Faith has been a guiding force in my life, especially during moments of profound difficulty. One of the most challenging periods I faced was during my undergraduate years at Howard University. As a first-generation college student with a learning disability, I often felt the weight of expectations coupled with the struggles of navigating an academic environment that wasn’t always accommodating to my needs. Balancing my coursework, a part-time job, and familial responsibilities, including caring for my younger brother due to my mother’s physical disability, seemed insurmountable at times. Yet, it was during these moments that my faith became my anchor. In my junior year, I encountered a particularly daunting challenge. I was enrolled in a rigorous research methods course that required extensive writing and critical thinking skills—areas where I felt my learning disability posed significant barriers. After receiving a failing grade on my first assignment, I felt defeated and questioned my ability to succeed in college altogether. However, rather than succumbing to despair, I turned to my faith for strength. I remembered the lessons my mother instilled in me: that faith, perseverance, and hard work could overcome any obstacle. I prayed for guidance and clarity, asking not just for the outcome I desired but for the resilience to see the process through. My faith led me to take actionable steps to improve. I sought out resources on campus, including tutoring and academic coaching. I approached my professor to better understand her expectations and how I could meet them. Most importantly, I reminded myself that my worth wasn’t tied to a single grade or outcome but to the effort I invested and the growth I achieved. With time, patience, and unwavering belief in my potential, I not only passed the course but earned one of the highest grades in the class by the semester’s end. This experience taught me the power of leaning on faith to navigate challenges. It reinforced my belief in the importance of resilience and the value of seeking support when needed. Faith allowed me to see obstacles not as insurmountable barriers but as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. It gave me the courage to embrace my vulnerabilities and transform them into strengths. Today, as I pursue my master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Columbia University, this lesson continues to guide me. The demands of graduate school, coupled with my ongoing commitment to advocacy and research, often feel overwhelming. However, my faith reminds me to approach each challenge with grace and determination. It fuels my passion for creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all students, especially those with special needs. Faith remains the cornerstone of my journey, shaping my resilience and empowering me to pursue ambitious goals. It is this unwavering belief in possibility and growth that I bring to every aspect of my life, from academics to professional endeavors. As I continue striving to make a meaningful impact, I hold onto the conviction that faith, combined with action, can turn any challenge into a stepping stone toward success.

1) Attribute I Embody the Most: "Thrive with an Indomitable Will" Among the eight attributes of Black Excellence, the one I most strongly embody is the ability to thrive with an indomitable will. Throughout my life, I have faced significant challenges, including growing up in a household with a physically disabled mother, taking care of my younger brother and being a first-generation student. Yet, these adversities have only strengthened my resolve to succeed. My upbringing taught me resilience, as I took on responsibilities well beyond my years to help my family. The fortitude I developed during this time laid the foundation for my indomitable will in all aspects of my life. My journey to academic success further exemplifies this attribute. Despite the academic difficulties I faced in college, I refused to let it define my future. I sought additional support, developed tailored study strategies, and leveraged my work ethic to overcome obstacles. I was determined to graduate with a degree in Psychology from Howard University, a feat I accomplished with a 3.36 GPA, despite the challenges I encountered. This determination to overcome setbacks has been a hallmark of my academic and professional journey. In my career, I have channeled this willpower into advocacy and leadership. I worked on Capitol Hill for Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, where I navigated the complexities of policy and community needs, ensuring that underrepresented voices were heard. I didn’t allow challenges like long hours or difficult negotiations to deter my mission. Instead, I saw them as opportunities to push harder and achieve greater impact. My journey in the ABA program at Columbia University is another testament to my resilience, as I aim to combine my passion for social justice and psychology to advocate for underrepresented communities. Through these experiences, I have cultivated an unyielding commitment to my goals, no matter the difficulty. This indomitable will has been the driving force behind my success and will continue to propel me forward in my pursuit of excellence in both my personal and professional life. 2) Attribute I Need to Improve: "Prioritize and Manage Time" While I have consistently demonstrated resilience and drive, one area where I know I need to improve is my ability to prioritize and manage time effectively. Juggling my various roles as a student, an intern, an advocate, and a professional has often stretched my time thin, making it difficult to manage everything efficiently. I have learned that while my determination can get me through tasks, time management is crucial for maximizing productivity and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. To improve in this area, I plan to implement a more structured approach to organizing my tasks. First, I will begin by setting clear, measurable goals for each aspect of my life, breaking them down into actionable steps. This will allow me to focus on what truly matters and ensure that I am allocating sufficient time to each responsibility. I will also utilize time management tools such as digital planners and project management apps to better track deadlines and progress. This will help me stay on top of my assignments and obligations without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, I will commit to setting boundaries and learning to say no when necessary. As someone who is passionate about helping others and making an impact, I often take on too much, which leads to burnout. By prioritizing tasks based on their importance and urgency, I will be able to focus my energy where it will make the most significant impact. Lastly, I will seek advice from mentors and peers who excel at time management. By learning from their strategies and experiences, I can incorporate new techniques into my routine that will help me better manage my time and maintain productivity. In conclusion, while time management has been a challenge, I am committed to refining this skill. Through structure, discipline, and mentorship, I am confident that I can improve in this area, ensuring that I am more effective in my studies, career, and personal life. By mastering time management, I will be able to focus more deeply on my mission and continue to thrive in all areas of my life.

Mental health has been a cornerstone of my academic journey and personal life, shaping the challenges I’ve faced and the resilience I’ve built to overcome them. As a first-generation college student, I navigated higher education with limited guidance, carrying the weight of my family’s expectations while managing financial instability. These challenges came to a peak during my senior year of undergrad when I undertook a 27-credit course load amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The isolation, uncertainty, and workload were overwhelming, straining both my mental health and academic performance. During that difficult period, I realized the toll that stress, anxiety, and burnout were taking. Long nights of studying often left me emotionally drained, while self-doubt and exhaustion impacted my ability to focus and engage fully in my classes. I knew I needed to prioritize my mental health to succeed academically and personally. To address these challenges, I adopted proactive strategies to maintain balance. Seeking counseling services provided me with tools to manage stress and reframe my perspective on challenges. Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as journaling and guided meditation, created moments of calm amidst the chaos. These small yet impactful habits helped me develop a healthier approach to managing pressure. Building a strong support system also became critical. I leaned on professors, mentors, and friends for advice and encouragement. Their support helped me feel less isolated and more capable of facing difficulties. Additionally, I made time for restorative activities like walking, cooking, and connecting with loved ones. These practices not only improved my mental well-being but also enhanced my academic performance by allowing me to approach tasks with greater clarity and focus. Today, as I pursue a graduate degree at Columbia University’s Teachers College while working full-time, I remain committed to these strategies. I carefully balance my responsibilities by setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and carving out time for self-care. These practices ensure I can excel in my studies while maintaining my emotional well-being. What sets me apart as a candidate for this scholarship is not just my dedication to academic success but my commitment to advocating for mental health awareness. Having experienced the profound impact of prioritizing mental wellness, I aim to share these lessons with others, particularly students from marginalized backgrounds. I want to empower others to seek help and embrace self-care, demonstrating that success is possible without sacrificing mental health. In summary, my mental health journey has been one of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. It has taught me to balance ambition with self-compassion and to approach challenges with determination and grace. This scholarship would support my continued efforts to prioritize mental health and use my experiences to inspire others, affirming that caring for oneself is not a barrier to success but a crucial part of achieving it.

The life of my dreams is a reflection of my unwavering commitment to education, advocacy, and creating lasting change in my community. As a proud graduate of Howard University with a degree in Psychology and a current graduate student at Columbia University’s Teachers College, I see education as more than a personal achievement—it is the foundation upon which I build opportunities for others, particularly underrepresented and marginalized communities. My dream life represents a harmony between professional success and personal fulfillment, with every step grounded in a desire to uplift, empower, and inspire others to reach their fullest potential. In this life, I am a trailblazer in the fields of education and psychology, using my expertise to design programs and policies that address systemic barriers and inequities. As a civil litigating attorney with a strong foundation in psychology, I bridge the gap between the legal and educational systems to advocate for policies that promote equity and access. I lead with purpose, ensuring that underserved communities have the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive. Through my work, I provide a voice to those who often go unheard, ensuring that their needs are not just acknowledged but addressed with tangible solutions. My dream life also includes a thriving balance between my career and personal life. As someone who values the power of education, I continue to pursue lifelong learning to remain at the forefront of my field. Whether it is through mentorship programs or community initiatives, I am always seeking ways to expand my knowledge and make a greater impact. However, success to me is not just defined by my professional achievements. I envision a flexible work schedule that allows me to dedicate time to my family, working in a meaningful career that aligns with my values. This balance enables me to not only nurture my family but also remain active in my community, serving as a role model for others. Education has always been at the heart of my journey, shaping my goals and defining my aspirations. As a first-generation college graduate and now a graduate student, I have experienced firsthand the transformative power of education. It has been the key to overcoming obstacles and breaking barriers, both for myself and for those I aim to serve. My experiences have taught me the importance of perseverance, resilience, and hard work. They have also instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to use my education to create pathways for others. In my dream life, I am not only achieving my goals but also creating opportunities for others to do the same. Receiving this Scholarship would bring me closer to this dream by alleviating some of the challenges of pursuing a graduate degree while working full-time. It would provide the support I need to focus on my studies and career while maintaining my commitment to my community. This scholarship would not only recognize my dedication but also affirm the value of my efforts to use education as a tool for change. As someone who has always strived to balance ambition with purpose, this support would be a crucial step in realizing my vision for the future. Ultimately, the life of my dreams is one where I live with intention and purpose, using my education and experiences to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.Through the power of education, I aim to leave a legacy of empowerment, advocacy, and lasting impact, ensuring that the doors I have walked through remain open for those who follow.