Greetings, my name is Danielle Lowe-Better. I am a sophomore at Bowie State University. I grew up in PG county Maryland as the only child to a single mother. My mom had me when she was just a kid herself, still in college. Many thought that she would not make it to the end of her undergraduate years, but not only did she graduate with a bachelor's degree, but she also pursued higher with a master's degree. Growing up we did not have much, I often wondered where my next meal would come from. However, my mom was a strong woman, and she always found a way to provide for us. Now that I am an adult, I want to change things for my family history and break the generational curse of poverty and struggle. In attending college, I desire to obtain a degree that will allow me to make an honest living that provides for my family and I. In doing so, I will have the means to eventually give back to my community and become an inspiration of what is possible when you set your mind to goals and actually pursue them. Growing up around Washington DC I saw the potential in many young people. There were so many smart kids who were talented and driven but they are overlooked because of the low-income neighborhoods that they lived in. I was a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington where young people come together for fellowship, fun, education, and shelter. Being around so much poverty inspired me to apply for this scholarship because not enough people make it out and not nearly enough people give back when they do. I want to be the change for my community. However, I need help to get where I'm going. The tuition at my college is $12,000 per year, which doesn't seem like a lot of money but that is only half the struggle. To experience a full and successful college life that ends in a degree, I strongly encourage students to live on campus. Housing at my school starts at $5,000 not including meal plans this start out $2,000 plus necessities such as toiletries, cleaning products, books, and so many additional fees. Being awarded this scholarship will make it easier for me to pay these dues. Being awarded the scholarship will also allow me to be more focused on my grades and schoolwork and less worried about paying for school. Regardless of the outcome, I wanted to thank you for considering me and taking time to learn more about me.

Greetings, my name is Danielle Lowe-Better. I am a sophomore at Bowie State University. I grew up in PG county Maryland as the only child to a single mother. My mom had me when she was just a kid herself, still in college. Many thought that she would not make it to the end of her undergraduate years, but not only did she graduate with a bachelor's degree, but she also pursued higher with a master's degree. Growing up we did not have much, I often wondered where my next meal would come from. However, my mom was a strong woman, and she always found a way to provide for us. Now that I am an adult, I want to change things for my family history and break the generational curse of poverty and struggle. In attending college, I desire to obtain a degree that will allow me to make an honest living that provides for my family and I. In doing so, I will have the means to eventually give back to my community and become an inspiration of what is possible when you set your mind to goals and actually pursue them. Growing up around Washington DC I saw the potential in many young people. There were so many smart kids who were talented and driven but they are overlooked because of the low-income neighborhoods that they lived in. I was a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington where young people come together for fellowship, fun, education, and shelter. Being around so much poverty inspired me to apply for this scholarship because not enough people make it out and not nearly enough people give back when they do. I want to be the change for my community. However, I need help to get where I'm going. The tuition at my college is $12,000 per year, which doesn't seem like a lot of money but that is only half the struggle. To experience a full and successful college life that ends in a degree, I strongly encourage students to live on campus. Housing at my school starts at $5,000 not including meal plans this start out $2,000 plus necessities such as toiletries, cleaning products, books, and so many additional fees. Being awarded this scholarship will make it easier for me to pay these dues. Being awarded the scholarship will also allow me to be more focused on my grades and schoolwork and less worried about paying for school. Regardless of the outcome, I wanted to thank you for considering me and taking time to learn more about me.