Pursuing higher education as a first-generation college student and single mother has been a journey defined by resilience, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to creating a better future for my family. My story is one of overcoming significant challenges, from losing both parents at a young age to navigating a difficult environment that led to me becoming a mother as a teenager. Despite these hardships, I have remained focused on achieving my academic goals and providing a stable and promising future for my daughter. Losing my parents was a life-altering experience. My father passed away when I was eight years old, and my mother followed when I was sixteen. Their loss left a void in my life and forced me to grow up quickly, facing a world that felt overwhelmingly uncertain. Without the guidance and support of my parents, I found myself in a challenging environment that led to my becoming a mother at a young age. My daughter, now a high school graduate and soon-to-be college student, has been my inspiration and driving force in everything I do. As a single mother, I have worked tirelessly to provide for my daughter, ensuring she has the opportunities that were not readily available to me. This has not been an easy task. Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood, full-time work, and being a full-time student at Virginia Union University has required immense dedication and sacrifice. I am proud to say that I am now entering my junior year, and while the road has been difficult, it has also been deeply rewarding. Financially, the journey has been particularly challenging. With only one income and the added expenses of raising a child, saving for college and managing educational costs have been significant hurdles. However, I am determined to complete my degree and create a stable and prosperous future for both my daughter and myself. This scholarship would provide crucial financial support, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on the financial strain that comes with being a single parent and a full-time student. My journey has been marked by challenges, but it has also been defined by perseverance and hope. I am committed to continuing my education, not just for myself but for my daughter, to show her that with determination and hard work, anything is possible. Obtaining this scholarship would be such an honor and a huge help to my continued education and ability to become a successful Social Worker. This dream has been such a huge part of my journey and I am so very excited to show my daughter how to overcome adversity and exude resilience.