To me, selflessness means being there for someone when they need help, even when there is nothing to gain from it. It means taking the time to support others, listen to them, and help them become the best version of themselves. One of the biggest examples of selflessness in my life came through my experience as a mentor in Kid Power. Through Kid Power, I was paired with a younger student who was going through a difficult time mentally. He struggled with confidence and had a lot on his mind for someone his age. At first, it was not easy to get him to open up. He kept a lot of things to himself and seemed unsure of who he could trust. Instead of trying to solve all of his problems right away, I focused on being someone he could talk to and depend on. As we spent more time together, I made it a priority to check in with him, listen to what he was going through, and encourage him whenever I could. Sometimes we talked about school, and other times we talked about life in general. I tried to be a positive role model by showing him the importance of having a good attitude, working hard, and believing in himself. I wanted him to know that he was capable of overcoming challenges and that he did not have to face them alone. Being a mentor taught me that helping someone is not always about giving advice. Sometimes the most important thing you can do is simply be present and listen. There were days when I was busy with my own responsibilities as a student-athlete, but I understood that being there for him mattered. Seeing his confidence grow over time made me realize how much of an impact one person can have on another person's life. What made this experience meaningful was knowing that I was helping someone who genuinely needed support. I was not mentoring him for recognition or a reward. I did it because I cared about his well-being and wanted to make a positive difference. Watching him become more confident and open over time was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. This experience changed me as much as it helped him. It taught me the value of patience, empathy, and leadership. It showed me that selflessness is not about grand gestures. It is about consistently showing up for others, especially when they are struggling. The lessons I learned through mentoring have stayed with me and continue to influence the way I interact with people today. I believe selflessness is measured by the impact you have on others. Through Kid Power, I was able to help a young student during a difficult period in his life, and that experience reinforced my desire to continue helping and mentoring others in the future.

Option 1: One of the most meaningful relationships in my life has been the relationship I built with my coaches and mentors throughout basketball and school. Growing up and playing sports, I learned very quickly that the people around you can shape the way you think, act, and carry yourself every day. There were many moments where I doubted myself, felt stressed, or struggled balancing school, basketball, work, and life in general. During those moments, having coaches and mentors who believed in me and pushed me to be better made a huge difference in my life. Because of those relationships, I learned discipline, accountability, leadership, and confidence, and those lessons continue to shape who I am today. Playing college basketball at Trevecca Nazarene University has taught me a lot more than just the game itself. Basketball forced me to communicate with different personalities, work with teammates from different backgrounds, and stay committed even when things became difficult. One thing that always stood out to me was how much encouragement from coaches or teammates could completely change someone’s confidence and mindset. Sometimes all it took was one conversation, one piece of advice, or one person believing in you to help you push through challenges. That showed me how important relationships really are. Therefore, as I got older, I started realizing I wanted to be that same kind of positive influence for other people. Through mentoring programs like Kid Power and MENERGY, along with tutoring students at Powell Academy in Chicago, Illinois, I have had opportunities to encourage younger students and help them grow academically and personally. A lot of students just need someone who listens to them, motivates them, and reminds them that they are capable of more than they think. Seeing younger students gain confidence or improve in school because of encouragement and support has honestly been one of the most rewarding experiences for me. These relationships have also influenced the way I build connections with others now. I try to be someone who listens, supports people, and pushes others to be better without judging them. I understand how much positive relationships impacted my own life, so I try to carry that same energy into the relationships I build with teammates, classmates, younger students, and even friends. I believe strong relationships are built through trust, and consistency with communication. After graduating from Trevecca Nazarene University a month ago, I enrolled in graduate school at Middle Tennessee State University to continue building toward my future goals. My long-term goal is to work in sports media and eventually become a sports analyst. I want to combine my love for sports and communication while also using my platform to inspire and connect with people. Even in my future career, relationships will continue to play a major role because communication and networking are important in almost every field. Overall, the relationships I have built throughout my life have shaped me into the person I am today. They taught me how important encouragement, and leadership can be in someone’s life. Because of those experiences, I now try to build meaningful connections with others and positively impact people whenever I can. At the end of the day, I want to be remembered not only for my accomplishments, but for the way I treated people and the positive influence I had on those around me.

One of my biggest goals is to build a successful career in sports media while also making a positive impact on other people. Sports have always been a huge part of my life, and playing college basketball taught me a lot about discipline, teamwork, leadership, and pushing through challenges. My long-term goal is to become a sports analyst, but I want to start my career in editing and media production first so I can continue building experience and improving my communication skills. I want to combine my passion for sports with my ability to connect with people and create content that people enjoy and learn from. After graduating from Trevecca Nazarene University on the Dean's List, I enrolled in graduate school at Middle Tennessee State University to continue working toward my goals. My plan is to use graduate school to improve my communication and media skills while also gaining real experience through internships, editing jobs, and sports media opportunities. I know this career field is competitive, so I understand that I need experience, networking, and hard work in order to succeed. I also plan to continue building connections with people in sports and media because relationships can open doors to opportunities in the future. Another important goal of mine is continuing to help younger students and people around me. Through mentoring programs like Kid Power and MENERGY, along with tutoring students at Powell Academy in Chicago, and I have realized how important encouragement and support can be. A lot of times people just need someone who believes in them and pushes them to stay focused. No matter what career I end up in, I want to continue helping and motivating people whenever I can. Financially, graduate school can be stressful because there are so many expenses that come with it. Tuition, books, housing, transportation, food, and everyday living costs all add up very quickly. My plan is to continue balancing school and work while also applying for scholarships and financial aid to help lower some of the financial pressure. This scholarship would help me pay for school supplies, books, transportation, and other important expenses while allowing me to focus more on school and my career goals instead of worrying so much about money. I also plan on continuing to improve my editing skills and learning more about media software and sports communication. I know there are many different paths to success, so I am willing to stay patient and work hard even if things do not happen right away. Overall, my goal is to build a successful career, support my family, and make a positive impact on other people along the way. I want to be remembered as someone who stayed dedicated to his goals and used his success to help others around him.

I want to apply for this scholarship because I'm a future successful African American man. Yes, I applied for an HBCU in Tennessee, but they asked me to wait on their financial aid package. I visited the campus twice, toured, and reached out to them. They did explain that they were swamped and would contact me. They didn't get a chance to contact me, but I'm not giving up on my attendance in the future, so I had to apply nearby so that I could be in the same state, and I needed to make a decision. As an African American graduating senior who plans to major in Mass Communications (Journalism/Broadcasting), this scholarship will help me continue my academic training. I plan to become successful in this field and help close the gap for those underrepresented, who have no voice, which is why this is the importance of minorities being entrepreneurs. Journalism is a way for me to provide all citizens with the information they need to make the best decisions about their lives, community, and government. I want to give other people a voice, and when I become a Journalist, I can give Americans different ways to communicate on a safe platform. The most common ethnicity of Journalists is White (70.8%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (12.0%), Asian (8.5%), and African A./Other (8.7%). "Diverse voices in newsrooms are critical to finding and reporting stories that the most well-meaning white editors never think of." This is one reason why we need more Journalists in this field. I will be studying at Trevecca University in Nashville, Tennessee. There are not many black entrepreneurs, and having the benefits of being young and intelligent has many perks in America. As African Americans, we are judged and receive disrespect because of the color of our skin and are not respected until proven. So, achieving this can confirm that we are stronger than they think we are. We are all equal in the eyes of God and supposed to have equality. If we put God first in our lives and work hard to achieve our dreams, he will provide us with a future. In Nashville, I plan to help the broadcasting team with articles, television clips, and postings. Obama says, "It's important to make sure that we're talking with each other in a way that heals, not that wounds." Our team will make an influence through radio and TV., and team communication is a crucial factor in success. I plan on giving back to my community and helping others. I can't wait to explore the next chapter of my life. Thanks, Eddie-DeVonte Barrett

Hello, I am a senior at a Catholic High School in Illinois, and I appreciate everything God has done for me in my life. My name is Eddie-DeVonte Barrett and I am eighteen years old. I am blessed to have a mother who has taken excellent care of me since I came into the world. Providing food, shelter, clothing, love, and most of all spirituality. I have visited my friends at their spacious homes, with swimming pools, and four to five car garages. I use to think about their homes, but I am so happy and grateful to have what God has for our family. I'm also grateful to have had the best grandparents who taught me about life, striving for the best, and keeping the faith. My grandparents left me their van, and at first, I thought no way I'm going to drive that vehicle. After washing, cleaning, and fixing the headlights, I know they are looking down on me smiling. I think about them all the time while driving. I'm grateful to have a running vehicle that has taken me throughout my four years of high school, basketball practice, and more. I have come to realize that I don't have to want things that other people receive. I have grown to appreciate everything my family and I have worked so hard for. I'm living a great life with great friends and family. I can't wait to explore the next chapter of my life. I would love to continue my education at a University in Nashville Tennessee, where I will become a successful journalist. Thanks, Eddie-DeVonte Barrett

After attending George Floyd's memorial site, the Social Justice movement has impacted me greatly. I've always looked at racism, and I am ashamed of how society cannot be peaceful and live together as one. When I took a visit to the site of George Floyd, it really hit me. When I saw it where George Floyd died it helped me realize not to take life for granted. It's horrible how we have to go through protests/riots for people like George Floyd, Daunte Wright, and Breonna Taylor just to remind everyone how we are all human. People have been accusing the police of violence and racist acts but, there are lots of racist activities going on besides killings. Racism happens everywhere, no matter where you are. Therefore, once again, the social justice movement has impacted me positively because it helps me to treat everyone equally. As a young black man, I try to treat people the way I want to be treated because we need to remember "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23, so there is no difference between us. Another example of social justice is women's rights. Women aren't being treated fairly when salaries are discussed. Women have the same jobs as men but are not getting the same respect. For instance, men receive around $8.32 million in the NBA, but women make an average of $120,648 in the WNBA. Even though both sports play basketball for a living, they receive different payments for a totally unfair living. Women have done lots of work throughout the years, but are not getting any recognition. So, this movement helps me treat women fairly as well because they are no different than men, which leads back to treating everyone equitable. I also appreciate women for what they are doing and staying positive as well, and fighting for equality. For my community, our motto is "Faith, Family, Future". We thrive on positivity and equal fairness to everyone. We try to keep violence outside of our community, but violence occurs everywhere. My community is growing, and improving in all of our neighborhoods. I am very close with all of my neighbors, and I make sure that I treat everyone with respect and love. We have the best mayor who is Mr. Don Degraff and he loves our city. He continues to keep our businesses and community growth in a positive direction.

My name is Eddie-DeVonte Barrett, and I intend to graduate from High School and continue my college education in Tennessee. I will receive a degree from either Tennessee State University, Middle Tennessee State University, or Trevecca Nazarene University. My grandparents were born and raised in Huntington and Dyersburg, Tennessee. After traveling there every year, I've grown to love the state and its environment. I'm also excited about pursuing a career in mass communications with a minor in broadcasting and eventually residing in Tennessee. One obstacle that I faced was when I had chest pains. After my appointment with my doctor, I had to wear a heart monitor. I was so scared and really had a different outlook on life because things totally changed. I had to take showers by letting the water run down my back, wear it to school, and most of all, I couldn't sleep at night because it was very uncomfortable. It was stressful to have a monitor that alerts my doctor at any given time. I realize that life is meaningful, and the problems that I face don't compare to the sickness and pain people are going through in this world today. After weeks with the monitor, I realized that it was from lifting weights, and I was straining myself at home without proper guidance. I've learned to work out with a trainer, and if I want to practice at home, there's a limit for weightlifting. I'm back in great shape and looking forward to becoming a college athlete. I value my life and care about others, try to help my friends when they are down, depressed, and feel like giving up. I encourage them, pray, and follow up to see if they're ok. I'm honored to say that I love my mom and, she is my biggest fan. My mom pays my tuition, makes sure I have a roof over my head and have food on the table. I've learned that helping my mom will help me as I look forward to becoming independent when I transition to college. I'm blessed to say that I can't wait to show her that she raised a good child who'll become a successful black man. We are Christians, and we have faith that God will provide for us. Thanks, Eddie-DeVonte Barrett

My name is Eddie-DeVonte Barrett, from South Holland, Illinois. I'm an only child and very eager to attend college. I would like to have that college experience, and academic exposure is something that I wouldn't receive if I stayed home. I want to experience college life and stay on campus. I want to grow up and be a successful black man. I want to be independent, have life skills, and utilize my budgeting skills. I want to make a difference in my life and can't wait to venture off to college to begin this journey. I plan to make a positive impact using my major in Broadcasting. I will begin by volunteering my time with the Newscasting Department as we work together and share the daily news. I will help the broadcasting team with articles, televisions clips, and postings. Our team will have an impact through radio and TV during these difficult times.

The most helpful piece of financial advice I've ever received was that every dollar you make doesn't have to be spent, but you should invest your money and not put it all in the bank. Students should have money in the bank for weekly transactions, but banks make money from their customers and money is meant to move, and if it's not moving (guess what), it's not going to grow. I always thought that you had to save, but that's not the case because having the money sit in your bank account is worthless. What about investing in stock, crypto, and real estate? Money is a tool to do what you want to do in life, not acquire the things you want. Students should let their money have a motive, and figure out what that purpose should be. I ask myself, "What legacy do I want to leave?" If you ask yourself that question, that should change your perspective. As a teen growing up in this world, I want to own a business, become a CEO, and use my gifts to further humanity. Have money work for you and start reading about financial literacy and how money functions, then you can start talking about ideas and investments for your future. Thanks, Eddie-Devonte Barrett

Hello, My name is Eddie-DeVonte Barrett and I'm a Senior at Marian Catholic High School. I'm an only child and is being raised by my Mom who is my number one fan. I enjoy working out as I am a very dedicated and diligent athlete. I would like go to college and live on campus so that I could have a real college experience, and be around my peers where I will be working hard to pursue my career in Broadcasting. I attend Family Christian Center in Munster, Indiana and I have a strong faith in God. As a college student, I plan on avoiding debt by applying for scholarships every year, working hard and maintaining an above average GPA so that I can reapply for more awards. I've also been trying to save money while completing job duties in my area by shoveling snow, or watching neighbors pets (while they are traveling), as well as helping out friends when they need an extra handy man. I do not want college debt and I believe all students would love to go to school without collecting debt. I've watched my Mom who is actually in the process of repaying her loans and I know it's really difficult as an adult to pay loans, and bills and my tuition, but my Mom is strong and never gives up. I am a senior and she's been paying tuition since I was in pre-school, and look at me know, I'm about to graduate! As a young man I will try so hard to receive scholarships so that I do not have to struggle to pay bills after graduation. I would love to start my career debt free.