In my sophomore year of high school I experienced the transition of being a new girl in a new school trying to find her way. Coming from a unusually rough freshman year all I wanted was a fresh start, not knowing what this "fresh start" would come with, trying to fit in with what I thought a good friend, a good classmate, a good teammate would be was exhausting always extending my hand and never being the one too receive a reaching one. The feeling of no beloning anywhere. I fell into what I called at the time a black hole. I seeked no one, no help, instead I looked in the wrong places of what I thought would "help". I seeked the wrong relationship what I seeked for was love and that helping hand. I received the opposite neglect, exhaustion, mentally abuse. I went into a downward spiral in lost of tears, wandering thoughts, and self harm attempts. I struggled for a while until finally seeking that reaching hand in my mom, she made me see the importance of seeking help and understanding that "it is okay to feel down but it is never okay to not say when you are feeling not yourself". I learned the importance of mental health through therapy and the community around me. That its okay to not feel okay, to take mental health day and to surround yourself with the people that love you and are willing to reach that hand when you need it the most. Mental health helps you realize that two people can experience the exact same event but live in two completely different realities based on their internal state. Realizing that you never know what someone else is going through day to day. Throughout my own experience it has helped me to see hat communication isn't just about words; it's about the emotional frequency underneath them. To be the one to offer a hand but to always make sure you have someone in your circle that will reach that hand you need when you are at you lowest.

My sophomore year of high school I transferred to a new school looking to leave my freshman year behind and begin a new start. At my old high school I was apart of both the dance community and varsity cheer team neither I was truly passionate about. Coming to my new school I was intrigued about the BDD program (Broughton Dance Department), it held a title of itselfs in the high school dance community around my county. So, I joined a dance class, dance 3, my teacher's name being Ms. Betsy Graves. That first day of this new Dance 3 class, I found my passion for dancing, because of an High School teacher who was so passionate about her students and building a community/environment where EVERYONE felt like they could be themselves. I am now about to be a graduate Senior in high school in the class Dance (highest level offered) company at Broughton High School, all because a teacher took a chance in believing in the talent never knew I was capable of. Betsy Graves is the type of teacher who shows up for everything not because she had to but because she truly wanted too. She never missed anything, every accomplishment, every cheer competition, every showcase, all the "good luck" text, "great job" texts, even the "just checking in on you too see how you TRULY are". I will never forget the moment were I was having the roughest day at school due to things going on at home, general stress and the pressure of doing well in school. She was there, she noticed, she avocated even when I felt like I couldn't advocate for myself. She never played favorites she didn't choose and pick kindness she genuinely showed the same treatment , love, and respect for everyone that crosses her pass. She only sees the beauty in people, never the flaws or the wrong, the true beauty within someone. The type of person who makes you want to do the same and protect our identity by being the best individual person we can be. Throughout my time at Broughton I have tried to uphold these values Ms.Graves has instilled in me. I have watched this teacher be one the strongest women in my life, watching her go through certain experiences in her personal life a lot of people would mentally break down and give up over she was still here, present, and full of life. She has truly built a program filled with close to 250+ students and she continues to build and make opportunities for each individual person. For someone who was looking for a fresh start, not only did I receive one I gained a community and family with in BDD. All due to one person, one woman, one teacher who took a chance on me and made me see who I truly was in dance. Ms. Graves always reminds us, that we are important, we matter , and we are exceptionally powerful women. She once thanked us for letting her be apart of our journey, she will never know how thankful and grateful I am that she choose to be apart of my journey. This is why Ms. Betsy Graves herself changed my life and how I approach things throughout it.

Hi, I'm Brooklyn Wilson-Sawyer. I am a Christian, bi-racial woman. I'm from Raleigh, NC, attending Needham B. Broughton High School, and furthering my education at Appalachian State University with a major in Graphic Design. Throughout my High School career, I have completed over 100+ service hours, 4x varsity cheerleader with 2x State champions, 2x UCA All-Americans, and all regional titles. I serve in a position as social media Senior leadership and a member of the Company dance, NHSDA, and IB HL dance. I serve in positions in my community throughout school and my church family. As a member of the Safe-Haven Apostolic church in Garner, NC, I have been on the outreach committee, a Sunday school teacher, a T-shirt designer, and a photographer. With the help of this scholarships I would further my education at Appalachian State University in a major of Graphic design. As a Bi-racial women in graphic design I occupy a unique and powerful intersection. Design is often called "the silent talker," having the ability to speak to audiences that traditional have often been overlooked or misrepresented by minorities historically and in modern day. My background isn't just a personal identity; it is a competitive advantage and a tool for social impact. I would use this God given tool to impact the world of design by making sure it feels inclusive and fair through my work and through the heart of my clients as well. Recently I finished a culture project for an Interior design class, I received a reflect question that was "Why is it important to learn and UNDERSTAND the customs of other culture as a ID (interior designer). I feel like this applies to this question of making a positive impact because in a world known as a melting pot there are so many people around us that we do not stop to realize are so different than we are. No one shares the exact same background, values, customs, and beliefs. Growing up in a family of whites and blacks causes a more opening and accepting mind to different types of backgrounds. I would use this major to ensure my work is seen and observed in the world and most important through the clients eye as not only exceptional but inclusive for all. My hero by far would be my Mom. I know this is a very basic and generic answer but it is my truth. I have watch my mom raise me as a single mom for a good portion of my life, while receiving a Master degree and working a full time job in Social Work and by no means is that an easy job. But the lesson she mostly taught me from a young age is ALWAYS be yourself and never forget where you come from and the people who surround you with love. As a little girl I didn't fully understand, as I got older I completely understanding. Being you matters, because you matter no one was put on this earth to be just like someone else. My mom use to tell me when I was little being black and white makes me "extra special". She instilled this background in me and went above and beyond to make sure I remembered just how special I was everyday. Even when I was in 1st grade and had an assignment to draw a picture of myself and I told my teacher I couldn't find a crayon my skin color, my mom went to 3 different stores to find "Skin Color Crayons. I am lucky to call her my hero.

Hi, I'm Brooklyn Wilson-Sawyer. I am a Christian, bi-racial woman. I'm from Raleigh, NC, attending Needham B. Broughton High School, and furthering my education at Appalachian State University with a major in Graphic Design. Throughout my High School career, I have completed over 100+ service hours, 4x varsity cheerleader with 2x State champions, 2x UCA All-Americans, and all regional titles. I serve in a position as social media Senior leadership and a member of the Company dance, NHSDA, and IB HL dance. I serve in positions in my community throughout school and my church family. As a member of the Safe-Haven Apostolic church in Garner, NC, I have been on the outreach committee, a Sunday school teacher, a T-shirt designer, and a photographer. I would use this scholarship to help fund my further education at Appalachian State University, to pursue a career in Graphic Design, and hopefully achieve the dream of working in NYC. A topic very deep and near to my heart is the reality of gentrification. Though there are benefits and upsides to this topic for many it brings challenges and hardships. In my community we see gentrification going on a lot especially in downtown parts of my city, when driving by most see a new modern beautiful house. While on the other hand all I see is generations, hard work, years, sweat, and so much more. As our economy continues to grow so will the house market, which is the downside to people in some unfortunate situations with the reality of working paycheck to paycheck to remain somewhere with a. roof over their head. This pains my heart to learn in school how such a issue increases the economy by raising the "property tax" while having to watch people being forced out there homes because they can no longer afford it. If I were to take my passion and capabilities to this topic I would start a charity called The Generation Project, with the mission of having "rootedness". To prevent involuntary displacement by providing long-term residents with the legal, financial, and technical tools needed to the community with insuring a raise to the economy and property taxes by creating an "aesthetic" landscape around these places. Instead of just reacting and being "ok" with homelessness, the goal is upstream prevention. I would serve Seniors and families who have lived in a neighborhood for 20+ years, low-income families, middle-income families, single mothers, and young-adults trying to find there way into adult hood. To make a real dent in the housing crisis, volunteers wouldn't just be "helping out"; they would be providing specialized advocacy. Such as legal advocates, housing advocates, contractors, people willing to build, local business owners, interior designers etc. I grew up with the saying "it takes a village", in a housing crisis of the sort it would exceptionally take a village . But how would it take a village if the village is being removed and forced out one by one. This is why I would start a charity to help create more affordable housing.

My name is Brooklyn Wilson-Sawyer, a proud bi-racial Christian woman from Raleigh, North Carolina. As I prepare to graduate from Needham B. Broughton High School and transition to Appalachian State University, my primary goal is to complete my Graphic Design degree debt-free. My dedication to excellence is reflected in my background as a four-time Varsity Cheerleader, two-time State Champion, and UCA All-American. Beyond athletics, I have channeled my leadership into over 100 community service hours, serving as a social media senior leader and an active member of the NHSDA and IB HL Dance in my dance community at Broughton High School. My faith is the cornerstone of my service; at Safe-Haven Apostolic Church, I have served on the outreach committee, taught Sunday school, and utilized my design talents to create church apparel and photography. While at Appalachian State, I plan to integrate my creative skills with advocacy by joining campus programs and local non-profits to continue to build my community service background. I believe that design is a powerful tool for storytelling. Building these professional and spiritual relationships will allow me to remain community-minded while pursuing academic excellence. Post-graduation, by securing a firm financial foundation, I can focus entirely on my dream of becoming a design partner for the NBA or NFL, using my artistic vision to elevate professional sports branding. I want ot be based in a profession that allows travel, stability, well-paying, and flexibility. Building connections throughout the industry and building and networking within. I want to establish workshops for aspiring designers in underrepresented communities, proving that faith and hard work can open doors to the highest levels of the industry. With the background of my community being the heart of the values I serve, continuing that within my profession, I can hopefully start a foundation that one day could give money to children struggling to pay for college, like I was. No kid's education should be limited to just high school because of the effect of "money". I stand firm in the promise of Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you." Though the college application process can be grueling, I remain confident that my path is ordained. This scholarship would not only alleviate my financial burden but also empower me to serve as a leader who leads with both empathy and professional distinction. Thank you so much for this opportunity to apply for this scholarship!

Hi, I'm Brooklyn Wilson-Sawyer. I am a Christian, bi-racial woman. I'm from Raleigh, NC, attending Needham B. Broughton High School, and furthering my education at Appalachian State University with a major in Graphic Design. Throughout my High School career, I have completed over 100+ service hours, 4x varsity cheerleader with 2x State champions, 2x UCA All-Americans, and all regional titles. I serve in a position as social media Senior leadership and a member of the Company dance, NHSDA, and IB HL dance. I serve in positions in my community throughout school and my church family. As a member of the Safe-Haven Apostolic church in Garner, NC, I have been on the outreach committee, a Sunday school teacher, a T-shirt designer, and a photographer. I would use this scholarship to help fund my further education at Appalachian State University, to pursue a career in Graphic Design, and hopefully achieve the dream of working in NYC. I stand firm in the belief of Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you". Throughout this application, scholarship, and college process, this has been a stressful and disappointing journey. But through it all, my faith has remained the same that God will suffice and his will will be done. Thank you for this opportunity to apply for this scholarship.