Graduating Early: A Journey of Initiative and Inspiration It all started during an afternoon in the school annex. I sat there with a laptop open, headphones in, and a plan forming in my mind. That was the day I decided I wasn’t going to wait for life to happen—I was going to chase it. I had always been driven. Maybe it was growing up in a family where ambition was the norm, or maybe it was just my own inner fire, but the thought of settling for "just enough" never sat right with me. It hit me then: if I planned everything carefully, I could graduate high school a whole semester early. The idea thrilled me. It wasn't just about finishing school faster, it was about having a head start on everything that mattered to me: college, my career in marketing, my personal development. I envisioned myself walking across the graduation stage early, knowing I had created that opportunity for myself. But turning that vision into reality wasn’t easy. First, I met with my school counselor. I had a list of questions; he raised an eyebrow at my preparation and smiled. “It’s going to take a lot of work,” he warned. “You’ll have to commit to summer school, online courses, and possibly even night classes.” “I’m ready,” I told him. And I was. That summer of 2024, while my friends were posting beach selfies and hanging out at parties, I was taking classes online. My days were filled with study guides, video lectures, and papers. It wasn’t glamorous, and there were plenty of days I wanted to quit. But I reminded myself constantly: this is temporary. The future I'm building will last a lifetime. It was around this time that I started talking to my best friend Christy about everything I was doing. “I just don’t want to wait around anymore,” I said. “I want to start working toward something real. I want to study marketing, maybe even start building my own brand while I’m in college. Graduating early is just the first step.” There was a pause at the other end. “I’ve been feeling the same way,” Christy said quietly. “I just never thought it was possible.” That’s when everything shifted. I started sending her links to the online school, helped her talk to her counselor, and we made a Google Sheet to track our credits and graduation requirements. It wasn’t long before she had her own plan to graduate early too. Watching her go from unsure to unstoppable was one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. We became each other’s accountability partners. Christy would call me when she was overwhelmed, and I’d remind her why we started. When I had days when I doubted myself, she reminded me how far we’d come. People started to notice. Teachers, friends, even our parents, everyone could see our determination. But what really stood out to me was how many of our classmates started asking questions. “Wait, how are you graduating early?” “Can you help me figure out how to do it too?” For the first time, I realized that initiative isn’t just about getting ahead, it’s about creating a path others can follow. Now, as we prepare to walk across the stage together, both of us graduating early, it doesn’t even feel real sometimes. We went from dreaming to doing. We turned late-night calls into action plans. We turned summer courses into steppingstones. And this is just the beginning. In the fall, I’ll be starting my Bachelor’s degree in marketing at Coppin State University. I’m excited not just for the classes and the campus life, but for the chance to grow as a person and a professional. I already have a list of internships I want to apply for, marketing books I want to read, and ideas for building my personal brand. Graduating early isn’t just about finishing something—it’s about starting something sooner. It’s about seeing opportunities where others see obstacles. More than anything, it taught me that initiative can be contagious. I took a chance on myself, and in doing so, inspired someone I care about to do the same. Now, when I look back at that moment, I realize how one small decision can create a ripple effect. I didn’t just change my timeline—I helped shape someone else’s. And that, to me, is what success is about.

Empowerment, to me, means having the confidence, knowledge, and support to overcome challenges and achieve my goals. As a young African American teenager raised by a single mother who is a military veteran, empowerment has played a crucial role in shaping my identity, aspirations, and determination to succeed. It is the driving force that pushes me to strive for greatness despite the obstacles I may face. Empowerment is not just about self-confidence; it is about recognizing my worth, embracing my heritage, and using my experiences to create a better future for myself and those around me. My mother’s journey has been a source of empowerment for me. Her resilience, discipline, and unwavering determination have shown me that strength comes from within. As a military veteran, she faced numerous challenges but never allowed them to define her. Instead, she used her experiences to build a better life for us. Watching her work tirelessly, pursue her education, and create opportunities for our family has taught me that hard work and perseverance can break down barriers. Her sacrifices have empowered me to dream big and pursue my goals with the same tenacity that she has always displayed. Empowerment affects my life in many ways. It gives me the confidence to take on leadership roles, to advocate for myself and others, and to challenge the stereotypes that society may place on me as a young African American. It has taught me to embrace my identity and heritage with pride, recognizing the rich history of strength and resilience that runs through my blood. Attending an HBCU is a significant step in my journey because it allows me to be surrounded by a community that uplifts and empowers students like me. Being in an environment that celebrates Black excellence further fuels my motivation to succeed. As the first in my generation to attend college on campus, I understand that my success is not just for me but for my family and future generations. Empowerment means breaking generational barriers and creating new opportunities for those who come after me. It means using my education, experiences, and knowledge to uplift others, just as my mother has done for me. I want to be a role model for my younger relatives and show them that they, too, can achieve their dreams despite any challenges they may face. Empowerment also instills in me a sense of responsibility to give back to my community. I want to use my education and experiences to advocate for change, support initiatives that uplift marginalized communities, and inspire others to pursue their passions. My mother’s military service has taught me the value of discipline and service, and I intend to carry that lesson forward by making a positive impact on the world around me. In conclusion, empowerment is the foundation of my strength, confidence, and ambition. It has shaped me into the person I am today and will continue to guide me as I navigate my journey. Through the lessons I have learned from my mother, my education, and my community, I am empowered to break barriers, achieve greatness, and inspire others to do the same. This is only the beginning, and I am ready to embrace my future with confidence and purpose.

Growing up as an African American teenager raised by a single mother who is also a military veteran, I have witnessed firsthand the true meaning of perseverance, sacrifice, and resilience. My mother’s journey has been a constant source of motivation for me, shaping my outlook on life and my determination to succeed. She worked tirelessly, balancing her responsibilities as a parent while also pursuing her education. Despite the hardships, she graduated, proving to me that success is possible through hard work and dedication. Now, as I prepare to embark on my own educational journey, I am proud to be the first in my generation to attend college on campus and to do so at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). This opportunity is not just for me—it is for my mother, my family, and the future generations who will follow in my footsteps. From a young age, I understood that my mother’s sacrifices were not just for her own advancement, but for mine as well. The long nights of studying after working a full-time job, the early mornings ensuring that I had everything I needed for school, and the unwavering belief in my potential—all of these moments have fueled my ambition. She instilled in me the importance of education as a tool for breaking generational cycles and creating new opportunities. Watching her walk across the stage to receive her degree was one of the most defining moments of my life. It reinforced my belief that no obstacle is too great to overcome. Attending an HBCU is particularly meaningful to me. HBCUs have a rich history of fostering Black excellence, providing a supportive community, and preparing students to become leaders in their respective fields. I am eager to immerse myself in an environment where I can learn from professors who understand my background and peers who share my cultural experiences. Being on campus will allow me to build relationships, network with like-minded individuals, and gain experiences that will shape my future. I know that my time at an HBCU will be transformative, equipping me with the knowledge and skills to make a lasting impact on my community. As the first in my generation to attend college on campus, I feel a profound sense of responsibility. This is not just about earning a degree; it is about setting a precedent for those who come after me. I want to show my younger relatives that higher education is attainable and that our dreams are worth pursuing. My mother’s hard work has given me the foundation, but it is my turn to build upon it. I am ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead, knowing that my success will be a testament to my mother’s sacrifices and the resilience that she has instilled in me. This journey is not just mine—it is ours. My mother’s determination has shaped me into the person I am today, and I am committed to making her proud. By earning my degree at an HBCU, I will not only honor her legacy but also forge a path for future generations. This is only the beginning, and I am ready to make a difference.

Growing up as an African American teenager raised by a single mother, I have witnessed firsthand the power of perseverance. My mother, a military veteran, has always been my greatest role model. Watching her balance the demands of service, family, and education instilled in me a relentless work ethic and an unshakable belief in the power of education. Despite the challenges she faced, she never allowed obstacles to define her. Instead, she fought through adversity, earning her degree so that she could provide a better life for my siblings and me. Her journey has been my greatest motivation. I saw the late nights she spent studying after long days at work. I felt the sacrifices she made to ensure that we had the resources we needed to succeed. And most importantly, I understood the legacy she was building—not just for herself, but for me. She showed me that education is the key to creating change, breaking cycles, and opening doors that were once closed to people like us. As I prepare to attend college, I am not just fulfilling my own dreams; I am honoring the sacrifices my mother made. I will be the first in my generation to attend school on campus, embracing every opportunity to grow, learn, and become a leader in my community. My mother’s journey has taught me that success is not given—it is earned through resilience, dedication, and faith. With her strength as my foundation, I am ready to embark on this next chapter. I will not only earn my degree but also use my education to uplift others, just as my mother did for me. Her sacrifices will not be in vain—I will make a difference, just as she has.

Within the past few years of high school, there have been issues regarding cultural pride at my school. During my freshman year of high school, the club I was in, the African American Culture Club, performed at our school's annual Multi-Cultural Day. Multi-Cultural Day is an event where each grade looks at cultural clubs representing their culture with a 10-minute musical performance. The school puts out a Google form for students to vote for the clubs they believe deserve first, second, and third place. African American Culture Club's (AACC) performance came in first place freshman year and gracefully accepted the win. However, some white students didn't believe we deserved the win and decided to bash us online for our performance. Some other students also made some disrespectful comments towards our club. Everyone in the AACC, including me, felt disrespected, and because of the conflict, we were not allowed to vote for first, second, and third place in the upcoming year(March 2024). Black students, as well as other culture clubs, felt that we shouldn't stop the tradition of voting because some students felt the need to be disrespectful. Fortunately, the following year, the AACC and some other clubs stated our case on why we should bring the voting back, and this year, we are back to tradition. We are allowed to continue our friendly competition this year(April 2025). I aim to focus on an upcoming issue: our school doesn't let students wear cultural stoles with our graduation caps and gowns. In November 2023, after the news of war in Ukraine and Israel, some Muslim and Jewish kids had conflict with each other and would bring their cultural or religious flags. Bringing the flags along with speaking their native tongue caused tension between the Muslim and Jewish kids. A few altercations broke out around this time, which caused our school to have an alleged bomb threat; the news station came to report it. Our principal decided not to allow students to bring any flag to school due to all the bad press my school had and to avoid further altercations. Everyone was affected, including the AACC. Unfortunately, our old principal's rules prohibited 2024 graduates from wearing cultural stoles with their caps and gowns at graduation. We have a new principal as of the 2024-2025 school year. Therefore, some classmates and I will attempt to bring back cultural flags and stoles for the 2025 graduates.

As a young entrepreneur, I found immense joy in not just making money for myself, but in the happiness it brought to others. Whether it was selling bracelets, slime, or lipgloss, the joy on my customers' faces was priceless. This early experience of bringing joy to others through my ventures was a significant part of my journey. Growing up, I also had a particular interest in houses. I was a military kid, so I moved around several times. I loved looking at houses before we moved. I would persuade my mom of the options, which house I wanted us to live in, and why. It didn't always work out in my favor, but I gave my input. My interest in real estate was not solely influenced by my military background. Every summer after I turned 6, I would visit my grandmother in Florida, and she would always have "My Lottery Dream Home" on. Her love for the show and the time we spent watching it together played a significant role in jumpstarting my liking for houses. Watching the show with her, seeing the joy it brought her, and the happiness David Bromstad brought to the people he sold homes to all contributed to my passion for real estate. From then on, after binge-watching all 17 seasons, my love for real estate grew. As a child, my actions were limited to watching and learning. In recent years, I've binged on multiple real estate shows. "Selling Tampa" was my all-time favorite mainly because it was a black-owned and female-dominated company. Although there was drama because it was a reality show, I was deeply inspired by Sharelle Rosado, the owner of Allure Realty. Her journey from being a military veteran to running a successful real estate company and her ability to give multiple black women with the same passion a job left a lasting impact on me. As a young black female, a big part of my goals for the future is to give back to people. I would contribute this money to my college education. Therefore, the money would help expand the knowledge that I need to achieve my goals. I want to give people homes that don't have any. I want to experience giving people their dream homes. I want to give people the same happiness David and Sharelle were able to give to people. I envision empowering underserved communities and providing education about homeownership and wealth-building through real estate. Beyond selling homes, I aim to establish programs that guide first-time buyers, particularly minorities, in navigating the complex world of real estate. By doing so, I aim to help bridge the wealth gap and inspire others to pursue their dreams.

As a young entrepreneur, I found immense joy in not just making money for myself, but in the happiness it brought to others. Whether it was selling bracelets, slime, or lipgloss, the joy on my customers' faces was priceless. This early experience of bringing joy to others through my ventures was a significant part of my journey. Growing up, I also had a particular interest in houses. I was a military kid, so I moved around several times. I loved looking at houses before we moved. I would persuade my mom of the options, which house I wanted us to live in, and why. It didn't always work out in my favor, but I gave my input. My interest in real estate was not solely influenced by my military background. Every summer after I turned 6, I would visit my grandmother in Florida, and she would always have "My Lottery Dream Home" on. Her love for the show and the time we spent watching it together played a significant role in jumpstarting my liking for houses. Watching the show with her, seeing the joy it brought her, and the happiness David Bromstad brought to the people he sold homes to all contributed to my passion for real estate. From then on, after binge-watching all 17 seasons, my love for real estate grew. As a child, my actions were limited to watching and learning. In recent years, I've binged on multiple real estate shows. "Selling Tampa" was my all-time favorite mainly because it was a black-owned and female-dominated company. Although there was drama because it was a reality show, I was deeply inspired by Sharelle Rosado, the owner of Allure Realty. Her journey from being a military veteran to running a successful real estate company and her ability to give multiple black women with the same passion a job left a lasting impact on me. As a young black female, a big part of my goals for the future is to give back to people. I would contribute this money to my college education. Therefore, the money would help expand the knowledge that I need to achieve my goals. I want to give people homes that don't have any. I want to experience giving people their dream homes. I want to give people the same happiness David and Sharelle were able to give to people. I envision empowering underserved communities and providing education about homeownership and wealth-building through real estate. Beyond selling homes, I aim to establish programs that guide first-time buyers, particularly minorities, in navigating the complex world of real estate. By doing so, I aim to help bridge the wealth gap and inspire others to pursue their dreams.

Growing up in a military family, I became accustomed to change at a young age. My mom's deployments meant I spent my early years moving between different states, staying with my grandma in D.C. or my dad in Florida for months at a time. By the time I turned six, I had settled in Colorado, where, for the first time, I felt a sense of stability. I made friends, enjoyed my time, and called Colorado home during the four years I lived there. However, just as I had grown comfortable, I was uprooted again because the military restationed my mom in New Jersey, and moved back to New Jersey at the start of fifth grade. Adjusting to New Jersey again was not easy. As an introverted girl starting school a month late, I struggled to fit in. The bullying I endured made me feel isolated and insecure. One of the most difficult parts was that the girl I had conflicts with was one of the most popular kids in our grade. Even after fifth grade ended, the bullying continued into sixth by a few girls. By the time COVID-19 hit, I thought I had no one left. Quarantine offered a strange relief, a break from the social pressures and bullying. I had time to reflect and focus on myself. Although when school resumed during eighth grade, I still found myself alone. My mom encouraged me to make new friends, but I did not know how. I followed a group of kids just to avoid isolation, even though they did not really want me around. Insincere friendships and learning who I wanted to be my friends was a tough lesson, but it taught me the importance of leading myself and not relying on others to define my worth. As I entered high school, these lessons became invaluable. Freshman year brought with it a wave of temptations—drugs, parties, academic distractions. I stayed focused on my goals and learned the value of discipline when it came to school. It was not always easy, and I did have a few slip-ups along the way, but each mistake became an opportunity for growth. The friends I have now did not come because I begged for them or tried to fit in; they chose me for my hilarious jokes, morals, loyalty, and honesty. I have even started to influence people around me. I made the decision to graduate a year early from high school. Shortly after I told my best friend about my goals she also chose to graduate early. An underclassman recently came to us because she is trying to graduate early. Today, I am proud of the person I'm becoming. Being a former military kid and navigating the challenges of childhood have all shaped me into someone who values resilience, self-discipline, and independence. College is the next chapter of my journey, and I am ready to continue blossoming into the best version of myself, carrying with me the hard-earned lessons of my past.

I was born in New Jersey and raised in Cherry Hill for most of my life. Growing up in a military family, I became accustomed to change at a young age. My mom's deployments meant I spent my early years moving between different states, staying with my grandma in D.C. or my dad in Florida for months at a time. By the time I turned six, I had settled in Colorado, where, for the first time, I felt a sense of stability. I made friends, enjoyed my time, and called Colorado home during the four years I lived there. However, just as I had grown comfortable, I was uprooted again because the military restationed my mom in New Jersey, and moved back to New Jersey at the start of fifth grade. Adjusting to New Jersey again was not easy. As an introverted girl starting school a month late, I struggled to fit in. My classmates had already formed friendships, and I was quickly singled out for my appearance and weight. The bullying I endured made me feel isolated and insecure. One of the most difficult parts was that the girl I had conflicts with was one of the most popular kids in our grade. Even after fifth grade ended, the bullying continued into sixth by a few girls. I tried to take a stand, threatening to report the girls to a counselor, but in the process, I lost my closest friends, who chose them over me. By the time COVID-19 hit, I had no one left. Quarantine offered a strange relief, a break from the social pressures and bullying. I had time to reflect and focus on myself. Although when school resumed during eighth grade, I still found myself alone. My mom encouraged me to make new friends, but I did not know how. I followed a group of kids just to avoid isolation, even though they did not really want me around. Insincere friendships and learning who I wanted to be my friends was a tough lesson, but it taught me the importance of leading myself and not relying on others to define my worth. As I entered high school, these lessons became invaluable. Freshman year brought with it a wave of temptations—drugs, parties, academic distractions—that could easily derail someone's future. I was tempted like everyone else, but I chose a different path. I stayed focused on my goals and learned the value of discipline when it came to school. It was not always easy, and I did have a few slip-ups along the way, but each mistake became an opportunity for growth. I let my actions speak for my character rather than chasing acceptance or popularity. The friends I have now did not come because I begged for them or tried to fit in; they chose me for my hilarious jokes, morals, loyalty, and honesty. I have even started to influence people around me. I made the decision to graduate a year early from high school. Shortly after I told my close friend about my goals she also chose to graduate early. Another friend has recently come to me because she is trying to graduate early. Today, I am proud of the person I'm becoming. Being a military kid, being raised in New Jersey, enduring bullying, and navigating the challenges of adolescence have all shaped me into someone who values resilience, self-discipline, and independence. College is the next chapter of my journey, and I am ready to continue blossoming into the best version of myself, carrying with me the hard-earned lessons of my past.

As a young entrepreneur, I found immense joy in making money for myself and the happiness it brought to others. Whether it was selling bracelets, slime, or lipgloss, the joy on my customers' faces was priceless. This early experience of bringing joy to others through my ventures was a significant part of my journey. Growing up, I also had a particular interest in houses. I was a military kid, so I moved around several times. I loved looking at houses before we moved. I would persuade my mom of the options, which house I wanted us to live in, and why. It didn't always work out in my favor, but I gave my input. My interest in real estate was not solely influenced by my military background. Every summer after I turned 6, I would visit my grandmother in Florida, and she would always have "My Lottery Dream Home" on. Her love for the show and the time we spent watching it together played a significant role in jumpstarting my liking for real estate. Watching the show with her, seeing the joy it brought her, and the happiness David Bromstad brought to the people he sold homes to all contributed to my passion for real estate. From then on, after binge-watching all 17 seasons, my love for real estate grew. As a child, my actions were limited to watching and learning. In recent years, I've binged on multiple real estate shows. "Selling Tampa" was my all-time favorite mainly because it was a black-owned and female-dominated company. Although there was drama because it was a reality show, Sharelle Rosado, the owner of Allure Realty, deeply inspired me. Her journey from being a military veteran to running a successful real estate company and her ability to give multiple black women with the same passion a job left a lasting impact on me. As a young black female, a big part of my goals for the future is to give back to people. I want to give people homes that don't have any. I want to experience giving people their dream homes. I want to give people the same happiness David and Sharelle were able to give to people. Currently, I am in high school and on track to graduate a year early. I plan to go to college after high school and major in Marketing. While in college, I plan to branch out and make a mark on my community with my major. For instance, promoting a small business or helping organize a school event. I also plan to participate in jobs and internships that will progress me and improve my skills. These activities will bring me closer to my goal of being a real estate agent. I envision empowering underserved communities and providing education about homeownership and wealth-building through real estate. Beyond selling homes, I aim to establish programs that guide first-time buyers, particularly minorities, in navigating the complex world of real estate. By doing so, I strive to help bridge the wealth gap and inspire others to pursue their dreams.

Growing up in a military family, I became accustomed to change at a young age. My mom's deployments meant I spent my early years moving between different states, staying with my grandma in D.C. or my dad in Florida for months at a time. By the time I turned six, I had settled in Colorado, where for the first time, I felt a sense of stability. I made friends, enjoyed my time, and called Colorado home during the four years I lived there. However, just as I had grown comfortable, I was uprooted again because the military restationed my mom in New Jersey, and moved back to New Jersey at the start of fifth grade. Adjusting to New Jersey again was not easy. As an introverted girl starting school a month late, I struggled to fit in. My classmates had already formed friendships, and I was quickly singled out for my appearance and weight. The bullying I endured made me feel isolated and insecure. One of the most difficult parts was that the girl I had conflicts with was one of the most popular kids in our grade. Even after fifth grade ended, the bullying continued into sixth by a few girls. I tried to take a stand, threatening to report the girls to a counselor, but in the process, I lost my closest friends, who chose them over me. By the time COVID-19 hit, I had no one left. Quarantine offered a strange relief, a break from the social pressures and bullying. I had time to reflect and focus on myself. Although when school resumed during eighth grade, I still found myself alone. My mom encouraged me to make new friends, but I did not know how. I followed a group of kids just to avoid isolation, even though they did not really want me around. Insincere friendships and learning who I wanted to be my friends was a tough lesson, but it taught me the importance of leading myself and not relying on others to define my worth. As I entered high school, these lessons became invaluable. Freshman year brought with it a wave of temptations—drugs, parties, academic distractions—that could easily derail someone’s future. I was tempted like everyone else, but I chose a different path. I stayed focused on my goals and learned the value of discipline when it came to school. It was not always easy, and I did have a few slip-ups along the way, but each mistake became an opportunity for growth. I let my actions speak for my character rather than chasing acceptance or popularity. The friends I have now did not come because I begged for them or tried to fit in; they chose me for my hilarious jokes, morals, loyalty, and honesty. I have even started to influence people around me. I made the decision to graduate a year early from high school. Shortly after I told my close friend about my goals she also chose to graduate early. Another friend has recently come to me because she is trying to graduate early. Today, I am proud of the person I’m becoming. Moving from Colorado to New Jersey, enduring bullying, and navigating the challenges of adolescence have all shaped me into someone who values resilience, self-discipline, and independence. College is the next chapter of my journey, and I am ready to continue blossoming into the best version of myself, carrying with me the hard-earned lessons of my past.

As a young entrepreneur, I found immense joy in not just making money for myself, but in the happiness it brought to others. Whether it was selling bracelets, slime, or lipgloss, the joy on my customers' faces was priceless. This early experience of bringing joy to others through my ventures was a significant part of my journey. Growing up, I also had a particular interest in houses. I was a military kid, so I moved around several times. I loved looking at houses before we moved. I would persuade my mom of the options, which house I wanted us to live in, and why. It didn't always work out in my favor, but I gave my input. My interest in real estate was not solely influenced by my military background. Every summer after I turned 6, I would visit my grandmother in Florida, and she would always have "My Lottery Dream Home" on. Her love for the show and the time we spent watching it together played a significant role in jumpstarting my liking for houses. Watching the show with her, seeing the joy it brought her, and the happiness David Bromstad brought to the people he sold homes to all contributed to my passion for real estate. From then on, after binge-watching all 17 seasons, my love for real estate grew. As a child, my actions were limited to watching and learning. In recent years, I've binged on multiple real estate shows. "Selling Tampa" was my all-time favorite mainly because it was a black-owned and female-dominated company. Although there was drama because it was a reality show, I was deeply inspired by Sharelle Rosado, the owner of Allure Realty. Her journey from being a military veteran to running a successful real estate company and her ability to give multiple black women with the same passion a job left a lasting impact on me. As a young black female, a big part of my goals for the future is to give back to people. I would contribute this money to my college education. Therefore, the money would help expand the knowledge that I need to achieve my goals. I want to give people homes that don't have any. I want to experience giving people their dream homes. I want to give people the same happiness David and Sharelle were able to give to people. I envision empowering underserved communities and providing education about homeownership and wealth-building through real estate. Beyond selling homes, I aim to establish programs that guide first-time buyers, particularly minorities, in navigating the complex world of real estate. By doing so, I aim to help bridge the wealth gap and inspire others to pursue their dreams.

As a young entrepreneur, I found immense joy in not just making money for myself, but in the happiness it brought to others. Whether it was selling bracelets, slime, or lipgloss, the joy on my customers' faces was priceless. This early experience of bringing joy to others through my ventures was a significant part of my journey. Growing up, I also had a particular interest in houses. I was a military kid, so I moved around several times. I loved looking at houses before we moved. I would persuade my mom of the options, which house I wanted us to live in, and why. It didn't always work out in my favor, but I gave my input. My interest in real estate was not solely influenced by my military background. Every summer after I turned 6, I would visit my grandmother in Florida, and she would always have "My Lottery Dream Home" on. Her love for the show and the time we spent watching it together played a significant role in jumpstarting my liking for houses. Watching the show with her, seeing the joy it brought her, and the happiness David Bromstad brought to the people he sold homes to all contributed to my passion for real estate. From then on, after binge-watching all 17 seasons, my love for real estate grew. As a child, my actions were limited to watching and learning. In recent years, I've binged on multiple real estate shows. "Selling Tampa" was my all-time favorite mainly because it was a black-owned and female-dominated company. Although there was drama because it was a reality show, I was deeply inspired by Sharelle Rosado, the owner of Allure Realty. Her journey from being a military veteran to running a successful real estate company and her ability to give multiple black women with the same passion a job left a lasting impact on me. As a young black female, a big part of my goals for the future is to give back to people. I would contribute this money to my college education. Therefore, the money would help expand the knowledge that I need to achieve my goals. I want to give people homes that don't have any. I want to experience giving people their dream homes. I want to give people the same happiness David and Sharelle were able to give to people. I envision empowering underserved communities and providing education about homeownership and wealth-building through real estate. Beyond selling homes, I aim to establish programs that guide first-time buyers, particularly minorities, in navigating the complex world of real estate. By doing so, I aim to help bridge the wealth gap and inspire others to pursue their dreams.

Within the past few years of high school, there have been issues regarding cultural pride at my school. During my freshman year of high school, the club I was in, the African American Culture Club, performed at our school's annual Multi-Cultural Day. Multi-Cultural Day is an event where each grade looks at cultural clubs representing their culture with a 10-minute musical performance. The school puts out a Google form for students to vote for the clubs they believe deserve first, second, and third place. African American Culture Club's (AACC) performance came in first place freshman year and gracefully accepted the win. However, some white students didn't believe we deserved the win and decided to bash us online for our performance. Some other students also made some disrespectful comments towards our club. Everyone in the AACC, including me, felt disrespected, and because of the conflict, we were not allowed to vote for first, second, and third place in the upcoming year(March 2024). Black students, as well as other culture clubs, felt that we shouldn't stop the tradition of voting because some students felt the need to be disrespectful. Fortunately, the following year, the AACC and some other clubs stated our case on why we should bring the voting back, and this year, we are back to tradition. We are allowed to vote this year(April 2025). I aim to focus on an upcoming issue: our school doesn't let students wear cultural stoles with our graduation caps and gowns. In November 2023, after the news of war in Ukraine and Israel, some Muslim and Jewish kids had conflict with each other and would bring their cultural or religious flags. Bringing the flags along with speaking their native tongue caused tension between the Muslim and Jewish kids. A few altercations broke out around this time, which caused our school to have an alleged bomb threat; the news station came to report it. Our principal decided not to allow students to bring any flag to school due to all the bad press my school had and to avoid further altercations. Everyone was affected, including the AACC. Unfortunately, our old principal's rules prohibited 2024 graduates from wearing cultural stoles with their caps and gowns at graduation. We have a new principal as of the 2024-2025 school year. Therefore, some classmates and I will attempt to bring back cultural flags and stoles for the 2025 graduates.

As a young entrepreneur, I found immense joy in not just making money for myself, but in the happiness it brought to others. Whether it was selling bracelets, slime, or lipgloss, the joy on my customers' faces was priceless. This early experience of bringing joy to others through my ventures was a significant part of my journey. Growing up, I also had a particular interest in houses. I was a military kid, so I moved around several times. I loved looking at houses before we moved. I would persuade my mom of the options, which house I wanted us to live in, and why. It didn't always work out in my favor, but I gave my input. My interest in real estate was not solely influenced by my military background. Every summer after I turned 6, I would visit my grandmother in Florida, and she would always have "My Lottery Dream Home" on. Her love for the show and the time we spent watching it together played a significant role in jumpstarting my liking for houses. Watching the show with her, seeing the joy it brought her, and the happiness David Bromstad brought to the people he sold homes to all contributed to my passion for real estate. From then on, after binge-watching all 17 seasons, my love for real estate grew. As a child, my actions were limited to watching and learning. In recent years, I've binged on multiple real estate shows. "Selling Tampa" was my all-time favorite mainly because it was a black-owned and female-dominated company. Although there was drama because it was a reality show, I was deeply inspired by Sharelle Rosado, the owner of Allure Realty. Her journey from being a military veteran to running a successful real estate company and her ability to give multiple black women with the same passion a job left a lasting impact on me. As a young black female, a big part of my goals for the future is to give back to people. I would contribute this money to my college education. Therefore, the money would help expand the knowledge that I need to achieve my goals. I want to give people homes that don't have any. I want to experience giving people their dream homes. I want to give people the same happiness David and Sharelle were able to give to people. I envision empowering underserved communities and providing education about homeownership and wealth-building through real estate. Beyond selling homes, I aim to establish programs that guide first-time buyers, particularly minorities, in navigating the complex world of real estate. By doing so, I aim to help bridge the wealth gap and inspire others to pursue their dreams.

As a young entrepreneur, I found immense joy in not just making money for myself, but in the happiness it brought to others. Whether it was selling bracelets, slime, or lipgloss, the joy on my customers' faces was priceless. This early experience of bringing joy to others through my ventures was a significant part of my journey. Growing up, I also had a particular interest in houses. I was a military kid, so I moved around several times. I loved looking at houses before we moved. I would persuade my mom of the options, which house I wanted us to live in, and why. It didn't always work out in my favor, but I gave my input. My interest in real estate was not solely influenced by my military background. Every summer after I turned 6, I would visit my grandmother in Florida, and she would always have "My Lottery Dream Home" on. Her love for the show and the time we spent watching it together played a significant role in jumpstarting my liking for houses. Watching the show with her, seeing the joy it brought her, and the happiness David Bromstad brought to the people he sold homes to all contributed to my passion for real estate. From then on, after binge-watching all 17 seasons, my love for real estate grew. As a child, my actions were limited to watching and learning. In recent years, I've binged on multiple real estate shows. "Selling Tampa" was my all-time favorite mainly because it was a black-owned and female-dominated company. Although there was drama because it was a reality show, I was deeply inspired by Sharelle Rosado, the owner of Allure Realty. Her journey from being a military veteran to running a successful real estate company and her ability to give multiple black women with the same passion a job left a lasting impact on me. Although David and Sharelle are not the most influential people in my life, they heavily impacted my desire to become a real estate agent. As a young black female, a big part of my goals for the future is to give back to people. I want to give people homes that don't have any. I want to experience giving people their dream homes. I want to give people the same happiness David and Sharelle were able to give to people. I envision empowering underserved communities and providing education about homeownership and wealth-building through real estate. Beyond selling homes, I aim to establish programs that guide first-time buyers, particularly minorities, in navigating the complex world of real estate. By doing so, I aim to help bridge the wealth gap and inspire others to pursue their dreams.

As a young entrepreneur, I found immense joy in not just making money for myself, but in the happiness it brought to others. Whether it was selling bracelets, slime, or lipgloss, the joy on my customers' faces was priceless. This early experience of bringing joy to others through my ventures was a significant part of my journey. Growing up, I also had a particular interest in houses. I was a military kid, so I moved around several times. I loved looking at houses before we moved. I would persuade my mom of the options, which house I wanted us to live in, and why. It didn't always work out in my favor, but I gave my input. My interest in real estate was not solely influenced by my military background. Every summer after I turned 6, I would visit my grandmother in Florida, and she would always have "My Lottery Dream Home" on. Her love for the show and the time we spent watching it together played a significant role in jumpstarting my liking for houses. Watching the show with her, seeing the joy it brought her, and the happiness David Bromstad brought to the people he sold homes to all contributed to my passion for real estate. From then on, after binge-watching all 17 seasons, my love for real estate grew. As a child, my actions were limited to watching and learning. In recent years, I've binged on multiple real estate shows. "Selling Tampa" was my all-time favorite mainly because it was a black-owned and female-dominated company. Although there was drama because it was a reality show, I was deeply inspired by Sharelle Rosado, the owner of Allure Realty. Her journey from being a military veteran to running a successful real estate company and her ability to give multiple black women with the same passion a job left a lasting impact on me. As a young black female, a big part of my goals for the future is to own a brokerage and give back to people. I want to give people homes that don't have any. I want to experience giving people their dream homes. I want to give people the same happiness David and Sharelle were able to give to people. I envision empowering underserved communities and providing education about homeownership and wealth-building through real estate. Beyond selling homes, I aim to establish programs that guide first-time buyers, particularly minorities, in navigating the complex world of real estate. By doing so, I aim to help bridge the wealth gap and inspire others to pursue their dreams.

As a young entrepreneur, I found immense joy in not just making money for myself, but in the happiness it brought to others. Whether it was selling bracelets, slime, or lipgloss, the joy on my customers' faces was priceless. This early experience of bringing joy to others through my ventures was a significant part of my journey. Growing up, I also had a particular interest in houses. I was a military kid, so I moved around several times. I loved looking at houses before we moved. I would persuade my mom of the options, which house I wanted us to live in, and why. It didn't always work out in my favor, but I gave my input. My interest in real estate was not solely influenced by my military background. Every summer after I turned 6, I would visit my grandmother in Florida, and she would always have "My Lottery Dream Home" on. Her love for the show and the time we spent watching it together played a significant role in jumpstarting my liking for houses. Watching the show with her, seeing the joy it brought her, and the happiness David Bromstad brought to the people he sold homes to all contributed to my passion for real estate. From then on, after binge-watching all 17 seasons, my love for real estate grew. As a child, my actions were limited to watching and learning. In recent years, I've binged on multiple real estate shows. "Selling Tampa" was my all-time favorite mainly because it was a black-owned and female-dominated company. Although there was drama because it was a reality show, I was deeply inspired by Sharelle Rosado, the owner of Allure Realty. Her journey from being a military veteran to running a successful real estate company and her ability to give multiple black women with the same passion a job left a lasting impact on me. As a young black female, a big part of my goals for the future is to give back to people. I want to give people homes that don't have any. I want to experience giving people their dream homes. I want to give people the same happiness David and Sharelle were able to give to people. I envision empowering underserved communities and providing education about homeownership and wealth-building through real estate. Beyond selling homes, I aim to establish programs that guide first-time buyers, particularly minorities, in navigating the complex world of real estate. By doing so, I aim to help bridge the wealth gap and inspire others to pursue their dreams.