Growing up, my mom and I shared a nightly ritual of reading a book together. At first, I struggled with reading at home and at school. I was embarrassed whenever we did “popcorn reading” in class. I’d stutter over words, fearing the moment the teacher might call on me. Reading a single page could take forever, and I felt frustrated with myself every time I fell behind. Then in middle school, I feared reading aloud in class so I began going to the library frequently and I never looked back. Instead of hanging out at the park after school as my friends did, I’d lose myself in stories on the beach, at the café, in the park, and even on the bus to basketball games. People teased me for always having my nose in a book, but I fell in love with them and they unlocked vivid imaginations that I couldn't imagine before. Books became more than ink and paper, they were roadmaps, mentors, and mirrors for my life. One book in particular changed how I saw my journey: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Though The Alchemist follows Santiago, a shepherd boy from Spain, his quest for his “Personal Legend” connected with me on a deeper level. Santiago’s courage showed me that no dream is too big and that fear is temporary. He taught me that when you pursue your purpose with passion, the universe works in your favor to lead you where you are meant to be. His story reframed every challenge I faced as part of a greater path. That lesson guides my goals today. I’m a Principal’s List student, an Art Honor Society member, a Student Council leader, and a ranked basketball player in my conference. But beyond the titles, I’m someone who is relentlessly chasing her own “Personal Legend” which is to become the first business owner in my family and to forge a path that helps others on their journeys. I dream of launching a renovation and real estate business that transforms homes, lives, and neglected neighborhoods like the ones I came from. Like Santiago, I’ve faced setbacks. Growing up in the city exposed me to trauma and depression that made me question my worth as a daughter, a student, an athlete, and simply as myself. Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I remembered Santiago’s resilience: every obstacle is a stepping stone. I chose to keep showing up for my classes, my teammates, and most importantly, for my healing. Over time, I turned my experiences into empathy, mentoring peers who needed mental health support and reminding them that they, too, are capable of rising above anything! What makes me unique is my ability to blend leadership with empathy. True leadership isn’t about telling people what to do. It's about creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered. As a future business owner, I don’t just want to succeed, I want to leave a blueprint for others to follow, especially those who feel like giving up. The Reach Higher scholarship would lift the financial burden from my shoulders and bring me one step closer to the future I’ve worked so hard to build. Just as The Alchemist expanded my perspective on life’s hardships, I’m ready to inspire my community. My goal is to renovate one home at a time, to make a change for one family until I can launch a program that changes the world. With your support, I will continue striving for academic excellence, excelling as a student-athlete, and serving my community because together, we can all reach higher!

"Let Me Rise, So Others Can Too" Ever since I was a little girl, I believed I was meant to make the world a better place. I used to pretend I was a superhero, using a cape,ready to save the world. That dream never left me. Now, I may not wear a cape, but the fire inside me to uplift others burns brighter than ever. My greatest aspiration has always been to do something that allows me to say, “Look at the lives I’ve touched.” I come from a family built on sacrifice and service. My father, a dedicated NYPD lieutenant, and my mother, a police officer,  serve with courage and compassion daily. They both grew up in neighborhoods filled with hardship. As a family, they have struggled with debt, uncertainty, and danger. Yet, they rose above, not just for themselves, but for others. Their journey showed me that true leadership isn’t about power or recognition. It’s about showing up and standing beside those who need support and direction. For me, education is not just a personal achievement but its the most powerful skill that can cause a transformation. I plan to attend Point Park University to major in Finance and continue my journey as a student-athlete. My goals stretch far beyond the classroom and basketball court. I envision myself as a business owner, specifically in real estate and renovation where I plan to revitalize undeserved neighborhoods and turn abandoned or damaged properties into safe, beautiful homes. Why? Because I know what it feels like to live in a place where dreams are buried beneath survival and its hard just to hold your own head above water. I want to build more than a business. I want to build bridges that reconnect people to opportunity, dignity, and a future they thought they’d never have. My mission is to help families find a home, where they can heal, rebuild, and dream again. Through school activities such as the Art and Math Honor Societies, Student Council, being a captain on many sports teams, and many other leadership roles in my school, I’ve already begun laying the foundation for this mission. I've also completed over 600 hours of community service where I have participated in toy, clothes ,food, and back-to-school drives. I’ve learned how to advocate, to lead with empathy, and to take initiative. These experiences have shaped me into someone who doesn’t want to wait for change, I want to create it. This journey is bigger than me. It’s about the people who grew up thinking their zip code defined their worth. It’s about the families who never believed they’d have a second chance. It’s about being the hope I once needed. My story, my roots, my challenges, and my growth, are all testimonies that show that the beginning doesn't determine endings. I want to use everything I’ve been through to help others write a new chapter. When you ask how my education will help me make an impact, here’s my answer: It will give me the tools to lead boldly, serve fearlessly, and build a legacy of compassion. With the support of this scholarship, I can have the ability to help countless lives. Thank you for considering me and I look forward to building a brighter future together!

The first time I truly felt the presence of God was not in a church, nor during a Sunday service. It was in the quiet corner of my bedroom on a day I’ll never forget. I was 14, dealing with the hardest chapter of my life. My grandmother, who was the only person I knew who had a strong faith, had passed away. I had moved to a predominantly white town, where I experienced racism that made me hate myself and made me ashamed to be who I was. On top of that, I was in and out of hospitals and doctors due to my sickness which made me struggle to breathe on my own without the help of a machine. I was watching my family slowly fall apart because of the mounting bills and other family issues we had to deal with. The weight of these things happening all within just 2 months felt too heavy for my young shoulders. I questioned my faith constantly and felt like my spirit was drowning. I kept telling myself that no one could save me, not even God. I was a good kid. Straight-A student, Polite, respectful, always smiling, even when no one knew I was slowly breaking from the pain I hid. Over time, the cracks started to show. I began turning to drugs, self-harming, and finding comfort in the wrong crowd. I did this, not because I was rebellious, but because I didn’t know how to cope. I didn’t know how to heal the pain of loss, loneliness, or betrayal. I remember the moment I was sitting on the floor, head in my hands, tears falling silently. I didn't want to live anymore and was ready to end it all. I couldn't take the pain anymore but part of me wanted a reason to stay.  In desperation, I whispered, “Lord, I know I need you, please help me.” And in that silence, something changed. No voice, no thunder, no miracle, just peace. A peace that didn’t fix everything, but assured me that I wasn’t alone. I felt that God was there for me when I was broken and barely holding on and not there because I was perfect. That was the moment the seed of faith was planted, and it would slowly bloom into something beautiful. My journey into Christianity wasn’t an instant change or clean. It was messy, filled with setbacks and spiritual battles. I had a hard time trying to get help and change all the bad habits I adopted and I struggled to be consistent with my faith but my journey was honest and real. I began to pray more, read scripture, and surround myself with people who genuinely loved God. I started to understand that faith didn’t mean perfection, it meant choosing God even in pain, even in doubt. The more I leaned into Him, the more He revealed His purpose for my life. When I improved my mental health I didn't walk away. God picks us up when we need him most and I knew I couldn't take advantage of that love so I continued to grow my faith to the best of my ability.  My relationship with God taught me that my story matters. That my scars, my tears, and my trauma can become a testimony. That my voice has power. I'm an example of someone who felt broken, confused, and overlooked, and relate to others walking the same dark path I once did. God gave me the strength to change, the courage to forgive, and the purpose to pursue more. I want to show people that his power is beyond comparison and he can fix what is broken when you instill your trust in him.  As I healed, I also grew. I worked harder than ever to maintain my grades and made the Principal’s List. I joined leadership roles like the Student Council and honor societies. I also poured my energy into basketball, where I became a ranked athlete in my conference. I found healthy outlets, discipline, and confidence that helped me stay grounded. But most importantly, I found a calling. My dream is to become a successful Black business owner, not for the sake of wealth, but to give back to the communities that are like the ones I came from. I want to create opportunities for young people, especially those who feel unseen, just like I once did. I want to show them that faith and success aren’t mutually exclusive, that they can honor God in their careers, and that their past does not define their future. I plan to attend Point Park University where I will pursue a degree in finance and marketing. My goal is to build a brand rooted in integrity, empowerment, and faith, that offers internships, mentorship programs, and community initiatives. I want to open spaces where creativity thrives, where education is accessible, and where people learn their value and power. But to get there, I need support. Financially, the road to college is a challenge for my family. My parents serve the community every day by working for the NYPD as a lieutenant and police officer. Their sacrifices inspire me, but I know they carry a heavy load. Receiving the Pastor Thomas Christian Values Scholarship would be a blessing in ways words can’t fully express. This scholarship isn’t just about money, it’s about mission. It would allow me to focus on my academics, serve my community, and grow my faith without the constant pressure of financial instability. It would affirm that my journey, though imperfect, is a testimony worth investing in. It would allow me to walk confidently into the future God has prepared for me. I envision a future where my business funds scholarships for students like me, supports local churches and youth programs and launches outreach events that bring faith back into communities. I want to tell my story and share how God took a broken teenager in a dark room and turned her into a woman of purpose. I want to look into the eyes of young students who face challenges like me and say, “I’ve been where you are, and there’s hope. You are loved. You are chosen.” The Pastor Thomas Christian Values Scholarship represents everything I stand for, faith, growth, leadership, and community. If chosen, I promise to honor that legacy in every classroom, every meeting, and every opportunity. I will walk boldly in the name of Christ, not because I’m perfect, but because I know who saved me. God didn’t just pull me out of darkness, he gave me the tools to help others find their way. This scholarship would help me to build something far bigger than myself: a future where faith, business, and purpose collide to change lives. Thank you for considering my application. I pray that this essay shows not only who I am, but the God I serve for he is faithful, forgiving, and forever present.

It was a cold December afternoon and I was in the middle of a shopping spree in the city when I saw her. She was sitting on a bench outside the Manhattan train station, shivering from the cold. Her coat was thin, her face tired, and I saw a look in her eyes that showed me she was drained of life and energy. The city was crowded with people who glanced at her but kept walking. Too busy, too rushed, or maybe too unsure of what to say. Many people were probably thinking “Someone else will help “ but I couldn’t. She reminded me of myself when my family struggled financially, when we lived in a small apartment and felt lucky to have enough food for everyone. To me, walking past her would mean walking past a part of myself I never could forget. I asked if she was okay. She hesitated in shock that someone would even notice her, let alone ask how she felt. Before I knew it, I was sitting on the bench with her as she began to tell me her story. Her name was Mariah. She had lost her job a few months prior, and without family to fall back on, she’d been living in her car.  I only had $40 dollars in cash that I was saving for lunch with friends but at that moment, I became humbled and decided to take her inside the store and told her to get whatever she needed. She grabbed warm food, water, and a thick pair of gloves. When we sat down to eat together, I listened. Really listened. I realized giving her my time and respect meant just as much as the food. After that day, I couldn’t forget her. A few days later, I returned with blankets, socks, hygiene products, and food. It became a weekly habit for me to check on her, and I soon realized I couldn’t stop there. My father, an NYPD lieutenant, and I often volunteer together in the summer, helping those living on the streets. We’ve distributed food, water, clothing, and other essentials to those in need. But more than the physical aid, we remind them that someone sees them, cares for them, and values them. What we often forget is that one of the most important things we can give, something money can’t buy, is love. Love can be spread through simple acts of kindness and words. We may never know what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes, but the best we can do is help them feel loved and remind them they have a purpose, just like I did with Mariah. That day, I helped one person. That one act inspired a chain reaction that helped dozens of lives. Looking ahead, I dream of creating a program that transforms neglected neighborhoods into beautiful and welcoming places I want to help others find their sense of belonging, just like I did with Mariah. As I step into college as a student-athlete who remains deeply committed to community service, I carry with me a purpose bigger than myself: to use my education as a foundation to begin changing the world. This scholarship would not only support me financially but also be a stepping stone toward something greater. I don’t just want to succeed in my business; I want to serve. I want to pour back into the same kind of communities that I came from when I didn’t have much. I believe that when one of us rises, we all rise.

When I reflect on my greatest achievements, I don't think of a trophy, medal, or a perfect report card. I immediately see the faces of my two younger siblings. When they were born I stepped into a leadership role that would reshape my whole life. It seems like overnight I became their teacher, protector, and biggest cheerleader. Growing up in a tough neighborhood, I knew that my actions set the tone for everything they did. At first, leadership started with small things like helping tie their shoes, guiding them with homework, and calming them down when they were afraid of the dark. As bills and other survival necessities mounted, my parents took on longer shifts working for the NYPD to make ends meet and my responsibilities grew. Through the height of COVID-19 and protest their work was heroic and dangerous and while fear gnawed at me, I did my best to stay strong for my family and do the best I could to help. I found myself mapping out our days so I was able to coordinate morning routines, manage both of our after-school activities and get them ready for bed after a long day. This sense of responsibility spilled into school in things like student council, becoming a tutor for underclassmen, becoming vice president of the Math Honor Society program, and the president of the Art Honor Society. I loved being involved and active. I set up countless bake sales for school, clothing drives, food drives, back-to-school supply donations, and toy drives for Christmas for community service because I've always had a passion for helping others and showing people that these events aren't just about personal gain, but about the meaningful moments and the fulfillment of contributing to the growth of your community. Through these experiences, I discovered two things about myself. I thrive under responsibility and I see every empty room as a space for opportunity filled with potential to be something valuable. I realized that leadership isn't just about delegating tasks, it's about envisioning what could be, and then rallying people to build it together. One summer I toured a brownstone with my uncle in Brooklyn. The building was decrepit. It had broken windows, peeling paint, overgrown a lot and it looked like the building I lived in with my family which is why I saw possibilities in this being a beautiful home. Now, my greatest ambition is to become a real estate entrepreneur who renovates and rebuilds in undeserved neighborhoods. I want to give back to communities in need and make beauty out of things that other people may see as torn down. My leadership skills and dreams all sparked from my siblings. They don't know it yet, but their imagination shines through me and has made me see the beauty in everything even when it may seem like there's nothing there. This scholarship would not only ease the financial strain on my shoulders but it would be a step toward the future I’ve worked so hard to build. With this opportunity, I will continue striving to maintain academic excellence, serve my community with purpose, and one day create opportunities for others. My story is still being written, but with your support, the next chapter will be one of impact, growth, and hope that can someday better our world.

I spent the early years of my life in a rundown building where my parents worked tirelessly to afford rent. As they rose through the ranks of the NYPD, I witnessed firsthand the meaning of sacrifice, resilience, and selfless service. My parents have always put the needs of others before their own. Through their example, I learned that true strength comes from pushing forward, even when the odds are stacked against you. That strength is something I carry within me every day. It drives me to lead as a student council member, to guide my teammates as a captain, to earn Principal’s List honors, and to give back through community service. I am proud of the person I’m becoming but the journey hasn’t been easy. My family has faced financial hardships for as long as I can remember. I had many moments where survival came before comfort. But those experiences didn’t break me, they built me. They inspired my dream to pursue a career in real estate development and renovation. I want to transform struggling neighborhoods, creating beauty and opportunity where others only see limits. I want to rebuild and restore not just physical spaces, but the lives and communities that live within them. I’ve seen how powerful it can be when someone transforms something worn down into something beautiful and full of purpose. This scholarship would not only ease the financial strain on my shoulders but it would be a step toward the future I’ve worked so hard to build. With this opportunity, I will continue striving to maintain academic excellence, serve my community purposefully, and one day create opportunities for others. My story is still being written, but with your support, the next chapter will be one of impact, growth, and hope.

The Heart I carry Care giving isn't something that comes with a manual. It begins with unexpected moments and small shifts that forever alter your world. It’s a role you never train for, one you step into simply because someone you love no longer can. For me, it began the day my grandfather had a stroke. One day, he was the strong, steady presence who made dinner every night, loved being outdoors, cracked jokes everyday, and was the person who would fix everything from broken appliances to bad moods. The next, he was lying in a hospital bed, his speech slurred, his movements slowed, his pride quietly unraveling. I started visiting him every week. I helped him shave, put on his clothing, relearn how to grip a spoon, and even take his first steps again. I sat through the same stories, ones that I had heard dozens of times, with the same wide-eyed attention. I knew he didn't want an audience but what he wanted was to feel seen, to feel heard, to feel like he mattered. I realized I wasn’t just a granddaughter anymore, I became his hands when his own failed him, his strength when his spirit faltered. But care giving didn’t end with him. At home, I stepped into a steady parental role for my younger sister and brother. Every afternoon, I pick my sister up from school and help her with her homework. I make their favorite breakfast weekly—pancakes with whipped cream and three strawberries, just the way they like it.It may seem small, but to me , it's my way of saying, I see you. I care for you. I play with dolls and trucks on the living room floor, not because it's expected, but because presence is powerful. And that’s what care giving really is. Itś not about the task you do for someone, it's about being there fully without conditions. Care giving means offering peace in someone else's chaos. Itś about being a steady guide when a person needs someone to just be there for them. You can be a caregiver to anyone in your life no matter their age or abilities. It’s about listening when no one else hears the silence. It’s offering comfort when someone feels alone. It’s choosing to show up, again and again, in the little moments that matter most. Care giving has shaped me in ways I never imagined. I’ve become more intuitive, more grounded, more resilient. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about taking the lead but it's more about walking beside someone, offering your strength when they feel they have none left. I’ve learned how to stay calm in chaos, how to speak with compassion, and how to turn love into action through presence, patience, and persistence. These experiences have inspired a deep desire in me to become a content creator focused on motivation, healing, and life advice. In today’s digital world, I see the opportunity to reach people where they are, to be a voice of encouragement, to help others carry their pain and rediscover their strength, just as I’ve done with my grandfather and siblings in quiet, consistent ways. I believe healing starts with being seen, and I want to create content that makes people feel understood, valued, and empowered. Receiving this scholarship would not only be a financial relief, it would be a chance. A chance to pursue my education without the constant strain of making ends meet. I wouldn’t have to choose between a part-time job and an internship that could shape my future. It would allow me to fully commit to internships, creative projects, my career and ability to grow into the person I aspire to become with doing what I’ve always done, showing up for the people who need it most.With this scholarship, I'm ready to take that presence beyond my own personal circle and turn it into a purpose that can help uplift the world.

Life is a roller coaster. It's full of highs that make you feel unstoppable and lows that test your strength in ways you never expected. For me, the peak of this ride came at the start of my senior year. Everything seemed to be falling into place. I had a 4.0 GPA, I was one of the top basketball scorers in my city, offers were rolling in, I had a job and was making my own money, and my mental and physical health had never been better. My social life was thriving, school events were exciting, and for the first time, I felt like I had complete balance. Everyone told me senior year would be a breeze, and for a while, I believed them. But just as I reached the top, the drop came fast and hard. Suddenly, school became overwhelming. The pressure of choosing a college loomed over me, my basketball schedule started interfering with work and my social life, and I battled injuries that took a toll on my mental state. The workload, which I had once handled with ease, became suffocating. As the finish line of high school approached, I realized that pushing through to the end was harder than anyone ever admitted. Then, life threw another challenge my way. My parents, both NYPD sergeants, found themselves facing an increase in violent incidents throughout the city. Their long, unpredictable hours meant I had to quit my job to take care of my younger siblings—my four-year-old sister and one-year-old brother. I became responsible for cooking, cleaning, and putting them to bed, all while keeping up with my studies. Some nights, I struggled to stay awake just to finish an assignment. Other nights, I barely slept at all—especially after a terrifying night when there was a shooting at my dad’s precinct, and I couldn’t reach my parents. Moments like that shook me to my core, filling me with fear and uncertainty. The stress started affecting every part of my life—my sleep, my focus, my motivation. But through it all, I learned something invaluable: control what you can. When everything felt like it was spiraling, I realized that the only way to regain balance was through consistency. I stopped procrastinating, became a better problem solver, and found ways to manage everything, even when life got messy again. I won’t pretend it was easy, but I learned that challenges aren’t meant to break you—they’re meant to build you. The most important lesson my senior year taught me is that when life knocks you down, it’s okay to pause, regroup, and get back up. The good thing about hitting rock bottom is that there’s only one way to go—up. Turning my hardships into growth has not only helped me mature, but it has also allowed me to help others. When I see friends, family, or even strangers struggling, I never hesitate to share the lessons and techniques that helped me pull myself back up. That’s why I began to start “The Coaster Crew”—a club where people can take a break from their struggles, connect with others, share their stories, or simply find comfort in knowing they’re not alone. Hardships come and go, just like the rises and falls of a roller coaster. But the key is learning how to ride the ups and downs with resilience. No matter how steep the drop, you can always bounce back stronger.