Education has always been more than academics; it has been the most powerful lever in my life for opportunity, identity, and purpose. As an aspiring educator within the golf industry, my goal is to combine teaching, mentorship, and advocacy so that young people, especially those from underrepresented communities like my own, experience education as a pathway to possibility rather than a barrier. Growing up in Harlem, I experienced firsthand how unequal access to quality education can limit a child’s potential, despite their talent and effort. I scored in the 97th and then 99th percentile for New York City’s Gifted & Talented Program for elementary school, yet I was denied placement both times because my district lacked the programs that existed in abundance in other districts. Over time, this revealed to me how geography and income can predetermine opportunity. Later, as the only student of color in my private high school, I saw both the public and private sides of the education coin. Experiencing these two types of education deepened my understanding of systemic inequities and strengthened my purpose to challenge them. Together, these moments shaped my belief that education, formal and informal, must be intentionally designed to uplift students who are too often overlooked.​ This conviction already guides the way I teach. As a junior golf instructor with the First Tee of Metropolitan New York and a leader in the Bridge Golf Harlem Program, I use golf as a vehicle to teach life skills such as discipline, emotional awareness, and resilience. Beyond swing mechanics, I explain why focus matters on the tee box and in the classroom, and how persevering through a tough round mirrors persevering through a challenging school year. Many of the young golfers I work with come from communities like mine, where educational and economic barriers are common, so I am intentional about modeling confidence, empathy, and high expectations.​ My career goal is to become a PGA professional and educational leader who builds and supports programs that merge sport, character education, and academic support. At Penn State’s PGA Professional Golf Management program, I am working towards this vision by studying the business and operational side of golf so that I can one day design youth initiatives that are sustainable, inclusive, and scalable. I plan to create academies and outreach programs in underserved areas where golf clinics are paired with tutoring, college-readiness workshops, and mentorship opportunities. As an African-American aspiring PGA professional in a field where less than one percent of professionals share my background, I also hope my presence itself will challenge stereotypes and inspire students to reimagine what is possible for themselves.​ Ultimately, the positive impact I hope to make as an educator is twofold. First, I want to help individual students build confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging through holistic coaching that values who they are as people, not just as athletes. Second, I want to confront systemic barriers by advocating for more equitable youth programming, collaborating with community organizations, and using my platform to elevate conversations around access, diversity, and opportunity. Whether on the course, in a classroom, or at a community meeting, my purpose is to transform my own educational journey, which has been marked by both obstacles and support, to open doors for the next generation.

Golf has profoundly shaped my life, as an athlete, student, and community member, teaching me discipline, focus, and the value of building meaningful connections. My first golf coach, Randy Taylor, ignited my passion for the sport through his enthusiasm, mentorship, and belief in my potential. As two African Americans in a field where people of color represent less than 1% of PGA professionals, he showed me how perseverance and leadership can open doors for others. Inspired by his example, I have committed myself to pursuing a career as a PGA professional who helps expand the game’s accessibility and inclusivity. Beyond personal development, golf has become a way for me to give back to others. Through leading the Bridge Golf Harlem Program as a positive student-athlete role model, I have learned that golf is not just a sport, but a platform for growth, confidence, and connection. As a more experienced golfer, guiding peers on technique, and fostering respect for the game’s traditions has allowed me to experience the immense satisfaction of mentorship. I’ve discovered that leadership isn’t simply about excelling individually; it’s about helping others unlock their potential and embody the values that golf teaches—integrity, patience, and perseverance. Similarly, volunteering with the First Tee of Metropolitan New York as a Junior Golf Instructor allowed me to cultivate young players’ passion for the sport while refining my own communication and teaching skills. Being part of an environment that emphasizes character as much as skill has shown me how meaningful it can be to influence lives through golf. The relationships I’ve formed through these programs continue to inspire me to contribute to the game at every level, just as others have done for me. Golf has become much more than a sport; it serves as a foundation for my academic and professional ambitions. Currently, I am majoring in Professional Golf Management at Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College, combining my athletic interests with business and leadership development. This program enables me to explore golf through the lenses of sport, profession, and lifelong education, while preparing me to advance into a PGA-oriented career that balances competitive excellence with community impact. My goal is to mentor others through golf and demonstrate that the game can be both personally transformative and socially unifying. In learning about Samuel D. Hartley, I see a legacy that resonates deeply with my own purpose. His life, marked by dedicated service in the Air Force, impactful professional work, and lifelong devotion to golf, embodies the qualities I strive to emulate. Mr. Hartley demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, community, and the game itself; however, his passion continued well beyond the course. I am particularly moved by how he used his skills and opportunities to uplift others, reflecting the same spirit of integrity and perseverance that golf has instilled in me. Being considered for this scholarship would mean so much to me, not only because of the financial support but also because it feels like a chance to honor Mr. Hartley’s legacy in a personal way. I want to carry forward his spirit of perseverance and kindness by continuing to grow as a golfer, a leader, and someone who helps others believe in their own possibilities—just as he did throughout his remarkable life.

Golf has profoundly shaped my life, as an athlete, student, and community member, teaching me discipline, focus, and the value of building community. I was inspired to make a difference in the game of golf by my first golf coach, Randy Taylor, whose engaging lessons and empowering personality first sparked my curiosity in the sport. Moreover, our shared African-American identity not only enlightened me on what is possible for people of color in the golf business. Continually, he inspired me to pave the way for other minorities as an African-American PGA professional, considering this group represents less than 1% of golf professionals. Through experiences like leading the Bridge Golf Harlem Program, I have improved my game and embraced the responsibilities of being a positive student-athlete role model. As a more experienced golfer, I support my peers by teaching them golf techniques and sharing insights on etiquette, tournament experiences, and course management. The camaraderie developed in long practice sessions and the lessons from competition, such as handling pressure and overcoming difficulties, have made me resilient and adaptable both on and off the course. Furthermore, observing the instruction PGA-accredited professionals in such a supportive environment has further fueled my ambition to effect positive change in golf by exemplifying the leadership qualities demonstrated by my coaches. Additionally, volunteering with First Tee of Metropolitan NY as a Junior Golf Instructor has allowed me to cultivate new golfers' passion while strengthening my own leadership and communication skills. Golf has become much more than a sport; it serves as a foundation for my academic and professional ambitions. In college, I am committed to continuing my journey both on and off the course by majoring in PGA Professional Golf Management at Schreyer Honors College, Penn State University. This unique program blends my athletic interests with my career goals and further develops my understanding of golf as a business, sport, and vehicle for lifelong learning. By combining my academic pursuits with my dedication to golf, I hope to contribute to the golf community and prepare for a future as a PGA professional who inspires others. The influence of golf extends far beyond tournaments and practice ranges; it is shaping my leadership, connecting me with communities, and guiding my academic and professional life. As I continue into college, I am determined to make the most of every opportunity, striving for excellence in all aspects of my life while encouraging the same commitment in others.