As a recipient of the Financial Hygiene Scholarship, I understand the importance of financial literacy in today's world. It is not uncommon for young adults to get into debt or make poor financial decisions simply because they do not have the right information or resources to make better choices. This is why I am committed to continuing my education on financial literacy and sharing my knowledge with others. One of the ways I plan to continue educating myself about financial literacy is by attending financial literacy workshops and seminars. These events are designed to help people learn about various financial concepts and strategies from experts in the field. I believe that by attending these events, I can gain a deeper understanding of different financial topics and be better equipped to educate others. In addition to attending financial literacy events, I also plan to use social media as a platform to educate others about financial literacy. Social media is a powerful tool that can be used to reach a wider audience, especially among young people. I plan to create educational content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok that are easy to understand and accessible to everyone. By using these platforms to share information, I hope to make financial literacy more engaging and approachable for others. Another way I plan to educate others about financial literacy is by volunteering with local organizations that promote financial literacy. These organizations provide resources and services to help people better understand and manage their finances. By volunteering with them, I can help others understand important financial concepts and make better financial decisions. This will also give me the opportunity to use my knowledge to make a positive impact on my community. Lastly, I plan to continue educating myself about financial literacy by reading books and articles on personal finance. This will help me stay up-to-date on the latest trends and strategies for managing money. By constantly learning and seeking new information, I can continue to grow my own financial knowledge and share it with others. In conclusion, I am committed to continuing my education on financial literacy and helping others do the same. By combining different strategies and approaches, I hope to make a meaningful impact on the financial health of individuals and communities. With the help of the Financial Hygiene Scholarship, I am confident that I can achieve these goals and help others make better financial decisions.

As an individual, I am proud to say that I am a maverick. I have always had a different perspective on life, which has allowed me to think creatively and outside the box. My unique worldview has allowed me to pursue my passions and follow my dreams without being hindered by societal expectations. I have learned to value my individuality, which has given me the confidence to pursue my goals without fear of judgment or failure. One thing that makes me unique is my love for music. I have been singing and playing the guitar since I was a child, and I have always been drawn to the power of music in bringing people together. Whether it's through writing my own songs or performing covers of popular songs, music has been a constant source of joy and fulfillment in my life. I plan to use my musical talents to give back to my community by performing at local events and fundraisers. Music has the ability to connect people from all walks of life, and I want to use my passion for music to bring joy and happiness to others. Another aspect of my uniqueness is my dedication to mental health awareness. I have struggled with mental health issues in the past and know firsthand the stigma and challenges that come with seeking help. However, through therapy and support from loved ones, I was able to overcome my struggles and find happiness in life. I want to use my experiences to help others who may be going through similar struggles. In the future, I plan to volunteer at local mental health organizations and advocate for mental health awareness in my community. I believe that by sharing my story and raising awareness, I can help break the stigma surrounding mental health and inspire others to seek help. Finally, I believe that my diverse background and experiences make me a maverick in my own right. Growing up as a first-generation immigrant in America has given me a unique perspective on life and has allowed me to navigate different cultures and communities with ease. I have learned to appreciate and value diversity, and I believe that it is essential to promote inclusivity in all aspects of life. I want to use my experiences to promote diversity and inclusivity in my community and advocate for the rights of marginalized groups. I believe that by working towards a more equitable and just society, we can all benefit from a more compassionate and empathetic world. In conclusion, I am proud to be a maverick and embrace my uniqueness. I plan to use my talents and experiences to give back to my community and make a positive impact in the world. By pursuing my passions and staying true to myself, I hope to inspire others to do the same and live their lives to the fullest.

As a college freshman, I have had many opportunities to engage in community service and disaster relief efforts. These experiences have been both eye-opening and inspiring, and have given me a greater appreciation for the importance of giving back to my community. Growing up, I was always taught the importance of helping others. My parents instilled in me the values of empathy, kindness, and compassion, and encouraged me to use my skills and talents to make a positive impact in the world. It was through their guidance that I began volunteering at local charities and community centers from a young age. However, it wasn't until I witnessed the devastating effects of natural disasters firsthand that I truly understood the importance of disaster relief efforts. After Hurricane Harvey hit Houston in 2017, I saw entire communities devastated, with homes and businesses destroyed and families displaced. It was a heartbreaking sight, but it also motivated me to do something to help. I volunteered with local organizations to assist with cleanup efforts, and it was an incredibly rewarding experience. I saw firsthand the resilience and strength of the human spirit, and it inspired me to continue doing everything in my power to support those in need. Since then, I have continued to engage in community service efforts whenever possible. I have volunteered at local shelters and food banks, and have worked with organizations that provide assistance to those affected by natural disasters. These experiences have given me a greater understanding of the needs of my community, and have allowed me to develop new skills and perspectives. In the future, I plan to contribute even more to community service and disaster relief efforts. I hope to continue volunteering my time and skills to assist with relief efforts whenever possible, and I also plan to pursue a career in a field that allows me to make a positive impact on my community. One area of particular interest to me is environmental conservation. I believe that protecting our planet and its natural resources is essential to the well-being of both our communities and our global society. In the future, I hope to work with organizations that promote sustainability and environmental awareness, and to engage in efforts to protect our planet and its ecosystems. Whether it's through volunteering at local shelters, working with disaster relief organizations, or pursuing a career in public service or environmental conservation, I am committed to doing everything I can to help uplift and support my community. I believe that we all have a responsibility to give back and make a positive impact in the world, and I am excited to see how I can continue to contribute in the future.

As a passionate advocate for social justice, I strive to make a positive impact on the world by focusing on specific social issues that are close to my heart. One of these issues is access to education for marginalized communities. I strongly believe that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering individuals to create a better life for themselves and their families. Unfortunately, many communities, particularly those of color, do not have access to quality education due to systemic barriers such as underfunded schools and lack of resources. To address this issue, I have been involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting access to education for marginalized communities. For example, I have volunteered at after-school programs that provide academic support and mentorship to underprivileged students. I have also worked with local organizations to advocate for policy changes that prioritize funding for schools in low-income areas. In addition, I recognize that education is not just about academic achievement, but also about providing individuals with the skills and tools they need to succeed in life. That's why I have also been involved in initiatives that focus on job readiness and career development for marginalized communities. I believe that by equipping individuals with the necessary skills and resources, we can help break the cycle of poverty and create a more just and equitable society. Another social issue that I am passionate about is environmental sustainability. Climate change is a global crisis that poses a threat to our planet and future generations. As a responsible citizen, I believe it is my duty to do my part in mitigating the impact of climate change. To promote environmental sustainability, I have taken various steps in my personal and professional life. For example, I have reduced my carbon footprint by using public transportation and minimizing waste. I have also been involved in community-led initiatives that promote renewable energy and sustainable living. I believe that promoting environmental sustainability is not just about preserving the planet, but also about creating a more just and equitable society. Climate change disproportionately affects marginalized communities, who often have limited access to resources and are more vulnerable to the effects of environmental degradation. By promoting environmental sustainability, we can help create a more just and equitable society for all. Overall, I believe that by focusing on specific social issues and taking action, we can make a positive impact on the world. As a CATALYSTS Scholarship recipient, I am committed to continuing my work as a community leader and being a catalyst for change. I believe that together, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

My name is Demetrius Aberi, and I have always been fascinated by the intersection of creativity and functionality. Growing up, I would spend hours sketching out building designs and imagining myself as an architect, creating structures that not only looked beautiful but also served a purpose. This passion for architecture continued into my high school years, where I took every opportunity to take part in design and construction projects, such as building models of bridges and drafting house plans. As I entered college, I was initially torn between pursuing a degree in engineering or architecture. However, after taking introductory courses in both fields, I knew that architecture was the right path for me. I was drawn to the idea of designing spaces that not only looked aesthetically pleasing but also had a purpose and function that could benefit society. I am currently in my second year of architecture school, and my love for the field has only grown stronger. I have always been interested in sustainable and environmentally conscious design, and I believe that architecture has the potential to create spaces that have a positive impact on both people and the planet. I am excited to continue my education in architecture, learning more about how to design structures that are not only beautiful but also sustainable and efficient. The Ward AEC Scholarship would be instrumental in helping me achieve my goals and furthering my education in the field of architecture. As a scholarship recipient, I would have the opportunity to focus solely on my studies, without the added financial burden of tuition and expenses. This would allow me to fully immerse myself in my studies and gain the skills and knowledge needed to become a future leader in the industry. One of my long-term goals is to work for a firm that specializes in sustainable design and to use my skills to create structures that have a minimal impact on the environment. I believe that architecture has the power to create a better future for us all, and I want to be a part of that change. By utilizing sustainable materials and innovative design techniques, I hope to create spaces that not only look beautiful but also have a positive impact on the planet. In addition to my passion for architecture, I am also an avid traveler and have been fortunate enough to explore many different cultures and architectural styles around the world. This has only fueled my love for the field and has given me a unique perspective on how architecture can be used to bring people together and create a sense of community. Overall, I believe that architecture has the potential to create a better future for us all, and I am eager to contribute to this mission through my education and future career. The Ward AEC Scholarship would be a tremendous help in achieving these goals, and I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for it. I am committed to using my education and skills to create structures that are not only beautiful but also sustainable, functional, and serve a greater purpose.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have always felt a sense of responsibility to help those who have gone through the same struggles and challenges that I have. Whether it's facing discrimination, dealing with mental health issues, or struggling with their identity, I understand how difficult it can be to navigate the world as an LGBTQ+ individual. Therefore, my main goal through my activism and community service is to make a positive impact on the world and create a more inclusive and accepting society for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. I believe that this can be achieved through three main approaches: increasing visibility, providing support, and inspiring others to take action. First and foremost, I believe that increasing visibility and representation of the LGBTQ+ community is crucial to breaking down stereotypes and prejudices. Through volunteering with organizations that advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, participating in events that celebrate the community, and using social media platforms to share stories and experiences, I hope to help others understand the challenges and triumphs of being a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Secondly, I want to provide support to LGBTQ+ individuals who may be struggling with their identity or facing discrimination. This can be achieved through volunteering with organizations that offer resources and support to the LGBTQ+ community, such as counseling services or youth groups. I believe that providing a safe and welcoming environment for individuals to express themselves is crucial to their well-being and success. Finally, I hope to use my activism and community service to inspire others to take action and make a positive impact in their own communities. I believe that by leading by example and sharing my experiences, I can motivate others to get involved and make a difference. Whether it's through volunteering at a local LGBTQ+ organization, participating in a pride parade, or simply educating themselves and others on the challenges facing the community, I believe that every small action can make a big difference. In conclusion, my activism and community service are driven by my desire to make a positive impact on the world and create a more inclusive and accepting society for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. Through my involvement in various organizations and events, I hope to increase visibility, provide support, and inspire others to take action in their own communities. By working together and using our collective voices, we can create a world where everyone feels accepted and valued for who they are.

Over the past year, I have grown significantly in terms of my ability to manage my time and prioritize my responsibilities. This personal growth was inspired by a combination of events, including starting a new job and beginning graduate school. Before this past year, I had always struggled with procrastination and finding the motivation to complete tasks. I would often put things off until the last minute and find myself feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. However, as I began to take on more responsibilities and commitments, I quickly realized that I needed to change my approach if I wanted to be successful. The event that truly inspired this personal growth was starting my new job. As a full-time employee, I was responsible for managing my own workload and meeting deadlines. This was a huge change for me, as I had never had to be accountable for my own productivity before. I quickly realized that if I wanted to succeed in my new role, I needed to be more organized and efficient with my time. I began by setting specific goals for myself each day and creating a schedule that would allow me to accomplish them. I also started using a planner to keep track of my tasks and deadlines. I found that having a visual representation of my responsibilities helped me to stay focused and on track. Additionally, I started breaking down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. This helped me to avoid feeling overwhelmed and made it easier to see progress as I completed each step. As I became more organized and efficient with my time, I found that I had more energy and motivation to complete my tasks. I also found that I was able to prioritize my responsibilities more effectively. I began to understand the importance of focusing on the most important tasks first and not getting bogged down with unimportant details. In addition to starting a new job, beginning graduate school also played a role in my personal growth. As a graduate student, I was required to manage a heavy workload while also balancing other responsibilities. I found that the time management skills I had developed in my new job helped me to be successful in my graduate studies. I was able to prioritize my coursework and manage my time effectively, which allowed me to achieve good grades and graduate on time. One thing that has remained the same throughout this journey of self-discovery is my love for learning. Even though my schedule is busier now than ever before, I still make time to read and learn new things. This is something that has always been important to me and I don't see that changing anytime soon. I believe that learning and personal growth are a lifelong journey and I am committed to continuing to improve and evolve as a person. In conclusion, over the past year, I have grown significantly in my ability to manage my time and prioritize my responsibilities. This personal growth was inspired by a combination of events, including starting a new job and beginning graduate school. Through my journey of self-discovery, I have learned the importance of setting goals, prioritizing my responsibilities, breaking down larger tasks, and being accountable for my own productivity. While my schedule is busier now than ever before, I still make time to read and learn new things. I believe that learning and personal growth are a lifelong journey and I am committed to continuing to improve and evolve as a person.

As I progressed through my studies in media and arts, I began to realize that architecture was the perfect blend of my passion for design and my interest in the built environment. I was fascinated by the way that architects could use their creativity to design spaces that not only met the practical needs of the people who would use them, but also had the ability to inspire and delight. One of the most valuable aspects of my studies has been the opportunity to work on various projects and assignments that have allowed me to apply what I have learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios. For example, in one of my classes, I worked on a team to design a public park. This experience was incredibly valuable in teaching me how to work with others, think critically and creatively, and understand the importance of considering the needs of the community when designing a public space. It was a great opportunity for me to understand the importance of collaboration and teamwork in the field of architecture. In addition, I have had the opportunity to take classes in a variety of different fields, including art history, design theory, and environmental psychology. These classes have helped me to understand the relationship between design and the human experience and how different design elements can impact the way people feel in a space. I learned the importance of considering human behavior and how it relates to space design. It's fascinating to know how design can affect the way people feel and interact in a certain space. Furthermore, I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing professors and mentors who have provided me with invaluable guidance and feedback throughout my studies. They have not only helped me to develop my skills and knowledge, but also encouraged me to think critically and push myself to be the best that I can be. They were always available to provide guidance and support whenever I needed it. They were the ones who helped me to refine my design skills and develop my own personal style. Additionally, I had the opportunity to attend workshops and seminars that were organized by the university. These events were a great opportunity to learn from professionals in the field of architecture and design. It was an opportunity for me to understand the current trends and practices in the field, as well as to network with professionals in the industry. Overall, my studies in media and arts have been an incredibly valuable experience that has prepared me well for a career in architecture. I feel confident that the skills and knowledge I have gained will help me to create beautiful, inspiring, and functional buildings that will improve the lives of the people who use them. I look forward to taking the next steps in my career, and I am excited to see what the future holds. I believe that the combination of my passion for design and the skills and knowledge I have gained will help me to become a successful architect who can make a positive impact on the built environment.

Community involvement is an essential aspect of being a responsible and engaged citizen. As a member of a community, we all have a duty to make our neighborhoods, cities, and country a better place for everyone. For me, the desire to give back and make a positive impact on my community is what inspires me to get involved. One way in which I have worked to influence change in my community is by volunteering with local organizations that address issues that I am passionate about. For example, I have been a volunteer with a local homeless shelter for the past few years. I help serve meals, provide support and resources to residents, and assist with fundraising efforts. By being involved with this organization, I am able to directly help individuals in my community who are facing difficult circumstances and also raise awareness about the issue of homelessness. The experience of volunteering at the homeless shelter has been incredibly rewarding for me. I have been able to form personal connections with the residents and see the positive impact that our efforts are making in their lives. I have also been able to learn more about the complexities of homelessness and the systemic issues that contribute to it. This has further fueled my desire to make a difference in my community and advocate for solutions that address these root causes. Another way in which I have worked to influence change in my community is by participating in community events and programs. I believe that by being present and participating in these events, I can help build a sense of community and bring people together to work towards common goals. For example, I have volunteered at local festivals, community clean-up days, and neighborhood association meetings. These events have been a great way for me to meet my neighbors, learn about the issues that are important to them, and work together to make our community a better place. In addition to volunteering and participating in community events, I also make an effort to stay informed about local issues and engage in thoughtful discussions with my friends, family, and neighbors. I believe that by staying informed and having meaningful conversations about the issues that are important to our community, we can work together to find solutions and make a positive impact. Overall, community involvement is an essential part of being a responsible and engaged citizen. Through volunteering with local organizations, participating in community events, and staying informed and active in my community, I am able to make a meaningful impact and work towards creating a better future for all. It is important for every one of us to play our role in making our community a better place to live, work, and raise a family. We all have something to contribute, and by working together, we can make a real difference.

Growing up as a child of a single mother has been a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience. From a young age, I learned the importance of resilience, determination, and hard work. My mother was always a strong and independent woman who worked tirelessly to provide for me and my siblings. Despite the many challenges she faced as a single mother, she never gave up and always found a way to make things work. One of the things that has always inspired me about my mother is her unwavering dedication to her children. She always put our needs first and went above and beyond to make sure we were well taken care of. Even when times were tough and money was tight, she always found a way to give us everything we needed. She would work multiple jobs to ensure that we had a roof over our heads, food on the table, and clothes on our backs. Her selflessness and dedication to her children have taught me the true meaning of love and sacrifice. Another thing that has always inspired me about my mother is her ability to overcome adversity. Despite the many obstacles she faced as a single mother, she never let them defeat her. She always found a way to push through and come out on the other side stronger. She taught me that no matter how difficult life may seem, there is always a way to overcome it. Her determination and strength have taught me that with a positive attitude and a willingness to work hard, anything is possible. My mother's determination to succeed also inspired me to set high goals for myself and to work hard to achieve them. She always believed in me and encouraged me to pursue my dreams, no matter how big or small. She taught me that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Her support and encouragement have played a huge role in shaping me into the person I am today. In addition to her work ethic and determination, my mother has also taught me the importance of education and the value of hard work. She always pushed me to work hard in school and to strive for success. Her dedication to education has played a huge role in my own academic success and has inspired me to pursue higher education. Finally, my mother's kindness and compassion have also been a major source of inspiration for me. She always went out of her way to help others, whether it was through volunteering or simply lending a listening ear. Her generosity and selflessness have taught me the importance of giving back and making a positive impact in the world. In conclusion, growing up as a child of a single mother has taught me valuable life lessons and has inspired me in countless ways. My mother's strength, determination, dedication, selflessness, compassion and her unwavering belief in me have taught me that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. I am forever grateful for her love and support, and I will always be proud to call her my mother. She has been my guiding light, my rock, and my best friend. I am truly blessed to have her in my life and I will always strive to make her proud.

One action I have taken to serve my local community is volunteering at a local food bank. I have been a volunteer at the food bank for the past two years, and have had the opportunity to help distribute food to families in need. This experience has been incredibly rewarding, as I have seen firsthand the impact that a little bit of help can have on someone's life. Not only did I help provide meals to families that were struggling to make ends meet, but I also got to interact with them and hear their stories. It was heart-breaking to see how many families in my community were struggling, but it was also inspiring to see how grateful they were for the small amount of assistance we were able to provide. This experience has taught me the importance of giving back to my community and how even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone's life. I have also been actively involved in supporting local charities and non-profit organizations. I have participated in various fundraising events and have also made personal donations to organizations that work towards providing assistance to underprivileged families in my community. I have volunteered at local homeless shelters, where I have had the opportunity to help prepare and serve meals to those in need. I have also participated in charity walks and runs to raise awareness and funds for various causes such as cancer research and animal welfare. These experiences have taught me the importance of supporting and giving back to organizations that are working towards making a positive impact in our community. In addition to serving my local community, I also plan to take actions to serve my state and the United States. One way I plan to do this is by getting involved in political campaigns and advocacy groups. I believe that it is important to have a say in the laws and policies that affect our communities, and I want to be a part of the process that shapes our future. I plan to get involved in local and state-level campaigns and advocacy groups that focus on issues such as education, healthcare, and environmental protection. I believe that by being an active and informed citizen, I can help make a positive impact on the laws and policies that affect my community and state. In conclusion, I believe that serving our local community, state, and country is essential for creating a better future. I have taken various actions to serve my community, and I plan to continue to do so in the future. I believe that by giving back and making a positive impact in our local community, state, and country, we can build a better future for ourselves and future generations.

One time I delighted others with my hacking/tinkering skills was when I helped my friend fix his broken drone. He had been flying it around the neighborhood and it suddenly stopped working, he was devastated because it was his favorite toy. He asked me if I could help him fix it and I agreed. I had a look at the drone and saw that the problem was with the receiver circuit. I knew that I could fix it, so I got to work. I opened up the drone and began to work on the receiver circuit. I knew that I needed to replace a few components and make some adjustments. I worked on the circuit for a few hours and finally, I was able to fix it. I put the drone back together and tested it out. To my delight, it worked perfectly! My friend was so happy and thanked me profusely. He was able to fly his drone again and it was a great feeling to see him so happy. The experience of fixing the drone was not only a great feeling for me but also for my friend, as it was his favorite toy and it was not easily replaceable. It was a great feeling to be able to help someone out and to use my hacking/tinkering skills to make a positive difference in someone's life. This experience has taught me that my skills are valuable and can be used to help others and make a positive impact on the world. After that incident, many of my friends started to approach me for help with their gadgets and machines, and I was more than happy to help. I realized that I had a passion for tinkering with machines and making them work again. This experience has inspired me to pursue a career in the field of electrical engineering, and I am currently studying in this field. I am continuously working on different projects, using my skills to create new and innovative things. I am always looking for ways to improve my skills and knowledge in this field. I am always looking for new challenges and opportunities to use my skills to help others. I believe that my passion for hacking and tinkering is not only a hobby but also a way to make a positive impact on the world. I am excited to see where my skills will take me in the future, and I am confident that I will continue to delight others with my hacking/tinkering skills.

My name is Demetrius Aberi, and I am a senior at Union High School. In college, I intend to do everything I can to encourage other young boys and girls to make a difference in the world and achieve whatever goals they set for themselves, or so they thought. Because I am pursuing an architecture degree, I can, for example, create residential homes that are inexpensive, comfortable, fashionable, and family-friendly. In addition, I can volunteer, participate in peaceful protests, and form support groups for individuals in need by joining different clubs that advocate for and help those in need. Following graduation, I intend to work as a certified architect. Then I'd like to gain more experience and work my way up to senior architect/designer, project manager, department head, and other positions. Growing up black in America has simply forced me to learn how to deal with racism, which is a huge issue. Contrary to common beliefs, I've been encouraged not to make a scene in certain situations only to avoid being seen as the aggressor. I've also generally learned to keep my feelings to myself in order to prevent making others feel uncomfortable. I remember one time when I went to the store and a tall white man accusingly asked “Hello, are you going to pay for that?”. I was a fifteen-year-old boy whose first “mistake” was shopping while being black. “Yes,” I answered. This is microaggression which is a comment, action, or incidence that is thought to be an example of indirect, subtle, or inadvertent discrimination against members of a marginalized group, such as a racial or ethnic minority. But the man’s racial profiling is something I will always remember and it still stings to this day. This may not seem like that big of a deal to some people, but that small incident leads to many more and it is not right. This is why I am so connected to my family in such a huge way. They assist me in dealing with the outside world in a proper and positive way. Now that I'm transitioning to college, I'm optimistic that I'll be able to calmly challenge the new life ahead of me. Family is my source of strength, and it has taught me a lot about what relationships are and how to build them in today's environment. I'm applying for this scholarship to help pay for college in a major way. As a high school senior and soon-to-be college student, I'm mainly trying to take advantage of every chance as early as possible, and I've already been accepted into universities. However, I need financial assistance to cover the remainder of my academic costs, which are, for all intents and purposes, hefty. I sincerely appreciate your thoughtfulness, and I hope that you will be able to assist me in pursuing a career in architecture in general. This is primarily my passion, and I am devoted to it.

My name is Demetrius Aberi, and I am a senior at Union High School. In college, I intend to do everything I can to encourage other young boys and girls to make a difference in the world and achieve whatever goals they set for themselves, or so they thought. Because I am pursuing an architecture degree, I can, for example, create residential homes that are inexpensive, comfortable, fashionable, and family-friendly. In addition, I can volunteer, participate in peaceful protests, and form support groups for individuals in need by joining different clubs that advocate for and help those in need. Following graduation, I intend to work as a certified architect. Then I'd like to gain more experience and work my way up to senior architect/designer, project manager, department head, and other positions. Growing up black in America has simply forced me to learn how to deal with racism, which is a huge issue. Contrary to common beliefs, I've been encouraged not to make a scene in certain situations only to avoid being seen as the aggressor. I've also generally learned to keep my feelings to myself in order to prevent making others feel uncomfortable. I remember one time when I went to the store and a tall white man accusingly asked “Hello, are you going to pay for that?”. I was a fifteen-year-old boy whose first “mistake” was shopping while being black. “Yes,” I answered. This is microaggression which is a comment, action, or incidence that is thought to be an example of indirect, subtle, or inadvertent discrimination against members of a marginalized group, such as a racial or ethnic minority. But the man’s racial profiling is something I will always remember and it still stings to this day. This may not seem like that big of a deal to some people, but that small incident leads to many more and it is not right. This is why I am so connected to my family in such a huge way. They assist me in dealing with the outside world in a proper and positive way. Now that I'm transitioning to college, I'm optimistic that I'll be able to calmly challenge the new life ahead of me. Family is my source of strength, and it has taught me a lot about what relationships are and how to build them in today's environment. I'm applying for this scholarship to help pay for college in a major way. As a high school senior and soon-to-be college student, I'm mainly trying to take advantage of every chance as early as possible, and I've already been accepted into universities. However, I need financial assistance to cover the remainder of my academic costs, which are, for all intents and purposes, hefty. I sincerely appreciate your thoughtfulness, and I hope that you will be able to assist me in pursuing a career in architecture in general. This is primarily my passion, and I am devoted to it.

Growing up black in America has simply forced me to learn how to deal with racism, which is a huge issue. Contrary to common beliefs, I've been encouraged not to make a scene in certain situations only to avoid being seen as the aggressor. I've also generally learned to keep my feelings to myself in order to prevent making others feel uncomfortable. I remember one time when I went to the store and a tall white man accusingly asked “Hello, are you going to pay for that?”. I was a fifteen-year-old boy whose first “mistake” was shopping while being black. “Yes,” I answered. This is microaggression which is a comment, action, or incidence that is thought to be an example of indirect, subtle, or inadvertent discrimination against members of a marginalized group, such as a racial or ethnic minority. But the man’s racial profiling is something I will always remember and it still stings to this day. This may not seem like that big of a deal to some people, but that small incident leads to many more and it is not right.

My name is Demetrius Aberi, and I am a senior at Union High School. In college, I intend to do everything I can to encourage other young boys and girls to make a difference in the world and achieve whatever goals they set for themselves, or so they thought. Because I am pursuing an architecture degree, I can, for example, create residences that are inexpensive, comfortable, fashionable, and family-friendly. In addition, I can volunteer, participate in peaceful protests, and form support groups for individuals in need by joining different clubs that advocate for and help those in need. Following graduation, I intend to work as a certified architect. Then I'd like to gain more experience and work my way up to senior architect/designer, project manager, department head, and other positions. Growing up black in America has simply forced me to learn how to deal with racism, which is a huge issue. Contrary to common beliefs, I've been encouraged not to make a scene in certain situations only to avoid being seen as the aggressor. I've also generally learned to keep my feelings to myself in order to prevent making others feel uncomfortable. I remember one time when I went to the store and a tall white man accusingly asked “Hello, are you going to pay for that?”. I was a fifteen-year-old boy whose first “mistake” was shopping while being black. “Yes,” I answered. This is microaggression which is a comment, action, or incidence that is thought to be an example of indirect, subtle, or inadvertent discrimination against members of a marginalized group, such as a racial or ethnic minority. But the man’s racial profiling is something I will always remember and it still stings to this day. This may not seem like that big of a deal to some people, but that small incident leads to many more and it is not right. This is why I am so connected to my family in such a huge way. They assist me in dealing with the outside world in a proper and positive way. Now that I'm transitioning to college, I'm optimistic that I'll be able to calmly challenge the new life ahead of me. Family is my source of strength, and it has taught me a lot about what relationships are and how to build them in today's environment. I'm applying for this scholarship to help pay for college in a major way. As a high school senior and soon-to-be college student, I'm mainly trying to take advantage of every chance as early as possible, and I've already been accepted into universities. However, I need financial assistance to cover the remainder of my academic costs, which are, for all intents and purposes, hefty. I sincerely appreciate your thoughtfulness, and I hope that you will be able to assist me in pursuing a career in architecture in general. This is primarily my passion, and I am devoted to it.

Growing up Black in America, I’ve sadly had to learn how to deal with this disgusting disease known as racism. I’ve been taught not to cause a scene in some situations just to prevent being seen as the aggressor. I’ve learned to suppress my feelings to not make others feel uncomfortable. I remember one time when I went to the store and a tall white man accusingly asked  “Hello? Are you going to pay for that?”. I was a 15-year-old boy whose first “mistake” was shopping while being black. “Yes,” I answered. But the man’s racial profiling is something I will always remember and it still stings to this day. This may not seem like that big of a deal to some people, but that small incident leads to many more and it is not right. This is why I am so close to my family. They help me escape from the outside world that is full of hate. A family is my source of strength. It teaches me what relationships mean. They help me create meaningful relationships in the outside world. When I spend time with my family, It creates a better future for everyone involved. In college, I want to do everything I can to make this happen for other young black boys. For example, since I am applying for the architecture major I can design houses that are affordable, comfortable, stylish, and family-friendly. Also, I can join multiple clubs advocate and help those in need by volunteering.