Being a first-generation college student means turning my family’s hardships into a future full of opportunity. It means doing what no one before me has had the chance to do. It also means navigating college without parents who have been through it themselves, but refusing to let that stop me. I was seven years old when a police car pulled up to our apartment. I remember standing in the living room, too short to see out the window clearly, but old enough to know something was wrong. Then I watched my father get arrested and driven away. He never came back. My mother was twenty-three, alone in a two-bedroom apartment with two kids, no degree, no family nearby, and no safety net. Everything changed. I did not understand the full weight of it then, but I saw my mother’s face: exhausted, yet unbroken. She got a job, kept the lights on, and put food on the table. She never let us feel the full force of the crisis she carried alone. Still, I saw her come home tired, skip meals so we could eat, and struggle over bills she could barely pay. I made a promise before I had the words for it: one day, I would build something stable enough to carry us both. That is why I am pursuing higher education. I am not trying to escape where I came from; I am trying to honor what my mother built with nothing. She never got to go to college or chase the dreams she had before motherhood and survival took over. I am going for both of us, and I will make every late night, tuition payment, and sacrifice count. I have chosen Supply Chain Management because I see more than logistics, trucks, and warehouses. Supply chains determine which neighborhoods have fresh produce and which are left with only fast food. They shape access, opportunity, and equity. Growing up, I watched my mother struggle to put nutritious food on the table, and I now understand that our hardship was part of a larger systemic issue. Communities like mine are often overlooked by the systems meant to serve them. That is where I want to make a difference. I want to redesign those systems so they work for everyone, not just the privileged. I want children in neighborhoods like mine to have the same access to fresh, healthy food as children anywhere else. I also want to change who gets to make those decisions. Black professionals make up only a small fraction of the supply chain workforce, and women of color are even rarer in leadership. I plan to become one of those leaders and open the door behind me through mentorship, inclusive hiring, and service. Receiving this scholarship would reduce the financial pressure of tuition and books, allowing me to focus on my education and career goals. It would help me become a leader who creates opportunities for others and turns my family’s struggle into lasting change.

The impact I want to make begins with the community that shaped me. I grew up watching my mother overcome obstacles that would have caused many people to give up. After my father was arrested when I was seven years old, she became the sole provider for our family with no college degree, no nearby support system, and no safety net. Despite the challenges, she kept food on the table, the lights on, and never stopped believing in a better future for my sibling and me. Her resilience inspires everything I do and reminds me that true leadership is serving others, even when life is difficult. As a first-generation college student, earning a degree means more than personal success. It means creating opportunities my family never had and using those opportunities to help others. I have always believed that where I come from should motivate me, not define my limits. That belief has shaped who I am as a member of the Student Government Association, the Principal’s Action Committee, the Culinary Arts Program, and an All-Star cheerleader. Each experience has strengthened my leadership skills and reinforced my desire to represent excellence in communities that are often overlooked. I have chosen to study Supply Chain Management because I see more than logistics, trucks, and warehouses. Supply chains determine which neighborhoods have access to fresh, healthy food and which are left with limited options. Growing up, I watched my mother struggle to provide nutritious meals, and I now understand that our challenges were not only financial but also part of larger systemic inequities. I want to redesign those systems so they work for everyone, not just the privileged. My education will allow me to improve how essential goods and resources reach underserved communities. I want to help create supply chains that increase food accessibility, strengthen local communities, and ensure families have the resources they deserve. I also hope to contribute to disaster relief efforts by improving the systems that deliver critical supplies to communities when they need them most. I also want to change who is represented in this field. Black professionals make up only a small percentage of the supply chain workforce, and women of color remain even more underrepresented in leadership positions. I plan to become one of those leaders and use my position to create opportunities for others through mentorship, inclusive hiring practices, and community outreach. I want young people, especially young Black girls, to see someone who looks like them succeeding in a career they may have never considered possible. Because of my background in Culinary Arts, I also hope to return to schools and community programs to introduce students to careers beyond the kitchen that still allow them to work within the food industry. Many students are unaware of careers like Supply Chain Management, and I want to broaden their understanding of what is possible. Sometimes changing someone’s future begins with simply showing them an opportunity they never knew existed. The greatest impact I can make is proving that adversity does not determine destiny. My mother taught me resilience through her sacrifices, and my education will allow me to turn those lessons into action. By improving access to resources, advocating for greater diversity in my field, and investing in the next generation of leaders, I hope to create lasting change that extends far beyond my own success. My goal is not simply to earn a degree, but to use it to build stronger communities and leave every door I walk through open for someone else.

Being a first-generation college student means turning my family’s hardships into a future full of opportunity. It means doing what no one before me has had the chance to do. It also means navigating college without parents who have been through it themselves, but refusing to let that stop me. I was seven years old when a police car pulled up to our apartment. I remember standing in the living room, too short to see out the window clearly, but old enough to know something was wrong. Then I watched my father get arrested and driven away. He never came back. My mother was twenty-three, alone in a two-bedroom apartment with two kids, no degree, no family nearby, and no safety net. Everything changed. I did not understand the full weight of it then, but I saw my mother’s face: exhausted, yet unbroken. She got a job, kept the lights on, and put food on the table. She never let us feel the full force of the crisis she carried alone. Still, I saw her come home tired, skip meals so we could eat, and struggle over bills she could barely pay. I made a promise before I had the words for it: one day, I would build something stable enough to carry us both. That is why I am pursuing higher education. I am not trying to escape where I came from; I am trying to honor what my mother built with nothing. She never got to go to college or chase the dreams she had before motherhood and survival took over. I am going for both of us, and I will make every late night, tuition payment, and sacrifice count. I have chosen Supply Chain Management because I see more than logistics, trucks, and warehouses. Supply chains determine which neighborhoods have fresh produce and which are left with only fast food. They shape access, opportunity, and equity. Growing up, I watched my mother struggle to put nutritious food on the table, and I now understand that our hardship was part of a larger systemic issue. Communities like mine are often overlooked by the systems meant to serve them. That is where I want to make a difference. I want to redesign those systems so they work for everyone, not just the privileged. I want children in neighborhoods like mine to have the same access to fresh, healthy food as children anywhere else. I also want to change who gets to make those decisions. Black professionals make up only a small fraction of the supply chain workforce, and women of color are even rarer in leadership. I plan to become one of those leaders and open the door behind me through mentorship, inclusive hiring, and service. Receiving this scholarship would reduce the financial pressure of tuition and books, allowing me to focus on my education and career goals. It would help me become a leader who creates opportunities for others and turns my family’s struggle into lasting change.

The brown eyes that meet mine in the mirror have always been the same, but the girl they belong to is always in the process of becoming someone new, someone better. Behind every late night assignment is a student navigating two worlds: one of survival, the other of growth. I carry the weight of where I've come from, but I will never let it keep me from where I'm going. From a young age I’ve questioned the sayings “ women should be seen and not heard”, “angry black women” and “ men are better leaders than women”. Society. That's why, no one told me that then but I know the real reason now. I want to be better than the society who thinks black women can not and should not be successful. History shows that women were meant to “ know their place”. From fighting for the right to vote, access to learning, workplace inequality and equal leadership representation, women's struggles in history span centuries. Although all women still struggle in today's society, black women face further inequalities because of the color of their skin. As a young black girl I have always questioned why most black women were portrayed as incapable for success and why skin color and gender are equated to success. With social media allowing people to express themselves and share their life I've seen how many black women use their platforms to talk about the barriers they face in order to be successful. Some of the struggles black women have are inequalities in wage gaps, less visibility in leadership roles and burnout from working twice as hard to be taken seriously. The struggles mentioned within the work force does not reflect the increase in higher education and degree completion by black women. This shows that society has placed obstacles on black women that makes it more difficult to achieve success than others. As I enter my senior year in high school, I am inspired by black women to attend college and be a part of the black women who have received bachelor degrees. I want to explore leadership roles so that I can be a representation of black women leaders which is opposite of the saying that “ women should be seen and not heard” instead; women should be seen and heard. I also plan to use my knowledge and skills to advocate for equality in the work force. All people regardless of gender and race should have the equal opportunity to access learning and success. As maya angelou stated, “ you may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” As a young black girl society has placed many obstacles ahead of me that can lead to defeat however i will not be defeated. The brown eyes in the mirror have always been the same but the girl they belong to has decided to succeed.

I have decided to pursue an education in the culinary arts because cooking has always been more than just preparing food it has been a way for me to express myself, connect with others, and create something meaningful out of love, tradition, and creativity. From a young age, I was fascinated by the kitchen: the way ingredients transform with heat, time, and technique, and the way a well-prepared meal can bring people together. Over the years, that fascination has grown into a true passion, one I am eager to develop into a professional career. Growing up with my father incarcerated, I often found comfort and stability in food. The kitchen became a safe space where I could create, experiment, and find a sense of control amidst uncertainty. Cooking allowed me to channel my emotions into something tangible, productive, and even beautiful. It taught me patience, attention to detail, and the satisfaction of hard work yielding visible results. These lessons mirrored the ones I learned in life: perseverance, resilience, and the importance of showing up for others, no matter the circumstances. In high school, I immersed myself in the Culinary Arts program, balancing it alongside leadership roles, cheerleading, and academics. I have discovered that culinary arts are not just about recipes they are about community, culture, and storytelling. Every dish carries a history, a message, or a memory. I have taken pride in sharing my own experiences and heritage through food, hoping to educate and inspire others while honoring the traditions that shaped me. Starting my own small business during senior year has also taught me valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, responsibility, and the impact one can have through food. Looking forward, my career goal is to become a professional chef who celebrates cultural heritage while creating inclusive, welcoming spaces in the culinary world. I aspire to open a restaurant that honors both innovation and tradition, where people can experience connection, comfort, and joy through the meals we share. Beyond the kitchen, I want to mentor young aspiring chefs, particularly girls and students from first-generation or underserved backgrounds, helping them discover their own passion and potential in culinary arts. Pursuing a formal education in culinary arts is essential for me to refine my skills, learn advanced techniques, and gain the knowledge needed to thrive in a competitive industry. It is also an opportunity to grow as a leader, a creative thinker, and a community builder. Culinary education is not just a career path for me it is a way to take the lessons I have learned from my own life and turn them into something that can nourish, inspire, and uplift others. Cooking has taught me that even small ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something extraordinary. I want to carry that philosophy into my career: using dedication, creativity, and heart to transform challenges into opportunities, meals into experiences, and passion into purpose. Through culinary arts, I am not just pursuing a career I am building a life where my work reflects my values, my story, and my commitment to making a meaningful impact on everyone I serve.

I was seven years old when a police car pulled up to our apartment. I remember standing in the living room, too short to see out the window clearly, but old enough to understand that something was very wrong. Then I watched my father get arrested and driven away. He did not come back. My mother was twenty-three years old, alone in a two-bedroom apartment with a seven year old and a four year old, no degree, no family nearby to lean on, and no safety net. That day, everything changed. I did not understand the full weight of it at the time. What I did understand was the look on my mother's face: exhausted but unbroken. She got a job. She found a way to keep the lights on and food in the fridge. She never let us feel the full force of the crisis she was managing alone. But I saw it. I saw her come home tired, saw her skip meals so we could eat, saw her pore over bills she could barely pay. And I made a promise to myself that I did not yet have the words for: one day, I would not just survive the way we were surviving. I would build something stable enough to carry us both. That moment, watching my father leave and watching my mother hold everything together on her own is the reason I am pursuing higher education. Not because I want to escape where I came from, but because I want to honor what my mother built with nothing. She never got to go to college. She never got to chase the dreams she had before motherhood and survival took over. I am going to college for both of us, and I am going to make every late night, every tuition payment, and every sacrifice count. The career I have chosen is Supply Chain Management. On the surface, supply chains may seem like they are just about logistics, trucks, and warehouses. But I see something bigger. Supply chains determine which neighborhoods have fresh produce and which ones have only fast food. They determine whether disaster relief reaches communities in time. They determine access, opportunity, and equity. Growing up, I watched my mother struggle to put nutritious food on the table. I know now that this was not just about our budget but it was a systemic issue. Communities like mine are systematically undervalued by the very systems that distribute resources. That is where I come in. I want to spend my career redesigning those systems to work for everyone, not just the privileged. I want to make sure that a child in a neighborhood like mine has the same access to fresh, healthy food as a child anywhere else. I also want to change who sits at the table making those decisions. Right now, Black professionals make up only a small fraction of the supply chain workforce, and women of color are even rarer in leadership. I plan to be one of those leaders, and once I am there, I plan to open the door behind me creating mentorship pipelines, advocating for inclusive hiring, and showing young girls who look like me that they belong in every room they choose to enter. When I was seven, I watched my world fall apart. I am going to college to build a new one.

Growing up with a teen mom and no extended family support taught me early that if something was going to get done, I had to be the one to do it. My mother could not lean on grandparents, aunts, or uncles to watch me while she worked or to help when money was tight. She carried every burden alone, and I watched her do it with quiet dignity. That example taught me resilience not as an abstract word, but as a daily practice. That is why I am pursuing college now. My mother never had the chance to go, so I am chasing that dream for both of us. Every application, every scholarship search, every late night studying is a step toward giving her return on the sacrifices she made. I am actively seeking every resource I can find mentors, financial aid programs, and support networks to make sure I do not just get in, but I succeed once I am there. Beyond my own family, I want to use the stability a college education will bring to create opportunities for other young people from single-parent homes. I know firsthand how isolation and lack of support can hold someone back. One day I want to build programs that provide the mentorship and community support that my mother did not have. That is the impact I am working toward: breaking the cycle, one degree at a time.

As a graduating senior and an upcoming freshman, my field of study is business management with a concentration in supply chain management. Sustainability should be a priority in supply chain management because it directly impacts cost savings, efficiency, risk management, consumer demand, brand reputation, compliance and environmental impact. Sustainability practices help businesses save money by using less waste, lower energy consumption and longer product lifecycles which maximizes resource use and minimizes waste. Sustainable supply chains that are adaptable and resilient should be a priority because they help mititgate risk from unsustainable practices. Studies shows that customers are purchasing more eco friendly brands. Supply chain management should be a priority in sustainability because it is responsible for connecting businesses with suppliers, therefore, directing businesses to suppliers with sustainable and eco-friendly products in addition to matching supply with demand. Supply chain managment ensure that the products being supplied to businesses are ethical and meet the standards of the consumer, thus building trust and loyalty and preventing bad press from impacting the business of brands. Government and industries are becoming more strict with regulations that impact the environment and labor and human rights. Supply chain management roles are important because they address the need to track all ingredients and products, ensure suppliers are following rules and regulations, and keeping up with proper legal requirements. Supply Chain Managers support businesses with their sourcing, logistics, transportation and packaging, which all play a key role in addressing global challenges. Priority with sustainability in supply chain will overall help reduce waste, reduce pollution, and protect the ecosystems. In the future as a supply chain manager, my role in sustainability is to increase social responsibility by reducing harm to the environment. Specifically my goal is to implement efficient strategies that help reduce waste. In doing this I want to focus on reliable suppliers and improving the efficiency of transportation. When choosing a sustainable supplier, my goal is to make sure suppliers are not only compliant with the laws, but that they implement routine practices and environmental friendly practices. As a supply chain manager I want to build long term connections with suppliers who are consistent and have the desire to implement environmental friendly practices. In my role as supply chain manager I want to work to use low fuel efficient vehicles which would not only help our ecosystem by reducing carbon emissions but it would also affect efficiency over time, by saving on fuel and cutting emissions. Our role as a supply chain manager is to choose suppliers who are rooted in social responsibility by protecting not only their consumers but the environment.

The brown eyes that meet mine in the mirror have always been the same, but the girl behind them is constantly evolving. Each late night spent finishing assignments or refining a skill reflects a life lived between two worlds: one rooted in resilience, the other driven by growth. My journey has taught me that survival builds strength, but purpose is what pushes you forward. From a young age, I learned lessons not only in the classroom but through responsibility. Whether balancing school with hands-on work or stepping up when help was needed, I discovered the importance of discipline, time management, and perseverance. Working alongside others taught me how to listen, adapt, and take accountability—skills that no textbook could fully explain. I’ve learned that showing up consistently matters just as much as talent, and that effort, even when unnoticed, builds character. Mentors in my life—teachers, community leaders, and strong Black women I’ve observed both personally and through shared stories—have shaped the way I see myself and my potential. They taught me to question limitations placed on me by society and to reject the idea that my voice should be small. I grew up hearing phrases like “women should be seen and not heard” or seeing Black women labeled as “angry” or incapable of leadership. Instead of accepting those narratives, my mentors modeled strength, intelligence, and excellence, showing me what is possible when you refuse to shrink. History and lived experience have made me deeply aware that Black women face barriers beyond gender alone—inequality in pay, limited visibility in leadership, and the expectation to work twice as hard for the same recognition. Yet, I’ve also seen how Black women continue to rise, especially through education. This contradiction—achievement despite resistance—motivates me. It reminds me that success is not about fitting into society’s expectations, but redefining them. As I enter my senior year of high school, my goal is to continue growing into a confident leader who represents what Black women truly are: capable, intelligent, and powerful. I want to pursue higher education, step into leadership roles, and use what I learn to advocate for fairness and opportunity in the workforce. Growth, to me, means not only succeeding personally but creating space for others to be seen and heard as well. As Maya Angelou said, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” My life has already placed challenges in my path, but they have shaped my determination rather than diminished it. The brown eyes in the mirror may look the same, but the girl they belong to has learned, grown, and decided—without hesitation—to succeed.

I have decided to pursue an education in the culinary arts because cooking has always been more than just preparing food it has been a way for me to express myself, connect with others, and create something meaningful out of love, tradition, and creativity. From a young age, I was fascinated by the kitchen: the way ingredients transform with heat, time, and technique, and the way a well-prepared meal can bring people together. Over the years, that fascination has grown into a true passion, one I am eager to develop into a professional career. Growing up with my father incarcerated, I often found comfort and stability in food. The kitchen became a safe space where I could create, experiment, and find a sense of control amidst uncertainty. Cooking allowed me to channel my emotions into something tangible, productive, and even beautiful. It taught me patience, attention to detail, and the satisfaction of hard work yielding visible results. These lessons mirrored the ones I learned in life: perseverance, resilience, and the importance of showing up for others, no matter the circumstances. In high school, I immersed myself in the Culinary Arts program, balancing it alongside leadership roles, cheerleading, and academics. I have discovered that culinary arts are not just about recipes they are about community, culture, and storytelling. Every dish carries a history, a message, or a memory. I have taken pride in sharing my own experiences and heritage through food, hoping to educate and inspire others while honoring the traditions that shaped me. Starting my own small business during senior year has also taught me valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, responsibility, and the impact one can have through food. Looking forward, my career goal is to become a professional chef who celebrates cultural heritage while creating inclusive, welcoming spaces in the culinary world. I aspire to open a restaurant that honors both innovation and tradition, where people can experience connection, comfort, and joy through the meals we share. Beyond the kitchen, I want to mentor young aspiring chefs, particularly girls and students from first-generation or underserved backgrounds, helping them discover their own passion and potential in culinary arts. Pursuing a formal education in culinary arts is essential for me to refine my skills, learn advanced techniques, and gain the knowledge needed to thrive in a competitive industry. It is also an opportunity to grow as a leader, a creative thinker, and a community builder. Culinary education is not just a career path for me it is a way to take the lessons I have learned from my own life and turn them into something that can nourish, inspire, and uplift others. Cooking has taught me that even small ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something extraordinary. I want to carry that philosophy into my career: using dedication, creativity, and heart to transform challenges into opportunities, meals into experiences, and passion into purpose. Through culinary arts, I am not just pursuing a career I am building a life where my work reflects my values, my story, and my commitment to making a meaningful impact on everyone I serve.

Growing up in a single parent household has shaped the way I approach life and school. With my father incarcerated, my siblings and I relied on each other and my mother for support. While this brought challenges emotional, financial, and practical it also taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of perseverance. I learned to navigate responsibilities at a young age, balancing schoolwork, extracurriculars, and leadership roles while supporting my siblings emotionally and helping maintain stability at home. These experiences pushed me to stay focused on my education as a path toward a better future. Academically, I have maintained a strong GPA while participating in Student Government Association, the Principal’s Action Committee, cheerleading, and the Culinary Arts program. Each of these opportunities has taught me discipline, time management, teamwork, and leadership. Starting my own small business as a senior has further strengthened my problem-solving skills and determination to succeed despite obstacles. I plan to use my life experiences to positively impact my community by being a role model for other students who face similar challenges. I want to show that circumstances do not define your potential and that perseverance and hard work can open doors. I hope to mentor younger students, inspire confidence, and encourage them to pursue education and leadership opportunities. By continuing my education at Southern University, I aim to create a stable, purposeful future for myself and my family while giving back to my community. Every step I take toward my goals academically, personally, and professionally is a way to transform my challenges into opportunities for growth, empowerment, and lasting impact.

Cheerleading has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started when I was six years old, and for the past eleven years, it has been more than a sport—it has been a lifeline, a place where I could grow, belong, and find my voice. Through bows, sparkly uniforms, and countless practices, I have learned lessons about resilience, teamwork, and leadership that extend far beyond the gym. From my first cheer practice, I realized cheer was about more than performing routines; it was about connection. I learned how to trust my teammates completely, to push myself through fear, and to celebrate each other’s successes. Cheer became my outlet during difficult times. When life felt overwhelming, stepping onto the mat reminded me that I had a place where I was seen, valued, and capable of amazing things. Those sparkly uniforms were more than costumes—they symbolized confidence, determination, and a community that lifted me up. Three years ago, I began serving as a junior coach for younger girls, and that experience has been transformative. Coaching allows me to give back what was once given to me. I help girls learn routines, yes, but I also teach them how to believe in themselves, trust one another, and keep going when things get hard. Watching a child who was once shy or uncertain grow into a confident team member is one of the most rewarding feelings I have ever experienced. It reminds me that cheer is not just about stunts or cheers—it is about building strong, empowered young girls who can carry those lessons into every part of their lives. Being involved in cheer and coaching has taught me about responsibility, leadership, and compassion. I have seen how a supportive community can change lives, and I strive to create that same environment for the next generation. Through cheer, I have discovered my own voice and learned how to lift others up with mine. The bonds formed through cheer are lifelong. They teach girls to support each other, handle setbacks, and celebrate achievements together. In a world where young girls often face pressure to compete against one another, cheer offers a place of encouragement, unity, and growth. For me, those eleven years of practice and three years of coaching have shown me the power of mentorship, the strength of community, and the importance of creating spaces where girls can thrive. From a bow and a sparkly uniform, I have learned lessons that shape who I am and who I hope to become. Cheerleading has given me confidence, purpose, and a passion for helping others. Coaching allows me to pass that gift forward, building stronger, braver girls and a community that supports them every step of the way.

There are teachers who teach lessons from textbooks, and then there are teachers who teach you how to survive, grow, and believe in yourself. For me, that teacher was Mrs. Meghan. From first grade through sixth grade, she was more than just my teacher—she was my outlet, my safe space, and the person who helped shape how I approach life today. During those early years, I was dealing with more than most children should have to carry. I did not always have the words to explain what I was feeling, but Mrs. Meghan always seemed to understand anyway. Her classroom was the one place where I felt truly seen. When I walked through her door, I knew I could breathe a little easier. She listened without judgment and offered comfort without making me feel weak. Mrs. Meghan had a way of noticing when something was wrong, even when I tried to hide it. Sometimes it was a quiet conversation at her desk, other times it was a reassuring smile or a simple reminder that I was capable. She taught me that my emotions were valid and that I did not have to face things alone. That lesson stayed with me long after I left her classroom. Academically, Mrs. Meghan pushed me to believe in myself. She encouraged me to speak up, try harder, and not give up when things felt difficult. More importantly, she showed me that learning was not about being perfect—it was about effort, growth, and resilience. Watching the way she treated every student with patience and care taught me what real leadership looks like. Because of Mrs. Meghan, I learned the importance of seeking support and being open about my struggles instead of shutting down. She changed how I approach challenges by reminding me that strength does not mean silence. Today, when life feels overwhelming, I think back to her classroom and the sense of safety she created. I remind myself that asking for help is not a weakness—it is a step forward. Mrs. Meghan’s influence extends far beyond my elementary school years. She shaped the way I treat others, the way I handle adversity, and the way I believe in myself during uncertain moments. Her kindness, patience, and unwavering support helped build the foundation of who I am today. Even now, I carry her lessons with me: show compassion, keep going, and never underestimate the power of being there for someone. Mrs. Meghan did that for me—and because of her, I strive to do the same in my own life.

My name is Bryana Brunson, and being a first-generation college student means stepping into a future that no one in my family has been able to navigate before. There is no guidebook, no blueprint, and no safety net of experience to rely on. What I do have is determination, resilience, and a deep desire to create stability and opportunity not only for myself, but for my family as well. My journey has been shaped by having an incarcerated parent. Before my father’s incarceration, he was a consistent and loving presence in my life—he never missed birthdays, holidays, or school milestones. When he was suddenly taken away, the loss was overwhelming. His absence was felt in everyday moments and major life decisions, forcing me to grow up faster than I ever expected. Despite this hardship, my siblings and I maintain regular contact with our father. In every conversation, he shares how he is working to better himself—attending programs, strengthening his faith, and taking accountability for his actions. Watching his commitment to growth, even under difficult circumstances, taught me that setbacks do not have to define us. That lesson has guided me through my own challenges and shaped my mindset as a first-generation student determined to move forward. As a high school senior, I am balancing graduation, college preparation, leadership roles, and even launching my own small business. Achieving these milestones without my father physically present has been painful, but it has also strengthened my independence and self-motivation. I have learned how to advocate for myself, manage responsibilities, and remain focused on long-term goals—even when emotional support feels limited. Academically, I have remained committed to my education while participating in cheerleading, Student Government Association, the Principal’s Action Committee, and the Culinary Arts program. These experiences taught me discipline, leadership, teamwork, and time management. More importantly, they gave me purpose and reminded me that my story does not disqualify me from success—it fuels it. Being a first-generation student means I am working to break cycles and build generational change. My dream is to earn a college degree, establish a successful career, and become an example for my siblings and others facing similar challenges. I want to show that perseverance can exist alongside hardship, and that circumstances do not determine destiny. This scholarship would ease the financial burden of college and allow me to focus fully on my education and personal growth. Beyond financial support, it would affirm that my story, resilience, and determination matter. With this support, I will continue my journey with purpose, using my education to create stability, opportunity, and lasting impact for myself and those who come after me.

My name is Bryana Brunson, and being a first-generation college student means stepping into a future that no one in my family has been able to navigate before. There is no guidebook, no blueprint, and no safety net of experience to rely on. What I do have is determination, resilience, and a deep desire to create stability and opportunity not only for myself, but for my family as well. My journey has been shaped by having an incarcerated parent. Before my father’s incarceration, he was a consistent and loving presence in my life—he never missed birthdays, holidays, or school milestones. When he was suddenly taken away, the loss was overwhelming. His absence was felt in everyday moments and major life decisions, forcing me to grow up faster than I ever expected. Despite this hardship, my siblings and I maintain regular contact with our father. In every conversation, he shares how he is working to better himself—attending programs, strengthening his faith, and taking accountability for his actions. Watching his commitment to growth, even under difficult circumstances, taught me that setbacks do not have to define us. That lesson has guided me through my own challenges and shaped my mindset as a first-generation student determined to move forward. As a high school senior, I am balancing graduation, college preparation, leadership roles, and even launching my own small business. Achieving these milestones without my father physically present has been painful, but it has also strengthened my independence and self-motivation. I have learned how to advocate for myself, manage responsibilities, and remain focused on long-term goals—even when emotional support feels limited. Academically, I have remained committed to my education while participating in cheerleading, Student Government Association, the Principal’s Action Committee, and the Culinary Arts program. These experiences taught me discipline, leadership, teamwork, and time management. More importantly, they gave me purpose and reminded me that my story does not disqualify me from success—it fuels it. Being a first-generation student means I am working to break cycles and build generational change. My dream is to earn a college degree, establish a successful career, and become an example for my siblings and others facing similar challenges. I want to show that perseverance can exist alongside hardship, and that circumstances do not determine destiny. This scholarship would ease the financial burden of college and allow me to focus fully on my education and personal growth. Beyond financial support, it would affirm that my story, resilience, and determination matter. With this support, I will continue my journey with purpose, using my education to create stability, opportunity, and lasting impact for myself and those who come after me.

The brown eyes that meet mine in the mirror have always been the same, but the girl they belong to is always in the process of becoming someone new, someone better. Behind every late night assignment is a student navigating two worlds: one of survival and the other of growth. I carry the weight of where I have come from, but I will never let it keep me from where I am going. As a young black girl raised by a single parent and who aspires for greatness, I am a member of the Student Government Association, a member of the Principal’s Action Committee, currently in the Culinary Arts Program, and an All-Star cheerleader. I seek to become a leader and representation of greatness in a community that is often overlooked but has a lot to give. The degree program I have chosen to pursue is Supply Chain Management. Choosing this program was not just about picking a future job, it was about choosing something I have a passion for and deciding my future career. Supply Chain Management aligns closely to the Culinary Arts program. I enjoy learning about food regulations and applying that to requirements in the culinary program. Supply Chain Management will allow me to continue to work within food regulations while also being a part of the flow of goods, data, and finances to raw materials to the final consumer process. Exploring a career that has limited diversity will allow me to expose my community to a new career field that they may not be familiar with. I will also be an example that career opportunities in less diverse fields are possible. Within the Supply Chain Management program, Black people represent about 7.6% of people within the workforce. Although this career is increasing in value, people of color are significantly underrepresented. In addition, women make up only 40% of the workforce in the broader field; however, only about 10% of senior level roles are held by women. There is a lack of diversity in both race and gender within the field of study. With a lack of visibility and a lack of equal leader representation within the field, my goal is to be a part of the movement that seeks diversity and inclusivity. I aspire to become a leader within this field and disrupt barriers. I will inspire the next generation by leading by example. By completing my degree and thriving in my career as a supply chain manager, I will bring insight and knowledge to the community I serve. Volunteer opportunities will allow me to speak to the younger generation about the various fields beyond their limited exposure, specifically the culinary program. I look forward to seeing the new generation of culinary students and informing them of career opportunities beyond the kitchen, but allow you to still be a part of a field they love. In a field that lacks diversity, my goal is to inspire the next generation to take chances, demand inclusivity, and remind them of the significance that they provide to all areas of study.