My childhood overflowed with creativity, from constant drawing to crafting mirrors with spoons. The idea of being an architect lingered in my mind, and as I navigated through high school, it grew into a true aspiration of mine. I realized this during an architecture workshop at The Ohio State University as a sophomore. Tasked with designing furniture that served two purposes, I faced challenges in construction and limited materials at my disposal. Amidst these obstacles, I fell in love with it—I fell in love with the problem solving and creativity of design. I was lucky to return for my junior year and I discovered something new. Amongst the various projects, one stood out—the prompt was to create a space to replace the abandoned Westland mall. Researching the area and the residents, I decided I wanted to design a recreation center for the community's betterment of health and wellness. My discovery was that not only did architecture embody my passion for art, design, and problem solving—it embodies my passion for creating spaces that uplift communities. I attend Fort Hayes career center for the carpentry program— a step I took to get closer to my goal. Pursuing the field I want to be in and participating in my program has led me to be in many rooms where I am the only black female in the room. At first this seemed quite daunting because of the lack of representation I noticed, and the doubt I knew people had in my capability of participating in a “man's job”. I was hesitant. But ultimately strengthened my determination—making sure that I always give my best. I seek to surpass expectations, earning honor rolls each quarter, being a part of National Technical Honor Society, and cultivating supportive relationships with the people I meet. My experiences not only furthered my skills and knowledge but have also instilled in me a deeper appreciation for the impact architecture can have in society. I interned at the PAST Foundation where I learned to use 3D printers and AutoCAD. I am currently interning at the Mannik Smith group where I am further trained in AutoCAD, mentored by people in the field, and have been offered a paid internship for the summer. I have worked alongside individuals, gained hands-on experience and by seeing what impact architecture can have on communities, I have been inspired to pursue a career dedicated to creating spaces to uplift, empower and inspire. I am drawn to architecture because it can address issues concerning affordable housing, mental health, sustainability, and educational facilities. However, history shows architecture has lacked diversity, not reflecting the communities it serves. My own highschool, untouched since 1926, highlights the need for aesthetically pleasing and functional learning spaces. Many underrepresented communities, including mine, lack such spaces. By pursuing architecture, I aim to advocate for inclusive and culturally relevant designs that resonate with marginalized communities. I envision myself using architecture to address global challenges such as climate and cultural preservation. As Will Smith said, “If you're not making someone else's life better, then you're wasting your time. Your life will become better by making other lives better.” We live in a day and age where there is less than 1% of black women who are architects. I want to be among those who are responsible for increasing this percentage and pave the way for future generations. I see myself working at major firms such as Moody Nolan, perhaps even creating my own firm and scholarship fund for others. If awarded the Upward and Onward Scholarship it would greatly assist me in further pursuing my academic career with less concern on finances for my education, especially with challenges with the FAFSA this year. The less I have to worry about money the more I can focus on my studies and dedicate time to learning, creating, and gaining more experience and skills to be successful.

In assembling a squad to confront a new supernatural threat in Stranger Things with me, it would have to be a trio that not only compliments each other but is also diverse in skill. For the best trio in Stranger Things I would choose Eleven because of her psychic abilities, Hopper because of his strength and strategizing skills, and Dustin because of his knowledge and resourcefulness. First and foremost I would choose Eleven, she was the first one that came to my mind. She is of great importance because of her psychic abilities and experience with defeating supernatural beings. She has the power to manipulate objects and go into different dimensions. In several fights in Stranger Things she was a significant character in defeating supernatural beings like the Demogorgan and the Mind Flayer. She holds so much strength within her that she was able to defeat Vecna and send him to the Upside Down as a child. Eleven's determination, courage, and love for her friends makes her even stronger and solidifies her role in the squad. Secondly, I would choose Hopper because of his physical strength and ability to think strategically. With Hopper being the chief of the Hawkins police department, he has displayed his leadership and ability to strategize through tough situations. When we all thought Hopper might be dead, we found that he was able to survive being in Russia because of his strategic mind and physical strength and he was able to create a plan to escape Russia. In season 1 Hopper is able to investigate Will's disappearance with problem solving and investigating skills. He also fought to protect Eleven and with Eleven being on the team it will make him even stronger because Hopper sees Eleven as a daughter. Last but not least I would choose Dustin because of his resourcefulness and smarts. Dustin is great at putting the pieces together and figuring out what they're up against. He also has amazing social intelligence and is able to bring others together. He has the ability to connect with different people like Steve, Erica and his girlfriend Suzie, who he got to help them on missions. Dustin is even able to connect with the creature Dart in a way and he acted quickly and threw chocolate to him while in the Upside Down. He is a protector of the unity in the group and viewers can see that when he gets Lucas and Mike to stop arguing on the search for Will. Because of Dustin's smarts he has been able to discover many things like the compasses being affected by the gate and the Russians infiltrating Hawkins. He was also able to discover Vecnas plan. Dustin was able to make a makeshift antenna to contact others as well. I believe the best trio to fight with is El because of her powers, Hopper for his problem solving and strength, and Dustin because of his smarts and social intelligence. With The combination of these three characters it provides a diverse set of skills and experiences to defeat any supernatural threat. They are also just great characters and have good personalities. I am so excited to see what season five of Stranger Things holds and have been eagerly waiting to see what happens next!

My childhood was filled with creativity, from crafting mirrors with spoons to making toy ATMs out of cardboard and I always had the idea of becoming an architect in the back of my head. It was when I went to my first architecture workshop at The Ohio State University that my passion solidified. We had to design a piece of furniture that served two purposes. I became absorbed with the problem solving, and creative aspect of producing a design. Over time, my dedication to architecture grew as I participated in more workshops, internships, and attended a career center. I discovered the complexities of architecture and how it not only embodies my passion for art, design, and problem solving, but it also embodies my passion for creating spaces that uplift and inspire communities. It embodies my passion to help people. Throughout history, architecture has lacked diversity, not reflecting the communities it serves. By pursuing this path of architecture, I can advocate for inclusive and culturally relevant designs that resonate with marginalized communities. I imagine myself creating meaningful spaces for people. I will make that insecure and timid little girl who I used to be, proud, by walking into rooms and careers where some would say I should not be. I will be brave. I imagine being a part of the 2% of Black women in architecture who other girls can look up to, to prove to them that they can do it too. Architecture is a tool for social change. I am drawn to the potential of architecture to address issues concerning affordable housing, mental health, climate change, and educational facilities. My own high school, untouched since 1926 highlights the need for aesthetically pleasing and functional learning spaces. On a college tour I discovered the therapeutic power of green spaces—how it made me feel safe and calm. I realized the importance of green space for mental health. Many underrepresented communities, including mine, lack such spaces. I believe architecture could address this problem. Moreover, in choosing to study architecture as my major, I am stepping into a journey that combines my passion for art and social change. As a Black woman, I am inspired to make a lasting impact on the architectural world, ensuring that the spaces we create are inclusive and address the needs of marginalized groups. This scholarship will empower me to achieve these goals and contribute to the environment.

My childhood was filled with creativity, from crafting mirrors with spoons to making toy ATMs out of cardboard and I always had the idea of becoming an architect in the back of my head. It was when I went to my first architecture workshop at The Ohio State University that my passion solidified. We had to design a piece of furniture that served two purposes. I became absorbed with the problem solving, and creative aspect of producing a design. I knew I wanted to enter the STEM field. Over time, my dedication to architecture grew as I participated in more workshops, internships, and attended a career center. I discovered the complexities of architecture and how it not only embodies my passion for art, design, and problem solving, but it also embodies my passion for creating spaces that uplift and inspire communities. It embodies my passion to help people. Throughout history, architecture has lacked diversity, not reflecting the communities it serves. By pursuing this path of architecture, I can advocate for inclusive and culturally relevant designs that resonate with marginalized communities. I imagine myself creating meaningful spaces for people. I will make that insecure and timid little girl who I used to be, proud, by walking into rooms and careers where some would say I should not be. I will be brave. I imagine being a part of the 2% of Black women in architecture who other girls can look up to, to prove to them that they can pursue the STEM field too. Architecture is a tool for social change. I am drawn to the potential of architecture to address issues concerning affordable housing, mental health, climate change, and educational facilities. My own high school, untouched since 1926 highlights the need for aesthetically pleasing and functional learning spaces. On a college tour I discovered the therapeutic power of green spaces—how it made me feel safe and calm. I realized the importance of green space for mental health. Many underrepresented communities, including mine, lack such spaces. I believe architecture could address this problem. Moreover, in choosing to study architecture as my major, I am stepping into a journey that combines my passion for art and social change. As a Black woman, I am inspired to make a lasting impact on the architectural world, ensuring that the spaces we create are inclusive and address the needs of marginalized groups. This scholarship will empower me to achieve these goals and contribute to the environment.