As an 11th grader living in Detroit, building generational wealth is a top priority for me. I want to ensure that my future children and family have financial security and opportunities for success. However, I also recognize that this may require me to consider moving to a location that has greater economic opportunities and less economic challenges. To achieve my goal of building generational wealth, I know that I need to start early. Even as a teenager, I can begin saving and investing small amounts of money that can grow significantly over time. I need to be disciplined with my spending and find ways to increase my income through part-time jobs or other opportunities. I also recognize the importance of education in building generational wealth. Pursuing a college degree or vocational training in a high-demand field can increase my earning potential and provide a solid foundation for my future financial success. I need to choose a career path that has high earning potential and that aligns with my interests and skills. Entrepreneurship is another avenue that I am considering for building generational wealth. Starting my own business can give me greater control over my income and provide an asset that can be passed down to future generations. However, starting a business requires significant effort, risk, and capital, and I need to carefully consider whether this is the right path for me. Investing in real estate is another option that I am exploring. With property ownership, I can benefit from appreciation in value and rental income. Real estate can also be passed down to future generations, providing a long-term source of wealth. However, investing in real estate requires significant capital and expertise, and I need to carefully evaluate the risks and rewards. To build generational wealth, financial literacy is also essential. I am committed to learning about budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management. The more I know about personal finance, the better equipped I will be to make smart decisions that can help me achieve my financial goals. While Detroit has economic challenges, there are also opportunities in the growing tech sector and thriving arts community. However, if I am unable to find the opportunities that I need in Detroit, I may need to consider moving to a location that has greater economic opportunities. This may require me to choose a career path that has high earning potential and that is in demand in other locations. In conclusion, building generational wealth requires a long-term perspective, disciplined actions, and careful evaluation of opportunities and risks. As an 11th grader, I am committed to taking action to build my wealth, whether that means saving and investing, pursuing education and training, starting a business, investing in real estate, or moving to a location that has greater economic opportunities. By staying focused on my goals and taking action to build my wealth, I believe that I can overcome any obstacles and achieve my dreams of generational wealth for my future family.

As a young Black woman, financial independence is important to me. I believe that having the ability to support myself financially as an adult comes with numerous benefits. It provides a sense of independence and autonomy, allowing me to make my own choices and decisions, whether it be in terms of my career, personal life, or lifestyle choices. Being financially stable can also reduce stress and improve mental health, as it eliminates the worries and anxieties that come with financial instability. Growing up, my mom always emphasized the importance of education and a career. She often told me that doctors will always be needed, regardless of advancements in technology such as AI. As a single mother, she worked hard to provide for us, and she instilled in me the value of hard work and determination. She encouraged me to pursue a career that would provide financial stability, and one that I was passionate about. As a young Black woman, I am aware of the challenges that come with pursuing a career in STEM fields. Historically, Black people have been underrepresented in STEM fields, and there are still disparities in access to education and opportunities. However, I believe that pursuing a career in STEM can and will provide financial stability and opportunities for professional growth. STEM fields offer high-paying jobs with opportunities for advancement and career growth. These fields often require specialized skills and knowledge that are in high demand, making them less vulnerable to job market fluctuations. Additionally, STEM fields tend to be innovative and constantly evolving, providing ample opportunities for learning and professional development. As my mom predicted, advancements in technology, such as AI, have changed the landscape of many industries, including healthcare. However, I believe that there will always be a need for doctors and other healthcare professionals. While AI can help with certain tasks, such as diagnostics, it cannot replace the human touch and the importance of empathy and compassion in healthcare. As a young Black woman, I believe that diversity in healthcare is important, and I want to contribute to a healthcare system that is inclusive and equitable. Furthermore, a career in STEM can offer the chance to make a significant impact on society. As a young Black woman, I am aware of the disparities that exist in our society, particularly in terms of access to resources and opportunities. Many advancements in technology and science have the potential to transform and improve lives, and I believe that Black women can play a significant role in contributing to these advancements. This can provide a sense of fulfillment and purpose, in addition to financial stability. In conclusion, financial independence is important to me as a Black woman, and a career in STEM can provide opportunities for financial stability and professional growth. While advancements in technology such as AI may change the landscape of certain industries, including healthcare, I believe that doctors and other healthcare professionals will always be needed. As ayoung Black woman, I am committed to pursuing a career in STEM and contributing to advancements that can transform our society.

As a young African American woman in Detroit, the lack of representation in STEM fields has had a personal impact on me and my family. My uncle was a victim of medical neglect and mistreatment, which ultimately led to his death. This was a tragedy that could have been prevented had he received proper medical care. This devastating experience highlights the need for more African American representation in STEM careers, particularly in the healthcare industry. Increasing diversity in STEM careers is crucial because it brings a variety of perspectives and experiences to the table, leading to new discoveries and better outcomes. When people from different backgrounds come together to solve problems, they bring unique viewpoints and approaches to the task at hand, which can lead to more creative solutions. This is especially important in healthcare, where patients come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Representation matters in STEM because it can inspire and encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to pursue careers in these fields. When young people see people that they can identify with succeeding in STEM careers, they are more likely to see themselves in those roles and pursue similar paths. This can help break down barriers to entry for individuals from underrepresented groups and create more equitable opportunities for all. According to a recent study by CNN, only 5.7 percent of doctors in the United States are Black. This underrepresentation contributes to significant health disparities among Black Americans. For example, African Americans lead in most health illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. This disparity between African Americans and other races is unacceptable and underscores the urgent need for more African Americans in STEM fields, especially in healthcare. Research shows that there are significant disparities in healthcare access and outcomes for African Americans in the United States, and this can be attributed to systemic racism and implicit bias within the healthcare system. The lack of representation of African Americans in healthcare professions can create a lack of trust between Black patients and healthcare providers, as well as a lack of cultural competency among providers when treating Black patients. The Tuskegee Syphilis Study is a tragic example of how racial bias and discrimination in healthcare settings can lead to distrust and reluctance to seek medical care among African Americans. In this study, Black men were deliberately left untreated for syphilis, a horrific example of the harm that can result from implicit bias and systemic racism in healthcare. In conclusion, increasing diversity in STEM fields is essential for addressing the systemic inequalities that exist in our healthcare system and improving health outcomes for all individuals. By ensuring that a wider range of perspectives and experiences are represented, we can help create a more equitable and just healthcare system. It is my hope that young people from underrepresented communities will be inspired to pursue careers in STEM fields, and that one day we will see a healthcare system that truly reflects the diversity of our country.

Barack Obama, the first Black president of the United States, once said, "Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." When thinking of what I want to become, I first thought of areas that negatively impact my community. This comes to mind first, only because it is the closest thing to me. As a black woman, I understand the unique challenges that face our communities, especially when it comes to healthcare. I want to be someone who improves the health outcomes in the African American community. Whether it is inventing highly technical prosthetic body parts or developing a cure for fatal diseases such as cancer, I want to be instrumental in improving the quality of life that people experience. As I explore different career paths within the STEM field, I know that I can make a difference by creating innovative solutions that address the needs of underserved populations. I believe that my perspective as a black woman will enable me to approach problems with a fresh perspective and consider factors that may be overlooked by others. With technology advancing rapidly, there are countless possibilities for how I can use my skills and knowledge to create positive change. One of the most significant technological advancements in the past 10 years is artificial intelligence (AI). AI has become a critical tool in numerous industries, including healthcare, finance, and transportation. In healthcare, AI has the potential to improve patient outcomes by enabling earlier and more accurate diagnoses, predicting patient outcomes, and assisting in surgical procedures. In finance, AI is used to analyze data and make predictions about market trends, while in transportation, it is used for autonomous vehicles and traffic management. AI can also have a significant impact on social issues. For example, it can be used to analyze patterns of police brutality and identify areas where reform is needed. It can also be used to identify and combat racial and gender bias in hiring processes. As a black woman, I am acutely aware of the injustices that exist in our society and the potential of AI to help address these issues. As I pursue my studies and future career in STEM, I hope to contribute to the world by creating innovative solutions that positively impact communities. I want to be a force for change in healthcare, helping to develop new treatments and technologies that improve the quality of life for all people, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. I also hope to use my knowledge and skills to address social issues and help create a more equitable and just society. In conclusion, my favorite tech invention of the past 10 years is AI, as it has the potential to improve many aspects of our lives. As a black woman, I believe that I bring a unique perspective to the field of STEM and can use my knowledge and skills to address issues that are important to me and my community. I am excited to see where my studies and future career will take me and how I can use my skills to create positive change in the world.

As a young female entrepreneur in Detroit, I believe that a literacy tutoring or educational services business could greatly benefit my local community. With nearly half of the population experiencing functional illiteracy - based on a recent study on weebly.com- there is a high demand for educational services, and I am eager to fill that need. My business will cater to both adults and children who may be struggling with literacy and educational gaps. I would start small, offering one-on-one tutoring or small group classes. This will allow me to focus on individualized attention and develop strong relationships with my clients. As my practice grows over time, I would explore different approaches and teaching methods to help my clients overcome any difficulties they may be facing. To ensure that my services are accessible to those who need them, I would offer flexible scheduling and pricing options. I understand that some clients may not have the means to pay for expensive tutoring services, so I would offer sliding-scale pricing or work with organizations to provide low-cost or free services. In terms of helping adults, I would provide literacy tutoring services for those who may not have had access to quality education in the past. This could include reading and writing skills, as well as basic math and computer skills. Many adults may have missed out on educational opportunities, and my services would allow them to gain the skills they need to succeed in their personal and professional lives. For children, I would focus on early literacy skills to ensure that they are prepared for success in school and beyond. This could include phonics, reading comprehension, writing skills, and more. By providing these essential skills at a young age, I could help set children up for future success and break the cycle of illiteracy that plagues the community. Beyond my tutoring and educational services, I believe that I have a great love for people and many qualities that will help me succeed as an entrepreneur. I am patient, and compassionate, and have a strong desire to help others. I am also a good listener and communicator, which will help me connect with my clients and understand their unique needs and challenges. In addition, I am a hard worker and committed to the success of my business. I believe that with dedication and a passion for education, my business could grow and help many individuals in my community. My literacy tutoring and educational services business will contribute to the general welfare of the people in my community by addressing the critical issue of functional illiteracy. By providing accessible and affordable educational services, I can help empower individuals with the essential skills they need to succeed in their personal and professional lives, thereby breaking the cycle of poverty and low educational attainment that can perpetuate across generations. Additionally, my business can create jobs and contribute to the local economy, and by partnering with local organizations, I can help build stronger communities and promote greater social cohesion and unity. Overall, my business has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals and families in my community and contribute to the well-being and prosperity of the community as a whole.

As I reflect on my future career aspirations, I am increasingly drawn to the field of medicine. I believe that this field provides me with the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world by improving health outcomes, particularly in the African American community. My passion for caring for people, especially children, and the inspiring examples of family members working in the medical field have all contributed to my desire to pursue a career in healthcare. The African American community has long faced a disproportionate burden of chronic diseases, environmental factors, and other health challenges. These issues have contributed to poor health outcomes and a lack of access to quality healthcare. As a member of this community, I have seen firsthand the negative effects of these challenges on people's lives. This became very evident during the pandemic when African Americans were disproportionately fatally affected by covid-19. I am driven to use my skills and knowledge to improve health outcomes and create a more equitable society. In addition to my desire to help others, my love for caring for kids has played a significant role in my career aspirations. I find great joy in working with children and witnessing the positive impact that I can have on their lives. I believe that by working in healthcare, I can help children and their families overcome health challenges and achieve their full potential. I am excited about the prospect of making a positive impact on the lives of children and their families. I believe that my patience, empathy, and strong communication skills make me well-suited for working with pediatric patients. I understand the importance of building trust and rapport with children and their families, and I am committed to creating a comfortable and supportive environment for them. By providing them with the care and attention they need, I hope to alleviate their anxiety and help them to feel safe and secure during what can be a stressful and scary time. Moreover, I have been inspired by many members of my family who work in the medical field. Their dedication to helping others and their commitment to improving health outcomes have been a constant source of inspiration for me. They have shown me the incredible impact that healthcare professionals can have on the world, and I am eager to follow in their footsteps. As I consider my future career options, I am still deciding whether I will work directly with patients or indirectly through research or public health initiatives. Regardless of the specific path that I choose, I am confident that I will use my skills and knowledge to improve health outcomes and make a positive impact on the world.

Feminism is a multifaceted movement that advocates for equal treatment of all genders. It seeks to address systemic inequalities based on gender identity, and it is essential for creating a world where everyone is afforded the same opportunities, regardless of their gender. One of the most inspiring figures in the feminist movement is Serena Williams. As a tennis player, she has achieved incredible success, including 23 Grand Slam singles titles, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Mrs.Williams has used her platform to advocate for gender equality in sports. She has spoken out against the wage gap in tennis and has fought for equal pay for women in the sport. Her activism has inspired many, including myself, to fight for equal treatment and opportunities for all genders. However, despite the progress made by feminist movements, discrimination based on gender still exists in many areas of society. In my own experience, I faced gender discrimination when I volunteered to coach a girls' volleyball team with my younger sister. The girls' team had no uniforms while the boys' basketball team had brand new uniforms, which was unfair and demonstrated a lack of respect for the girls' team and their efforts. When we were finally able to obtain uniforms, they were the wrong size and intended for a boys' basketball team. We brought this issue to the attention of the school board, but our request was not met with the necessary urgency or seriousness. My mother and I tried to address the situation by making uniforms out of T-shirts at home. However, even after being given uniforms, we had to use rubber bands and pins to make sure they fit the girls as well as possible. The majority of the uniforms did not fit because they were made for men. Wearing a school jersey with your number on it is a source of pride and a representation of one's school and community. It is important to provide all students, regardless of their gender, with the opportunity to properly represent their school. The lack of proper uniforms for the girls' volleyball team not only demonstrated a lack of respect for their efforts but also denied them the opportunity to represent their school acutely. This experience taught me the importance of speaking up against gender discrimination and fighting for equal treatment and opportunities for all genders. In my community and school, I am actively contributing to the feminist movement by applying for positions in STEM where female voices are absent. STEM fields have historically been male-dominated, and it is crucial to increase the representation of women and other underrepresented groups in these fields. By doing this, I am not only breaking down barriers but also paving the way for future generations of women to follow in my footsteps. I also serve as treasurer for the Detroit NAACP Youth Council, where I advocate for both women's and African Americans' rights. The organization has been a crucial platform for advocating for the rights of marginalized groups, and I am proud to be part of this movement. As a member of the executive team, I have been able to contribute to efforts to create more equitable policies and initiatives that benefit all members of the community. It is crucial to continue working towards creating a more equitable and just society for all genders. By advocating for equal treatment and opportunities, we can break down barriers and pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.