Since I was 14 years old, the importance of giving back to my community has been ingrained in me. My Catholic high school taught me "Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam," meaning "For the greater glory of God," and required community service for progression. Initially, I saw this as a chore until I joined Labre, an after-school program that connected students with homeless individuals. Listening to their stories and seeing their living conditions profoundly impacted me, sparking a deep desire to make a change. Through Labre, I began to understand the significance of addressing homelessness and poverty. Witnessing families living in tents, on train tracks, and in abandoned homes made me realize the urgency of this issue. I participated in Labre weekly until I graduated, committed to making a difference. These experiences taught me the value of empathy and the importance of not taking life’s small blessings for granted. In college, I continue to address this social issue by volunteering in various roles. As a Bearcat Buddies tutor, I provide academic support to students in underprivileged schools, helping them build a foundation for future success. My role as a Transitions mentor involves guiding first-year students through the challenges of college life, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Additionally, as a Turner Scholar mentor, I support students who are part of the Darwin T. Turner Scholars Program, offering academic and personal guidance. Through these roles, I aim to empower individuals and foster a sense of community. My involvement with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated has further strengthened my commitment to service. Initiated in the spring of my sophomore year, I embraced our motto, "Service to All Mankind," and actively participate in numerous service opportunities each month. Our chapter collaborates with our local graduate chapter and engages in various initiatives to support those in need. This collective effort allows us to make a more significant impact on our community and address pressing social issues like homelessness and poverty. The experiences and opportunities I have had have shaped me into a better person, deeply committed to serving others. I plan to continue this lifelong dedication through my sorority and personal efforts. The West Family Scholarship will enable me to further these goals, allowing me to continue making a positive impact on my community. Thank you for your consideration. Through tutoring and mentoring, I strive to impart important life lessons to my students, and in return, I learn just as much from them. These experiences have not only enriched my life but have also solidified my resolve to address social issues and help create a more equitable society.

Growing up, I struggled to find my own identity and voice. Being an identical triplet has its perks, but it also has its trials and tribulations. From the time I was in a diaper until I was twelve, I was dressed exactly the same as my sisters. This lack of individuality stifled my creative side and hindered my ability to build a unique sense of self. Throughout high school, I was constantly compared to my sisters and their achievements. Being referred to as “triplet” or “Ms. Jones” was common because no one took the time to truly get to know me as Brooke. I longed for a fresh start and knew that college would provide the perfect opportunity. Fortunately, I found exactly what I was looking for. Most parents send one child off to college, but my parents had the unique experience of sending three at the same time. While attending college with my sisters has been a blessing, it can also be financially challenging, especially when it comes to college expenses. As a result, I have taken the initiative to apply for scholarships to help contribute towards my education. Currently, I am pursuing a bachelor's degree in public relations with a minor in marketing at the University of Cincinnati. My goal is to become a Public Relations Manager, bringing innovation, creativity, and diverse perspectives to the field. Participating in new extracurricular activities allowed me to discover my career path. Feeling deprived of a creative outlet during my childhood, I chose to pursue public relations. Companies often struggle to stand out and differentiate themselves from others, and as someone who has had to find ways to be unique despite similarities with my sisters, I feel confident in my ability to offer innovative ideas. In my future, I envision a life filled with happiness, joy, and exploration. My ultimate goal is to see the world and absorb all it has to offer. Immersing myself in diverse cultures will foster personal growth and learning from others. Additionally, I aspire to establish a scholarship fund to support deserving students in their pursuit of education. This drive to give back to my community motivated me to attend college and receive an education. Through higher education, new opportunities will arise for me to professionally pursue a career in public relations. This scholarship holds great significance in helping me achieve both my academic and life goals. Beyond academics, I enjoy being a Bearcat Buddies tutor, Transitions mentor, and Turner scholar mentor in my community. Through these roles, I have built relationships and cultivated growth in the students I tutor and mentor, while also gaining valuable knowledge from them. The people I surround myself with on campus and the activities I am involved in have helped me shape into the woman I aspire to be. Being an identical triplet is not my complete identity; it was simply the origin story to the creative, aspiring individual I am today. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I had no idea what depression was until I experienced it for the first time during my junior year of high school, shortly after my Nana passed away in July 2020. Her death was the first loss that truly impacted my day-to-day life. Initially, I struggled to get out of bed and needed extensions for assignments because I couldn’t concentrate, constantly replaying my Nana’s funeral and my mom’s cries in my mind. I thought this feeling was just grief and that I would get over it soon, but I was wrong. During this time, I lost my connection with God, stopped reading my Bible daily, and neglected to infuse my days with scripture. My depression resurfaced during my senior year, and I assumed it was just the “sad feeling” returning because I hadn’t finished grieving. I realized something was seriously wrong when I started having thoughts of not wanting to live anymore. These thoughts terrified me, as I had never felt such emptiness. Although I knew I loved my life and had everything I needed—family, friends, and school—I began to question whether that was truly enough. My sister shared a quote with me that changed my perspective: “Don’t make a permanent decision for a temporary situation that will pass.” This quote has stuck with me ever since. Throughout my mental health journey, I kept my mom informed because she was worried after I confessed my thoughts of taking my own life. She encouraged me to enroll in therapy, and I did. I was anxious about starting therapy because I believed the false narrative that therapy was only for “crazy” people. This stigma is prevalent in the Black community, making it harder for Black people to seek mental health treatment, as they are often told to just “get over it.” Working with my therapist made managing my depression much easier. I learned what triggered my depression, when it was at its worst, and how to prevent it from becoming as severe as it once was. Months later, I began to feel like myself again, strengthening my relationship with God, my family, and myself. This experience allowed me to understand myself better than ever before. Two years later, I still talk to my therapist, even when I am not experiencing depression. We discuss various aspects of my life, good and bad, and she continues to encourage and uplift me. My mental health journey has transformed me for the better. I now openly discuss mental health issues with peers and family, unembarrassed by the stigma the world often attaches to these conversations. This journey has shaped my goals, deepened my relationships, and broadened my understanding of the world, and the little things life has to offer which continues to motivate me to support and advocate for mental health awareness.

Since I was 14 years old, I have felt a deep-seated urge to give back to my community. My Catholic high school instilled in me the motto "Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam," meaning "For the greater glory of God." Each year, students were required to complete a certain number of community service hours to advance to the next grade. Initially, I didn’t understand the value of this requirement and viewed it as a waste of time. That changed when I participated in an eye-opening experience called Labre. Labre, an after-school activity, allowed students and staff to feed and interact with homeless individuals in our community. Hearing their stories moved me emotionally and spiritually, and I realized the importance of appreciating life's small blessings. I saw families sleeping in tents, on train tracks, and in abandoned homes, which sparked a desire in me to make a difference. I continued to participate in Labre weekly until I graduated. Now, at 20 years old, I fully understand the importance of giving back. As a college student, I volunteer as a Bearcat Buddies tutor, Transitions mentor, and Turner Scholar mentor. These roles provide me with the opportunity to build relationships and nurture growth in the students I tutor and mentor. I've learned as much from them as they have from me. Working with these students has deepened my empathy and broadened my perspective, reinforcing my commitment to community service. In the spring of my sophomore year, I was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, whose motto is "Service to all mankind." Our chapter engages in numerous service opportunities each month, either independently or with our local graduate chapter. These experiences have been invaluable in shaping me into a better person. Through our sorority’s initiatives, I have been involved in various projects, from organizing food drives to mentoring young girls, each contributing to the welfare of our community. Looking ahead, I plan to positively impact the world by continuing my commitment to community service through my lifelong membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Our motto drives us to prioritize serving our community and making a difference. I am dedicated to continuing this work throughout my life, both through my sorority and my personal dedication to community service. My love for giving back to community started with Labre in high school, this experience has deeply influenced my understanding of the importance of community service. In addition, my experiences in college have inspired me to make a lasting impact by helping those in need and fostering a sense of community and compassion. The Priscilla Shireen Luke Scholarship will support my efforts to continue giving back and achieving these goals, enabling me to further my education and expand my ability to serve others. Thank you for your consideration.

The two grandparents who loved me most passed away due to smoking. My Papa, my dad’s father, passed away when I was four from lung cancer. Presently, I don’t have many memories of him. Although my dad often tells me stories of how much he loved me, deep down I know I would feel that love differently if he were here today. My Nana, Linda, my mom’s mother, passed away when I was sixteen. My mom tells me stories of how my Nana struggled with smoking because that was her normal; it was something she grew up with. My mom said she would have a cigarette with her morning coffee daily. Even when my Nana would take my mom to school, she would smoke. She developed COPD shortly after my sisters and I were born, when she decided to quit smoking. Growing up, I was always curious about why my Nana had to carry around an oxygen tank everywhere she went and have breathing tubes in her nose. She would always tell me it was because she smoked, and for me to never do it when I got older unless I wanted to end up like her. Four years after her passing, it hits me every so often that she will be missing every future milestone in my life. She didn’t get to see me graduate from high school, she won’t be there when I graduate from college, and she won’t be there when I get married. Nor will she be there when I decide to have children or for any other milestone I reach in my life. I sometimes find myself being jealous of people who say they’re going to their grandparent's house for holidays or any other celebration. Or when I see girls my age getting coffee or lunch with their grandma. It’s envy and pain because I wish so badly that was me. As sad as this may seem, this situation has taught me how to love unconditionally because life is not guaranteed to anyone. This also has taught me to prioritize not only my physical health but my mental health as well, especially as a Black woman. With my future degree in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing, I plan to leverage my higher education to enhance the care, coordination, and communication efforts that can positively impact African American women affected by this issue. My academic background will equip me with the skills needed to develop effective campaigns, foster community engagement, and advocate for better healthcare policies. By utilizing strategic communication and marketing techniques, I aim to raise awareness, educate the public, and drive systemic changes that will ultimately improve outcomes for African American women facing these challenges. In my future, I envision a life filled with happiness, joy, and exploration. My ultimate goal is to see the world and absorb all it has to offer. Immersing myself in diverse cultures allows for personal growth and learning from others. Along with this, my aspirations include establishing a scholarship fund to support deserving students in their pursuit of education. This drive to give back to my community led me to attend college and receive an education. From a young age, my parents instilled within me the value of knowledge as a priceless asset that cannot be taken away. Through pursuing higher education, new opportunities will arise for me to professionally pursue a career in public relations. The Linda Hicks Memorial Scholarship holds great significance in helping me achieve both academic and life goals. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Growing up as an identical triplet provided a unique backdrop to my childhood, presenting both special advantages and challenges. From infancy until age twelve, my sisters and I dressed identically. This uniformity, charming to onlookers, stifled my individual expression and delayed my personal identity development. In high school, we were often collectively referred to as "the triplets" or just "Ms. Jones," obscuring our individual personalities. Our achievements and setbacks were viewed as a group, rather than individual experiences. This overlapping identity made it difficult to carve out a space that was distinctly mine. However, college represented a fresh start and a chance to redefine myself. I chose the University of Cincinnati for its diverse offerings and the autonomy it provided. Here, I pursued a bachelor's degree in public relations with a minor in marketing, drawn to the field’s creativity and strategic thinking. The need to increase ethnic minority presence in advertising, marketing, and public relations is crucial. These fields thrive on diverse and inclusive campaigns that resonate with a broader audience. Incorporating varied perspectives allows companies to create culturally sensitive, authentic messages that connect with diverse communities. This not only enhances business outcomes by fostering innovative ideas and strategies tailored to various demographic groups but also combats stereotypes and promotes equality by giving underrepresented individuals opportunities to influence mainstream media narratives. College life introduced new challenges, especially the financial burden of tuition for three students simultaneously. To alleviate this strain, I proactively apply for scholarships, actively contributing to our educational expenses. This responsibility reflects my dedication to my education and future career aspirations. Choosing public relations, I was attracted to the challenge of helping companies differentiate themselves in saturated markets—a challenge paralleling my experiences of distinguishing myself from my sisters. My unique perspective, shaped by years of subtly asserting my individuality, now fuels my passion for helping brands stand out. Beyond professional success, I aspire to a life filled with happiness, joy, and global exploration. I aim to travel the world, absorbing diverse cultures, and enhancing my personal and professional growth. Additionally, I plan to establish a scholarship fund to support deserving students, inspired by the profound impact education has had on my life. This commitment to education and community service was instilled by my parents, who revered knowledge as a priceless asset. At the University of Cincinnati, I've immersed myself in activities aligning with my career goals, including joining the Public Relations Student Society of America to enhance my social media and marketing skills. I also serve as a mentor and tutor through several campus organizations, allowing me to positively impact others while continuing to learn and grow. These experiences have been instrumental in shaping the woman I am today, helping me step out from the shadows of being a triplet into the light of my unique individuality. My journey from a shared identity to a distinct voice in public relations is ongoing and fulfilling. In conclusion, this scholarship represents not just financial aid, but an opportunity to advance my aspirations, contribute to my field, and give back. Being an identical triplet is part of who I am, but it's just the beginning of my story—a story of individuality, resilience, and ambition. Thank you for considering my application and supporting my journey.

Growing up, finding my own identity amidst being an identical triplet was quite a journey. From the time I can remember, my sisters and I were dressed alike, making it challenging for me to express my unique self. In high school, I often felt overshadowed by my sisters' achievements and was labeled simply as "the triplet." College became my beacon of hope for a fresh start, but with three of us attending simultaneously, financial strains were inevitable. However, through scholarships and hard work, I am now pursuing my dream of studying public relations with a minor in marketing at the University of Cincinnati. Participating in various extracurricular activities helped me carve my career path. Public relations emerged as my calling, allowing me to leverage my creativity while offering fresh perspectives to the field. My ultimate goal is to become a Public Relations Manager, infusing innovation and diversity into every project I undertake.Looking ahead, I envision a life filled with exploration and giving back to my community. Immersing myself in diverse cultures fosters personal growth, and I'm passionate about establishing a scholarship fund to support deserving students—an aspiration instilled by my parents who valued education as a priceless asset. I actively contribute to my family through being deeply involved in my family's well-being, whether through chores, emotional support, or practical solutions during tough times. Strengthening our bonds is my priority. Through community by volunteering my time to mentor and tutor others. One way I do this is through the Bearcat Buddies program, where I spend time helping kindergarteners with their schoolwork. It brings me joy to see their faces light up when they finally understand a concept we have been working on together. Additionally, I am a mentor for two different programs within my community - the Turner Scholars Program and the BASE Transitions Program. In these roles, I provide guidance and support to students as they navigate their academic and personal journeys. By sharing my own experiences and knowledge with them, I hope to inspire them to achieve their goals and reach their full potential in life. Through these activities, I strive to make a positive impact on those around me while also fostering a sense of unity within my community. Joining organizations like the Public Relations Student Society of America and serving as a social media manager for the Council of Cultural Leaders have been pivotal in my journey. I aspire to be a voice for black women in public relations, using my platform to advocate for representation and inclusion. These experiences not only enrich my life but also contribute to my personal growth. Surrounding myself with like-minded individuals on campus has allowed me to shape into the woman I aspire to be—a woman with a unique voice and perspective. While being an identical triplet is part of my story, it doesn't define me entirely. It's merely the beginning of my journey towards becoming the creative and aspiring individual I am today. Thank you for considering my application.

Being a young black woman at a predominately white institution is no easy task. It takes courage, strength, and honor to be surrounded by individuals who do not understand you, nor do they want to. Growing up, I was surrounded by diverse groups of people of many different cultures and ethnicities. I grew up loving and seeking diversity. So when I attended a private Catholic high school with a minute sum of people who looked like me, or any other people of color in general it was a shock to me. Since attending high school, I have experienced depression, stress, and insecurity due to the color of my skin. White students have gotten away with saying the “n” word to other black students with zero repercussions. The diversity club at my school hosted a black history month assembly and received horrible feedback from the white student body. We were told to “leave if we did not like it here.” I have never felt more unseen in my entire life, than the four years I spent at my high school. As it relates to the romance department in my personal life, I haven’t been asked on a single date, let alone to a high school dance by any of the guys from my school. And when I try to discuss it with some of my girlfriends that are white, they just respond with “Oh it’s ok girl, I don’t have a date either.” But what they fail to realize is, they don’t have a date by choice, I don’t have a date due to the environment I’m placed in, and how the individuals in this environment perceive me. As a result, for the longest time, I deemed myself as unattractive. I didn’t love myself for who God created me to be. Discovering who I am and what I stand for these past four years has been quite a struggle. To be frank, I am still figuring that out. There are times when I wish that I could go back to being a child. A time of innocence and carefreeness that has never felt so far out of reach. Where no one cared about what your race was, how much money your family had, or even what you packed for lunch. I wish that everyone had the love and open-mindedness that children have, instead of the hate and division politics and social justice issues have created today. The experiences that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of myself are through watching classic black films. To some that might sound cliche, but it is the honest truth. Some of Hollywood’s most iconic films such as “Bring It On”, “The Color Purple”, and “Harriet” have made me acknowledge the beauty, history, and strength that comes along with being black. Film watching has become one of my favorite hobbies. Not only has this hobby expanded my love for black film, but it has also expanded my love for my culture, community, and history. Over time, I had to learn to accept myself for being a black woman, to understand that I am special, I have a voice that matters, and I deserve to be loved by someone who sees me for all that I am. Dear black women, Embrace your strength amidst societal pressures. Your resilience, wisdom, and beauty are unmatched. Despite systemic oppression, your voice matters. Stand tall, knowing you have the power to overcome obstacles. Let self-love be your armor, inspiring others with your grace and perseverance. The world needs more strong black women like you. Keep shining brightly.

Growing up as one of an identical triplet presented unique challenges in developing my own identity and voice. Throughout my formative years, I found myself constantly dressed in identical attire with my sisters, which hindered my ability to explore and express my individuality. This lack of distinction followed me into high school, where I often felt overshadowed by constant comparisons to my siblings, leaving me feeling unseen and misunderstood. However, the prospect of college provided me with an opportunity for a fresh start, where I could finally carve out my own path.While most parents send one child off to college, my parents had the remarkable experience of sending three simultaneously. Despite the financial strain, I took the initiative to apply for scholarships and contribute to my education alongside my parents. Currently, I am pursuing a bachelor's degree in public relations with a minor in marketing at the University of Cincinnati, with aspirations of becoming a Public Relations Manager. Through my academic pursuits and involvement in extracurricular activities, I discovered my passion for PR, drawn to its emphasis on creativity and innovation.Looking towards the future, I envision a life filled with exploration and giving back to my community. Immersing myself in diverse cultures fuels my personal growth, and I aspire to establish a scholarship fund to support deserving students, reflecting the values instilled by my parents. The CATALYSTS scholarship holds significant importance in helping me achieve both my academic and life goals. In addition to my academic endeavors, I am actively engaged in environmental activism, focusing on combating littering and climate change. Through participation in local clean-up initiatives and advocacy work, I strive to reduce pollution and inspire others to join the cause. Every decision I make is guided by my commitment to preserving the Earth for future generations, fostering a cleaner and more sustainable world for all.Beyond academics and activism, I am deeply involved in community service as a Clean-Up Cincy lead volunteer, Bearcat Buddies tutor, Transitions mentor, and Turner scholar mentor. These experiences not only allow me to build relationships but also facilitate mutual learning and growth. Surrounded by supportive peers and engaged in meaningful activities, I am beginning to shape into the woman I aspire to be.While being an identical triplet shaped my upbringing, it does not define my entire identity. Instead, it serves as the foundation for the creative and ambitious individual I am today. Thank you for your time and consideration.

What makes me proud to be an American is the diversity and unity that exists within our country. The melting pot of cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds that come together to form a unique tapestry of people is truly inspiring. The resilience and spirit of Americans in times of adversity also make me proud - whether it's coming together after a natural disaster or standing up for what they believe in through peaceful protests. One change I would like to see in our country is greater access to affordable healthcare for all citizens. It saddens me to see so many individuals struggling with medical bills or unable to receive necessary treatment due to financial constraints. Healthcare should be a basic human right, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. The United States prides itself on being a nation that values inclusivity. Throughout its history, the country has dedicated itself to broadening the scope of rights and opportunities for all individuals. This journey towards equality can be seen in significant moments such as the abolition of slavery, the civil rights movement, and ongoing efforts for fairness. The evolution of American identity showcases a continuous determination to create a more perfect union where every citizen is given equal treatment and respect. I believe that implementing universal healthcare coverage would greatly improve the quality of life for countless Americans.To effect this change, I plan on getting involved in political advocacy efforts aimed at pushing for comprehensive healthcare reform. This includes educating others about the importance of accessible healthcare, reaching out to lawmakers to voice my concerns, and participating in grassroots movements advocating for change. By raising awareness and mobilizing support from fellow citizens, we can pressure policymakers into taking action towards providing universal healthcare coverage nationwide. In addition, I will also support organizations that provide free or low-cost medical services to underserved communities as a way of addressing immediate needs while working towards long-term systemic changes. By volunteering my time and resources towards these initiatives, I hope to contribute towards improving access to healthcare for all Americans regardless of their socio-economic position. In final consideration, feeling a sense of pride in one's American identity extends beyond simply displaying the flag; it involves acknowledging the distinct characteristics that shape the country. From the origins of the Declaration of Independence to modern times, America has continuously evolved and advanced. The lasting spirit of liberty, strength in overcoming obstacles, appreciation for diversity, dedication to inclusivity, and unwavering pursuit of progress all contribute to the enduring pride associated with being an American, regardless of era or situation.

Growing up, I struggled to find my own identity and voice. Being an identical triplet has its perks, but it also has its trials and tribulations. From the time I was in a diaper, to the age of twelve I was dressed exactly the same as my sisters. As a child, this prevented me from tapping into my creative side to build my own sense of self. In high school, constantly being compared to my sisters and their personal achievements, being referred to as “triplet” or “Ms. Jones” because no one ever took the time to truly get to know me as Brooke. I knew going to college was going to be my chance for a fresh start. Luckily for me, I found exactly what I was looking for. While most parents have the opportunity to send one child off to college, my parents have a unique experience of sending three children at the same time. Although attending college with my sisters has been a blessing, it can also be financially challenging, especially when it comes to college expenses. As a result, I have taken the initiative to apply for scholarships and contribute towards my education alongside my parents. Currently, I am pursuing a bachelor's degree in public relations with a minor in marketing at the University of Cincinnati. My goal is to become a Public Relations Manager, bringing innovation, creativity, and diverse perspectives to different ideas in the field. By participating in new extracurricular activities, I was able to figure out my career path. With a lack of creative outlet, I chose to pursue public relations. Companies often struggle with standing out and differentiating themselves from others. As someone who has had to find ways to be unique despite similarities with my sisters, I feel confident in my ability to offer innovative ideas. In my future, I envision a life filled with happiness, joy, and exploration. My ultimate goal is to see the world and absorb all it has to offer. Immersing myself in diverse cultures allows for personal growth and learning from others. Along with this, my aspirations include establishing a scholarship fund to support deserving students in their pursuit of education. This drive to give back to my community led me to attend college and receive an education. Through pursuing higher education, new opportunities will arise for me to professionally pursue a career in public relations. The Inflow Marketing scholarship holds great significance in helping me achieve both academic and life goals. I chose public relations as my field of study because it allows me to utilize my creativity while working collaboratively with like-minded individuals. To reach this point, I have actively taken steps such as joining the Public Relations Student Society of America at my university and taking on the role of social media and marketing manager for the organization Council of Cultural Leaders. My personal journey towards becoming a content creator is also underway as I strive towards my career goals. Besides academics, I enjoy being a Bearcat Buddies tutor, Transitions mentor, and Turner mentor in my community. In addition to building relationships and cultivating seeds with the students I tutor and mentor, I feel that I have also gained a great deal of knowledge from them through these involvements. Through the people I surround myself with on campus, and the activities I am involved in, I finally feel like I am starting to shape into the woman I aspire to be. Being an identical triplet is not my complete identity. It was simply the origin story to the creative, aspiring individual I am today.

Ever since I was a child, I have had this burning desire to help others and make a positive impact on the world. I always knew that I wanted to pursue some sort of career in the medical field. Workers in the medical field are society’s everyday heroes, which prompted my decision to continue my education as a Nursing major. I desire to attend college because my parents always told me growing up, “having the college experience is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” Not only in a networking aspect, but in an educational aspect as well. Witnessing the success that advanced college degrees have brought my parents, I desire to have that level of success as well. I plan to make a positive impact using my education by ensuring security for the black community once I become a nurse. It has been statistically proven, that black women are not provided with the same security and respect that white women are when it comes down to medical treatment at hospitals. I intend to use my skills and presence as a safeguard. There is no greater joy than being treated by someone who looks like you. There is a feeling of protection that comes along with this experience. It’s a feeling that you are in safe hands. I was personally able to experience this. Two years ago, at the start of the pandemic, I became ill and was admitted to the hospital for about two weeks. All of the nurses that took care of me were white. To my surprise, my doctor was not. Although she was not black, she was a Middle Eastern woman that proudly wore her hijab. I remember seeing her for the first time, and I was in utter disbelief. Given that I live in Ohio, it is extremely rare that I see and or have a doctor that is not white. Although she was not black, I still felt safe being in her care. Simply seeing a woman of color in a position of leadership was a delight for me. In addition to her professionalism, each day when I was treated, she informed me of what medications she was giving me, and why she was giving them to me. I tend to ask questions when I am being medically treated solely out of curiosity, and due to my career of interest. Being able to have this positive experience pushed me to love the medical field even more than I already do. One day, I desire to make a patient feel as comfortable as she made me.

I stayed optimistic throughout my high school career. Currently, I am a high school senior at a college preparatory high school that earned straight A’s this past quarter. If someone were to tell me three years ago that I have straight A’s at a college preparatory high school, I would not believe them. Coming from a public middle school, the school curriculum was too easy for me. I could pass tests with minimum effort and barely struggled with my work. My transition to high school is where it all went wrong. I thought high school was going to be easy, but I soon found out I was very wrong. Ending my freshman year, I had B’s and C’s. I would constantly compare myself to my friends that were in AP or honors classes. I attended a college-prep high school, and somehow I still felt dumb or not deserving to be there. After my freshman year, I was determined to do better for myself so I did. Despite my rough first year in high school, I stayed optimistic and pushed myself for the next two years. I put more hours into studying and preparing for exams. I also put more use in my study halls rather than talking to my friends during that time like I did my freshman year. Seeing the improvement in my grades and GPA, that tough time of not academically valuing myself taught me that having discipline, determination, and optimism is the key to success. Not just academically, but in any endeavors.

Maneuvering a white world is never easy, especially as racial tensions are continuously on the rise, and people constantly judge you before you even get the chance to utter a word. I moreover get to see the negative side of the spectrum as it relates to social justice since I currently attend a predominately white conservative Catholic school. Over the past four years, I have experienced more racism and micro-aggressions between those four walls than in the open world. I’ve been asked, “Is your hair real?” More times than I can count, because for whatever reason it is deemed impossible for a black woman to have waist-length hair when it is straightened. During my sophomore year of high school, the diversity club at my school hosted a Black History Month assembly and it received terrible feedback from the white student body. We were told to “leave if we did not like it here,” I felt horrible hearing that. It almost sounded like a line from one of those films that took place during the Jim Crow days. Although these were horrible situations to endure and I have many more that I could discuss, these helped shape who I am today and at the end of the day, gave me tough skin. Within the last few years, the social justice movement has impacted my community positively through making more individuals aware, prompting consequences for law enforcement, making my community stronger, and black-owned businesses have boomed. Before the social justice movement, many people were uneducated or just simply had ignorance as it relates to the topic of police brutality and black injustice. After the Black Lives Matter movement, there are many people whose perspectives have broadened and now they see the error of law enforcement as it relates to how they handle encountering and arresting black people. In addition to broadened perspectives, compared to a few years ago many officers have been fired due to their bigotry and bias toward African-Americans being displayed on the job while making arrests. Witnessing this course of change is rewarding to the black community due to the hundreds of lives that have been lost over the years at the hands of law enforcement. Another positive impact the social justice movement has made on my community is through building our strength. From the start of slavery to the Jim Crow laws, to now police brutality and mass incarceration, my community had endured a great deal of pain watching the brothers and sisters of our community be shot and killed by police officers like a man hunting his prey. And as a result, I believe these instances have brought us together as a community to build our strength. In the worst way possible, our community has gained thick skin from a reoccurring trauma we suffer together. Lastly, I believe the social justice movement has made a positive impact on my community through booming business. Since the start of the movement, many black-owned businesses have gained a great deal of publicity and sales. Many black-owned businesses rarely got the attention and revenue they deserved before the movement. This sort of positive publicity has allowed many black-owned companies to reach their full potential.

Being a young black woman at a predominately white institution is no easy task. It takes courage, strength, and honor to be surrounded by individuals who do not understand you, nor do they want to. Growing up, I was surrounded by diverse groups of people of many different cultures and ethnicities. I grew up loving and seeking diversity. So when I attended a private Catholic high school with a minute sum of people who looked like me, or any other people of color in general it was a shock to me. Since attending high school, I have experienced depression, stress, and insecurity due to the color of my skin. White students have gotten away with saying the “n” word to other black students with zero repercussions. The diversity club at my school hosted a black history month assembly and received horrible feedback from the white student body. We were told to “leave if we did not like it here.” I have never felt more unseen in my entire life, than the four years I spent at my high school. As it relates to the romance department in my personal life, I haven’t been asked on a single date, let alone to a high school dance by any of the guys from my school. And when I try to discuss it with some of my girlfriends that are white, they just respond with “Oh it’s ok girl, I don’t have a date either.” But what they fail to realize is, they don’t have a date by choice, I don’t have a date due to the environment I’m placed in, and how the individuals in this environment perceive me. As a result, for the longest time, I deemed myself as unattractive. I didn’t love myself for who God created me to be. Discovering who I am and what I stand for these past four years has been quite a struggle. To be frank, I am still figuring that out. There are times when I wish that I could go back to being a child. A time of innocence and carefreeness that has never felt so far out of reach. Where no one cared about what your race was, how much money your family had, or even what you packed for lunch. I wish that everyone had the love and open-mindedness that children have, instead of the hate and division politics and social justice issues have created today. The experiences that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of myself are through watching old black films. To some that might sound cliche, but it is the honest truth. Some of Hollywood’s most iconic films such as “Bring It On”, “The Color Purple”, and “Harriet” have made me acknowledge the beauty, history, and strength that comes along with being black. Film watching has become one of my favorite hobbies that I developed over quarantine. Not only has this hobby expanded my love for black film, but it has also expanded my love for my culture, community, and history. I also placed myself in extracurricular activities a school with others that are similar to me physically, and in the aspect of beliefs and daily struggles. I did this through joining clubs that catered to people who were like me, a young person of color maneuvering a white world. Over time, I also had to learn to accept myself for being a black woman, to understand that I am special, I have a voice that matters, and I deserve to be loved by someone who sees me for all that I am.

I think the best way to live a long, healthy life is by putting yourself first. To some, this statement may sound selfish. But to me, this is the perfect answer to this question. Many individuals will become stressed and fall into depression because they are not taking care of their mental and physical health. I believe in doing things that make you feel good, important, and heard. Whether that be through journaling, mediation, taking a bath, or reading the Bible. Taking the time to slow down and acknowledge what your brain needs is the perfect way to maintain mental health. I believe if your brain is not right, your body is not right. The key to starting a healthy physical life is beginning with a healthy mental state. Physical exercise is another great way to live a long healthy life. Getting yourself into a routine of exercise is effective for clearing the mind. Physical exercise can be through walking, running, yoga, swimming, or even cycling! The possibilities are endless as long as you are getting your body moving. taking care of yourself before anyone or anything else is essential to living a long healthy life.