegan for over seven years. It’s something that connects us deeply—it’s part of our everyday life, our conversations, even how we show love through food. Over the years, I’ve visited farms, including ones near my school, and those experiences brought everything full circle. Seeing animals living peacefully in sanctuary settings—being playful, curious, and completely themselves—reminded me why this lifestyle matters so much. Veganism, for me, is about living in a way that feels honest. It’s not about being perfect, but about trying to do the least harm. It means looking at animals not as products, but as living beings who deserve safety and freedom. It means thinking about the long-term impact of my choices—on animals, on the environment, and on future generations. Right now, I’m studying business, and I’m excited about using what I learn to help grow the vegan movement in a meaningful way. I think business has a huge role to play in shaping the future. Whether it’s through sustainable product development, ethical supply chains, or helping vegan companies expand their reach, I want to be part of that shift. Eventually, I hope to start or work for a business that not only supports plant-based living, but helps make it the norm. I also believe in the power of storytelling—just like The End of Meat did for me. Whether it’s through writing, social media, or everyday conversations, I want to share what I’ve learned and help others connect the dots. I don’t think most people want to cause harm; they just don’t always see the full picture. If I can help make that picture clearer, that’s a step toward change. At the end of the day, veganism has shaped how I see the world and my place in it. It’s taught me to care more deeply, act more intentionally, and speak up—even when it’s hard. Through my education and experiences, I’m committed to using my voice, my skills, and my heart to keep growing this movement—one conversation, one idea, and one act of compassion at a time.

My name is Brandon Williams, and I am a sophomore going into my final year at Pearl River Community College. As a first-generation college student, my journey has been about breaking barriers and creating new opportunities for myself and my family. I’m pursuing a business degree and earning my real estate license, driven by my passion for helping others find their dream homes—something I learned from my mother, who worked in sales and always put people first. In addition to my studies, I sing in the school choir, which has been a source of joy and discipline in my life. Music has taught me teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of expressing myself, lessons that extend beyond the stage and into my personal and professional aspirations. The biggest obstacle I’ve faced is poverty. Growing up in a single-parent household in the rural South, financial struggles were a constant reality. College seemed like a distant dream, but I refused to let my circumstances define my future. Through scholarships, FAFSA grants, and even taking out a loan, I made it happen. Every dollar I earned or was awarded felt like a step closer to my goals, and I never took it for granted. This journey has taught me resilience. There were moments of doubt, times when I wasn’t sure how I’d make ends meet, but I learned to keep pushing forward. Life can surprise you—just when you think you’re stuck, a breakthrough can come. The key is to never stop believing. Now, as I prepare to graduate, I see the bigger picture. I’m not just earning a degree; I’m proving to myself and others that anything is possible with determination and faith. I hope my story inspires others to keep striving, no matter the obstacles. As I look ahead to graduation and the next chapter of my life, I carry the lessons I’ve learned with me—resilience, determination, and faith. My journey has not been easy, but every challenge has shaped me into the person I am today. I’ve come to understand that success isn’t just about talent or luck; it’s about persistence and the willingness to keep going even when the road gets tough. I hope to use my business degree and real estate license to make a meaningful impact, helping families find homes and build stability, just as I’ve worked to create my own. More importantly, I want to be a source of inspiration for others who feel like the odds are stacked against them. If my journey proves anything, it’s that no dream is too big when you refuse to give up.

Education holds a special place in my heart because I believe it’s the key to personal growth, empowerment, and unlocking opportunities. As an African American business major studying real estate, I’ve come to realize that education isn’t just about gaining knowledge—it’s about developing the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a competitive world. It opens doors to new perspectives, challenges existing ideas, and creates opportunities that I might not have imagined otherwise. Through both my studies and personal experiences, I’ve seen how education can transform lives, drive change, and help people from all backgrounds reach for something greater. Along my academic journey, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the impact of accessible education. Growing up, I wasn’t always exposed to the same opportunities as others, but I always knew that education could be the great equalizer. As a real estate student, I’ve learned firsthand how important affordable housing and financial literacy are, and I believe that access to quality education is crucial in breaking down barriers and helping individuals create better futures for themselves. That’s why I’m passionate about ensuring education is available to everyone—no matter their race, background, or financial standing. Everyone deserves the chance to learn, grow, and unlock their full potential, regardless of where they come from or how old they are. Education has enriched my life in so many ways. As a student and someone with experience in sales, I’ve learned how to communicate effectively, negotiate thoughtfully, and understand people’s needs. Real estate, in particular, has given me the tools to succeed in business, but also the ability to help others achieve their dreams of homeownership. Working in sales exposed me to a wide range of people, and it taught me the importance of empathy, relationship-building, and understanding diverse perspectives—lessons that are just as valuable in the classroom as they are in real life. Outside of academics, I’ve also been involved in extracurricular activities like choir and sports, including basketball and track and field. These experiences have taught me the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. They’ve reminded me that education isn’t just about what we learn in books—it’s about life experiences, passions, and personal development. My continued participation in choir allows me to express my creativity and connect with others, reinforcing the community-focused aspect of education. Ultimately, I believe education is a lifelong journey, one that should be accessible to everyone at every stage of life. It has shaped who I am today, and it continues to inspire my passion for business and helping others.

My mother has played a more prominent role than anyone in my life, and I in hers. Having a son at 18 as a single mother must have been difficult for a young African American woman in the rural South. But as a bright-eyed youth, my mother always had me, and I always had her. In a big city far from home, my mother and I almost raised each other, growing and learning together. Although I never had a father, I never lacked a parent, as my mother always did her best to never make me feel any different than any other kid, and I want to carry that feeling with me for the rest of my life. Even to this day, my mother is my greatest inspiration, inspiring me to do well every day and do my best to make the world a brighter place, leaving each room a little better than I found it. It's with this mindset I want to change the world. My mother showed only love, compassion, and empathy for her fellow man. She never turned down even the lowest of beggars, always offering compassion even when we were struggling. She has always been the bigger person, raised by what sometimes feels like a superhero. I always aspire to be like the great Natasha, only spreading love and helping others, just as she certainly would. To begin my quest, I attained a phlebotomy license from the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. It was not for me, as I much more enjoy the art of business. My mother, being a phone salesperson and now a furniture salesperson helping hundreds every day design their dream homes, has led me to my career choice of real estate. I aspire to help new buyers purchase their first homes or assist experienced buyers in acquiring second or multiple homes. I hope to be a source of guidance for others, just as my mother has always been a source of strength and inspiration for me. Through her example, I’ve learned that success isn't just about what you achieve, but how you impact the lives of others.In conclusion, my mother’s unwavering love, compassion, and dedication have shaped the person I am today. Her example of resilience and kindness continues to inspire me to pursue a career in real estate, where I hope to help others, just as she’s helped me, making a positive impact on their lives.

Moving around the South as an African American has given me a unique perspective on different communities, cultures, and environments. Everywhere Ive lived has exposed me to new ways of life, different struggles, and diverse perspectives. Experiencing these differences firsthand has shaped my understanding of people and allowed me to develop a deep sense of empathy. This ability to connect with others from various backgrounds, combined with my customer service experience, has prepared me to foster a more understanding and compassionate community. At AT&T, I had the privilege of working with customers from all backgrounds. Whether I was troubleshooting a phone issue, explaining a bill, or helping an elderly customer navigate a smartphone for the first time, I saw how technology can be both a tool for connection and a source of frustration. Working with elderly customers, in particular, taught me patience and the importance of clear communication. Many of them simply wanted someone to listen and guide them through unfamiliar technology, and I was able to provide that. Beyond customer service, my summer job cleaning up after people at the local library gave me a new level of appreciation for service work. Picking up discarded books, wiping down tables, and organizing shelves may seem like minor tasks, but they allowed others to enjoy a clean, welcoming space. It also showed me that every job, no matter how small, contributes to the overall well-being of a community. Through my experiences moving, working in customer service, and doing community-based jobs, I have gained the skills to connect with people on a deeper level. I understand different struggles, recognize different needs, and appreciate the value of patience and service. With these skills, I will work to build a more empathetic and understanding community, one where people listen to and support each other, no matter their background or circumstances. Traveling around the south as an African American man has allowed me to see the unsettling truth that racism is still very much alive and the hate spread by racists show no bounds.Seeing that first hand has allowed me to be extremely empathetic towards new English speakers, people new to the country, and really have a special compassion for all of the races in the big melting pot we call America. Experiences with the negative people in this world only drive me to make this world a much more empathetic and understanding place as only someone who's experienced it personally can do

I come from an underfunded African American community where I have witnessed firsthand the struggles of aspiring entrepreneurs. Every day, I have seen people with great ideas, passion, and dedication fail to start businesses, fall into debt, or struggle to maintain enterprises that should have thrived. These failures are not due to a lack of intelligence or ambition but rather a lack of access to business literacy. In wealthier cities, business owners are surrounded by successful examples, mentorship opportunities, and financial guidance—resources that my community simply does not have in abundance. If I were to receive this scholarship, I would dedicate myself to decreasing the number of failed businesses in my city by providing accessible business education. My plan is to host financial literacy and business development classes at the local library, offering free guidance on business planning, budgeting, marketing, and customer retention. I believe that by equipping local entrepreneurs with the knowledge they need, I can help build a stronger, self-sustaining economy in my community. Too often, I have seen businesses that should have succeeded—hair salons, food vendors, thrift stores, and other local shops—close their doors simply due to a lack of financial guidance. Who knows better what a city needs than the people who live in it? No longer should we have to purchase our hair products from retailers who don’t understand our unique needs, nor should we be forced to rely on unhealthy fast-food chains like McDonald's when local chefs could create healthier, more culturally relevant meals while keeping money circulating within the community. My goal is to start a movement—one that promotes business literacy, financial independence, and economic empowerment for the people of my city and beyond. With this scholarship, I can take the first steps toward making that vision a reality. I plan to organize regular business education sessions, helping individuals understand budgeting, marketing, and business strategies that can help them thrive. By fostering a culture of financial knowledge, I can create a ripple effect that strengthens not only my city but also surrounding communities along the Gulf Coast. Although I am just one person, I am determined to give back to the place that has given me everything. Change begins with one class, one lesson, one person at a time. And for me, that journey begins with this scholarship. My name is Brandon Williams, and I am committed to creating lasting change in my community.