I'm​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Charles Edwards, and I am a student driven by a mixture of curiosity, problem-solving, and the wish to change the world in a significant way. Even when I was little, I always wanted to know the inner workings of things; whether it was tech, machines, or systems that people use daily. That inquisitiveness eventually became my passion for engineering and innovation, and it is still my guiding light in my academic and career aspirations. As part of my education, I have pushed myself to take up challenging courses that hone my critical thinking and analytical skills. Doing things hands-on is my favorite way of learning as it provides a practical demonstration of how the theoretical concepts used in the real-world. For me, engineering is more than just numbers and drawings; it involves the creation of practical solutions for the existing problems. What excites me the most is the potential of engineering to make people and societies safer, more sustainable, and better off in general. It is engineering that I will use in my next career to effect changes that are for the good of the society as I intend to make and enhance the systems that are daily the source of people's needs. Whichever the case, if infrastructure, technology or mechanical systems are in question, my ultimate objective is to be part of the projects that address the real-world challenges. I want my work not only to move technology forward but also to be of genuine and substantial benefits to society. It is mainly driven by the fact that my designed solution will potentially make the lives of many better over a long period, that I feel so inspired. Besides my professional ambitions, I also think that leading a positive and impactful life includes the element of giving. I am set on becoming the one who encourage and inspire young students, especially girls, and minorities, to take up studies that lead to careers in science and engineering. Through my own journey and being there for my community, my goal is to demonstrate that achievements in these fields are attainable with determination, hard work, and inquisitiveness. I am also a person who holds dear such values as truthfulness, stamina, and constant improvement. I realize that the road leading to a successful career will be laden with challenges, however, I treat them as chances for growth. Not only am I going to improve my technical skills, but I will also work on my communication and leadership skills so that I become a competent team member or leader who can effectively collaborate with others and make a positive contribution to any team or organization I am part of. In the end, I want to be the one who merges innovation, service, and accountability in a single career. Solving problems, making people happy, and leaving behind a positive impact that lasts long after I am gone - these are the things I will do with my knowledge and creativity. I have set a course through which I will be able to make my passion for engineering, community involvement, and lifelong learning to be my progress and thereby, making a difference that’s beyond ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌me.

Football has shaped my character in ways I didn’t understand at first. Growing up with a single mother raising three kids, life was full of challenges that forced me to grow up fast. We didn’t always have the things other people took for granted. There were days when I walked to school because we didn’t have a car, and there were nights when I watched my mom stress over bills she shouldn’t have had to carry alone. Those moments could have broken me, but instead they motivated me. At sixteen, I got my first job to help pay bills and take some pressure off her. Learning responsibility that early taught me discipline, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be dependable. Football became the place where all of that translated into something bigger. The sport demands toughness, resilience, and the ability to bounce back when things go wrong, all things life had already been teaching me. But during my sophomore year, an injury forced everything to stop. Instead of staying on the field, I made the difficult choice to step away from football so I could work more and save up for a car. It wasn’t an easy decision, especially watching my teammates continue without me, but it was what I had to do for my family and my future. That year taught me maturity and the importance of taking control of my own path. Coming back my senior year was one of the proudest moments of my life. I returned stronger not just physically, but mentally. I understood what hard work really meant, and I carried that mindset onto the field. My senior season ended up being my best year in varsity football. Every play, every sprint, every tackle felt like proof that stepping away didn’t end my story, it sharpened me. It reminded me that setbacks aren’t roadblocks; they’re preparation. Football didn’t just make me a better athlete, it made me a better man. It taught me leadership, discipline, and how to push through pain and pressure. Those experiences are exactly why I’m passionate about pursuing engineering. I want to build a future where my family’s struggles aren’t repeated, and I want my work ethic to reflect where I came from. Football shaped my character, but life shaped my drive, and together, they made me who I am today. But in the end I carry all of these lessons with me, and they push me to keep working, keep growing, and keep proving that my circumstances don’t define my limits. I’m determined to turn everything I’ve learned into a future I can be proud of.

Growing up, my life has been full of ups and downs, but those challenges have shaped me into someone who refuses to give up. My mom is a single mother of three, and watching her work so hard every day showed me early on what strength and sacrifice look like. There were times when we didn’t have a car, and I had to walk to school every day, rain, heat, whatever the weather was. At the time it felt frustrating, but looking back, it taught me discipline, responsibility, and how to push forward even when things aren’t easy. As I got older, I realized my mom couldn’t do everything on her own, no matter how hard she tried. I wanted to help. So at 16, I got my first job and started helping pay bills at home. Balancing school, work, and responsibilities wasn’t always simple, but it made me grow up faster and understand the value of hard work. It also taught me that success isn’t handed to you, you earn it, step by step, choice by choice. These experiences are a big part of why I want to pursue engineering. I’ve always been someone who likes solving real problems and thinking outside the box, but my upbringing gave that interest a deeper meaning. Engineering feels like a way for me to build stability not just for myself, but for my family. It’s a way to turn struggle into something powerful, to take everything I’ve learned about resilience, responsibility, and creativity and put it toward a career that can help people and improve communities. Being in National Honor Society and serving as a leader in FCCLA at Wenonah and maintaining a GPA of 3.87 has shown me that even with everything going on in my life, I can still lead, still contribute, and still rise. Walking to school, helping pay bills, and growing up with a strong single mother didn’t hold me back, they made me tougher, smarter, and more determined. They’re the reason I’m so passionate about engineering and the reason I’m ready to work for the future I want. I’m proud of where I come from. And I’m even more proud of where I’m going because I know God has me going down the right path step by step I plan on going to college off of scholarships and not having to go out of my pocket nor my mother's for my education.

What makes me passionate about engineering are the challenges and problem-solving that come with it. I’ve always enjoyed figuring out how things work and finding ways to make them better. Engineering gives me the chance to take an idea, work through the problems, and create something that actually helps people. To me, that’s what makes it exciting—it’s not just about building things, it’s about using my mind and creativity to make life easier for others. No one really influenced me to become an engineer. It’s something that came from within me. I’ve always had a natural curiosity for how things are built and why they work the way they do. I’d see buildings, bridges, and machines and wonder how someone thought of every little piece that made it all come together. That curiosity slowly turned into a passion. I realized that engineering was a field where I could challenge myself and push my limits, while also doing something that could make a real difference in the world. Another reason I’m drawn to engineering is because I’ve always been motivated by the idea of independence and giving back to the people who supported me the most—especially my mom. She’s worked hard to take care of me, and one of my biggest goals is to use what I learn as an engineer to give back to her. I want to be able to build and fix things for our home, create comfort, and show her that all her sacrifices helped shape my success. That kind of impact means more to me than anything money could buy. In the long run, I want to use my career to solve real-world problems and make a positive impact on my community. Engineering is everywhere—from the homes we live in to the cars we drive—and I want to be part of improving those everyday things. Whether it’s designing safer structures, creating more efficient systems, or developing ideas that make life better for families like mine, I want my work to mean something. Engineering isn’t just a job to me—it’s a way to challenge myself, help others, and prove that dedication and hard work can turn dreams into reality. I see it as my way of giving back and leaving a mark on the world, starting right at home. Helping my family and being a positive role model some one they can look up too as an inspiration when they have doubts.

To me, Black excellence means breaking barriers and proving that success runs deep in our community no matter what obstacles we face. It means carrying myself with pride, discipline, and a mindset that refuses to settle for less than my full potential. I see Black excellence as not just personal achievement, but a responsibility—to represent those who came before me and to inspire those who will come after me. Every day, I embody Black excellence by holding myself to high standards in everything I do. I currently maintain a 3.87 GPA and have earned all A’s on my report cards, not because it’s easy, but because I’ve learned that hard work and consistency pay off. I study even when I’m tired, ask questions when I don’t understand, and make sure I’m always improving. For me, excellence isn’t about being perfect—it’s about giving my best effort no matter what. My dedication to academics also comes from wanting to make life easier for my family. I work hard to earn scholarships so that when I go to college, I can relieve some of the financial pressure from my mom and show her that all her sacrifices were worth it. I see education as more than just a pathway to a degree—it’s a way to honor my family’s efforts and open doors that weren’t always open for us in the past. My dream is to become a great and successful engineer, using my skills to create, innovate, and help others. I want to graduate college debt-free, build a career where I can earn wealth not just for myself but for my family and community. I see wealth not only as financial success, but as the freedom to give back—to mentor young students who come from similar backgrounds, to donate to programs that support Black youth, and to continue building generational excellence. Being excellent as a young Black student isn’t always easy. Sometimes it means being misunderstood or underestimated. But that only fuels me more. Every late night studying, every report card full of A’s, every scholarship I apply for is part of my way of showing the world what Black excellence looks like in real time. To me, Black excellence is resilience, purpose, and pride. It’s showing up every day with determination, believing in yourself when others don’t, and paving the way for the next generation to go even further. I embody it by chasing success through education, by keeping my standards high, and by remembering that my achievements aren’t just for me—they’re for everyone who believes in the power of Black greatness.

To me, legacy is not about the wealth or monuments left behind; it is the momentum of an upward trajectory, defined by the cycles you choose to break and the paths you clear for those who follow. I am building my legacy on two core pillars: relentless academic excellence and hard-earned independence. This dedication is fueled by the quiet resilience modeled by my family, who taught me that barriers are merely opportunities to say, "Not yet." The most profound barrier I am breaking is the generational one. As I prepare to be a first-generation college student, I carry the hopes and sacrifices of my family with me. They have always shown an unbreakable spirit in the face of economic strain, teaching me that success is a direct result of consistent effort. Their struggle inspired me to turn the overwhelming "no" of financial dependence into a determined "not yet." This commitment led me to secure a job and save meticulously, allowing me to afford my own car at the age of seventeen. This wasn't just a purchase; it was a declaration of my self-reliance and the first tangible step in creating a financially secure foundation for my future, ensuring my education would not be compromised by transit or scheduling limitations. The same discipline that drove my financial independence has defined my time in high school. Maintaining all A’s throughout both my junior and senior years was not just about grades; it was about honoring the opportunity my family never had. I treated my education as a commitment, learning to manage demanding courses alongside my work schedule. There were days when fatigue was a real obstacle, presenting a "no" to rigorous study, but I learned to push past it, setting a new standard of achievement for myself. I see my straight-A record not as a badge of perfection, but as proof that persistent focus and a refusal to settle can rewrite the future. These efforts—the car, the grades, the first-gen status—all converge into my ultimate goal: a career in Engineering. I plan to use my professional success not simply for personal gain, but to actively give back. My ambition is to uplift others by mentoring young students who face similar socioeconomic or educational barriers. I want to demonstrate that the cycle of limitation can be broken with determination and provide them with the resources and belief they need to start building their own momentum. My legacy, therefore, will be defined by upward mobility, not just for myself, but for my entire community.

When I think about the impact of social media on mental health and self-esteem, I am reminded of my cousin Solomon. Though he faced his own battles with mental illness, Solomon was always the first to reach out when someone else was struggling. He believed in lifting others up, no matter what he was going through himself. His kindness inspired me, especially as I navigated my own relationship with social media. Like many people my age, I grew up with social media as a constant companion. At first, it felt like a lifeline—a way to stay connected with friends, share achievements, and find communities that understood me. But over time, I noticed how easy it was to fall into the trap of comparison. Scrolling through endless photos of perfect vacations, flawless selfies, and exciting accomplishments, I started to question if I measured up. My self-esteem took a hit, and I often felt isolated, even though I was “connected” to hundreds of people. It wasn’t just me. I saw classmates struggle with cyberbullying, or become obsessed with likes and followers. Some friends would delete posts if they didn’t get enough attention, while others spent hours editing their pictures to fit impossible standards. The pressure to present a perfect life online made it hard to be honest about our struggles, especially with mental health. But I also learned that social media can be a force for good—if we use it mindfully. After opening up about my own experiences with anxiety, I found support from unexpected places. People shared their stories, offered advice, and reminded me that I wasn’t alone. That sense of community helped me rebuild my confidence and see myself beyond the numbers on a screen. To address the negative impact of social media, I believe we need to start by having honest conversations—at home, at school, and online. We should encourage each other to take breaks, set boundaries, and remember that what we see online is only part of the story. Social media companies can help by making it easier to report bullying, flag edited images, and connect users to mental health resources. Most importantly, we need to remind ourselves and each other that our worth isn’t defined by likes or followers, but by the kindness and resilience we show—just like Solomon did. Solomon’s legacy lives on in every act of compassion and courage. By supporting each other and using social media responsibly, we can honor his memory and create a world where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported—both online and off.

Mental health has been one of the most defining parts of my journey, shaping the way I view myself, others, and my future. At times, it felt like an obstacle too heavy to overcome. Yet through those challenges, I have discovered resilience, empathy, and purpose. My experience has not only changed the way I believe in myself but has also guided the relationships I build and the career I aspire to pursue. Growing up, I often battled self-doubt and anxiety. There were days when even simple tasks felt overwhelming, and I questioned if I was capable of reaching the goals I set for myself. At first, I saw my struggles as weaknesses, but over time I realized they were teaching me perseverance. Each setback pushed me to develop new coping strategies and reminded me that progress is not always about moving quickly, but about moving forward at all. This shift in belief—valuing growth over perfection—has changed how I see challenges, not as barriers but as opportunities to build strength. My mental health journey has also transformed the way I connect with others. I used to keep my struggles private, fearing judgment or misunderstanding. But opening up to friends, mentors, and family allowed me to build deeper relationships. I learned that vulnerability does not push people away; it brings them closer. Supporting others who face similar battles has become a priority for me, and I’ve realized that one of the greatest impacts we can make in life is simply showing someone they are not alone. These experiences taught me empathy, patience, and compassion—qualities that I now try to bring into every relationship I build. Most importantly, my struggles have shaped my career aspirations. Instead of letting mental health challenges close doors for me, they inspired me to pursue a path where I can support others facing similar obstacles. I want to dedicate my future to creating safe spaces, whether through healthcare, education, or advocacy, where people can thrive despite their challenges. My ambition is rooted in the belief that no one’s potential should be limited by mental health struggles, and I want to be part of the change that helps people succeed. Overcoming the weight of mental health challenges has not been easy, but it has given me a powerful sense of drive. I know what it feels like to want to give up, and I also know the strength it takes to keep going. That experience fuels my determination in academics, in my community involvement, and in my long-term career goals. I want my story to show others that resilience is possible, and that success is not about avoiding struggles but about facing them with courage. In the end, my experience with mental health has shaped every part of who I am—my beliefs about growth, my relationships built on empathy, and my career aspirations rooted in impact. I carry my challenges not as burdens, but as motivation. They remind me why I must keep moving forward: not only for myself, but also for the people I hope to serve in the future.

Ever since I was young, college has been my dream—a place where I could learn, grow, and build a future for myself and my family. But as I got older, I realized that for students like me, whose families struggle to make ends meet, higher education can feel more like a distant hope than an achievable goal. Growing up in Alabama, my parents but mostly my mother worked long hours just to keep food on our table and a roof over our heads. There were times when we had to choose between paying bills and buying school supplies. I remember one semester when I needed a graphing calculator for math class, but it was simply too expensive. Instead, I borrowed one from my teacher whenever possible and stayed after school to finish assignments. These moments taught me resilience and creativity, but they also made me painfully aware of the financial barriers that stand between me and my dreams. Not only that it kept me humble through tough times and good times so despite these challenges, I have always tried to stay focused on my goals. I study hard, participate in school clubs, and help my younger siblings with their homework. I also work part-time at a local grocery store, saving every dollar I can for college expenses. Sometimes, balancing work, school, and family responsibilities feels overwhelming, but I remind myself why I’m doing it—to create a better life for myself and those I love. I know that getting a college degree would open doors that have always seemed closed to me. It would allow me to pursue a career I’m passionate about and give back to my community. However, without financial support, I worry that I’ll have to settle for less or take on debt that will follow me for years. This scholarship means more to me than words can express. It represents hope—the chance to attend college without putting extra strain on my family. With this support, I could focus on my studies, join campus organizations, and seek out internships that will prepare me for the future. Most importantly, it would show my siblings and others in my community that financial hardship doesn’t have to define your destiny. Thank you for considering my application. I am determined to overcome the obstacles I’ve faced, and with your help, I believe I can turn my dream of higher education into reality.

The day my godmother told me she had breast cancer, I remember the world going quiet. I was thirteen, sitting at her kitchen table, tracing circles on the wood while she tried to smile through trembling lips. In that moment, I felt both very young and suddenly much older. At first, I didn’t know how to help. I watched her hair fall out in clumps, saw her wince when she thought no one was looking, and heard her whisper prayers late at night. Her home changed—meals were simpler, laughter was softer, and worry hung in the air like a heavy curtain. But what surprised me most was my godmother’s strength. Even on days when she could barely get out of bed, she would ask about my homework or remind me to eat breakfast before school. She became my hero, not because she never cried, but because she kept going even when she did. As her treatment went on, I started picking up new roles around her house. I learned to make spaghetti (sometimes too salty), helped her with errands, and figured out how to do laundry without turning everything pink. There were nights when I’d finish my own homework by flashlight so I wouldn’t wake anyone. It was exhausting, but it also made me realize how much I could handle when I had to. School became both a refuge and a challenge. Some days, I wanted to forget everything and just be a regular kid. Other days, the weight of responsibility followed me into the classroom. But I found comfort in science classes, where I could learn about cells and treatments and imagine a future where people like my godmother didn’t have to suffer. That hope pushed me to study harder, dream bigger, and volunteer at local cancer walks, where I met others who understood what I was going through. Through all of this, I discovered a deeper empathy for others. I noticed when friends seemed sad or distracted, and I tried to be there for them, even if it was just listening. I realized that everyone carries invisible burdens, and sometimes, just knowing someone cares can make all the difference. Now, my godmother is in remission, and our family has found its laughter again. We celebrate small victories—a good meal, a sunny day, a clean bill of health. Looking back, I see how much I’ve grown. Cancer changed my life, but it also taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of hope. I want to use these lessons to help others, maybe as a doctor someday, or simply as someone who understands what it means to keep going when things are hard. My story isn’t just about illness; it’s about love, growth, and finding light in dark places. And I carry that light with me, wherever I go.

When I think about the people who have influenced me the most during high school, my history teacher, Mr. Cummings, immediately comes to mind. He wasn’t just a teacher who taught lessons from a textbook — he challenged me to think bigger, to believe in myself, and to approach life with confidence. His impact has gone far beyond the classroom, shaping the way I see challenges and my future. Before I had Mr. Cummings, I often struggled with confidence. I doubted myself, worried about making mistakes, and sometimes felt like I wasn’t capable of achieving as much as others around me. But in his history class, things felt different. He didn’t just want us to memorize dates and events — he wanted us to understand how history connects to who we are today. He encouraged me to ask questions, share my opinions, and not be afraid of being wrong. For the first time, I started to feel like my voice mattered. One moment that I’ll never forget was when I was working on a big research project. I felt overwhelmed and was close to giving up. Mr. Cummings noticed and pulled me aside. He told me, “You’re capable of more than you realize. Don’t let fear stop you from finishing what you’ve started.” Those simple words gave me the push I needed to keep going. I finished the project, and when I looked back on it, I realized that what had been holding me back wasn’t the work — it was my own self-doubt. Mr. Cummings also taught me about accountability and perseverance. He held us to high standards, but he never left us to figure things out on our own. If we struggled, he was there to guide us, but he also made sure we owned our responsibilities. That balance of support and discipline taught me that setbacks are not the end — they are part of the learning process. Because of Mr. Cummings, I now see challenges differently. Instead of avoiding them, I face them head-on, knowing that even if I stumble, I’ll come out stronger on the other side. His belief in me gave me the courage to believe in myself, and that confidence has influenced how I approach not only schoolwork, but also my goals for the future. Mr. Cummings taught me that education is more than facts and grades — it’s about character, resilience, and learning how to grow from every experience. The lessons I learned in his history class will stay with me for life. Thanks to him, I am entering the next chapter of my education with determination, confidence, and a mindset that sees challenges as opportunities. I’ll always be grateful for the impact Mr. Cummings had on me. He didn’t just teach me history — he taught me how to believe in myself and keep moving forward, no matter what obstacles I face.

Growing up, I learned early that success doesn’t come easy. My family has faced financial challenges, and there were times when I questioned if college would even be possible for me. Still, I’ve always believed that setbacks don’t define who you are — what defines you is how you respond to them. These experiences have pushed me to work harder, stay focused, and build a strong determination to succeed. Being from a disadvantaged background means I have had to do more with less. Whether it’s stretching resources, balancing responsibilities, or finding creative ways to achieve my goals, I’ve learned resilience. For example, I’ve taken on part-time jobs while keeping up with schoolwork because I know the value of every dollar and the importance of education. Instead of letting challenges hold me back, I use them as motivation to keep moving forward. Despite obstacles, I’ve stayed committed to academics and to my community. I’ve volunteered in programs that support youth, because I know how important it is to give encouragement to kids who may feel overlooked. Mentoring younger students has been one of my most meaningful experiences — I can see myself in them, and I want them to believe that they can rise above difficulties just like I strive to do every day. A scholarship like this would not only ease the financial burden of higher education, but it would also give me more time to focus on what truly matters: my studies and making a positive impact. Without constantly worrying about money, I could put more energy into pursuing my career goals and continuing to serve my community. I believe students like me deserve opportunities because we’ve shown that we can succeed even in the face of adversity. We’ve proven our determination through hard work, responsibility, and resilience. I may not come from a wealthy background, but I carry with me the values of perseverance, discipline, and compassion — qualities that will help me achieve my goals in higher education and beyond. This grant would not only be financial support — it would be an investment in someone who refuses to give up, who is determined to succeed, and who is committed to giving back. I am ready to keep pushing forward, and with your support, I know I can turn my dreams into reality.

Growing up, I’ve always believed that one person can make a difference in the lives of others, no matter how small the action may seem. My own journey has taught me the value of community, resilience, and the importance of speaking up when others cannot. These experiences shape not only who I am, but also why I’m seeking higher education and financial support to reach my goals. My financial need comes from the fact that my family works hard, but we don’t always have the resources to cover the high costs of college. I will be the first in my family to pursue a degree, and I don’t take that lightly. I want to use this opportunity to not only build a better future for myself, but also to be a role model for others in my community who may feel like college is out of reach. Scholarships like this would help relieve the stress of tuition and allow me to focus fully on my studies and on giving back to others. Community involvement has always been important to me. I’ve volunteered with programs that support younger kids, helping them with homework and encouraging them to believe in themselves. Many times, I’ve met students who were shy, unsure, or even afraid to participate because they had been teased or bullied. I take pride in helping them feel safe, included, and valued. Whether it’s through listening, standing up for them, or simply being a positive friend, I’ve seen how much of a difference kindness can make. In today’s world, bullying doesn’t just happen in person — it also happens online. I’ve witnessed friends and classmates struggle with cyberbullying, and it can be just as painful, if not worse, because it follows them everywhere. To help, I’ve encouraged safe online habits, reminded them to protect their privacy, and most importantly, let them know they are not alone. I believe that teaching younger kids about respect and digital responsibility early on can prevent a lot of harm later. My goal in college is to continue advocating for youth safety and empowerment. I want to be someone who helps children grow up feeling safe, confident, and ready to succeed. Education will give me the tools I need to make a larger impact, whether that’s through community programs, mentoring, or even creating initiatives that address bullying and cyberbullying on a bigger scale. This scholarship means more than just financial support — it represents a chance for me to carry forward my passion for helping others. I want to take the opportunities I’ve been given and multiply them for those who come after me. With your support, I’ll be able to continue my education, give back to my community, and work toward building a future where every child feels safe, supported, and capable of achieving their dreams.