I am not the most fortunate in life but I always consider that others have it worse off than I do. I always try to give back in ways that I am able to. For example, not too long ago there was a homeless man just asking for a dollar. My friends kept moving and said no but I stopped and gave the individual $10. That was the only $10 in cash that I had at the time that I was going to use for my lunch. I knew that I was better off than he was skipping lunch so I paid it forward. Another instance, I was watching a football game, and a man without a home was coming around asking if he could draw a picture of someone for money. Everyone else ignored him but myself. I let him draw a picture of me that turned out amazing! We talked for a good thirty minutes, and he was telling me his story and how he ended up homeless. Long story short, I gave him $40 for the drawing. Then I walked with him to the bus stop, I have not saw him since but I still have the portrait he drew of me. The world it too full of hate to continue that cycle. It is important to think about others first sometimes, you never know what people have and are going through. Kindness in todays world can go a long way. By kindness, I do not just mean giving someone money. Kindness can simply mean, giving a smile, complementing someone, sitting down and being a listening ear for someone. Everyone is capable of being selfless and kind, you just have to understand that you may need someone to be selfless towards you one day so pay it forward! My dream is to become a police officer, and break the stigma that the police force carry, while also fulfilling ALL the standards every police officer should meet. I plan to make a positive impact on the world by giving back to my community through protecting individuals and their rights to the fullest. Along with being a positive role model for other African American children, and students that are aspiring to join the police force. I want my family, friends and community to be inspired by the ideas, and impact I make as a police officer and as a 1st generation, black, college graduate. So, during my education I want to be sure I pay attention in class, do everything to the best of my ability, and study hard so that I am able to fulfill those goals to give my to my community. I am also a college athlete, I enjoy volunteering for youth football programs to help them with their practice to advance their football skills.

My all time favorite Disney character would have to be Woody from the Toy Story movies. My reasoning for this is because he embodies a great leader, takes responsibility for his mistakes. I relate to his character the most because he makes friendships, and family a priority in his life; much like myself! Along with these characteristics he is very ambitious and passionate which is also similar to myself. I am passionate, and determined to get myself through school, be a first generation in my family to go to college, and give back to my friends and family.

During my life, as a black man I have been blessed but just like so many others I have had different hardships to overcome. For instance, I grew up with a single mother raising 4 boys by herself. So, we haven’t been as financially blessed as other families. However, I thank God every day that we are as close as we are. My mother did not have the opportunity to be able to go to college, and obtain a degree. Considering I do not come from a background with money, I am still grinding every day to put myself through college. I am paying for college alone to take the burden off my mom so she does not have to. I will be the first in my family to go through college. For a black man, that is such a great honor in America, to be the first in my family to get a degree of some sort. Aside from my academics, I also participate in my college’s football team, while also maintaining a job, I have managed to keep up my grades. My mom inspires me in so many ways but mainly, she is my overall motivation. I want to make her proud and make everything that she went through as a single mom worth it. I want to be able to give back to her after I receive my college degree.

A name is just a name unless you do something with it, and put in the work to grow as a person to put power behind it. Devonte Murray is my name, when I leave this world I want people to remember me as someone that made a difference, someone that was successful. In today’s society people hear “Devonte” as just another black man. No, the world my children will grow up in will know me as Officer, Devonte Murray. Someone that impacts the community in a positive light, serves, and protects ALL rights of the people. I will be known in my family as a first generation student to complete a bachelors program, and graduate college. I am working every day to grow my education, grow my character, and be a better person so that I can use what I know, and have learned to put action behind my name. My name is important to me because it gives me purpose, hope, and an identity. My goal is to have others inspired by name, my story, and my purpose. The power my name holds is up to me, and it is the most powerful thing that I own. I just have to put in the work to use that power for good and to make this world even better for generations after me.

My dream is to become a police officer, and break the stigma that the police force carry. I plan to make a positive impact on the world by giving back to my community through protecting individuals and their rights to the fullest. Along with being a positive role model for other African American children that are aspiring to join the police force. I want my family, friends and community to be inspired by the ideas and impact I make as a police officer and as a 1st generation, black, college graduate. A specific person that I view as my hero is my mom. She is a single mother of four, that has worked multiple jobs to get us where we are today. I want to be able to give back to her along with many others, and my community that have shaped me into the human being I am today. Lastly, something I would change about the world is spreading more kindness, and less hate among EVERYONE! This could be done by, simply smiling, complimenting, donating, starting a charity, etc. This could cause a chain affect and cause others to pay it forward by doing the same. We only get one life and we are all on this earth living together so spreading love and kindness can go such a long way throughout the world.

I am currently pursuing a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice. By obtaining this degree, I plan to become a police officer. As a black man in todays society, there is a lot of stigma with supporting the police system, let alone being apart of it. However, I believe that by being apart of the police force I will be able to make a big different, and have a big impact on people’s lives. I plan to serve and protect ALL citizens to the fullest, as I would want any other police officer to protect mine and my family. I want to be a voice for all citizens that are unable to be heard. I plan to bring more ideas to the table as it pertains the the justice system, and aid in erasing the stigma behind the police force. I want to strive to act as a role model, for my brothers, friends, and younger adults pursing this career path. I would deeply appreciate if I am considered for this scholarship so that I can achieve my dream of having a lasting impact on people lives as a police officer. Thank you!

During my life, as a black man I have been blessed but just like so many others I have had different hardships to overcome. For instance, I grew up with a single mother raising 4 boys by herself. So, we haven’t been as financially blessed as other families. However, I thank God every day that we are as close as we are. Considering I do not come from a background with money, I am still grinding every day to put myself through college. I am paying for college alone to take the burden off my mom so she does not have to. I will be the first in my family to go through college. For a black man, that is such a great honor in America, to be the first in my family to get a degree of some sort. Aside from my academics, I also participate in my college’s football team, while also maintaining a job, I have managed to keep up my grades. I greatly appreciate any, and all consideration of potentially getting this scholarship. It would be a great financial blessing that would help more than you will ever know. Thank you in advance.