Living with anxiety in a household that dismisses its existence or trivializes its impact can be a challenging experience. It's like battling invisible monsters while everyone around you insists they're just shadows. This dismissive attitude often leaves individuals grappling with their mental health on their own, unsure of how to navigate the storm raging within them. I have always struggled with anxiety, and its repercussions have reverberated through my academic performance and personal life, particularly during my time in school. The first time anxiety forced me to confront its reality was during my sophomore year of high school. It happened suddenly, during a basketball game. One moment, I was fine; the next, I felt like a stranger in my own body. Breathing became a foreign , and each heartbeat seemed to echo like a drum in my chest. I was pulled out of the game, overwhelmed with embarrassment and self-doubt. The fear of failure, compounded by the fact this was being recorded, left me feeling utterly useless and selfish. When I finally confided in my mother, her genuine concern provided a brief respite, but I couldn't let myself fully open up. Even in the safety of her presence, I felt the weight of imaginary expectations pressing down on me, compelling me to suppress my emotions. Attempting to bury my anxiety only worsened its effects. The more I pushed it down, the more it clawed its way to the surface, manifesting in physical pain and sleepless nights filled with doubt and self-recrimination. It was a vicious cycle, each attempt to deny its existence only fueling its power over me. However, I knew that something had to change. I sought help in learning how to manage my anxiety attacks, began opening up to trusted individuals, incorporated yoga into my routine, and practiced the art of letting go. While these steps didn't eradicate my anxiety, they provided me with the tools to confront it head-on and manage its impact on my life. By acknowledging its presence rather than denying it, I was able to alleviate some of the guilt and shame that accompanied its manifestation. Learning to manage my emotions became a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, allowing me to reclaim agency over my mental health. Making my mental health a priority required a fundamental shift in mindset—a recognition that seeking help and practicing self-care are not signs of weakness but acts of courage and self-preservation. It's an ongoing process, requiring patience, perseverance, and a willingness to confront discomfort head-on. Through mindfulness, therapy, and self-reflection, I continue to prioritize my mental well-being, knowing that only by nurturing my inner landscape can I truly thrive in all aspects of my life.

Success at times seems as if it is such an unobtainable elusive thing. I feel fear even being so young because at times it is so far away. I can't pinpoint where I will be in 10 years, I have yet to say i have lived and know things, and this is a point in my life where everything is still constantly fresh and new, and I still am faced with the fact that I have so much to learn It is so elusive to me because what I define success to be. Success to me is that of my grandfather who was the first in my father's family to attend and graduate college. I have witnessed firsthand how this changed the trajectory of our family as well as the opportunities and networks that higher education can create. I am reminded that my grandfather grew up picking cotton for pay, later becoming a Chief Financial Officer at a major university. By completely changing the trajectory of his family's life, I am both humbled and inspired. His determination and drive to want to be more than what is expected of him as a black man fill me with a sense of pride that pushes me to try and achieve that same excellence. I see success as not only making an impact in your own life but in others. I believe to be successful is to create a legacy. I see success in my grandfather's children. I see it in my mother, who was once in my position.Not knowing what she wanted to do or who she wanted to be. Is now in the top of her field Chief Development Officer at a major university. Or my father who is an attorney and Director of Transaction Management The path that others have paved for me gives me a great sense of pride and a healthy obligation to succeed and give back, especially to the people who have pushed and supported me. My community is deep and diverse and gives me many perspectives that I am grateful for. None more than what it means to succeed as a black woman. As well as the different ways to define success. I don’t know when this feeling of uneasiness about my future success will end.However, I know I will be successful because I have these kinds of people standing behind me.Not only guiding me, but being my examples of what it means to work hard, and being successful to the greatest extent of the word. This scholarship represents more than just financial assistance; it is a catalyst for realizing my aspirations and honoring the legacy of those who have paved the way. With this support, I will have the opportunity to pursue higher education, not merely as a means to personal advancement but as a platform to effect meaningful change in my community. By investing in my education, this scholarship not only empowers me to achieve my goals but also enables me to pay forward the opportunities afforded to me. In the pursuit of success, I am guided by the values of determination, resilience, and the unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. My journey is not defined by where I start but by the heights I aspire to reach and the impact I strive to make. With this scholarship as my beacon of hope, I am poised to embark on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and service, propelled by the legacy of those who have come before me. In conclusion, success is not a destination but a continuous journey fueled by passion, perseverance, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. This scholarship represents a pivotal milestone in my quest for success, providing the means to transcend barriers and realize my fullest potential. With gratitude and determination, I embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, knowing that with every step I take, I honor the legacy.

When I was 5, besides my mom and dad, my very first love was words. I remember feeling left out when it came to words. The bigger ones felt like a foreign language on the page, and I felt like being able to read the bigger books was like being a part of a club I didn't know how to join. So, when it clicked, I began to obsess over them. I would whisper them to myself as I read, just to hear how they sounded off of my tongue, at times still feeling foreign. Then, I discovered different ways in which I could use words, and I fully indulged. When I found poetry, I came up with more poems in my head than I could count. The rhythm and flow of language captured my imagination and allowed me to express myself in ways I couldn't with spoken words alone. But it wasn't just poetry that captivated me; it was the power of storytelling. When I found that I could create these stories and have them find their forever home on a page, my love of words could only grow. Writing became my sanctuary, a place where I could escape into worlds of my own creation and explore the depths of my imagination. Whether I was penning a short story, crafting a poem, or jotting down my thoughts in a journal, writing became an integral part of who I am. Writing is important to me because it is my voice when spoken words fail me. It is my way of making sense of the world and expressing myself in ways that transcend the limitations of everyday conversation. Through writing, I can explore complex emotions, grapple with difficult truths, and connect with others on a deeper level. But writing is not just a means of self-expression; it is also a tool for change. Throughout history, writers have used their words to challenge the status quo, advocate for social justice, and inspire others to action. Whether it's through fiction, journalism, or poetry, writing has the power to spark conversations, provoke thought, and drive positive change in the world. For these reasons and more, writing is not just a passion or a hobby for me; it is a calling. It is what drives me to keep putting pen to paper, day after day, in pursuit of my dreams. And with the support of this scholarship, I know that I can continue to pursue my passion for writing and make a meaningful impact with my words.

Sometimes all we need is that second home. A place we can go when feeling down and need to be away from reality. A comfort place. The world of anime, a world with a diverse range of stories, a supportive community, and full of characters, has become my second home. With so many anime it's hard to pick only one to be my second home. However, Haikyuu has to be my comfort anime. The show I always come to when I need a laugh, comfort, or even when I am just bored. The anime Haikyuu is filled with goofy and light scenes while it also has serious scenes that you can sometimes relate to. It's an anime about an underdog, Shoyo Hinata, who loves volleyball. Throughout the show, he rises to the top with a lot of challenges along the way that bring him down but he somehow always gets back on his feet even if it takes a while. We are also introduced to the character Tobio Kageyama who is good at the sport and loves it just as much as Hinata but expresses it differently. What I like about the anime is how we see the “underdog” rise to the top. It inspires me with my sport. It reminds me when you put in the work it shows. Besides the underdog rising to the top, this anime brings a lot of emotions out of me. It brings me joy, anger, disgust, and even sadness. Everyone should have a show like that. These characters demonstrate the human experience. For example in one scene when a player on on the other team was this amazing player, Ushijma, that no one seemed to be able to block or pick up their spikes. And throughout those episodes, we saw how everyone was slowly giving up. Even if they were playing hard they knew that it was going to be hard for them to with this game. But then, a character that came to volleyball not liking the sport just doing it for fun, Tsuki, blocked Ushijma spike. And we just see this spark in him and throughout the whole team of belief. We see this excitement through Tsuki that we didn’t see throughout the whole session. Giving me the message that one player can change the whole game. Lastly, the Haikyuu anime fandom and a lot of other anime fandom have this sense of belonging. The community allows me to express opinions, and like or even dislike a show without feeling judged. I can have conversations online with anyone all over the world. I have made a lot of friends with people talking about an anime that we have extreme feelings about. Joining an anime school club was also one of the best things that could have happened to me. So now I just don’t communicate with people online but also in person, in my school, and with those who I live nearby. In conclusion, I believe anime is not only just a show that a certain group of people watch but also a show that everyone can watch and enjoy. It is my second home where I go when I need to escape everything.Throughout all the anime though, Haikyuu holds a special place as a comfort anime in my heart. I would recommend anime to anyone who hasn’t started it . It can teach life lessons and maybe teach you something about yourself. I hope to forever love anime and forever be able to tell the story of why I love it so much.

During middle school my parents separated and we moved from Michigan to Florida. It really felt like this came out of nowhere, and none of us (children) saw this coming. I had a great childhood and this was a major disruption for all of us. Our childhood home was the place where I had my first and best birthdays. Where I learned firsthand what it means to have a village raise a child before I understood my times tables. I grew up with everybody knowing everybody, and having neighbors treat me as if I was family, feeding and caring for me as if it was their job. I was outside everyday on what felt like a new adventure, especially as a kid having my parents make a trip to the library seem exciting. This sense of community with the people around me was so strong that even when my family left the neighborhood, that way of life left a lasting impression. For several years, I had to move forward physically and mentally while feeling stuck in many ways emotionally. Part of my healing was leading my example. As the oldest of four children, I not only lead by example, but I also encourage my siblings to be successful by supporting them in every way I can. Making sure they're at school 20 minutes before the bell rings, helping them with their homework, and pushing one another in our athletic endeavors. Growing up in a predominantly white community, I found a sense of familiarity with my best friend since the 3rd grade, who was not only black but who was as athletic and academically focused as me. We pushed, encouraged, and supported each other. Her family became a second family to all of us. Communities were further present in my sports teams. Through basketball and crew, these teams taught me a sense of camaraderie as we pushed ourselves physically and mentally in our varying contributions. My experience and found communities have shown me what it takes for me and the people I love to succeed. I’m proud of my parents for becoming friends again and putting their children first. We are in a healthy loving family now after years of healing and putting our family first. This perspective of never going through life alone and not allowing the people you love too either allows me to make connections with people despite my introverted nature. It pushes me to do well for everyone in support of me, and allows me to easily support my peers within any environment, but especially in a competitive environment where I will strive to attain and promote excellence. Family, school, sports, work and friends have all helped me move forward and I feel prepared for the next chapter.

Movies are a bigger part of my life than I would like to admit. However, that isn’t a fact that is going to change anytime soon. Netflix has been kind enough to fuel this obsession of mine, with countless movies and shows that I have come to love. They have too many movies that I could recommend. However, the movie that I believe everybody on Netflix (everyone of an appropriate age) should watch is "Rim of the World." This film is such an underrated gem on Netflix, blending humor, action, and adventure in a way that is truly entertaining. Set in a summer camp, "Rim of the World" follows a group of misfit kids who find themselves thrust into an extraordinary situation when they discover that the world is on the brink of destruction. As chaos takes over the summer camp, it becomes clear that these kidsare humanity's last hope for salvation. One of the reasons why "Rim of the World" stands out is its unique blend of genres. It seamlessly combines elements of science fiction, comedy, and coming-of-age drama to create an experience that is both thrilling and heartwarming. From exhilarating action sequences to laugh-out-loud moments. My family who all love vastly different things could all agree this movie was great for movie night. What makes "Rim of the World" particularly special is its focus on the power of friendship and teamwork in a way that I feel that both adults and kids can enjoy. As the young protagonists band together to face overwhelming odds, they learn valuable lessons about courage, loyalty, and resilience. Their journey is filled with moments of growth and self-discovery, making it a truly uplifting and inspirational tale. Moreover, "Rim of the World" features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own distinct personalities and backgrounds. From the sarcastic wise-cracker to the shy bookworm, every member of the group brings something unique to the table, adding depth and complexity to the story. But perhaps the greatest strength of "Rim of the World" lies in its ability to balance humor with heart. While the film delivers plenty of laughs with its witty dialogue and slapstick comedy, it also tugs at the heartstrings with its touching moments of friendship and camaraderie. In all, "Rim of the World" is my must-watch movie on Netflix that offers a perfect blend of humor, action, and heart. With its engaging story, lovable characters, and uplifting message, it's the perfect choice for a weekend binge-watch. So clear your schedule, grab some popcorn, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

I had gotten invested into the show “The Summer I Turned Pretty” because of one of my sisters. We began to watch it together, even though I seem to have an aversion to love triangles. I had gotten absorbed into the drama of things and loved the actress who played Belly. When I watched the show and saw the love blossom between characters, I didn't want to commit to one ship in case I would be disappointed later on. However, I came to realize that I do prefer one relationship to the other. In the battle of Team Conrad versus Team Jeremiah, I stand firmly with Team Conrad. Why? Because when it comes to matters of the heart, authenticity and depth matter most. Conrad's connection with Belly is rooted in a shared history and genuine emotions, unlike Jeremiah's pursuit, which often feels more like a competition than a partnership. Throughout the series, Conrad's love for Belly is evident in countless moments. One of the most poignant examples is when he opens up about his vulnerabilities and insecurities, allowing Belly to see him in his rawest form. Their bond is built on mutual understanding and acceptance, which lays a solid foundation for a lasting relationship.She has loved him forever,he is her first and rel choice. Moreover, Belly's feelings for Conrad run deep. She admires his strength and protective nature, and despite the obstacles they face, her heart gravitates towards him time and time again. Their chemistry is undeniable, sparking countless heartfelt moments that leave viewers rooting for their love to triumph. On the other hand, Jeremiah's pursuit of Belly often feels forced and superficial. While he may genuinely care for her, his approach lacks the depth and sincerity that define Belly's connection with Conrad. Jeremiah's actions sometimes come across as manipulative, as if he sees Belly as a prize to be won rather than a person to be cherished.He plays childish games. For example when he shot fireworks at Conrad and Belly before they were going to kiss, when he altered and manipulated situations to his benefit. Making Belly believed she had abandoned him even though we as the viewer know that isn’t true Choosing Jeremiah would not only undermine Belly's agency but also jeopardize the dynamics of their social circle. His relentless pursuit creates tension and conflict, threatening to disrupt the bonds that tie their group together.He has already separated himself from his brother to keep Belly away, casing rifts between belly and her brother because of his closer friendship with Conrad, which could hurt her relationship with her best friend because her best friend in dating her brother. In contrast, a relationship with Conrad would offer stability and authenticity, enriching their lives without causing as much unnecessary turmoil. In conclusion, I believe Belly should end up with Conrad, if anybody. Their love is built on a solid foundation of mutual respect and understanding, making them a perfect match. Choosing Conrad isn't just about romantic preference; it's about honoring the authenticity and depth of true love

I am preparing for my freshman year In the fall . College has always been of great importance to me, motivated largely by the men and women in my family and my family who came before them. I feel fortunate to have grown up in a college town (the University of Michigan), with all the resources and opportunities that come with it, but my community lacks the diversity that I would like to see. To have the opportunity to see and be seen by people who who come from all different walks of life for the next four years excites me beyond words. I am fortunate to have many options for my college experience, but in order to truly feel as though I can fully evaluate those options comes down to scholarships like this that give me good opportunities, I want see people who have the same goals, and aspirations as me reach for and promote excellence. My goal is to be apart of this excellence I am interested in the business and during my junior year, I had the opportunity to attend Professor Marcus Collins’ class at Michigan Ross. His class focuses on marketing and brand building, and I was fascinated with how much marketing and media influence us in our daily lives. Dr. Collins says, “Whether you are a manager motivating your team, an employee making a big presentation, an activist staging a protest, or an artist promoting your music, you are in the business of getting people to take action.” He argues that true cultural engagement is the most powerful vehicle for influencing behavior. “If you want to get people to move, you must first understand the underlying cultural forces that make them tick.” After his class, I was very interested in marketing. I enjoyed listening to the way he navigated through the world of business. Having the opportunity to not only learn business but also how to think critically and collaborate with others will carry me throughout life. I believe this scholarship can help me with my business education and help with the cost of my freshman year. Colleges are extremely expensive, but I believe so worth it. I believe being surrounded by enterprising business men and women will be the best thing for me in the long run, and this scholarship will only allow me and my parents focus our minds on other things besides finances

My first favorite book was The Color Purple by Alice Walker. I first read it when I was 5, thinking it was an adult book. I only wanted to read it because I thought I wasn't supposed to. However, when I read it for the very first time, I was enamored by it. I couldn't grasp the concepts of the book; I was too young to understand them. So I read it again and again through the years. So much so that it could barely be held together, and I had to get another copy. I read it 11 more times. As the main protagonists grew, it seemed I had too, with the way I had read the book and understood it constantly changing. I read this book until I felt I had understood every aspect of it, finding the deepest meaning on every page. The day it had no longer been my favorite book was after the last time I had read it, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Although it was no longer my favorite book, the messages were never discarded from my memory and instead account for some of the ways I try to interpret the world. The journey I took to read, re-read, grow, is why I believe that everyone should read this book. After reading it as many times as I have I have come to understand in a general sense it simply is about life. Demonstrating beautiful types of love, and pain, and triumph through hardships. It talks about being a woman, more specifically a black woman, and the value of self-worth. It is could be a hard book to read, but I still find it necessary to do so. The Color Purple begs us to find the beauty and value in your own life and shows insight to a life that might seem foreign to some. This book could open people eye to different and undervalued perspectives.

I plan on attending Howard In the fall . Howard has always been a college of distinction for me, motivated largely by the women in my family and the women who came before them. Also, my father, who started his undergrad at Southern University but returned to Detroit to finish his degree, He has often said not graduating from an HBCU continues to be his biggest regret, but it was important for him to expose us to this possibility. I feel fortunate to have grown up in a college town (the University of Michigan), with all the resources and opportunities that come with it, but my community lacks the diversity that I would like to see. To have the opportunity to see and be seen by people who look like me for the next four years excites me beyond words. I don’t think I fully heard this articulated until Tracee Ellis Ross said in her Spelman Commencement speech, “When I get to swim in the particularly special current of black sisterhood, my heart rate settles, my shoulders drop, and I am reminded of my worthiness because I see yours.” I am fortunate to have many options for my college experience, but at Howard , I will see people who look like me reach for and promote excellence. My goal is to be apart of this excellence I am interested in the business and during my junior year, I had the opportunity to attend Professor Marcus Collins’ class at Michigan Ross. His class focuses on marketing and brand building, and I was fascinated with how much marketing and media influence us in our daily lives. Dr. Collins says, “Whether you are a manager motivating your team, an employee making a big presentation, an activist staging a protest, or an artist promoting your music, you are in the business of getting people to take action.” He argues that true cultural engagement is the most powerful vehicle for influencing behavior. “If you want to get people to move, you must first understand the underlying cultural forces that make them tick.” After his class, I was very interested in marketing. I enjoyed listening to the way he navigated through the world of business. Having the opportunity to not only learn business but also how to think critically and collaborate with others will carry me throughout life. I believe this scholarship can help me with my business education and help with the cost of my freshman year at Howard. Howard like other. HBCU’s are expensive, but I believe so worth it. I believe bing surrounded by enterprising black business men and women will be the best thing for me in the long run, and this scholarship will only allow me and my parents focus our minds on other things besides finances.

When my parents talk about how they grew up in "the old neighborhood," I now understand what that means. Our childhood home was the place where I had my first and best birthdays. I grew up with everybody knowing each other and neighbors who treated me like family. A village of trusted friends and mentors surrounded me from a young age, helping to mold me into the person that I am proud to be today. My siblings and I had lost that village for a time. We had lost support and community, because we had moved to an area where we knew didn’t know anybody.I had lost a strong connection with my father because he had to stay behind, and even when we had come back all those things had still felt lost.When we felt any sense of normalcy it like felt taken away by COVID, Divorce, and that echo of a lost community of love. I had to work to find similar communities in every stage of life. As the oldest of four children, I decided to not only lead by example, but I also encourage my siblings to be successful by supporting them in every way I can. Making sure they're at school 20 minutes before the bell rings, helping them with their homework, and pushing one another in our athletic endeavors.We actually enjoy each other, and having my two sisters in high school with me my senior year has been very special. Their success is my success, and mine is theirs. Over my years in Highschool I constantly tried to raise the bar.I got a job when I was 14, that I still have now.I joined clubs, weekend programs, and sports that took up all my time at school.I tried to be an example to my sibiling of what they can do. Trying my best to make them feel important. Taking them where ever they needed to go, spending what was left of my weekends doing there hair for hours on end to make sure they felt good about themselves for school the next day. I don’t know if I have nessarily inspired my sisters, truly. I don’t know if they fully understand that they were behind most of my motivation to succeed. But what I do know is they are now I the same programs I am in, playing in the exact same sports, and aspiring to do well in school.

Olivia Rodrigo's lyric from her song Vampire, "You called them crazy, God, I hate the way I called 'em crazy too," really resonated with me when I first listened to the song. It seemed to summarize a huge chunk of my teenage experience. The line, as simple as it could appear, dives into the challenges of understanding and navigating relationships during this period of growing up and is a universal sentiment to which many can relate.It reminded me of time I went along with ideas or even rumors for the sake of the relationships I had with people. Adolescence is a time of self-discovery. It marks a time of growing pain, not only physically but also emotionally and mentally. The lyric give a sense of self-awareness and regret after labeling others as "crazy" because, your at an age where you are most susceptible to this want, we need validation from the people we love. It resonates with the common thing teenagers do, where we dismiss or misunderstand the emotions and actions of others as well as our own, as teenagers are trying to navigate through a wide lens of self-discovery and mistakes. The word "crazy" highlighted how quick I used to be to judge, especially when so young. Crazy is a strong word, and the fact that Olivia accepted it without question shows how eager you can be to blindly follow someone you're romantically involved with. This word represents the overreactions that can happen. How easily can we judge someone so harshly without a second thought? The second part of the lyric "God, I hate the way I called 'em crazy too''suggests a sense of remorse and maturity that often comes from the hindsight of someone who has made a ton of mistakes while going through those growing pains. Adolescence is a time of learning from mistakes, and this song shows the growth that occurs when one reflects on past actions. It speaks to the empathy that can develop as individuals gain a deeper understanding of their own emotions and the weight that they put on the words of others before trying to develop their own opinions. The song's lyrics indirectly relate to how a teenager's communities and social groups shape their perceptions. The pressure to conform and fit in can lead to the dismissal of anyone. It draws attention to the challenge that many teenagers face in trying to define their identity in the face of outside pressures, demonstrating the struggle to create personal authenticity. The naivety of adolescence is addressed in this song. The overwhelming want and need to be loved or liked by people you are into romantically, or friendships you may have, can cause you to go along with anything they think or say. It refers to the common experience of struggling with self-discovery, judgment, and the process of becoming emotionally mature. In addition to reflecting her own adolescent experiences, Olivia Rodrigo's moving remarks serve as a window into the common hardships and personal development that define this crucial period of life.

I have loved Zendaya since her days of being in Shake It Up. It was not just her appearance—which has evolved tastefully over the years—that I came to adore about her. It was the way she stood up for herself and the apparent humility she displayed despite her extraordinary talent. Zendaya used to be on KC Undercover, one of my favorite Disney programs. Growing up, I heard about how she helped produce the show and stood up for everything she wanted it to be. Making sure it was an excellent representation of a black family. As a kid it amazed me that he not only starred in this show; she also produced it. Using her platform not only for her own benefit but also to raise awareness of social issues, Zendaya has always stood up for herself and others. Being the representation she wanted to see As she grew, I grew with her. Seeing her in more mature shows like euphoria, in which I saw her in a light I had never seen her in before. With this show, we were able to see the second black woman (and youngest) to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama at the age of 24. I love Zendaya because it seems as though everything she does she succeeds in, “from fashion,acting, singing, and activism.” That alone is so refreshing. She is someone who has managed to not create drama and bad publicity. She is someone who is easy to root for. She makes the biggest of dreams feel just a little more attainable. Or more-so, makes others feel just a little bit more capable

My mother is a professional fundraiser, and for as long as I can remember, she has emphasized the importance of giving back to our community. During my sophomore year, she invited me to attend a Kessler Scholarship luncheon at the University of Michigan. Listening to co-founders Fred and Judy Wilpon talk about their own experience as a first-generation college family made an impact on me. During this luncheon, they shared that about one-third of all college students in the United States are first-generation, and they often face significant obstacles in pursuing their education, including financial challenges and a lack of awareness about the college application process. According to the Education Advisory Board (EBA) for 2019, 33% of first-generation students drop out within 3 years, and a big reason for this is a lack of support. I would like to start a business that supports existing K-12 organizations by expanding to college support for first generation college students. Over the summer my sister had gotten to work for the Peace Center Neighborhood. Since 1971 Peace Neighborhood Center has provided critical services and opportunities to more than 16,000 people (primarily people of color) in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County. Their services include: emergency assistance, after-school programs, summer day camps, college and career preparation, individual and family counseling, and family enrichment. What I learned at the Kessler luncheon was that first-generation students often have strong academic records, as they have had to work hard to overcome the disadvantages they face. As a result, they are an asset to any university and oftentimes return to give back to their communities in a meaningful way. I propose new funding by creating a business that would be able to co-opt with a business like Peace Neighborhood (local organization run by high school students and families) that focuses efforts towards first generation college scholarship support. In addition, partnering with the University of Michigan, and others with existing programs such as the Michigan Ross Enriching Academics in Collaboration with High Schools (MREACH) at Ross Business School for a dedicated number of Peace Neighborhood students. MREACH offers insights into the college application and financial aid process and provides academic and career preparation, which was extremely insightful for me, so I can only imagine what kind of opportunity this could give to potential first generation college students. My business would be funded Summer programs given to kids within the community,as well as the college readiness courses that would be given. This all around support will have the potential to change the trajectory of their lives, their families, and our Ann Arbor community. These students will play an important role in breaking down barriers for other low-income and marginalized students. It’s a big deal to get into college. It’s a bigger deal to finish. Higher education gives people the power to become who they want to be and inspires others to do the same.It inspires me to want to help people do the same.

“I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it. People think pleasing God is all God cares about. But any fool living in the world can see it always trying to please us back.” The color is purple (Walker ,1982) In Alice Walker's novel "The Color Purple," she provides her audience with a perspective on the relationship between man and god. She is conveying that people are too narrow in their views of God or divinity. God's seeking not just direct appreciation from man but also the acknowledgment and engagement of everything created to please the people around him. The relationship between God and people is more give than take. However, people are not able to see all those little things that make life beautiful and are supposed to bring us joy, even if they seem to be small things like the color purple. In Walker’s novel The Color Purple, there is a recurring theme of the beauty of life around us becoming a sort of white noise that just surrounds us. Everything that adds to the beauty of daily life is drowned out, except for the noise created by our own busy daily lives. Walker's point in this paragraph is to acknowledge that the act of ignoring this beauty is what truly angers God. She gave rise to the concept that God is present in everything, from what we do to what we see, which contributes to the intimate notion that everything is connected. To ignore the beauty of life is to disregard its creator. It is almost disrespectful. The color purple itself represents a gift that isn’t being appreciated. The color purple represents the multifacetedness of the human experience. Our feelings and how we grow to see the world and our place in it. Not being able to see the gifts of the world suggests a lack of awareness and an inability to see the inherent values in the world around us to "walk by the color purple" without realizing it. Walker challenges the idea of the structure in which people worship God within religion, “stating people think pleasing is all God cares about.“ Which brings us into the one-sidedness of worship and praise by then stating, “But any fool living in the world can see it always trying to please us back.” She is creating an image of a god who wants interaction. Walker is suggesting that God is not solely focused on being pleased through just religious rituals. In her words, she is disregarding the notion of reducing one’s spirituality through a checklist of prescribed actions. Instead of focusing on the way we live life itself and the practice of gratitude and appreciation, when people fail to appreciate the surrounding beauty, God takes offense because God is within everything. Walker’s words prompt reflection, and the subtle often overlook moments of grace and beauty that surround us. The color purple, symbolizing the extraordinary in the ordinary, becomes a symbol for attentiveness. When we are attentive, we are able to participate in the exchange of beauty and joy with the divine, transforming our understanding of spirituality. Ultimately,Alice Walker's text urges us to recognize whether divine or extraordinary in the world; even if they're ordinary, she remains us to engage with the beauty of life. Purple is a color that reminds us to turn off the noise in our lives that can overpower something more beautiful. Walker's words exhort us to be aware of and grateful for the divinely woven fabrics of our daily lives that connect us.