If you would have asked me at the age of 14, "Hey Brittany, who is your Role Model?" I would have given you a childlike answer like Raven Symone. Why? Because duh, she's the queen of Disney Channel! Which I still believe by the way. Though this statement still rings true to me, as I've gotten older it has come to my realization that the actual people that I look up to are right in front of me. There are many people around me that inspire me every day. From the store clerk at Walmart to my coworkers. There are small inklings of inspiration everywhere all you have to do is open your eyes and look. Now I know you didn't come here for vague answers like, "the world is my inspiration," so I'll give a clear and direct answer as well. One of the biggest role models in my life is my grandma. Since a young age she has been someone who has always had my back since day one. Before I get too mushy and begin the compliment shower, let me introduce you to my grandma Betty. Betty is someone who has an interesting story. Born in 1956, she was delivered in Mississippi to her two teenaged parents. Betty and her 11 siblings unfortunately didn't have the best upbringing. Her father abandoned the family when she was a child and the family was forced to live without basic living amenities. She has shared many stories with me regarding the standout events that have taken place during her upbringing. One of the stories that stuck out to me was the time she recalls being a child holding her baby brother in her arms while her mom awaited the return of her husband. He was supposed to bring milk for the baby to eat because he hadn't eaten in days. My grandma painted the picture for me so vividly. She says she remembered her baby brother take his last breathe. Her father never returned. When Betty grew into adulthood she had 5 kids of her own. She made it her life mission to make sure that her children never went through an ounce of what she went through. She worked several jobs and with the help of friends she put all 5 of her kids through private school. Today, many of her kids are successful in many forms and facets. A few of them being college grads and a few of them business owners. One of them being my mom! How has she shaped who am today? Well first, her perseverance! I admire the fact that although she came from nearly nothing, she made something out of the scraps she was given. I love how she flipped the reality that she was presented with and turned it into something beautiful. Her story has shaped the way I look at complex situations. It just always reminds me that know matter what situation I'm in, I always have the power to change it. Her motivation contributes to the reason I am in college today. As a student at the illustrious Clark Atlanta Univerisity, I am on a mission to share the stories of many others through journalism. Unfortunately, there are many stories similar to Betty's that go untold. With this scholarship I will be allowed to continue my journey and present the stories of many around the world.

As a Mass Media major and aspiring music journalist, I am always reading and watching various forms of media. As an avid music listener and creator myself, I am always seeking new music and ways to create. Right now, I am taking the time to dig deeper into music theory and instrumentation. I am currently working on expanding my knowledge of music and journalism simultaneously. With this grant money, I would put all of it towards my tuition. This would allow me to continue my education at Clark Atlanta University and carry on with my musical journey. I can't wait to share my musical studies and discoveries with the world!

My playlist is inspired by Michael Jacksons Human Nature. This song exudes an eager childlike observation of what life could be. While listening to this playlist, you will be accompanied by various styles of music that will take you on a journey similar to life. After opening with Human Nature and Paradise, it works its way to Same Drugs. Same Drugs represents the idea of losing that childlike eagerness from Human Nature. This playlist is a sonic representation of the highs and lows of life. It highlights love, frees pain, and heals my spirit every time I take a listen!