My name is Erica Kunawotor. I am currently a high school senior at Bradwell Institute who takes my education seriously and stays actively involved in both academics and extracurricular activities. I am a member of Beta Club, National Honor Society, Crochet Club, and Book Club, and I have also participated in programs such as the Hinesville Summer Youth Enhancement Program, Scott’s All Stars, Delta Gems, and the Hinesville Youth Council, where I serve as Treasurer. Through these experiences, I have taken part in community service, mentorship, and leadership opportunities that have helped me build discipline, responsibility, and confidence. I have also been recognized for my academic efforts through Honor Roll, the Georgia Certificate of Merit, the College Board National Recognition Program, and being highlighted as top 10% of my graduating class of 418. I have developed a strong interest in science, especially biology, because I want to understand how things work and how that knowledge can be used to improve people’s lives. That interest has shaped my future goals, and I plan to pursue a dual degree in engineering and economics and become an environmental engineer so I can create solutions that improve both health and living conditions. Outside of academics, I value being involved in my community in ways that feel meaningful. One of my most memorable volunteer experiences was at Gabriel’s House Children’s Home, where I helped organize donations and spent time with children facing difficult situations at a young age. That experience taught me patience and showed me how important it is to simply be present and supportive. It also changed how I view community service. To me, it is not just about completing hours but about making a real impact, even in small ways. If I could start my own charity, I would focus on improving the safety and accessibility of feminine hygiene products. Women’s health has often been overlooked in research, and I believe more attention and innovation are needed in this area. My goal would be to raise awareness about the ingredients used in these products while also working toward safer and more comfortable options. I would like to serve women and girls globally, especially those in low income communities and developing countries who may not have consistent access to basic hygiene products. This charity would provide essential items such as pads while also focusing on education. Volunteers would organize donation drives, distribute products, and lead workshops about menstrual health and hygiene. These workshops would help reduce stigma and give young girls accurate information so they can feel more confident and informed. Volunteers could also partner with schools and local organizations to create more reliable access to resources. Affordability would remain a key priority, since access to safe products should not depend on income. By combining education, outreach, and a focus on innovation, my goal would be to improve the quality of life for women and girls while also encouraging progress in feminine care.

A time I struggled to use my voice was while working as a salon assistant. One day, a client came in for a sew-in. She had booked her appointment online, and after confirming her arrival, I sat her down at the washing station and began washing her hair. I had washed so many heads before that I was confident in my routine and moved without thinking. Before my supervisor left the salon to run errands, she told me there would be a sew-in appointment and asked if I could do the cornrow braid down. I immediately told her no. I had just started learning how to cornrow, and most of my practice had been on mannequins with thin, straight hair. This client had thick, coarser hair, and I didn’t feel ready. Still, my supervisor reassured me that I had practiced enough and could handle it. Her confidence in me made me second-guess my own hesitation, so I agreed. After washing and blow-drying the client’s hair, I got her settled in the chair. Then she said, “You’re not the one that's going to be doing my sew-in, right?” I laughed a little and said, “No, I’m just braiding your hair down. Your stylist will finish when she gets back.” She sighed in relief and said, “Oh good, I was thinking, what did I get myself into!” That comment sat heavy in my chest. I tried to brush it off, but it wouldn't go away. I had been working in that salon for over a year. I knew I wasn’t a beginner when it came to hair. But in that moment, it felt like none of that mattered. Doubt crept in, louder than anything else. I started parting her hair carefully, clipping sections out of the way and adding gel for a clean part. When I began the first braid, my hands felt stiff. My face grew hot, and I could feel myself overthinking every movement. The braid didn’t come out the way I wanted, so I took it down and tried again. Then again. Each time I restarted, I felt more pressure building. The client started sighing, clearly annoyed. I lost track of time, too focused on making everything look perfect. When I moved to the next braid, the section was thicker, harder to grip, and my hands struggled to keep it neat. Sweat started forming, and I could sweat beads falling down my arms, making me even more uncomfortable. Eventually, my supervisor came back and checked on me. She told me to hurry up before it got too late. That was the moment everything hit me at once. The client’s doubt, my own nerves, and now the pressure to move faster. I kept going, but my hands weren’t cooperating. When I tried to redo another braid, the client snapped, “Just stop unraveling it, oh my God. Just braid it down and get it over with.” That was it for me. I paused, excused myself, and went to the bathroom. I just stood there, staring at myself, feeling embarrassed and frustrated. I wasn’t just upset at her words. I was upset that I hadn’t spoken up from the beginning. I knew I wasn’t ready, but I didn’t stand on that. And when she doubted me, I stayed quiet instead of defending myself. Looking back, I realize I let myself shrink in that moment. I said I wasn’t ready, but I didn’t hold onto that, and I let her doubt affect how I saw myself. What stuck with me most wasn’t even the braids, it was how fast I went quiet when I had something to say. I wanted to explain myself, to stand on my skill, but I didn’t. Now I’m working on that. I don’t want to be the kind of person who knows what to say but doesn’t say it. I want my voice to match what I already know about myself. If I’m not ready, I’ll say it and mean it. And if I am, I won’t let one person’s opinion effect me so easily.

I have been involved in many different organizations in my community throughout high school. I am a member of Beta Club, National Honor Society, Scott’s All Stars, Delta Gems, and the Hinesville Youth Council. Being part of these groups has helped me grow as a leader and as a person. These organizations focus on leadership, service, and giving back, which are values that are important to me. Through these groups, I have participated in several community events. I have volunteered at the Hinesville Scarecrow Stroll, helped plant trees with the mayor and other local government officials, and attended city council meetings to learn more about how decisions are made in my city. I have also helped set up and run events at schools, worked concessions, and participated in cleaning up trash in local neighborhoods and highways. These experiences have shown me that anyone can make a difference by showing up and doing your part. As I prepare to pursue a higher education at Spelman College, I am aware that paying for college will be a huge responsibility. I plan to fund my education mostly through scholarships and grants. My parents are not in a position to fully support my college expenses. They are currently helping my older sister with her college education, which already puts financial strain on our household. In addition to regular bills and expenses, my parents are also paying off existing student loans and providing financial support to family members who live outside of the country. My father is a disabled U.S. Army veteran, which limits his ability to work and adds to our financial challenges. Because of these circumstances, receiving financial assistance is extremely important to me. Scholarships would allow me to focus on my education without constantly worrying about how tuition and other expenses will be covered. I also care deeply about keeping children and youth safe in my community, both in person and online. I serve as a mentor to younger peers in the organizations I am a part of. In Scott’s All Stars, we have group discussions and small projects that allow us to talk about real-life issues. During these moments, I have talked about bullying and cyberbullying on many different occasions. I encourage empathy and kindness, and remind younger students that their words can have lasting effects on others. When it comes to online safety, I educate them about being responsible on social media and thinking before they post or comment. I also talk to them about what to do if they experience bullying, like saving evidence, blocking the person, and reaching out to a trusted adult for help. Most importantly, I try to lead by example. I want the younger students around me to know that they have someone they can trust and come to for guidance.