Fashion has always inspired me because it is more than clothing it is a way for people to express themselves, feel confident, and show the world who they are without saying a word. What drew me to fashion as a career path was not only my love for creativity and style but also my belief that everyone deserves to feel good about themselves, regardless of their income or background. Growing up in a low-income household, I often experienced the challenge of not being able to afford the latest trends or the clothing I truly wanted. That experience taught me two important lessons: first, that fashion should be accessible to everyone, and second, that I wanted to one day create a business that would provide that access. My dream is to open a clothing store that offers quality, affordable options while also creating an atmosphere where people feel valued and welcomed. I want my store to reflect more than just the latest trends I want it to represent inclusivity, confidence, and opportunity. By pursuing a career in fashion as a business owner, I am choosing a path that combines creativity with entrepreneurship. It excites me to know that I can build something of my own while also making a meaningful impact on others. I plan to make a difference in several ways. First, I want my clothing store to be affordable and accessible, so that people from all walks of life can find items that make them feel confident without financial strain. Fashion often feels exclusive, but I want to break down that barrier and show that style belongs to everyone. Second, I want my business to create opportunities within the community by offering jobs, internships, and even workshops for young people who are interested in fashion or entrepreneurship. By sharing what I learn, I hope to inspire others to chase their own dreams. Beyond the business side, I want to use fashion as a tool for empowerment. Clothing has the power to lift someone’s mood, boost their confidence, and help them feel ready to take on the world. If I can help people experience that through my store, I will feel like I am making a real difference. In the long term, I also hope to design my own clothing line that emphasizes diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that people of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds can find pieces that make them feel comfortable and stylish. My background has given me both the motivation and the resilience to pursue this path. Coming from limited means, I understand the struggles that many people face, and I want my career in fashion to be about more than profit it will be about service, community, and empowerment. I believe that fashion has the ability to connect people, and through my clothing store, I plan to bring that vision to life. In conclusion, fashion drew me in because of its creativity and its power to change the way people feel about themselves. What keeps me motivated is knowing that through my career, I can make fashion more accessible, create opportunities for others, and use my business to make a positive impact.

Growing up in a low income household has shaped me into the person I am today and continues to guide the values and goals I carry into my future. From a young age, I learned the importance of hard work, sacrifice, and resourcefulness. While financial struggles brought challenges, they also gave me a deeper appreciation for opportunities and a determination to create a better life not only for myself but also for others. These experiences have fueled my passion for business ownership and my dream of opening a clothing store that reflects my creativity, independence, and commitment to serving the community. Coming from a background where money was often tight, I developed a strong sense of responsibility and perseverance. I saw firsthand how difficult it could be to balance basic needs with long-term goals, and that reality inspired me to set high expectations for myself. Instead of being discouraged, I used my circumstances as motivation to work harder and aim higher. Living with limited resources made me value every opportunity that comes my way, and it taught me to appreciate the importance of financial stability, education, and the ability to help others. This scholarship is meaningful to me because it would ease the financial pressures that come with pursuing higher education. Like many students, I face the challenge of covering tuition, books, and living expenses while also trying to save for the future. Receiving this support would allow me to focus more fully on building the skills and knowledge I need to succeed as a business owner. It would also give me the chance to continue contributing to my community, which is a responsibility I take seriously. My ultimate career goal is to become a successful entrepreneur by opening and managing my own clothing store. Fashion has always been an outlet for self expression, and I want to create a store that makes people feel confident and valued while offering affordable, high quality options. My vision is not only to operate a profitable business but also to provide jobs, support local events, and eventually expand into multiple locations. In the long term, I would also like to design a clothing line that represents creativity, inclusivity, and accessibility. I see my business as a way to build both economic independence for myself and opportunities for those around me. Community service has played an important role in shaping my values as well. I have volunteered at my church, where I participated in programs and events that brought people together. I have also helped organizations that support the homeless by distributing food and necessities, and I have spent time assisting at a daycare, providing care and support for young children. These experiences showed me how meaningful it is to give back, regardless of your circumstances. They reminded me that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact on people’s lives. Growing up in a low-income household deepened my empathy, and volunteering has allowed me to live out that empathy through action. In conclusion, my upbringing in a low-income household has influenced every part of who I am from my determination to succeed in business, to my values of perseverance, empathy, and service. This scholarship would give me the support I need to continue pursuing my education and ultimately reach my goal of becoming a clothing store owner who uses their success to uplift others. I am committed to turning challenges into opportunities and creating a future that reflects both resilience and purpose.

Hello my name is derrick higgs I’m 18 years old and from Portsmouth Virginia I graduated this year and I have always had a passion for creativity, independence, and leadership, which is why my ultimate goal is to become a successful business owner. My specific dream is to open and operate a clothing store that reflects not only my sense of style but also my desire to provide customers with quality, affordable options that make them feel confident. Owning a business means more than just running a store it represents the ability to build something lasting, create opportunities for others, and make a positive impact on my community. This scholarship would be a great help to me as I pursue this path. Like many students, I face the challenge of balancing financial responsibilities with my educational goals. Tuition, books, and living costs can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when I also want to save and invest toward my future business. Receiving this scholarship would relieve some of that pressure and allow me to stay focused on learning the skills I need to succeed as an entrepreneur. It would also give me the chance to dedicate more time toward community involvement and professional development, both of which are important to me. My career plans are centered on business ownership and growth. I intend to start by completing my studies, gaining work experience, and learning more about management, marketing, and customer service. Once I have laid a solid foundation, I plan to launch my own clothing store, starting small and expanding over time. My vision is to create a space where people feel welcomed and valued, while also providing fashion that is accessible to a wide range of customers. In the long term, I hope to expand into multiple locations and possibly even build my own clothing line. Beyond sales, my store will also serve as a way to connect with the community by supporting local events and providing job opportunities. Community service has always been an important part of who I am. I have volunteered in several areas, including at my church, where I assisted with different programs and events; with organizations that support the homeless, where I helped distribute food and essentials; and at a daycare, where I supported caregivers and spent time helping with children. Each of these experiences has taught me patience, compassion, and the importance of giving my time to help others. Serving my community has also reinforced the idea that business ownership should not just be about personal success but about creating something that uplifts others as well. In conclusion, I am determined to build a future as a business owner in the clothing industry, and I know that achieving this dream will require both hard work and support along the way. This scholarship would give me the financial relief and encouragement I need to move forward with my education and future goals. I am committed to using the opportunities I receive not only for my own growth but also to make a lasting, positive difference in the community I serve