As an African American first-generation female student, my journey has been shaped by the sacrifices of my mother, who has been my greatest inspiration. Raising my twin brother and me alongside our four older sisters, she faced numerous challenges after becoming pregnant at the age of 15. In an instant, she had to let go of her own teenage years and instead devote herself entirely to providing for our family. Through sheer determination, she juggled multiple jobs, often working long hours, to ensure that we had food on the table and a roof over our heads. The financial strain on my mother has been a constant reminder of the sacrifices she made. Receiving this scholarship would significantly alleviate some of that pressure, allowing her to rest a little easier knowing that I am taking steps toward my educational goals without putting further strain on her already heavy load. This support would not only assist in covering my college expenses but would also show my mother that her hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. I am currently majoring in sociology and minoring in criminal justice, with a passionate intention to attend law school. My ambition to become a lawyer stems from a deep desire to address the pervasive inequalities and systemic racism that exist within our society and government institutions. I have witnessed firsthand how these issues affect not just my community but also countless others. My ambition is to make a difference, advocating for those who have been marginalized and amplifying the voices that are often silenced. Attending college holds immense importance for me. It is not simply about obtaining a degree; it is about honoring my mother's sacrifices and proving that all those sleepless nights she spent working were not in vain. I want to show her and my family that education can break the cycle of hardship and lead to a brighter future. My mother's unwavering work ethic and commitment to our well-being have instilled in me the belief that with hard work and determination, I can achieve my dreams and, in turn, uplift our family from the struggles we faced. In a society that often overlooks the challenges of families like mine, I am determined to make a change. This scholarship will not only help me financially but will also serve as a reminder that my journey is about more than just personal success; it's about honoring my family's legacy and paving the way for future generations. With this support, I will be better equipped to fulfill my dream of advocating for justice and equality, ensuring that my mother's sacrifices inspire change in my community and beyond.

When I was growing up, I faced many situations involving discrimination, racism, and prejudice. These experiences have fueled my determination to make a difference. My family endured the harsh reality of wrongful imprisonment when my father was unjustly incarcerated. Although my parents were never together, his imprisonment left my mother to raise my twin brother and me, along with her four other daughters, all on her own. During my father's imprisonment, I was a child, unaware of his struggles. His trials, though distant, were beyond my youthful understanding. As I grew older, I became increasingly aware of the effects that my father's imprisonment had on my life and the changes it brought. Witnessing firsthand how prison impacted my father and his future inspired my passion for becoming a lawyer, specifically focusing on obtaining justice for wrongfully convicted people of color. It is important to me to learn from my father's experiences and to demonstrate to him that his struggles ignited my desire to fight for the innocent. I want him to know that his hardships were not in vain and that they motivated me to be strong in advocating for those wrongfully imprisoned. During my junior year of high school, I took courses that provided me with the fundamental knowledge necessary to pursue the future I envision for myself. My mother always taught us to learn from her past and her mistakes, urging us to live our lives differently and better than she did when she was younger. She has always regretted not going to college and pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. However, her greatest regret is that none of her children attended college. My twin brother and I understood the importance of being different from our parents and siblings. We were determined to continue our education and break the generational cycle of not going to college or having children at a young age. I always knew that college would be expensive, but I was particularly aware that sending two kids to college in the same year on a single parent’s income would be nearly impossible. After graduating from high school and being accepted into multiple colleges, I chose to attend Wingate University. While I wanted to savor the moment of being the first in my family to go to college, I couldn’t help but worry about whether my mom could afford it and how both my brother and I would be able to attend the schools we wanted. However, that feeling of worry didn’t last long. My mother reassured me that everything would be okay and that it wasn’t my responsibility to carry the worries that a parent should manage. When I first began applying for scholarships, I was a senior in high school. Now, as a freshman at Wingate University, I am working to turn my dreams and passions into reality. I am hopeful that I will receive this scholarship, as it will help me achieve my goals. More importantly, I want to ensure that men and people of color, like my father, do not have to endure the same struggles he faced. No child should have to wonder if there will be food on the table when they return home from school or whether they will need to find a new place to live because their mother cannot manage all the financial responsibilities. Furthermore, no justice system should ever take away a parent or compromise a child's happiness simply because of the color of their skin.

The question, “When can we go to our dad’s?” was a frequent one throughout my childhood. My father was not completely absent from our lives as we were growing up; he always tried his hardest to be there for us both physically and financially. However, there were times when he had to work longer hours or extra days, including weekends when he was supposed to have my twin brother and me. This often led to us not being able to see him. Due to this, there were many days when I found myself alone in my room, questioning why my father acted the way he did and why my life had turned out as it had. However, my mother often reminded me that my father's mistakes didn't have to negatively impact my life. She encouraged me not to dwell on how things might have been different if his past had been better. And that is only one way she has helped me become the person I am today. My name is Chloe Adams, and I am the youngest of six siblings raised by a single mother. Growing up, most of my belongings were hand-me-downs since I had four older sisters. My mom worked tirelessly to ensure that none of us felt deprived of a “traditional” childhood experience or that we missed out on the things most kids our age had at that time. She became a mother at the age of 15, and even then, she was a wonderful parent to my oldest sister, sacrificing her teenage years to take on the responsibilities of motherhood. As she grew older and had more children, her determination and selflessness only strengthened and expanded endlessly. My mother always taught us to learn from her past and her mistakes, urging us to live our lives differently and better than she did when she was younger. She has always regretted not going to college and pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. However, her greatest regret is that none of her children attended college. My twin brother and I understood the importance of being different from our parents and siblings. We were determined to continue our education and break the generational cycle of not going to college or having children at a young age. I always knew that college would be expensive, but I was particularly aware that sending two kids off to college in the same year on a single parent’s income would be nearly impossible. After graduating from high school and being accepted into multiple colleges, I chose to continue my education at Wingate University. While I wanted to savor the moment of being the first in my family to attend college, all I could think about was whether my mom could afford it and how both my brother and I would be able to attend the schools we wanted. However, that feeling of worry didn’t last long. My mother reassured me that everything would be okay and that it wasn’t my responsibility to worry about things that a parent should handle. My mother has always reminded me that I can achieve anything I set my mind to, no matter how different my path may be. This scholarship will help me continue my education and pursue my dream of advocating for wrongfully imprisoned people of color, like my father. Though I didn’t have the traditional family structure, my family was loud, messy, and loving. Thanks to my mother’s hard work, I learned to chase my dreams, even when my journey differs from societal expectations.

My name is Chloe Adams and I am a freshman at Wingate University. However, my journey of pursuing a higher education has not been without challenges. While my path has not been without obstacles, these experiences have only made me stronger and more determined to pursue my passion for a career in law, advocating for justice and equality. When I was young, my father was wrongfully imprisoned, which resulted in my mother becoming a single parent who had to work multiple jobs to provide for us. Despite the challenges, my mom always did her best to ensure that none of her children felt like they were missing out on anything because she was raising us alone. She consistently found ways to give us more than she had, demonstrating her unwavering dedication and love. Growing up with a single mother and a father who was incarcerated, I was quickly exposed to the injustices in the criminal justice system, where the color of one's skin often determines their fate. When my father was released from prison, I hoped that our financial burdens would lighten, and I would finally have a "traditional" childhood, but that was not the case. After his release, it was difficult for him to find a job or secure housing, which meant he could not provide for my twin brother and me as a father should. During my senior year of high school, I realized just how much my father's incarceration had impacted our financial situation. I always understood that college would be expensive, and sending two children to college in the same year was both challenging and costly. I assumed that the FAFSA would help alleviate some of the financial burden on my parents, but that was not the case. Even with the FAFSA funding, a significant amount of tuition still needed to be covered. My mother made the selfless decision to take out loans in her name so that I could attend college without the immediate burden of student debt after I finished college. My mother has been my biggest supporter since my brother and I were born. She took on the role of both parents during my father's incarceration. While I understand that my father's situation resulted from the justice system failing him, I cannot deny that my mother has done more for me under these circumstances. Although my father's incarceration has brought hardships to my life, it has also taught me lifelong lessons. My father continues to do his best to provide for us when he can, but throughout my life, my mother has been my sole provider, no matter how difficult it has been for her. From a young age, I have known the love and resilience of my mother as she faced various hardships. Growing up, I often noticed “traditional” families, with both a mother and a father, depicted as the norm. This portrayal sometimes made me feel as though I was missing out on a happy family life. However, my mother has consistently demonstrated that one does not need to conform to societal expectations to find happiness. This scholarship is important to me because it will help alleviate the financial burden on my mother and cover my tuition, enabling me to pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer. I aim to advocate for wrongfully convicted individuals of color and fight against systemic injustice.

When I was in kindergarten, I dreamed of being a princess. In elementary school, I wanted to be a veterinarian like the character Doc McStuffins. As I matured and entered middle school, my aspirations changed, and I wanted to be a detective like Olivia Benson from "Law and Order." However, when reality set in and I started high school, it became important for me to seriously consider who I wanted to be after graduation. You might be wondering how a princess, a veterinarian, and a detective are connected to this essay and how they have influenced my life. When I was younger, I dreamed of being a princess, which I believe was influenced by the adults around me saying, “You can be anything you want to be when you grow up.” I was particularly inspired by Doc McStuffins, a character who had hair and skin like mine. I had never seen anyone who looked like me on screen before, and I admired how she treated her stuffed animals with such compassion and love, reflecting my feelings for my toys. Olivia Benson is more than just a character on a TV show; she has been a role model for me. She embodies kindness, assertiveness, and dedication. Most importantly, she is an advocate for victims of abuse. Watching Mariska Hargitay portray Olivia Benson on screen, I was inspired by how she spoke to victims. Even though the show is scripted, the way she stands up for victims, on and off screen, sparked my passion for becoming a lawyer and advocating for those in need. Although I was inspired by her advocacy for victims of abuse, my passion lies more with those who experience systematic abuse, like my father. When I was a baby, my father was wrongfully imprisoned for 5 to 8 years. This situation forced my mother to become a single parent, raising six children alone while working multiple jobs to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. Since I was so young, when my father was imprisoned, I never fully grasped the impact his absence had on our family until I grew older. During my senior year of high school, I began to understand how my father’s imprisonment affected our family and my future. I thought his release would improve our financial situation, but I was wrong. He has struggled to find stable work due to his criminal record, making it hard for him to secure housing as well. Despite this, he often pretended everything was fine, trying to provide my twin brother and me with a stable life. My mom worked tirelessly to support us, and it was important for me to show her that her efforts were worthwhile. I was determined to be the first of her children to attend college, even though I worried about the financial burden it might impose on her. She encouraged me, reminding me that I wasn’t responsible for their past mistakes. My parents have greatly shaped my outlook on life. My mother highlighted the significance of hard work, inspiring me to keep pushing forward even in the darkest times. Similarly, my father reinforced the importance of resilience, teaching me to never give up, regardless of how challenging the situation may seem. Together, their guidance has provided me with a strong foundation to face life's obstacles. Not only will this scholarship reduce the financial burden on my mother. More importantly, it will help me achieve my goal of ensuring that men and people of color, like my father, do not have to face the same struggles he experienced.

In my family, it is rare for someone to finish high school and pursue a higher education. However, I was able to graduate from high school and continue my education at Wingate University. Although I am only entering my second semester of my freshman year, I am grateful to have broken the cycle of not pursuing further education in my family. My decision to go to college is not only to break this generational cycle but also to strive for success as a lawyer advocating for wrongfully imprisoned African Americans and working to improve the rights of girls and women who are treated unfairly due to their gender. My mother always dreamed of going to college and becoming a nurse, but she sacrificed her professional aspirations to be a stay-at-home mom and take care of my five siblings and me. She has always wanted nothing but the best for all of her children, but unfortunately, despite her efforts, not all of us chose the paths she had hoped for us. Growing up in a household led by my hardworking single mother, there were always limitations on certain resources, which is why pursuing a college education has been so rare in my family. Overcoming barriers has strengthened my belief that pursuing my education will enable me to give back to society. My twin brother and I both graduated from high school in 2024, but only one of us was able to attend college and strive to create a positive change for our family. This scholarship will not only provide financial assistance but also allow me to further my education for my future career. With this scholarship and my education, I hope to become a lawyer and advocate for wrongfully imprisoned African Americans. It is well known that the justice system often fails African Americans, primarily due to their race or their inability to afford a lawyer who will ensure they receive a fair trial. But I also plan to use my voice to advocate for girls and women outside of the courtroom who have been discriminated against due to their race or gender. Education will help me achieve my professional dreams and aspirations by providing me with the knowledge necessary to become a skilled speaker and lawyer. In conclusion, my journey is not just about my success; it’s about creating opportunities for others. This scholarship can change my life and the lives of future generations. It is an investment in breaking the barriers of limited chances, improving the justice system, and supporting the rights of girls and women. With this scholarship, I aim to gain an education and the power to make a real difference in the world.

I became a member of the "Young Feminist Voices" club at my school in 2022. Our club aimed to raise awareness about the challenges that teenage girls face in today's society. We held multiple presentations during school to speak out about being a female in today's society. During one of our presentations, we discussed various topics, including the dress code. We highlighted the issue of the dress code being disproportionately enforced on female students, while male students were allowed to wear clothing such as "wife beaters" without a problem. It concerned us that a female student could be called out for "distracting" others if she showed a bit of stomach or shoulder, while male students faced no such scrutiny. We also touched on the topic of societal and social pressures faced by young adolescents. It's no secret that social media has a significant impact on the mental health of teenage girls, with many striving to match the idealized images they see online. This often leads to unhealthy eating habits, excessive makeup use, and even photo editing to conform to the perceived beauty standards of society. As a young woman myself, I can personally attest to the immense pressure to conform to these unrealistic expectations. It's challenging not to get lost in your thoughts when society seemingly demands that you change your appearance to fit in with the crowd. Another topic we spoke about during our presentation was teenage pregnancy. In this generation, whenever people find out that a teenage girl is pregnant, she is now labeled a slut and a whore. However, whenever they find out that a teenage boy is expecting a child, they praise him for staying in the child’s life instead of leaving. This goes to show how girls are held to ridiculously increased standards, but the standards are lowered sufficiently for teenage guys. Another purpose for the young feminist voices club was to raise awareness for women in society as well. We spoke about rape, harassment in the workplace, unequal pay, systematic disadvantages when it comes to promotions, full legal protection in certain countries, domestic violence, and more. However, not only did we speak of domestic violence against women, but we were also able to raise and donate over $500 to our local domestic violence shelter. Joining this club has influenced my plans because I want to make sure that young girls and women are treated fairly in this society. As a teenage girl navigating the complexities of adolescence, my ambition goes beyond personal success—it's about becoming a force for change in the lives of those who face adversity due to their gender and the systemic biases that lead to wrongful imprisonments. I want a future where legal advocacy becomes a catalyst for empowerment, breaking down the barriers that unfairly confine and restrict opportunities. The stories of pioneering African American women in the legal field have inspired me. Figures like Constance Baker Motley and Thurgood Marshall have paved the way for justice, leaving footprints that guide my path. Their legacies are a testament to the transformative impact a single individual can have in the pursuit of equality and justice. This journey is not only personal but a dedication to creating a more just and inclusive society where every young woman can thrive, unburdened by the limitations imposed by societal norms.

My childhood was spent in a bustling household led by a single mother, a warrior in her own right, who single-handedly raised six spirited children, my twin brother and myself included. The journey wasn't smooth; financial hardship was our unwelcome, persistent shadow, and the burden of providing and caring for us all rested squarely on my mother's capable but overburdened shoulders. Yet, in the face of every challenge, she stood unwavering and unyielding, a lighthouse of strength and resilience amidst our stormy seas. Her actions, steeped in love and fierce determination, became my most treasured education. She imparted lessons not found in textbooks but in the very essence of her being—lessons of perseverance, unwavering determination, and the power of facing life's adversities with a steadfast heart. My mother's incredible determination, her unyielding resolve to provide for us, her children, in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, has been the bedrock of my entire childhood and the essence of the values I hold dear today. Her tireless efforts and selfless sacrifices have been a living lesson in resilience and perseverance, teaching me the vital lesson that surrender is never an option no matter how formidable the obstacles before me. Her example has been a guiding light, showing me that overcoming life's hurdles is not just a possibility, but a certainty with enough grit and determination. Although I’m not the oldest child, I have witnessed firsthand the sacrifices my mother has made to ensure that we have a roof over our heads and food on the table. The sacrifices my single mother made to keep our ship afloat are a reminder of the resilience that runs in our veins. During my junior year of high school I began babysitting for family and neighbors after school, on weekends, and whenever I was free, to save up money to help my mom pay for my upcoming college education. The pursuit of scholarships was a testament not only to my achievements but also to the tenacity born from overcoming life's obstacles. The possibility of becoming the first in my family to earn a degree is my goal, but it's coupled with the reality that the journey will be paved with financial hardship. Despite the financial constraints, my mother always emphasized the importance of education as a pathway to a better future. Because of her unwavering belief in the power of education, I am determined to break the generational cycle of none of us going to college. My twin brother, raised in the same environment, has faced his own set of challenges. However, witnessing my mother's resilience has inspired him to strive for a better future as well. He looks up to her as a role model, just as I do, and together we are determined to make her proud by pursuing higher education. The decision to go to college is not just about personal fulfillment; it is about breaking the cycle of poverty and creating opportunities for future generations. Despite the financial hardships we have faced, my family's love and support have been unwavering. Together, we have weathered the storms and emerged stronger and more resilient. My mother's tireless efforts and unwavering determination have shaped me into the person I am today, instilling in me the belief that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. As I begin this journey to break the cycle of poverty and pursue higher education, I carry with me the lessons of resilience and determination instilled in me. She is not just my biggest influence; she is my guiding light, leading me toward a brighter future.

As a teenage girl, my journey has been marked by adversity, but it's adversity that fuels my determination to make a difference. Growing up, my family faced the harsh reality of wrongful imprisonment when my father was unjustly incarcerated. Although my mother and father were never together, his imprisonment led my mother single-handedly to raise my twin brother and me. During the years my father was confined behind those unyielding walls, I was but a child, naive to the depth of his trials and tribulations. His struggles, a distant reality, were veiled from my youthful comprehension. Yet, as the hands of time have ushered me into my eighteenth year, my eyes have been pried open to the harsh truths that incarceration bestows upon a person. Witnessing the aftermath of prison's grip on him has been a revelation, stirring within me a profound awakening. It is this very awakening that has ignited a fire in my soul, compelling me to transform the anguish my father endured into a catalyst for purpose, for change, and for hope. Throughout high school, I dedicated myself wholeheartedly to my academic pursuits. I selected courses that promised to construct a robust groundwork for the ambitious future I envisioned. My mother, in the face of financial pressures, became a paragon of tireless effort and unwavering commitment to ensure that my twin brother and I had the resources we needed to thrive. Her relentless dedication and the sacrifices she made served as a powerful lesson in resilience and perseverance, deeply ingrained these values within me. Witnessing her strength and resolve only fortified my determination to not merely succeed, but to excel in honor of her efforts. As graduation approaches, I am overwhelmed with a pressing need to chase after my dreams. After being accepted into many schools, the decision of where I continue my education is crucial as this decision will affect the education I gain while pursuing my bachelor's degree in criminal justice, viewing it as a pivotal step towards my ultimate ambition of specializing in wrongful conviction law as a lawyer. The journey before me may seem intimidating, yet I will not allow trepidation to be an obstacle. My father's steadfast resilience and his unshakeable faith in justice, despite numerous adversities, serve as my wellspring of courage. After his incarceration, my father instilled in me the strength and determination that propels me forward to champion the cause of justice. In my pursuit of justice, I am driven by a desire to ensure that no family has to endure the pain of wrongful imprisonment. I am determined to challenge the systemic injustices that disproportionately affect marginalized communities, and to be a voice for those who have been silenced by a flawed system. But my journey is not just about seeking justice for others—it's also about reclaiming my narrative. My father's imprisonment does not define me, but it has shaped my determination to create a better future, not just for myself, but for those who have been denied justice. Although my father is my number one inspiration, individuals like Bryan Stevenson, who tirelessly advocate for justice and challenge the inequalities embedded in the legal system, inspire my journey as well. Their courage in the face of adversity serves as a beacon of hope, reminding me of the transformative impact one person can have on the lives of many.

Simone Biles' assertion, "The best kind of people are the ones who inspire others to be better," reverberates profoundly within me, sparking an intimate exploration of what constitutes genuine greatness. As a teenage girl navigating the complexities of adolescence, my ambition goes beyond personal success—it's about becoming a force for change in the lives of those who face adversity due to their gender and the systemic biases that lead to wrongful imprisonments. I want a future where legal advocacy becomes a catalyst for empowerment, breaking down the barriers that unfairly confine and restrict opportunities. The stories of pioneering African American women in the legal field have inspired me. Figures like Constance Baker Motley and Thurgood Marshall have paved the way for justice, leaving footprints that guide my path. Their legacies are a testament to the transformative impact a single individual can have in the pursuit of equality and justice. This journey is not only personal but a dedication to creating a more just and inclusive society where every young woman can thrive, unburdened by the limitations imposed by societal norms. Furthermore, my determination extends beyond gender advocacy to address the systemic issues that plague the African American community, particularly wrongful imprisonments. Witnessing the devastating impact of unjust incarceration on families within my community has fueled my commitment to dismantling racial disparities within the legal system. Individuals like Bryan Stevenson, who tirelessly advocate for justice and challenge the inequalities embedded in the legal system, inspire my journey. Their courage in the face of adversity serves as a beacon of hope, reminding me of the transformative impact one person can have on the lives of many. My pursuit is not merely about securing legal victories; it is about restoring dignity, reuniting families, and reshaping the narrative for those who have been wrongfully imprisoned. It is about creating a legal landscape where the presumption of innocence is upheld, and justice is blind to the color of one's skin. As a teenager with aspirations reaching beyond the confines of adolescence, I see myself not only as a future lawyer but as a beacon of hope. I am committed to fostering opportunities for young women, providing them with the knowledge and skills to defy societal constraints. Education becomes the cornerstone of my advocacy, a means to empower individuals to challenge and overcome the adversity they face. Becoming a lawyer is not just a career choice; it is a declaration of intent to stand against injustice. I am inspired by the belief that my voice can contribute to a fair and equitable society. Growing up my household was led by my single mother who had to raise four other kids besides my twin brother and me. The journey wasn't smooth; financial hardship was our unwelcome, persistent shadow, and the burden of providing and caring for us all rested squarely on my mother's capable but overburdened shoulders. My mother's incredible determination, to provide for us in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, has been the bedrock of my entire childhood and the essence of the values I hold dear today. Her tireless efforts and selfless sacrifices have been a living lesson in resilience and perseverance, teaching me the vital lesson that surrender is never an option no matter how formidable the obstacles before me. This scholarship is an investment in breaking the shackles of limited opportunity, an investment in creating change within the justice system, and an investment in advocating for the rights of girls and women. I am not only seeking an education; I am seeking the power to make a meaningful impact on the world.

In 2021, when I was 15, I went to the mall with a couple of friends. We had such a good time. We had been there for almost four hours, so before we left we decided to sit down and eat the frozen yogurt we bought from Sweet Frog. A couple of minutes before we started to leave everyone in the mall began screaming and running, so we also began running in the same direction as everyone else. Once my friends and I realized what was going on we ran to the closet store to wait for our parents. We began heading toward a Books-a-Million store as we heard the worker allowing people to hide out in his store by saying “Come in! Come in!” but whenever we got close to the entrance of the store the worker blocked the entrance from us and yelled “No not you!” and didn't allow us in the store. Instead of going to a different store, we decided to head outside and try to find our parents but whenever we tried to exit the mall we were stopped and grabbed by five officers and accused of being a part of “those people who started the brawl”. We were escorted outside and questioned about who started the brawl and why the brawl had started. We were in the police car for over an hour while the officers went through our phones without letting us call our parents and tell them where we were. This was the same year Marvin David Scott III was killed by the police. Being a 17-year-old African-American teenager living in a world where I have to wonder if the next time I see a police officer will they serve and protect me or if they will fear and harm me is what has pointed me in the direction of a career in law. I think this scholarship will help me achieve my goals because not only do I want to continue my education in law and criminal justice, but I also want to be able to help my mom put two kids through college for the next four years. I want to make sure that people like me and other minorities are treated fairly under the law. My father has always told me ¨if you’re waiting for something to change, become the change you want to see”. I’m writing this essay the same year 29-year-old Tyre Nichols was killed by the police. And I believe it’s time to become the change.