My desire for self-growth is the quality I value most in myself. I value this quality the most because it is at the core of my being. It all started when was younger. I grew up watching anime, like Dragon Ball Z and Naruto, and I fell in love with the idea of overcoming any obstacle through hard work and perseverance. Anime is amazing. I have always been inspired by the way they represent heroism, dedication, perseverance, and many other positive qualities. I know that I can find those qualities in real life, but it is different in anime. In a way, the characters are “larger than life”. In anime, the characters represent an ideal. They represent something to constantly strive for. No one in real life can be as heroic as Izuku Midoriya. Each one of us grows up acquiring fears and biases that hold us back from being as loving, accepting, and altruistic as we could possibly be. That is not to demean our efforts. It highlights the beauty of anime. It shows how anime inspires its viewers by holding up an ideal that we should constantly strive towards. In the Dragon Ball series, Goku holds up the ideal of continual self-development. His love of training and desire to always break through his limits inspires me to constantly improve. This love of growth is relevant in all areas of life, whether that be the physical, mental, financial, or spiritual aspects. In the My Hero Academia series, Izuku Midoriya (Deku) holds up the idea of being a hero. His journey to becoming a hero is inspiring in its own right, but this show truly shines when it explores the different viewpoints of what it means to be a hero. The motto of U.A. high school, the fictional high school of Deku in My Hero Academia, is “Plus Ultra”. I discovered that it is a Latin phrase that translates to “Further Beyond”. Whenever I come to a difficult point in training or life in general, I say that phrase to myself as a form of encouragement. My Hero Academia has inspired me to continue to improve in order to help others. In the Naruto series, Naruto holds up the idea of obtaining one's dreams. This is the most down-to-earth story of the three, and the one I relate to the most. Naruto grew up without a mother or father. He was hated as a kid by the majority of his home village. Despite these shortcomings, he aspired to be the Hokage, the leader of the village. Fortunately, he had a few supporters in his life. All of us have dreams that we want to fulfill. Many of us face hardships. It is important not to let those challenges stop us from achieving our goals, and to acknowledge those who seek to help us in life. All of us have our supporters whether we know it or not. The influences of these anime have combined to transform me into someone who seeks to constantly grow as an individual in order to help others. This desire for self-improvement will help me stay on track to achieve my goals. It is the driving force behind my healthy lifestyle. It is what moves me to exercise as soon as I wake in the morning. It is what drives me to read for at least an hour each day. It is what encourages me to invest at least 10% of my income to better my financial future. I believe that the more I am the more I have to offer to others.

I want to learn how to program because I want to be able to create what I love. I have been a consumer of video games all of my life whether they be simple browser-based games or full-fledged triple-A titles. Programming means freedom. It means the freedom to create anything we want. It means turning our imagination into reality. I want to learn to program to take advantage of the technology in the 21st century. Through programming, I will create the software, websites, and video games that I want. I will use programming to create the tools that will allow me to tell the stories that have been growing inside me. Ever since I was young, I was in love with video games. I fell in love with the stories and the interactivity that the games provided. I want a career as a programmer for video games so I can create important and interesting stories. Video games are another medium for telling stories. Yet, they are more effective than books, television shows, and movies. Video games are the best medium for telling stories because they are interactive and immersive. Viewers are not simply passive consumers of information like they are when it comes to using other mediums. I want to be able to tell stories that make people think about themselves and the world around them. It will be more impactful by creating the story in video game form because the audience will be more immersed. In the wake of the black lives matter movement, police brutality and racism have come to the front of public consciousness. It is the perfect time to create games that handle the topic of racism in 2022. Games like Life is Strange tackle topics of regret, bullying, mental health, family, and other intense topics. These types of games inspire me to create something that will make a difference in the world. Yes, that is the core of my desire to learn how to program. I want to use programming to make a difference in the world. I do not want to simply spend the rest of my life working for a company, using the skills I will learn for the profit of a soulless entity. I want to use programming to create immersive video games that explore critical themes in today’s society, all in the hope that it will lead to more open-minded and caring individuals. I am the best candidate for this scholarship because I want to use programming to make the world a better place.

There are many great scientific discoveries like electricity and the computer but I want to follow a different line of thinking. My favorite scientific discovery is compound interest. Einstein said, “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it… he who doesn’t… pays it.” In investing terminology, compound interest is the interest on a loan or deposit calculated based on both the initial principal and the accumulated interest from previous periods. This is different from simple interest, which is calculated only on the principal amount. I chose compound interest because it forms the backbone of our society without being as flashy as the latest technological marvels. Our society is saturated with debt. Too many people do not realize the power of compound interest, so they end up with debt for their entire lives in some form whether that be credit card debt or a mortgage. The concept of compound interest inspires me to continue to save and invest money. I only hold onto stocks that provide a dividend because of this concept. I can increase the value of my portfolio much more quickly if I continue to reinvest the dividends to buy more stock. The concept of compound interest is so important because it determines someone’s financial success. Those who are ignorant of it remain poor. Those who fear, and avoid it, can be found in the middle class. The rich have mastered this concept and use it as a lifetime source of passive income. Compound interest is the greatest discovery of mankind because it encompasses the concepts of wealth, debt, and credit which are critical factors of any society.

I believe in continual self-improvement in all areas of life: physical, mental, spiritual, and financial. My physical health plays a major role in the quality of the other areas of my life. I love superfoods because they allow me to get the most out of my body so I can excel in each area of life. My favorite superfoods are Acai berries, blueberries, dark chocolate, salmon, turmeric, and maca root powder. Acai berries are good because they contain 19 amino acids and many antioxidants. Additionally, the antioxidants in acai berries counteract the damaging effects of inflammation and oxidation in brain cells, which can negatively affect memory and learning. Finally, they provide healthy fats and fibers. I consume acai powder in its powdered form. I add it to my super smoothie that I drink every other day. My super smoothie is simply a combination of superfoods that I have personally tried. It currently contains Maca root powder, acai powder, collagen, coconut oil, almond milk, turmeric, stevia extract, and cinnamon. Blueberries are high in fiber, manganese, and vitamin K. Additionally, they are one of the best natural sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect the body from free radicals. Free radicals are the waste product of cells that can go on to damage other cells. I usually get frozen blueberries for my super smoothie. I like dark chocolate simply because it tastes amazing. Dark chocolate is high in flavonoids. Flavonoids prevent coronary heart disease and certain types of cancer, boost the immune system, and demonstrate antioxidant activity. Cacao powder is the component of dark chocolate that provides these benefits. I love chocolate. I currently use organic cacao powder in my chocolate milk recipe that I use as a special treat. It uses almond milk instead of cow’s milk, and I sweeten it with Stevia. Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can decrease the risk of abnormal heartbeats, reduce cholesterol, and slow the growth of arterial plaque. Salmon is my favorite type of fish. I try to eat it whenever I can afford it. Curcumin is the main active ingredient in Turmeric. Curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and it is a very strong antioxidant. I must mention that the curcumin content in turmeric is about 3%. Most of the studies on turmeric use extracts that contain mostly curcumin. Curcumin can even boost levels of the brain hormone BDNF, which increases the growth of new neurons and may help fight various degenerative processes in your brain. My final superfood is maca root powder. Maca root has a lot of benefits which is why I think it is the greatest of my superfoods. Maca root is known to increase strength, circulation, energy, libido, endurance, immunity, and fertility. Maca is also known for thyroid regulation, helps to lower blood pressure, enhance memory, regulates blood sugar levels, and helps relieve stress by reducing the effects of cortisol on the adrenal glands. It should be mentioned that maca root should not be used by women who are pregnant and lactating. I hope to continue to learn about different superfoods to add to my super smoothie and help keep me healthy.

I grew up within an African American household with a Christian background. I have received homophobic views from two societal groups. The narrow-mindedness and the fear of being rejected by my family is the reason why I have not told them that I am a bisexual African American male. This lack of support has created within me a sense of not belonging. I never feel that I can really be myself around my family. It is a lonely life that no one should have to endure. Fortunately, I was able to explore that part of myself after I graduated from high school. About 2 years after my graduation, I was able to find a community where I felt comfortable coming out. Unfortunately, I was wrong. When I came out, those whom I thought were my friends abandoned me. However, I am still glad that I stopped hiding a part of myself. Over time, I found individuals who actually cared about me. And, more importantly, I was whole for the first time in my life. Ever since I was young, I was in love with video games. I fell in love with the stories and the interactivity that the games provided. I want a career as a programmer for video games so I can create important and interesting stories. Video games are another medium for telling stories. Yet, they are more effective than books, television shows, and movies. Video games are the best medium for telling stories because they are interactive and immersive. Viewers are not simply passive consumers of information like they are when it comes to using other mediums. I want to be able to tell stories that make people think about themselves and the world around them. It will be more impactful by creating the story in video game form because the audience will be more immersed. In the wake of violence against members of the LGBT+ community, homophobia and transphobia are gaining more exposure in the public consciousness. It is the perfect time to create games that handle the topics of transphobia and homophobia. Games like Life is Strange tackle topics of regret, bullying, mental health, family, and other intense topics. These types of games inspire me to create something that will make a difference in the world. Yes, that is the core of my desire to learn how to program. I want to use programming to make a difference in the LGBT+ community. I do not want to simply spend the rest of my life working for a company, using the skills I will learn for the profit of a soulless entity. I want to use programming to help create inclusive communities where those who have no were else to go will have a sense of belonging. I want to use programming to create immersive video games that explore critical themes in today’s society, all in the hope that it will lead to more open-minded and caring individuals.

In today’s society, success is seen as a result of wealth. The areas of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being are often overlooked. The financial area of life should be developed simply to add value to the other three. Out of these four areas, the physical realm is the most important. When I say “physical”, I mean the combination of exercise and nutrition. Too many people focus on exercising, trying to build bigger muscles, or running several miles to burn fat without considering the food that is being consumed. Healthy, nutritious foods contribute to more energy, increased focus, better workouts, and many other benefits. I follow the keto lifestyle, intermittent fast every day, practice yoga, and practice calisthenics routines. I do this because I want to be the best version of myself. I want to be the best I can be in all areas of life: physical, mental, spiritual, and financial. I understand that the foods I eat will contribute to my mental focus and clarity in addition to my body composition. I practice yoga in addition to traditional exercises, so I can enjoy life for as long as possible. The problems that are seen as a result of old age such as a lack of mobility, back pain, knee pain, broken hips, Alzheimer's, etc. are avoidable with the proper lifestyle. As new medical and nutrition research is revealed, we are better able to tailor our diet and lifestyle to become the healthiest version of ourselves. In short, I strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle to be successful and live long enough to enjoy that success.

The biggest problem that is facing the world is a lack of empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Empathy means putting yourself in the shoes of the other person. Taking empathy to its logical extreme means that we actually become that person. Some people believe that reality is identical with divinity. In this belief, everything is a part of God, or the whole. In other words, we are all connected. This is the value of empathy, understanding and connecting to one another at the deepest level. The ability to connect to one another would put an end to the hate, the school shootings, the anti LGBTQIA+ policies and rhetoric, the racist policies, and the wars. One way we can work on this problem is by being more informed. Schools should try to include more classes that explore the diversity in race, gender, and sexual orientation. A lot of hate and bigotry stems from ignorance. It is impossible to be empathetic towards someone we know nothing about. After learning about different kinds of people, we can try to find common ground and shared experiences. People bond over similarities. Maybe, we like the same sports team, or we may have both been victims of unfair policies that seek to take away our freedoms. Knowledge is the key to overcoming this problem. It is important that we get to know more about each other. We need to leave our comfort zones and interact with other members of our community. Through communication and collaboration we can overcome the current problems of our society and work towards a better future for all people.

In the most basic sense, creativity is the use of the imagination to create something. When someone mentions creativity, the topics that usually come to mind include: art, music, writing, or something similarly physical. Creative problem solving is a form of creativity that is often overlooked. I employ creative problem solving in my life. I find unique ways to accomplish my goals. When it comes to my financial goals, I find unique ways to make more money. I currently see all of these ways to make passive income via drop shipping and flipping cars but those ways do not suit me. When it comes to achieving my health goals, I look for natural methods to combat illnesses instead of the traditional way of taking prescribed drugs. I am currently majoring in Interactive Simulation & Game Development. The Video Game industry values creativity, so I strive to think outside the box whenever possible. Every person is an unique individual, but so many people try to imitate others. It’s okay to learn from others and find inspiration from them, but too many people lose sight of what makes them unique. I like reading, exercise, health, anime, and video games. I plan to incorporate all of those things when building my personal brand; and, hopefully, inspire others to do the same.

During the course of life, we learn many lessons. Some may discourage us, make us see people and life in a negative light. Others may encourage us, inspire us to be better versions of ourselves. I have learned both types of lessons during my 24 years of life. One lesson stands at the top because it helps me become the best version of myself. The lesson of minimalism has helped me become a better version of myself. Minimalism is about avoiding the unnecessary, it’s about simplicity, utility and elegance. I want to address the misconception that minimalists “suffer” and “sacrifice” while having less things and less experiences. Too people focus too much on the “Less Is More” slogan. To me, minimalism means removing all of the useless things in my life. A minimalist can be a multi-billionaire or make only $40,000 a year. Minimalists can travel the world or stay in their hometown for the rest of their life. The defining characteristic of minimalists is that they truly enjoy the things, people, and experiences that they have. I use the concept of minimalism in my life by constantly asking myself, “What am I not using? What is unnecessary?” I donate old clothes that I no longer wear. I resell or give away old video games. I avoid food that is not nutritionally beneficial. The concept of minimalism is really impactful to me because it relates to other and encompasses other life lessons. One lesson that stands out is being mindful. Mindfulness is the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something. Minimalism encompasses this because one cannot remain conscious of the present moment when there are all of these useless, distracting things in the environment. To be a minimalist and to be mindful is to remove everything except for the relevant and useful. Minimalism is even more amazing when you look at it in relation to the natural world. You might have heard of “redundancy”. For example, a server may have multiple copies of the same file across multiple hard drives. This is done because if one drive fails, there is another copy of the data. That is good and a useful practice, but it is not found in living creatures. We, as humans, have one brain, heart, liver, etc. If we lose one of these very important organs then we die. I used to hate the fact that we only have one of these useful organs. In other words, I used to hate the fact that we only have one chance. The thought of being so fragile caused me to avoid risk. That all changed when I thought of this minimalism in a new light. I learned to see the value in working with less. I learned to see the beauty in fewer things working in harmony to create something that is greater than the sum of their parts. This can be seen not only in the human body, but also human society as a whole. This has made me stronger by helping me see how different factors in my life such as nutrition, fitness, reading, and even video games work together to enhance my life. Eating well makes my body stronger and more resilient. Reading helps me learn more about nutrition and fitness. Video games are my passion and exploring one’s passions is what ignites that spark inside the soul. Minimalism keeps me on the path of self-improvement without adding the unnecessary to my life.

Amelia Boynton Robinson was a civil rights pioneer who championed voting rights for African Americans. Amelia spent her first two years of college at Georgia State College (now Savannah State University), then transferred to the Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) in Alabama. She graduated from the Tuskegee Institute with a home economics degree before further pursuing her education at Tennessee State University, Virginia State University, and Temple University. 1930, she met Samuel Boynton, a Dallas County extension agent for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They bonded over their common desire to better the lives of African American members of their community. Samuel died in 1963, but Amelia continued their commitment to improving the lives of African Americans. In 1964, Amelia Boynton and fellow civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. combined forces to accomplish their common goals. She asked Dr. King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to come to Selma and help promote suffrage for African Americans. Soon after Dr. King accepted, he and the SCLC set up their headquarters at Boynton’s home in Selma. There, they planned the Selma to Montgomery March that took place on March 7, 1965. During this march, she and her fellow activists were brutally beaten by state troopers. This event became known as Bloody Sunday, and it brought nationwide attention to the civil rights movement. This even led to President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act on August 6, 1965. In 1988, Amelia Boynton stayed in Tuskegee and served as vice-chair of the Schiller Institute. She continued to tour the United States on behalf of the Schiller Institute until 2009. In January 2015, Boynton was honored as a special guest at President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address. In March of the same year, she marched alongside President Obama across the Edmund Pettus Bridge to mark the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March. Amelia died on August 26, 2015, at the age of 104. Amelia Boynton Robinson and Samuel William Boynton were an amazing couple. They were pivotal to the voting rights movement. As an African American female, she not only achieved her degree, but went on to become one of the most impactful leaders of the voting rights movement. The truly impressive point is that she did not stop working towards equality even after the signing of the Voting Rights Act. She devoted her life to an ideal and that is what is truly inspiring. I have always been devoted to educating myself. Learning about the Boynton couple added more fuel to the fire. It is important keep that fire alive by surrounding oneself with, or learning about, individuals who inspire you to become a better version of yourself. I will make a positive impact on the world through voting rights, civil rights, and equal opportunities for all by first helping people realize the importance of these concepts. Voting rights are important because everyone should have a say in how they are governed. Civil rights and equal opportunities are important because we are all a part of the human family. After explaining the importance of these movements, I will work to create organizations that will work to demolish the institutional racism that plagues our current society. If one person becomes better, that person will be able to contribute more to the society; and, the entire human community becomes better. My ideal is to become the best version of myself; so, I can help create a better world for those who come after me.

I want to learn how to program because I want to be able to create what I love. I have been a consumer of video games all of my life whether they be simple browser based games or full-fledged triple-A titles. Programming means freedom. It means the freedom to create anything we want. It means turning our imagination into reality. I want to learn to program in order to take advantage of the technology in the 21st century. Through programming, I will create the software, websites, and video games that I want. I will use programming to create the tools that will allow me to tell the stories that have been growing inside me. Ever since I was young, I was in love with video games. I fell in love with the stories and the interactivity that the games provided. I want a career as a programmer for video games so I can create important and interesting stories. Video games are another medium for telling stories. Yet, they are more effective than books, television shows, and movies. Video games are the best medium for telling stories because they are interactive and immersive. Viewers are not simply passive consumers of information like they are when it comes to using the other mediums. I want to be able to tell stories that make people think about themselves and the world around them. It will be more impactful by creating the story in video game form because the audience will be more immersed. In the wake of the black lives matter movement, police brutality and racism has come to the front of public consciousness. It is the perfect time to create games that handle the topic of racism in 2022. Games like Life is Strange tackle topics regret, bullying, mental health, family and other intense topics. These types of games inspire me to create something that will make a difference in the world. Yes, that is the core of my desire to learn how to program. I want to use programming to make a difference in the world. I do not want to simply spend the rest of my life working for a company, using the skills I will learn for the profit of a soulless entity. I want to use programming to make the world a better place. I want to use programming to create immersive video games that explore critical themes in today’s society, all in the hope that it will lead to more open-minded and caring individuals.