Growing up in poverty, I’ve always been acutely aware of how access to education can dramatically change someone’s life. For me, education has always been a way out of the cycle of poverty. It represents opportunity, growth, and the potential to change not only my life but also the lives of those around me. As a 17-year-old college freshman, I’m now working to address the issue of educational inequality—something that’s deeply personal to me because I know firsthand how it feels to struggle with access to resources. Education is an essential part of breaking the cycle of poverty. When I was in high school, I witnessed many of my peers, who were in similar financial situations, face barriers that made it difficult to succeed. Some couldn’t afford to pay for tutoring or even basic school supplies, and many lacked the support needed to navigate college applications and scholarships. These barriers weren’t just small obstacles; they were huge roadblocks to achieving the future we all dreamed of. I realized that many of these students, like myself, had the potential to succeed, but they just didn’t have the right resources or guidance. This issue is important to me because I understand how education can transform a life. When I received a scholarship to attend college, it was a game-changer. It gave me the opportunity to pursue my dreams, something that seemed impossible before. That scholarship wasn’t just financial support—it was a recognition of my potential. That moment made me realize how important it is to ensure that students, especially those from low-income backgrounds, have the same opportunities to succeed. In response to this, I’ve started working with local organizations that focus on education equity. One of the ways I’ve been actively involved is by volunteering as a tutor for younger students in my community. I help them with their schoolwork, provide mentorship, and encourage them to keep pursuing their education despite the obstacles they may face. I also try to guide them through the college application process, offering advice on scholarships and financial aid—things I didn’t fully understand when I was in high school. I want to help students feel empowered, knowing that their dreams are achievable if they have the right support. In addition to tutoring, I’ve become an advocate for better funding and resources for schools in low-income areas. I attend local school board meetings and volunteer to raise awareness about the need for more equitable funding. I speak up about the lack of resources, such as underfunded programs, outdated textbooks, and limited access to extracurricular opportunities, which often disproportionately affect students in poverty. These issues aren’t just about finances; they’re about fairness and opportunity. Every student deserves a chance to succeed, no matter their background. This issue matters to me because I know how easily education can be taken for granted by those who have access to it. It’s something that many students in low-income communities don’t always have. I want to ensure that no child is held back simply because they don’t have the same resources or opportunities as others. Education should be a bridge to a better future, not an obstacle. Through my work, I hope to continue addressing this issue by supporting students and advocating for systemic changes. Ultimately, I want to make a lasting impact by helping others break free from the cycle of poverty, just as I am trying to do. By addressing educational inequality, I believe I can help create a more level playing field where every student regardless of their background has the chance to succeed.

As a 17-year-old female college freshman who grew up in poverty, I am deeply passionate about philanthropy because I have witnessed firsthand the struggles that come with financial hardship and limited access to opportunities. I have seen how poverty can trap people in cycles of despair, limiting their potential and stifling their dreams. But I've also seen how acts of kindness, support, and shared resources can uplift individuals and entire communities, creating ripple effects that lead to positive change. These experiences have fueled my passion for philanthropy and my desire to make a meaningful difference in the world. Growing up, my family faced constant financial struggles. My parents worked multiple jobs, but there were still times when we couldn’t afford basic necessities like food, clothing, or even school supplies. I remember feeling the weight of those challenges, not only as a child but also as a young woman trying to navigate my education and personal growth. Many times, I felt invisible—like my dreams were unattainable because of my circumstances. But I also realized that the only way to escape poverty wasn’t through luck but through access to opportunities, education, and support systems. Philanthropy, to me, isn’t just about giving money it's about offering opportunities, time, and knowledge to those who need it most. It’s about addressing the root causes of inequality, whether that’s poverty, lack of access to education, or healthcare disparities. I am passionate about supporting initiatives that aim to break the cycle of poverty and help people gain the tools they need to thrive. Through my career, I hope to create meaningful change by amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and advocating for policies and programs that prioritize equity and access. In the future, I plan to pursue a career in social work or nonprofit management. I want to work with organizations that are focused on helping individuals and families rise out of poverty, offering them the resources and support necessary to succeed. I want to be a part of that transformation, providing guidance and creating opportunities for those who are struggling. Moreover, I aim to use my voice and experiences to inspire others who feel as though their dreams are impossible. I know the power that one person’s belief in another can have. I want to be the person who says, “Yes, you can.” Through my story, I hope to show that no matter where you come from or what challenges you face, there is always hope and a path forward if you have the right support. I also want to raise awareness about systemic issues that contribute to poverty. While charity is essential, it is equally important to advocate for change at the structural level. Philanthropy, when done thoughtfully, has the potential to create lasting change by focusing not only on immediate relief but also on long-term solutions. In conclusion, my passion for philanthropy comes from my own experiences of growing up in poverty and seeing the transformative power of opportunity. I want to use my education and career to make a positive impact by helping others break free from poverty, advocating for systemic change, and creating a more equitable world.

Hello, my name is D’Aysha Cooper. I am from Orlando Florida and I’ll be attending Clark Atlanta University in the fall to major in business administration. I aspire to better my community and society through acts of service. I’ve always been told if you want change, you have to be the change , and I hope to instill this into others with things that I have learned throughout my education. I will visit and educate those in my very own neighborhood where I grew up, as well as offer free workshops and volunteer my time to spread the knowledge of business to more minority groups. I started a small business designing and customizing T-shirts during Covid my eighth grade year. Since then, I’ve continued to work hard and I’m approaching my fourth successful year in business. I’ve we learned a lot and overcame many challenges. I would love to share my story with others, so they see that anyone from any background can achieve anything . I stay active in school, and often make visits to my old elementary school as well as churches And other organizations in my city. once making my transition to college, I plan to do the same , encouraging my classmates and the people surrounding me to go for what inspires you. Coming from a difficult background, I had no guidance. My high school offered mentorship programs and by joining those programs not only did I receive guidance, I learned how to guide others . I will help young groups that struggle to discover the path that will help them follow their dreams. I want to host workshops helping people begin the process in the startup of a business. If they like to choose a different career path I will point them to connections I’ve made throughout my the years and help them research and offer my time in anyway possible. For the younger generations I would love to get into classrooms listen to the students and encourage them. It is important to know It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, we all have a fair shot at success. All we have to do is stay focused. Having help is what got me to where I am today and I would love for people with a similar upbringing and difficult background to see there is someone like me and to know that if I can do it, they can do it to. Throughout my years attending Clark Atlanta University, I plan to be very involved and volunteer in the community on my downtime to meet new people and help in anyway possible. Mentorship is something important to me and I want to provide my help and mentor those around me. With motivation and believing in yourself, you can achieve all your goals.

Hello, my name is D’Aysha Cooper. I am from Orlando Florida and I’ll be attending Clark Atlanta University in the fall to major in business administration. I aspire to better my community and society through acts of service. I’ve always been told if you want change, you have to be the change , and I hope to instill this into others with things that I have learned throughout my education. I will visit and educate those in my very own neighborhood where I grew up, as well as offer free workshops and volunteer my time to spread the knowledge of business to more minority groups. I started a small business designing and customizing T-shirts during Covid my eighth grade year. Since then, I’ve continued to work hard and I’m approaching my fourth successful year in business. I’ve we learned a lot and overcame many challenges. I would love to share my story with others, so they see that anyone from any background can achieve anything . I stay active in school, and often make visits to my old elementary school as well as churches And other organizations in my city. once making my transition to college, I plan to do the same , encouraging my classmates and the people surrounding me to go for what inspires you. Coming from a difficult background, I had no guidance. My high school offered mentorship programs and by joining those programs not only did I receive guidance, I learned how to guide others . I will help young groups that struggle to discover the path that will help them follow their dreams. I want to host workshops helping people begin the process in the startup of a business. If they like to choose a different career path I will point them to connections I’ve made throughout my the years and help them research and offer my time in anyway possible. For the younger generations I would love to get into classrooms listen to the students and encourage them. It is important to know It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, we all have a fair shot at success. All we have to do is stay focused. Having help is what got me to where I am today and I would love for people with a similar upbringing and difficult background to see there is someone like me and to know that if I can do it, they can do it to. Throughout my years attending Clark Atlanta University, I plan to be very involved and volunteer in the community on my downtime to meet new people and help in anyway possible. Mentorship is something important to me and I want to provide my help and mentor those around me. With motivation and believing in yourself, you can achieve all your goals.

Although many people think that having audacity is not necessarily a good thing, In my life audacity has given me wings. It is the courage to defy the odds that you face, stare it in the face, and do exactly the opposite of what your circumstances dictate you should do. To have audacity is to have a willingness to take bold risks. I was born into a family of poverty and as a result I was often in trouble and developed anger towards everyone because of my circumstances. At the age of 13 I got into an altercation in school that caused me to be suspended right when covid hit. I felt it was impossible for me to better myself, I no longer wanted to live life the way I was living, I wanted to elevate. During my suspension from school my mom advised me to make better use of my time instead of lounging around the house and doing nothing. We owned equipment that can be used to make things, though we've never used it until then. I've always been a crafty individual, so making a face mask came natural to me. I enjoyed all aspects in creating the mask from the design process to the final product. Business started off slow, at the time I was only doing face masks for $8 dollars a pop! I made an Instagram post and to my surprise started to receive messages of people wanting to order one. I started my small business three years ago customizing apparel and other personal items just as a way to occupy my time during my suspension and ended up discovering a way to overcome my financial challenges. I was 13 years old with a new vision and a plan for myself. Within my first 2 months I began making orders at a steady pace learning how to do new things. I explored different projects, some of which have become my best sellers to date, like my wooden photo collages, and customized apparel for clients. I enjoy the freedom that my business brings me to not only challenge myself and talents to create new things for my clients, but to also have the opportunity to offer myself full stability. This November will be 3 years since I took my first order. For the past 2 years I've been financially stress free and my anger issues which stemmed from my family's financial circumstances have been alleviated. I believe it's safe to say I beat the odds against me. I had the audacity to stare my poverty in the face and overcome it. I’ve overcome my financial challenges and changed the path that my circumstances dictated for me. I have stayed out of trouble and even managed to skip a grade as a result I will be graduating a year early, and will now graduate with the class of 2024. I will go off to college and return to my community to pursue my career and make a change, if you want to see a change you have to be the change.

Although many people think that having audacity is not necessarily a good thing, In my life audacity has given me wings. It is the courage to defy the odds that you face, stare it in the face, and do exactly the opposite of what your circumstances dictate you should do. To have audacity is to have a willingness to take bold risks. I was born into a family of poverty and as a result I was often in trouble and developed anger towards everyone because of my circumstances. At the age of 13 I got into an altercation in school that caused me to be suspended right when covid hit. I felt it was impossible for me to better myself, I no longer wanted to live life the way I was living, I wanted to elevate. During my suspension from school my mom advised me to make better use of my time instead of lounging around the house and doing nothing. We owned equipment that can be used to make things, though we've never used it until then. I've always been a crafty individual, so making a face mask came natural to me. I enjoyed all aspects in creating the mask from the design process to the final product. Business started off slow, at the time I was only doing face masks for $8 dollars a pop! I made an Instagram post and to my surprise started to receive messages of people wanting to order one. I started my small business three years ago customizing apparel and other personal items just as a way to occupy my time during my suspension and ended up discovering a way to overcome my financial challenges. I was 13 years old with a new vision and a plan for myself. Within my first 2 months I began making orders at a steady pace learning how to do new things. I explored different projects, some of which have become my best sellers to date, like my wooden photo collages, and customized apparel for clients. I enjoy the freedom that my business brings me to not only challenge myself and talents to create new things for my clients, but to also have the opportunity to offer myself full stability. This November will be 3 years since I took my first order. For the past 2 years I've been financially stress free and my anger issues which stemmed from my family's financial circumstances have been alleviated. I believe it's safe to say I beat the odds against me. I had the audacity to stare my poverty in the face and overcome it. I’ve overcome my financial challenges and changed the path that my circumstances dictated for me. I have stayed out of trouble and even managed to skip a grade as a result I will be graduating a year early, and will now graduate with the class of 2024. I will go off to college and return to my community to pursue my career and make a change, if you want to see a change you have to be the change.