Math has always been one of my favorite subjects because it makes sense to me. I like that math has clear steps and clear answers. When I work through a problem, I know that if I stay focused and follow the process, I will get to the right solution. That feeling motivates me to keep challenging myself. I enjoy math because it makes me think. Some problems are not easy at first, but I like the challenge of figuring them out. When I finally understand a tough problem, it feels rewarding. Math has taught me to be patient and not give up when something is difficult. If I make a mistake, I can go back, fix it, and try again. Math has also helped me become a better problem solver. It has taught me how to break problems into smaller parts and think logically. These skills help me in other classes and in everyday life. I also see math in things I enjoy, like basketball. Whether it’s understanding angles, timing, or statistics, math plays a role in the game. Doing well in math has pushed me to take harder classes and set higher goals for myself. It has helped build my confidence and work ethic. I know that success in math comes from effort, practice, and focus, and those habits have helped me academically. I love math because it challenges me and helps me grow. It has taught me discipline, patience, and confidence. Math is more than just numbers to me. It’s a subject that prepares me to handle challenges both in school and in life.

The family member I lost who shaped me the most was my grandfather, who I called G Daddy. He retired from BP as a mechanical engineer right before I was born, but growing up, I felt like I knew his career well because of the stories he shared. He had traveled all over the world for work and for fun, and listening to him talk about those experiences made me curious about how things worked and how science could open doors far beyond where you start. Even though I never saw him go to work, G Daddy had a way of making engineering feel real. He loved explaining how systems fit together and why details mattered. He would break things down in a way that made sense and made learning feel interesting instead of overwhelming. Those conversations were the reason I started to enjoy science and think seriously about becoming an engineer myself. When G Daddy passed away, it was one of the hardest things I’ve gone through. He was always present in my life, whether it was sitting in the stands at my basketball games or asking about my grades and goals. Losing him left a big gap, and it forced me to grow up faster than I expected. I realized that the encouragement and expectations he had for me were now my responsibility to carry forward. After his death, I became more focused, especially in school. I pushed myself more in my science classes and started thinking clearly about my future. What began as curiosity turned into a real goal; I want to become a chemical engineer. I see engineering as a way to solve problems and make a difference, just like G Daddy did throughout his career, even if I learned about it through stories instead of watching it firsthand. Basketball also played a big role in helping me deal with the loss. It taught me discipline, teamwork, and resilience. On hard days, whether in the classroom or at practice, I remind myself that G Daddy believed in showing up and doing the work, even when things weren’t easy. One of the most important lessons G Daddy taught me was about giving back. He believed in helping others without needing recognition. Because of him, I volunteer regularly, serving meals and supporting families in my community. Service has helped me understand that success isn’t just about personal achievement, but about using your abilities to help others. Even though G Daddy is no longer here, his influence is still a big part of my life. The stories he shared, the lessons he taught, and the example he set continue to guide my choices. Losing him was painful, but it gave me purpose and direction, and it helped shape the person I am becoming.

Engineers, engineers, engineers. I have been surrounded by engineers my whole life. At first, I was resistant to wanting to pursue a career as an engineer and then I took honors chemistry and it changed the focus and the trajectory for my future. This school year I took AP chemistry to expand my knowledge in this area. I enjoyed learning about chemical properties and foreseeing the impact I could make in the efficiency of industry processes. You see, my vision for the future is one where I want to be known for impacting industries in ways where more efficient and cleaner solutions allow us all to utilize the natural resources we have in more productive and safe ways. I currently live in Texas and my family has benefited from the oil and gas industry for decades. The impact I want to make as a chemical engineer is to bridge our natural resources with safer processes so that the oil and gas industries can continue to thrive but we can all live in a healthier and safer world. My parents have made many sacrifices to ensure I was successful and have a head start in life. One core value I have is being able to pay in forward for my future family and for the next generation. Ensuring a cleaner planet is important to me. How do I plan to accomplish this, you ask? The answer is actually quite simple..work hard, learn from those currently in the field, and consider analytical solutions that make sense and are doable. My personality and who I am naturally makes me a leader. Watching my parents, I have learned that the best leaders are those that learn and truly have a desire to understand how systems work before guiding people. I have been told several times that my soft skills are equally as effective as my hard skills. It’s not about if I find solutions for cleaner manufacturing in the petroleum industry but rather when I do, I am confident that I will be able to lead others to acceptance of those solutions. Mixing solutions and warming wax as a child were “fun” activities. Being able to take what I considered fun, adding guided study of the field, and taking that knowledge and experience to the petroleum industry to make it safer is a dream of mine. My late grandfather worked as a mechanical engineer and after retirement he worked in the wind energy sector. I recall my father asking him questions about the different sectors and realizing that his expertise, experience, and drive to continue learning were able to bring both sectors together in productive ways. My ultimate goal in life is to follow in the wisdom, analytical thinking, and impact that my grandfather made in the petroleum industry. Although I did not have the privilege of knowing Tebra Hobson, please know that I have the upmost respect and admiration for teachers. You see, my mother is an assistant principal. She was an AP in an elementary school and now in a junior high school. She taught me to value the profession and all the hard work that teachers give every day. Thank you for your time and consideration. If chosen for this scholarship, I guarantee you will see my name in a publication that highlights my work and ability to merge natural resources with clean processes. Thank you.

Ugh, you’re too distracted and you’re too small. These are words I have heard more times than I can count. First in the classroom, then on the basketball court. Living with ADHD and standing at just 5’6 in a sport dominated by taller athletes, I’ve often been underestimated. Instead of letting those labels define me, I have used them as fuel. They have pushed me to prove that focus can be trained, that size does not equal strength, and that perseverance can outshine doubt. In elementary school, my ADHD didn’t affect my ability to learn or complete assignments and I always liked school and excelled in academics. The real challenge was behavioral. I was impulsive, restless, and often the student teachers had to redirect. That was especially difficult because my mother is an assistant principal. While other kids could go home and leave their school behavior behind, mine followed me. I knew that every call, every report, and every meeting with teachers made her job harder. At times, I felt embarrassed that my actions reflected on her. More than anything, I didn’t want to disappoint her. Over time, I learned to manage my impulses, focus my energy in positive ways, and prove through my actions that I could rise above the challenges of ADHD. That growth has carried me into middle and high school, where I now hold a 4.625 GPA and rank #3 in my class of 708 students. Basketball has been another arena where I’ve had to prove myself. At 5’6, I don’t fit the image of a dominant player. Opponents often underestimate me before the game even begins but that doubt only motivates me. I’ve worked hard to sharpen my speed, ball handling, and court vision so that my impact isn’t measured by height but by heart, court IQ, and skill. Playing school ball and AAU basketball has taught me to maximize my strengths, out hustle taller players, and never let size determine my worth. Every game is another chance to show that effort and perseverance matter more than appearance. Both in school and on the court, the common thread has been the need to prove myself. With ADHD, I had to prove to teachers and to myself that I was more than my impulsive behavior. On the court, I have to prove to coaches and competitors that size doesn’t dictate skill. Through those experiences, I’ve built resilience, discipline, and confidence. Looking ahead, I know college will bring its own set of challenges. The workload will be heavier, the competition tougher, and the expectations higher. But I feel prepared. My experiences with ADHD and basketball have taught me that the obstacles in front of me don’t define me but my response to them does. I no longer see my ADHD or my height as disadvantages. Instead, I see them as the reasons I’ve learned to fight harder, push further, and stay focused on my goals. They’ve shaped my desire to pursue chemical engineering, a field that challenges problem solvers to think critically and find solutions that impact everyday life. Just as I’ve learned to turn my own challenges into opportunities, I want to use my education to design, innovate, and contribute to creating a better future. Adversity has made me stronger, more determined, and more focused on what lies ahead. I am ready to carry those lessons into college, into chemical engineering, and into every challenge that comes next in my life.

Service has shaped how I respond to challenge and how I measure success. I have learned that meaningful change is created not by avoiding difficult circumstances, but by choosing how to act within them. Through consistent service, leadership, and mentorship, I strive to positively impact my community and leave every environment better than I found it. One of the most meaningful ways I serve is through my volunteer work with Lunches of Love. Working directly with families experiencing food uncertainty has shown me how hardship can affect everyday life. While I cannot eliminate those challenges, I can contribute in ways that provide immediate support and dignity. Helping prepare and distribute meals has taught me that service is about showing up with compassion and consistency. The impact of this work extends beyond the meals themselves, it strengthens community connections and reminds families that they are seen and supported. I also serve my community by babysitting younger children for a family who relies on dependable care. This responsibility has taught me accountability, patience, and the importance of being reliable. Parents trust me with what matters most to them, and that trust reinforces my belief that meaningful service is often quiet and steady. By providing consistent support, I help create stability for families navigating busy and demanding schedules. Basketball has given me another platform to serve and lead. As a varsity, JV, and AAU basketball player, I have learned discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. These are lessons that extend far beyond athletics. Sports often place young people under pressure, and how they respond can shape their confidence and character. Moving forward, I plan to volunteer as a middle school basketball co-coach as a hobby alongside my other service commitments. Through coaching, I hope to mentor younger students, encourage positive decision-making, and create an environment where growth and effort are valued. The James Lynn Baker II Scholarship emphasizes a powerful idea: when faced with adversity, individuals can choose to let circumstances define them or to transform the environment around them. This message resonates with how I approach service and leadership. Rather than becoming discouraged by challenges, I strive to contribute positively wherever I am placed.Whether it’s academically, athletically, and in my community. This mindset is reflected in my academic commitment as well. I am currently ranked 3rd out of 708 students with a GPA of 4.625. Balancing rigorous coursework, athletics, and service has required discipline and perseverance, but it has also taught me that achievement carries responsibility. I believe my abilities should be used to serve others and create opportunity. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a degree in chemical engineering to expand my ability to create change. Through this field, I hope to develop solutions related to sustainability, energy efficiency, and access to essential resources. By combining technical knowledge with a service-oriented mindset, I want to continue making a meaningful impact on communities facing complex challenges. The values honored by the James Lynn Baker II Scholarship align with how I live my life: choosing growth, service, and positive influence in every environment. No matter the challenge, I am committed to contributing in ways that create lasting change and uplift others.

Change doesn’t happen all at once; it usually starts the moment you realize that who you are today isn’t yet who you will become. That moment happened for me during a late evening study session after a long basketball practice, when I looked at everything I was trying to balance and asked myself whether I was doing enough to become the kind of person who makes a real impact. I knew then that I didn’t just want to work hard. I wanted to grow with more meaning. I want to make a change in my life because I know I’m capable of more than just going through the motions. When I was younger, I struggled with behavioral challenges connected to my ADHD, especially in elementary school. I was restless, talkative, easily distracted, and always on the move. I remember getting reminders to stay seated or stay focused more times than I can count. Those experiences taught me early on that controlling my energy and learning how to channel it the right way would be one of my biggest responsibilities as I grew up. Over time, I learned to turn that same energy into drive. Over the past few years, I’ve learned that talent and potential only take you so far. What truly matters is discipline, service, and using your gifts to influence the people around you. As I’ve grown, I’ve realized that I want my life to be about more than grades or basketball. I want it to be about leadership and character. One of the biggest changes I am working toward is becoming the best version of myself academically, athletically, and personally. In school, I’ve challenged myself by staying committed to my coursework and earning a 4.625 GPA while ranking #3 in my class. I push myself to improve every day, whether that’s showing up to early morning basketball workouts, studying late, or volunteering. Even though my volunteer roles are simple like working concessions or volunteering at Lunches of Love they’ve shown me how small acts can positively impact the community around me. Through these experiences, I’ve learned what responsibility really looks like and how important it is to stay consistent even when it’s hard. I’ve also realized how much I value being someone others can depend on. Leadership isn’t always about being the loudest voice; it’s about patience, commitment, and doing what’s right even when no one is watching. This scholarship would help me continue that growth. It would relieve some of the financial pressure from my family and allow me to focus on preparing for college academically and mentally. It would also open doors for opportunities and resources I might not otherwise have access to. Most importantly, receiving this scholarship would remind me that people believe in me and support the goals I’m working toward. Paying it forward is something I already take seriously. I know how much it has meant to have mentors, coaches, teachers, and community members invest in me, especially during the years when learning how to manage my ADHD behavior took patience and guidance. I want to do the same for someone coming up behind me. In the future, I plan to tutor younger students who struggle academically, mentor younger athletes, and continue volunteering in my community. I want to show kids who look like me that success is possible when you work hard, stay committed, and surround yourself with people who believe in your potential. If I am blessed with this scholarship, I intend to pass that blessing long to others through my service. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Ugh, you’re too distracted and you’re too small. These are words I have heard more times than I can count. First in the classroom, then on the basketball court. Living with ADHD and standing at just 5’6 in a sport dominated by taller athletes, I’ve often been underestimated. Instead of letting those labels define me, I have used them as fuel. They have pushed me to prove that focus can be trained, that size does not equal strength, and that perseverance can outshine doubt. In elementary school, my ADHD didn’t affect my ability to learn or complete assignments and I always liked school and excelled in academics. The real challenge was behavioral. I was impulsive, restless, and often the student teachers had to redirect. That was especially difficult because my mother is an assistant principal. While other kids could go home and leave their school behavior behind, mine followed me. I knew that every call, every report, and every meeting with teachers made her job harder. At times, I felt embarrassed that my actions reflected on her. More than anything, I didn’t want to disappoint her. Over time, I learned to manage my impulses, focus my energy in positive ways, and prove through my actions that I could rise above the challenges of ADHD. That growth has carried me into middle and high school, where I now hold a 4.625 GPA and rank #4 in my class of nearly 800 students. Basketball has been another arena where I’ve had to prove myself. At 5’6, I don’t fit the image of a dominant player. Opponents often underestimate me before the game even begins but that doubt only motivates me. I’ve worked hard to sharpen my speed, ball handling, and court vision so that my impact isn’t measured by height but by heart, court IQ, and skill. Playing school ball and AAU basketball has taught me to maximize my strengths, out hustle taller players, and never let size determine my worth. Every game is another chance to show that effort and perseverance matter more than appearance. Both in school and on the court, the common thread has been the need to prove myself. With ADHD, I had to prove to teachers and to myself that I was more than my impulsive behavior. On the court, I have to prove to coaches and competitors that size doesn’t dictate skill. Through those experiences, I’ve built resilience, discipline, and confidence. Looking ahead, I know college will bring its own set of challenges. The workload will be heavier, the competition tougher, and the expectations higher. But I feel prepared. My experiences with ADHD and basketball have taught me that the obstacles in front of me don’t define me but my response to them does. I no longer see my ADHD or my height as disadvantages. Instead, I see them as the reasons I’ve learned to fight harder, push further, and stay focused on my goals. They’ve shaped my desire to pursue chemical engineering, a field that challenges problem solvers to think critically and find solutions that impact everyday life. Just as I’ve learned to turn my own challenges into opportunities, I want to use my education to design, innovate, and contribute to creating a better future. Adversity has made me stronger, more determined, and more focused on what lies ahead. I am ready to carry those lessons into college, into chemical engineering, and into every challenge that comes next in my life.

My name is Carson Dawkins, and I am a 15 year old high school student, set to graduate in 2027. I currently have a 4.6250 GPA and plan to pursue a degree in chemical engineering. My academic journey has not been easy, but every challenge has shaped me into the focused, driven student I am today. One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to overcome is my ADHD. I was diagnosed with ADHD in elementary school. For years, I struggled with focus, organization, and impulsivity. I often felt frustrated. School felt overwhelming at times, and I sometimes wondered if I’d ever be “good enough” to compete with other students. With the support of my parents, teachers, and a lot of hard work, I’ve learned how to manage my ADHD and turn it into a strength rather than a setback. Over the years, I’ve developed systems to stay organized, learned how to break big tasks into smaller ones, and built strong time management habits. I’ve learned that having ADHD doesn’t mean I can’t succeed, it just means I have to work a little differently, and sometimes a little harder. That perseverance has fueled my academic achievements and given me the confidence to pursue my goals. One of my greatest passions is science, especially chemistry and engineering. I love understanding how materials interact, how energy is transferred, and how innovations are developed to solve real-world problems. I am especially interested in clean energy and sustainability. I hope to one day work on projects that reduce carbon emissions, develop renewable energy sources, or improve water purification systems in underserved areas. Becoming a chemical engineer would allow me to take my love for science and use it to make a real difference in people’s lives and the health of our planet. This scholarship would help me move closer to that dream. It would ease the financial strain on my family and allow me to focus on my academics, leadership development, and college preparation. I plan to participate in engineering summer programs, AP courses, and internships that will strengthen my foundation and prepare me for a competitive university. Without financial support, many of these opportunities may be out of reach. I am not afraid of hard work. In fact, overcoming ADHD has taught me how to keep pushing forward even when things get tough. I’ve learned that focus and a positive attitude can open doors that once seemed closed. With this scholarship, I hope to continue opening those doors; not just for myself, but for others as well. Thank you for considering my application. Your investment in me would not only support a student with big dreams, but one who knows how to work through challenges and rise above them. I am excited for what lies ahead and grateful for the opportunity to take one step closer to becoming the chemical engineer I’ve always dreamed of becoming.

My name is Carson Dawkins, and I am pursuing a college education because I believe it is the key to unlocking my full potential, building a meaningful career, and living a life of independence and purpose. My goal is to study chemical engineering because I have always been curious about how things work and how to solve real-world problems. Whether it’s designing more efficient systems, creating mixtures, or developing solutions to everyday challenges, I want to use my education to make a positive impact in the world. My journey through education has not been easy. I was diagnosed with ADHD in elementary school, and for years I struggled with focus, self-control, and organization. These challenges made it difficult for me to sit still, follow directions, and stay on task in the classroom. I often felt frustrated with myself, wondering why things that seemed simple for others were so hard for me. There were moments when I doubted whether I could succeed in life at all. Thankfully, I was not alone in this journey. My parents, teachers, and school counselors worked closely with me, teaching me strategies to manage my behavior and focus my energy in positive ways. With their help, I learned to break tasks into smaller steps, use planners and reminders, and develop habits that kept me organized and on track. These lessons were not learned overnight, but over time they made a huge difference. By the time I reached junior high and high school, I was not only catching up but I was excelling. Today, I am ranked fourth in my graduating class, a result of years of hard work, growth, and perseverance. My ADHD, once a source of frustration, has become a part of my story; a reminder that determination and support can overcome even the toughest obstacles. To me, independence means being able to manage my own responsibilities, make wise decisions, and contribute to society in a meaningful way. Education is the foundation of that independence. It will allow me to pursue a career that challenges me, provides for my future, and gives me the freedom to live life on my own terms. My struggles with ADHD have taught me how to problem-solve, adapt, and stay determined. These skills will serve me not only in school but in life as an independent adult. I am committed to continuing this journey, building on what I’ve overcome, and using my education to create a bright and self-sufficient future.

Where is the hope? This is a question I asked myself on numerous occasions this school year. My grandfather recently passed away, my AP classes were taking a toll on my wellbeing, and to top it all off I was not doing well in basketball. The truth is I was losing the passion for things I once enjoyed. Using a term from my generation, I was “crashing out.” I recognized it, didn’t think I needed professional support, but wasn’t quite sure how I was going to get out of this rut I was feeling. You see, for me mental and physical health go hand in hand. When my family and teachers noticed a difference in my demeanor it was a wake up call that I could not remain in this state for long. My mental health was ultimately going to affect the two things I take the most pride in- my academics and basketball. Mental health for men in general is taboo, but it is especially taboo in the African American community. As a high achieving teenage boy, I am expected to maintain my grades and athleticism at all costs. It wasn’t until this year did I realize the costs of that could be too great until it is too late. Maintaining my potential is a weight I carry often and I am glad that this year has taught me that even when the lows are low they are temporary. Just because I am feeling down doesn’t mean that I need to spiral. During this time of discomfort my physical health was affected by my mental health. I was not eating healthy, didn’t find physical activity enjoyable, and didn’t care about my appearance. My mother was concerned and sought therapy for me. At this point, I knew it must be bad. In addition to my parents, I also had friends who recognized I needed to snap out of this or seek professional support. That was tough hearing that I, the person who problem solves most things couldn’t problem solve his own emotions. Whoa, just typing that brings back the emotions of feeling out of control. You are probably wondering how did I overcome this, well let me tell you. It wasn’t magic, it wasn’t my therapist my mom made me see, it was me compartmentalizing my life in areas I could control and areas I couldn’t control. For example, I chose to tackle the easiest tasks first to give me confidence to tackle the areas that were weighing me down. It was close to the end of the school year and I knew I needed to focus on classes that I was for sure going to do well. I did that….great… what’s next? Now, I focused on the next easiest task, basketball. I couldn’t find confidence in it because I wasn’t putting in the work like I used to. I decided to devote time each day to working on that. The basketball focus went hand in hand with making better eating choices. Lastly, I tackled English… yes, my English class was bringing me the most grief and was the class that was the jump start to my spiral. I decided to pray, work hard, and realize if this class did not yield the grade I was seeking it wasn’t going to define me. When I was able to compartmentalize my tasks, my mental health, and ultimately my physical health improved. Looking back I realize this lesson was meant to happen so I can use this strategy in future obstacles. For that, I am thankful.

Engineers, engineers, engineers. I have been surrounded by engineers my whole life. At first, I was resistant to wanting to pursue a career as an engineer and then I took honors chemistry and it changed the focus and the trajectory for my future. This upcoming school year I plan to take AP chemistry to expand my knowledge in this area. I enjoyed learning about chemical properties and foreseeing the impact I could make in the efficiency of industry processes. You see, my vision for the future is one where I want to be known for impacting industries in ways where more efficient and cleaner solutions allow us all to utilize the natural resources we have in more productive and safe ways. I currently live in Texas and my family has benefited from the oil and gas industry for decades. The impact I want to make as a chemical engineer is to bridge our natural resources with safer processes so that the oil and gas industries can continue to thrive but we can all live in a healthier and safer world. My parents have made many sacrifices to ensure I was successful and have a head start in life. One core value I have is being able to pay in forward for my future family and for the next generation. Ensuring a cleaner planet is important to me. How do I plan to accomplish this, you ask? The answer is actually quite simple..work hard, learn from those currently in the field, and consider analytical solutions that make sense and are doable. My personality and who I am naturally makes me a leader. Watching my parents, I have learned that the best leaders are those that learn and truly have a desire to understand how systems work before guiding people. I have been told several times that my soft skills are equally as effective as my hard skills. It’s not about if I find solutions for cleaner manufacturing in the petroleum industry but rather when I do, I am confident that I will be able to lead others to acceptance of those solutions. Mixing solutions and warming wax as a child were “fun” activities. Being able to take what I considered fun, adding guided study of the field, and taking that knowledge and experience to the petroleum industry to make it safer is a dream of mine. My late grandfather worked as a mechanical engineer and after retirement he worked in the wind energy sector. I recall my father asking him questions about the different sectors and realizing that his expertise, experience, and drive to continue learning were able to bring both sectors together in productive ways. My ultimate goal in life is to follow in the wisdom, analytical thinking, and impact that my grandfather made in the petroleum industry. Thank you for your time and consideration. If chosen for this scholarship, I guarantee you will see my name in a publication that highlights my work and ability to merge natural resources with clean processes. Thank you.