I have always been driven by a passion for learning and a desire to make a meaningful impact in my community. I am a rising freshman at North Carolina A&T State University, majoring in Civil Engineering. I am a Black man with a high school GPA of 3.911 and I have had the opportunity to be part of two community service leadership groups, Jack and Jill of America and Cary Kappa League, where I participated in numerous volunteering and community service activities. These experiences have shaped my character and strengthened my commitment to giving back. Throughout high school, I balanced my academics with extracurricular activities. I was an A-B student, and I played on the varsity football team, where I earned the Scholar Athlete Award. This recognition was not just a testament to my athletic abilities but also to my dedication to maintaining strong academic performance. Football taught me the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, which are qualities I carry with me in all aspects of my life. One of my strengths is my ability to stay focused and determined, even when faced with challenges. I believe this quality will serve me well in my studies and future career in civil engineering. I am excited about the opportunity to learn and grow at North Carolina A&T State University, where I can gain the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the development of sustainable and resilient infrastructure. However, I also recognize my weaknesses. Sometimes, I struggle with time management, especially when juggling multiple responsibilities. I am working on improving this by setting clear priorities and creating a structured schedule. I know that being organized and managing my time effectively will be crucial as I transition to college and take on more demanding coursework. My hopes and dreams revolve around using my education to make a positive impact on my community and the world. I envision a future where I can contribute to building safe, sustainable, and efficient infrastructure that improves the quality of life for people, especially in underrepresented communities. I want to be a role model for other young Black men, showing them that with hard work and determination, they can achieve their goals and make a difference. The Treye Knorr Memorial Scholarship will be instrumental in helping me achieve these dreams. As a first-time college student, financial support is crucial for me to focus on my studies without the added stress of financial burdens. This scholarship will allow me to invest in my education and fully immerse myself in the learning opportunities at North Carolina A&T State University. It will also enable me to participate in extracurricular activities and internships that will enhance my skills and prepare me for a successful career in civil engineering. In conclusion, I am committed to making a positive impact on my community and the world through my education and future career. The Treye Knorr Memorial Scholarship will provide the support I need to pursue my dreams and contribute to the development of sustainable infrastructure. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship and appreciate your consideration. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my aspirations.

Over the years, my engagements in community service organizations and the application of leadership principles have fundamentally shaped my character, provided life lessons, and, most importantly, offered me a sense of direction. These experiences have influenced my perspective on leadership and community service, ultimately shaping my development as a responsible citizen and a rising college freshman at North Carolina A&T State University. I am immensely grateful for the opportunities granted by two significant organizations in my life, Jack and Jill of America and the Cary Kappa League. As part of these organizations, I have invested numerous hours in driving positive change in my community while honing my leadership skills, a crucial aspect of my growth and the bedrock of my future aspirations. Volunteering in these organizations has not only given me practical exposure to the realities of society but also allowed me to demonstrate my dedication to making a difference in people's lives to take initiative as a cornerstone of leadership. At Jack and Jill of America and Cary Kappa League, I have had the chance to exemplify certain values. The countless moments of touching the lives of others have served as a testament to my commitment to motivational leadership and resilient determination. As a man of Black and African American heritage, these experiences carry a deeper resonance as they exemplify the spirit of struggle for equality and community upliftment. However, my journey doesn't stop here. As I prepare to major in Civil Engineering at North Carolina A&T State University, I envision my future steeped not only in the study and application of engineering principles but also in engaging actively in the community. For me, the blend of leadership and service in the frame of civil engineering is about building the physical world while constructing a social one based on equity, community welfare, and shared progress. I aspire to develop environmentally sustainable infrastructure for Black and African American communities, often marginalized in national development conversations. The invaluable experiences from Jack and Jill of America and the Cary Kappa League have equipped me with more than just a strong academic foundation; they have imbued me with a profound sense of empathy, resilience, strategic thinking, and the courage to challenge the status quo, all elements of true leadership. Armed with an unweighted high school unweighted GPA of 3.4 and a yearning for building stronger, sustainable, and more inclusive communities, I am determined to not only fulfill my academic goals but also continue the legacy of service and leadership. In conclusion, the principles of leadership and community service instilled in me will continue to inspire my actions as I embark on this new academic journey. I am committed to serving my community and leading initiatives that prioritize inclusivity, environmental responsibility, and socio-economic progress. I am determined to channel my knowledge and resources to contribute to the overall betterment of Black and communities while exemplifying the values of leadership he so passionately championed.

Mental health is a cornerstone of human experience, affecting our goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. My journey with mental health has been a profound and intricate part of my life, shaping who I am today. Through the challenges and triumphs, I have gained a deeper appreciation for resilience, empathy, and the importance of holistic well-being. My experience with mental health has significantly influenced my goals, both personal and professional. In my early years, I struggled with anxiety and depression, which often felt like insurmountable barriers. These struggles forced me to reevaluate what success meant to me. Instead of chasing conventional markers of achievement, I began to prioritize goals that aligned with my mental well-being. For instance, I chose a career path that allowed for a healthy work-life balance, opting for flexibility and a supportive environment over high-stress, high-reward positions. This decision was driven by my understanding that mental health is paramount; no professional success is worth compromising it. Moreover, my experiences have inspired me to pursue goals that advocate for mental health awareness and support. I aim to contribute to creating environments, both in workplaces and communities, where mental health is openly discussed and prioritized. Mental health challenges have also deeply impacted my relationships. Initially, dealing with these issues led to feelings of isolation and misunderstanding. However, as I began to seek help and open up about my struggles, I found that vulnerability could be a bridge to deeper connections. My relationships are now built on a foundation of empathy and mutual support. Understanding my own mental health has made me more attuned to the needs of others. I have learned to recognize signs of distress in my friends and family and offer support in meaningful ways. This has not only strengthened existing bonds but also attracted relationships with individuals who value and understand the importance of mental health. Furthermore, I have become an advocate for open conversations about mental health within my social circles. By sharing my experiences, I hope to reduce the stigma and encourage others to seek help when needed. This openness has fostered a community of trust and compassion, where people feel safe to express their struggles without fear of judgment. Experiencing mental health issues has profoundly shaped my worldview. It has taught me that the human experience is incredibly diverse, and that empathy and kindness are essential. I have learned that everyone is fighting their own battles, often invisible to the outside world, and that a little understanding can go a long way. This perspective has driven me to be more compassionate and patient in my interactions. I approach conflicts with a mindset of understanding rather than judgment, recognizing that behavioral issues often stem from deeper, unaddressed mental health problems. This empathetic approach extends to my view of societal issues as well. I advocate for mental health policies and support systems that address the root causes of problems, rather than just their symptoms. My understanding of the world now includes a recognition of the systemic issues that contribute to mental health struggles. I am passionate about advocating for changes that address these root causes, such as improved access to mental health care, education on mental health from a young age, and policies that reduce socioeconomic stressors. In conclusion, my experience with mental health has been a transformative journey that has shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. It has taught me the value of resilience, the importance of empathy, and the necessity of prioritizing mental well-being. These lessons have guided me towards a life that values personal and collective mental health, fostering deeper connections and a more compassionate worldview. As I continue on this journey, I am committed to advocating for mental health awareness and support, ensuring that others can find the understanding and help they need.

As a young Black man, I am continuously navigating through manifold pressures of academia, societal demands, and inherent racial struggles. In this roller-coaster of experiences, I have learned that my mental health isn't just important - it's essential. Like the resilient structures I aspire to engineer, the mind must be nurtured, cared for, and maintained to withstand challenges and preserve its purpose. My understanding of the importance of mental health is rooted in recognizing its role as the foundation of personal growth and success. I am aware that my ability to perform well academically, persevere through arduous tasks, and actively engage in social situations largely depends on my mental health status. Moreover, my well-being helps me maintain optimistic energy in adversity, a tool crucial for any black man navigating American society. I relate mental health to civil engineering principles - strength and stability go together. My commitment to mental health has helped me keep my GPA at 3.4 during high school, an accomplishment I'm proud of. Without a mind at peace, I wouldn't be able to concentrate on complicated calculus problems or persist in multi-step physics exercises, hallmarks of my chosen major. Mental health is not just a personal matter; it's intertwined with my academic life and future career. Maintaining mental wellness, however, isn't a one-size-fits-all journey. It is an individualized process that requires self-awareness. Reflecting upon this, I have found ways to manage myself to maintain a healthy mental space. Exercise has been one of my top strategies. It not only keeps me fit but also serves as a natural outlet for stress, helping me to clear my mind and providing a much-needed break from the endless assignments and studying. Furthermore, open discussions about feelings and thoughts with close ones have created a space for the ventilation of frustrations and anxiety, significantly reducing their impact. I can't stress enough how vital creating a support system has proven to be for my mental well-being. Lastly, as trite as it may sound, a well-balanced diet and good sleep have tremendously supported my mental health. Together these essential health practices ensure I am physically equipped to cope with any stresses I encounter. In a world filled with numerous technological developments and scientific breakthroughs, it's apparent that the foundation of it all is a well-functioning human mind. However, the mind can only perform its best when tended to and cared for, demonstrating the undeniable importance of mental health. The strategies I employ to maintain personal mental health - from physical exercise to a balanced diet and open communication - provide me with a robust and flexible psychological structure, capable of accommodating the varied pressures and strains I will face both in academia and life. In conclusion, mental health is not just paramount to personal growth, but it lays the foundation for industry, innovation, and global advancement. As I navigate my engineering experience, I will continue focusing on mental wellness, an important cornerstone of my success.

I've often had to deal with problems that seem impossible growing up. However, a particular experience stands out as proof of my determination to overcome the obstacles. When I was in the midst of my last year of middle school, my family received news that would shake the very foundation of our lives: we had to move states. My father, the sole breadwinner of our family, had been offered a job opportunity in a different state that promised better prospects for our future. While the prospect of a brighter future was enticing, the thought of leaving behind everything familiar was daunting. The move was not just a geographical transition; it was a test of resilience for my family and me. We faced numerous challenges, from finding a new home and adjusting to a different culture to establishing new social connections. Even though the move was only one state away from Virginia, I still have the determination to overcome this struggle, especially during the start of the coronavirus pandemic at the time. Despite the initial struggles, I approached the move with a determined mindset. I recognized that adversity was an inevitable part of life and that success often requires stepping out of one's comfort zone. I embraced the opportunity to adapt to change, viewing it as a chance to grow personally and academically. This experience profoundly shaped my character and influenced my pursuit of a career in engineering and my decision to attend an HBCU. The resilience I developed during the move instilled in me a tenacity to overcome obstacles and persevere in the face of adversity. It taught me the importance of adaptability, problem-solving, and resilience qualities that are essential for success in engineering. Moreover, the move reinforced my appreciation for diversity and the strength that comes from embracing different perspectives. As I researched potential colleges, I was drawn to the vibrant and inclusive community offered by HBCUs like North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. I saw attending an HBCU as an opportunity to connect with peers who shared similar backgrounds and experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and support. In summary, the challenge of moving states instilled in me a resilience that has shaped my character and influenced my academic and career aspirations. It taught me the importance of embracing change, overcoming adversity, and seeking out environments that foster diversity and inclusion values that align perfectly with my aspirations as an engineer and my decision to attend an HBCU.

A lot of people in my life have affected me, but the biggest impact has been on my parents. My parents have made a lot of sacrifices so I can live better. They're my strongest allies and encourage me to strive for excellence. When I was growing up, they taught me morals and values that I hold dear today, including respect for others. My parents and I share a lot of traits, and their perspective is mine. I'm expecting a lot from myself because both of my parents are excellent scholars and they know what their children can do. If I try to influence a group of people, then I'll find myself in this situation. The values of perseverance and optimism have been instilled in me by them. They've made me what I am today. I've learned a lot of their passions from having such a great role model as a child. They are hard workers, have a positive attitude, and were such a strong role model for me growing up that I not only learned to love the excitement of learning something new for its own sake, but I also understood the concept of giving back to the community in exchange for a new lease on life, love, and spirit. I was shaped by my mother's tendency to be very organized, but constantly anxious. I was always taught the value of happiness and the joy that comes from earning things. They encouraged me to think thoughtfully and make God's decisions, which is a daily challenge. Finally, instead of comparing what I offer to others to what God gives us, I learned to appreciate what he gives us. Every day, through her actions, her words or her choices, whether they were good or bad, she set an example. I was instilled with a sense of humor by my father, encouraging me to try new things. He's given me access to a wider range of social experiences and a wider range of coping mechanisms for life. In the field, he often stressed the importance of duty, justice, fairness, and regulations. He educates me about the repercussions of right and wrong and their objectivity in this way. He’s shown me the value of respect towards everyone, helping me prepare for life's challenges. When I was growing up, my parents taught me all of these things, and as a result, I've developed better relationships with coworkers and other people. Communication and discipline skills with others were also heavily influenced by my parents. To prioritize their happiness, they sacrificed so much. I was given morals and strength in both psychology and emotions by my parents' influence. I couldn't have realized my full potential without it. Even if I'm terrible at something, they're never going to ruin my ambition if I'm passionate about it. Instead, they're always encouraging me to try again. My parents' mutual wish to help others has enhanced my life. I've seen a truly remarkable life and hope thanks to their example. I'm a strong, driven man who gets along well with others, and I'm looking forward to helping those in need. They're having an effect on how I live. I think my parents have been the biggest influence on me as I've grown up. They've given me their qualities and made me a dynamic, driven individual.