My name is Camariana, and I’m a 19-year-old Black girl who grew up in a community where opportunities were limited, but dreams were limitless. Raised by my single mother, I learned early on what it meant to persevere, not just for yourself, but for the people you love. My mom may not have had much financially, but she always made sure she was there for me, offering support, guidance, and love at every turn. She was the constant in my life, showing me that no matter what we faced, I could always count on her. Alongside my older brother, who was like a father figure to me growing up, they both taught me that my circumstances don’t define my potential, and they instilled in me the belief that I could do anything if I worked hard enough. It’s because of their influence that I decided to pursue a career in commercial real estate. Growing up, I didn’t see many people from my community who were in positions of power, but I understood the importance of owning property and building generational wealth. I saw real estate as a way to not only change my own life but also create opportunities for others in communities like mine. The idea of being able to have a direct impact on my community—building spaces that bring people together and create opportunities—really spoke to me. I’m drawn to commercial real estate because it allows me to combine my passion for business with my desire to see my community grow and thrive. Receiving this scholarship would be an essential step in helping me achieve my long-term goals in the commercial real estate industry. It would not only ease the financial burden of tuition but also open doors to resources, networks, and mentors that can guide me through the complexities of the real estate world. As a young Black woman entering a field where people like me are often underrepresented, the support this scholarship provides would help me gain the knowledge and confidence I need to make my mark and bring fresh perspectives to the industry. The most influential people in my life have been my mother and my brother. My mom taught me the value of being present, of showing up even when things are tough. She was always there to listen, to guide, and to make sure that no matter what, I knew I was loved and capable. She taught me that being there for others is just as important as personal success, and that belief has shaped the way I approach my goals. My brother, who stepped in to fill the fatherly role in my life, gave me a sense of strength and discipline. He always believed in me, encouraging me to push through obstacles and reminding me that I could achieve whatever I set my mind to. Together, they’ve shaped my views on education. They made it clear that learning isn’t just about books or grades; it’s about equipping myself with the tools I need to build a better future. They didn’t just believe in me—they showed me how to believe in myself. I learned that education is a powerful tool, one that can unlock doors and change the trajectory of your life. With the support of this scholarship, I’ll be able to take the next step toward achieving my goals in commercial real estate. It will allow me to honor their sacrifices by pursuing a path that not only fulfills my own dreams but also creates opportunities for the community I come from.

Growing up, I never had the luxury of knowing what it felt like to have it easy. My mom was a single mother, working two jobs just to make sure my brother and I had food on the table and a roof over our head. I spent a lot of my childhood trying to make sense of a world that seemed to offer very little to people like me. I remember the way people would look at me like my potential was already decided—like being born in the ghetto meant I’d be trapped there forever. But I refused to accept that. I saw my mom’s hard work and sacrifice, and I knew that I was capable of more. I didn’t want to just survive—I wanted to thrive. I wanted to be the one who broke the cycle. Now that I’m in a better community, I never forget where I came from. Yes, things have changed for me, but I carry my roots with me every day. I remember the times when I had no one to help me with my homework. But I pushed through. I pushed through because I knew deep down that I wasn’t meant to stay where I was. I was meant for something more. And that’s what I want every young person in my old community to know—that their circumstances do not define them. They can reach for more. I volunteer to help kids with their homework now, after school. It’s my way of giving back to the place that helped shape who I am. When I look at these kids, I see so much of myself in them—the doubts, the struggles, the hope that someone will see their worth. I know exactly what it feels like to think that no one cares. But now, I can be the one to show them that they are seen, that their dreams matter, and that they can achieve greatness just like anyone else. It’s a small step, but it’s a step toward changing the narrative for my community. As Maya Angelou said, “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.” I want these kids to know that no matter how many times they fall, they can get back up, just like I did. My faith has been a huge part of this journey too. In those moments when I felt like giving up, when the pressure of being one of the few from my neighborhood who made it out felt too heavy, I leaned on God. My faith gave me the strength to keep going, to push through when everything seemed impossible. I know that I’m not doing this on my own. As Nelson Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” I’m not just here for me. I’m here for my mom, for my community, and for the generations that will follow me. Every step I take, every challenge I overcome, is not just for me; it’s for them. My degree is not just a piece of paper—it’s a symbol of the power to change, to rise above, and to break the chains of limitations that society tries to place on us. I’m living proof that our circumstances do not define us. We can rewrite our stories. We can dream bigger, aim higher, and achieve more than anyone ever told us we could. This is just the beginning. Together, we will rise.

Going to university is more than just a stepping stone to a career for me; it is a beacon of hope and a bridge to a brighter future—not just for me, but for everyone who will come after me. For too long, people like me have been told that our circumstances, our past, and our environment will dictate our future. But I am determined to prove that the limitations society has placed on us are not our destiny. The path I am walking today is not just for my personal success; it’s for my community, for the generations before me who dreamed of possibilities they never had the chance to reach, and for the generations after me who will see that their dreams are achievable. Growing up, I was often told that success was reserved for others, for those born into better circumstances, or for those who fit a certain mold. I internalized the belief that my environment—coming from a background where opportunities were scarce—would always define my chances in life. But I’ve come to realize that university represents so much more than just a place to gain knowledge; it is a place of transformation. It is a place where I can redefine what success looks like and shatter the ceilings that society has built around me. For me, going to university is about breaking cycles of limitation. It’s about showing the world—and more importantly, showing my community—that there is no preordained fate for people like us. The belief that our future is sealed by where we come from, or by the color of our skin, is a lie. By earning my degree, I am proving that the barriers set before us are meant to be challenged, not accepted. I am stepping into a future that will inspire others to believe that their dreams, no matter how big or small, are valid and within reach. This journey is not just for me; it’s for the community I belong to—the one that has long been told our dreams were out of reach. It’s for my ancestors who fought for freedom, for justice, and for opportunities they never had. It’s for the children in my neighborhood who will look at me and see that there is a different path for them, one that is full of possibility. University will bring pride to my family, my community, and to me personally. It will prove that despite the challenges we face, we are resilient. It will bring virtue because it embodies hard work, persistence, and a belief in something greater than ourselves. It will bring a sense of unity because when one of us rises, we all rise. I carry the weight of all those who came before me, and I am committed to paving the way for all those who will come after me. My journey isn’t just about me; it’s about creating a future where limitations no longer define our potential.

Growing up, I faced a lot of challenges that many people couldn’t fully understand, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who can relate to the struggle of trying to fit into a world that often overlooks those like me. As a young black child, I carried the weight of societal stereotypes that often boxed me in, labeling me as just another statistic of a poor, single-parent household. Despite those labels, I never allowed them to define who I am or who I could become. My passion to contribute to my community, help others, and serve in any way I can has shaped me into who I am today. One of the things that has always given me purpose is helping kids with their schoolwork after school. I know what it’s like to struggle with homework or feel like no one is there to support you when you’re trying to understand a difficult subject. Growing up, I often had to teach myself because my single mother worked long hours just to make ends meet, and there wasn’t always someone there to guide me through. But I never gave up, and now, I find immense joy in helping other kids who might feel the same way I did. I volunteer to help them with their schoolwork, offering the support I wish I had as a child. Every time I see a child’s face light up when they finally grasp something they were struggling with, it makes everything worth it. It’s not just about doing well in school; it’s about giving these kids a sense of hope that no matter where they come from or what they have, they can achieve their dreams. I want them to see beyond the stereotypes and know that they are capable of greatness. I want them to believe that their circumstances do not define their potential. I feel blessed to be in a position to pass along the lessons I’ve learned and help these kids navigate their own paths. Faith has been a central part of my journey. I find strength in my relationship with God, and I’m incredibly passionate about going to church to praise the Lord and strengthen my spirit. There’s something incredibly grounding about being in the presence of others who share the same faith, lifting up my voice in praise, and seeking guidance as I continue my walk with God. I know that without His grace, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It’s through my faith that I’ve learned resilience, perseverance, and how to find joy even in difficult circumstances. I’ve endured the pressures and judgments of society, and though I’ve had moments of doubt and struggle, I’ve kept pushing forward. My mother, who worked tirelessly to provide for us, instilled in me the values of hard work, determination, and self-love. She may not have had much, but she gave me everything she could. Those lessons and that love have carried me through the darkest of times. Through it all—whether it was enduring the stereotypes or navigating the challenges of growing up with little—I learned that I am more than what others see. I am a product of love, perseverance, and faith. My desire to give back to my community, to help those who are struggling, and to share the light of God’s love is what keeps me going. I know that I can make a difference in the lives of others, just as others have made a difference in mine.

I loved my birthday. I use the word loved because the person I shared a birthday with always seemed to shadow mine over. I was born on January 15th 2006. The same day, Martin Luther King was born. Expectations and motivations had me want to live up to a historical figure who changed the way black people would think. I aspire to change the way everyone thinks. I had always believed in the power of words and the power of speech. The 'I Have A Dream Speech' reached people's hearts, souls, and minds. Having a dream is something that could leave a legacy. That speech was his legacy, and his death was our revolution, a turning point that galvanized a generation to continue his fight for equality. Martin Luther King Junior has inspired me from birth to live as one who strives to be the change I want to see. From a young age, I was surrounded by black stereotypes in the media-baby mamas, drug dealers, and fatherless children. But I also saw a different narrative, one of strength and resilience. I saw black people who fought against these stereotypes, who fought to give their children a better life. This perseverance, this continuous struggle, is something that I've always admired and sought out in the stories I read and the news I watched. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, 'Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.' These words have always resonated with me, and I believe that it's through this continuous struggle that we can bring about change, even in the face of oppression. We can see this in the rise of people who are changing history, who are refusing to be silenced. In 2001, Ruth Simmons became the first black Ivy League president. In 2005, Condoleezza Rice was the first black woman Secretary of State. In 2007, Barrington Irving was the first black man to fly worldwide. I aspire to be a first on that list and lead with the same ambition my ancestors had. Martin Luther King Junior has inspired me to be a person who strives to guide when I lead and speaks out in the face of those who want to silence me. I don't give up when adversity knocks on the door, but I open it and show it the house I've built on perseverance and strength. And the neighborhood where the challenge was overcome and leaders were raised, a community that has always supported and nurtured me, and where I have learned the true meaning of resilience and leadership. This essay is about Martin Luther King because I was blessed to be born on a day that challenged me to live up to a martyr, of his time and ours.