Being the daughter of Ghanaian immigrants, and an immigrant myself, has shaped how I see the world and how I approach my future. My family’s journey took us from Ghana to Maryland, then to Colorado, Germany, and finally Georgia. Moving so often meant constantly adjusting to new schools, new people, and new environments. That kind of change was difficult, but over time it taught me how to adapt quickly, stay focused, and keep going even when I felt out of place. Instead of letting those transitions hold me back, I learned how to find my footing and grow from them. Living in different places also expanded my perspective. I have been exposed to different cultures, languages, and ways of thinking, which made me more open-minded and aware of the world around me. I learned how to connect with people from different backgrounds and appreciate diversity in a genuine way. At the same time, being raised in an African immigrant household grounded me in discipline and responsibility. My parents sacrificed a lot to give my siblings and me access to better opportunities. I watched them work long hours, manage finances, and always prioritize our education. Seeing their commitment made me take my own education seriously. It also pushed me to hold myself to a higher standard and make the most of every opportunity I am given. These experiences shaped not only my character but also my career aspirations. I have always been curious about science, especially how it can be used to solve major problems. That curiosity became more personal through my father’s experience with diabetes. I remember the first time he asked me to get insulin from the refrigerator. I knew what it was, but I had never really paid attention to it. Helping him prepare it made me realize how much people rely on medical advancements every single day. It fascinated me how something so small could have a life-changing impact. Another moment that stood out was when I helped him replace his blood sugar monitor. At first glance, it looked like a sticker or bandage, but once it was placed on his arm and connected to his phone, I saw how it allowed him to track his glucose levels without finger pricks. That small device completely changed how he managed his condition. It made me think about the level of innovation, precision, and problem solving required to create something so effective yet so easy to use. Experiences like these sparked my interest in engineering. I am drawn to the idea that everyday medical devices, even the ones that seem simple, are built through complicated systems and designs. I want to understand how those ideas come to life and how they can be improved to help even more people. My goal is to pursue a career in engineering where I can contribute to developing technology that is not only advanced but also accessible and reliable. My immigrant experience taught me how to adapt, persevere, and value education. My personal experiences showed me how powerful science and engineering can be when applied to real life. Together, they continue to motivate me as I work toward a future where I can create solutions that improve people’s lives.

I try to give back to my community whenever I can, mainly by volunteering through my school’s Beta Club. One experience I’ll never forget was the first time we put together hygiene kits for a local children’s home called Gabriel’s House. At first, I wasn’t sure we’d get enough donations. Some of our classmates brought some, but it wasn’t enough, and I wasn't sure we would get enough supplies. But still, my friends and I didn’t give up. We reached out to neighbors and local businesses, and eventually, we had enough items to assemble the kits. Each bag included hygiene products, toys, and crafts that matched each child’s age and needs. Delivering the kits was really fun. The kids ran up to us with big smiles, took their bags, and thanked us. That afternoon, we painted, made crafts, and shared pizza together. Hearing their stories helped me realize the importance of showing kindness and care. Volunteering at other children’s homes and participating in book, food, toy, and clothing drives has reinforced the same lesson. Even simple acts, like helping a child tie a bracelet or choosing a paint color, can brighten their day. That experience has inspired me to continue volunteering, mentoring, and supporting others throughout my education and career. Small moments of kindness can have a lasting impact, and being part of that has been very meaningful to me. Through volunteering, I’ve learned that bringing goodness to others can stem from the smallest actions, such as listening, caring, and being there for others. Whether helping children, supporting classmates, or participating in community projects, I plan to keep spreading goodness in every opportunity I have. For future generations, I hope to one day improve the safety and quality of feminine products. Women’s health has been underrepresented in scientific research for a long time, and I believe major advancements in this area are needed. To make a change, I would first educate myself in biology and chemistry so I can better understand the materials and chemicals used in products made for women’s most sensitive areas. Gaining this knowledge would help me develop products that are not only safe but also comfortable and easy to use. Affordability would be a key priority because many women around the world, especially in low-income communities and developing countries, cannot access safe feminine hygiene products. My goal is to improve the quality of life for women around the world by raising awareness of women's health and making necessary feminine products, like pads, more accessible. Ultimately, bringing more attention and innovation to feminine care helps to ensure every woman has access to products that protect and support their health.

As someone who used to despise math, I feel like I can answer this question honestly. My experience with math hasn’t been easy, but it has taught me a lot more than just how to solve equations. Before middle school, I did well in math and never really doubted myself. That changed when the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted my sixth-grade year. I missed a lot of important concepts, and since math builds on itself, those gaps made everything harder to understand later on. I also missed much of seventh grade math because of virtual learning, and when we returned to in-person school, I was placed into advanced classes. While that showed that my teachers believed in me, it also meant I was expected to perform at a higher level without fully understanding the basics. In high school, this really started to show. I did well in some classes like geometry, but I struggled in advanced algebra and precalculus. For a while, I avoided math whenever I could. I convinced myself that others happen to be good at math and I was just terrible at it, that mindset made things even harder. When I started preparing for the SAT, I realized how much the pandemic had affected my understanding of math. I decided to stop avoiding it and face it. I began teaching myself using online resources like Khan Academy, going back to the concepts I missed. At first, it was frustrating. I would understand something one day, then forget it the next week. This cycle made me feel overwhelmed and discouraged, but I kept practicing. Slowly, things started to make more sense and I started to realized that math isn't about memorizing steps or getting the right answer. It is more about understanding how to think through a problem and being patient with yourself when it does not come easily. Knowing math helps people in ways that go far beyond the classroom. It builds critical thinking skills and teaches you how to solve problems step by step. Those are skills people use every day, whether they are managing money, making important decisions, or working in a career that requires analytical thinking. For me, math also became something more personal. It taught me how to bravely face something I struggled with instead of being scared and avoiding it. It showed me that I am more than capable of improving, even when something feels difficult at first. Because of that, I no longer see math as something to fear. I see it as something that challenges me and helps me grow, both in school and in life.

I hope to attend Spelman College in the fall and major in economics. Through Spelman’s dual-degree engineering program, I plan to transfer to Georgia Institute of Technology to earn a degree in an engineering field that matches my interests. Right now, I am especially drawn to environmental engineering because I want to be part of making the solutions to the growing climate crisis. I also have an interest in city development and the work that happens behind the scenes to build and improve communities. No matter the exact path I choose, I want a career that feels meaningful and allows me to help others while making a positive impact on the world around me. Beyond my academic goals, I want to be someone younger girls can look up to. I hope to show that investing in yourself through education can truly pay off both financially and personally. Being able to succeed in spaces that are not always designed for people like me motivates me to keep pushing forward, and I want to open doors for others to do the same. Giving back to my community has played a big role in shaping these goals. I have spent many hours volunteering and participating in community service. I helped organize local events like the Hinesville Scarecrow Stroll, Bradwell Marching Band Banquets, and Hispanic Heritage Festivals. I have also been a part of Keep Liberty Beautiful events, where I worked with others to bring awareness to the issues in our local community that negatively affect our environment. I have also volunteered at places like Gabriel’s House and Manna House, where I was able to donate to children and families going through difficult situations. Those experiences taught me the importance of showing up for others. One of the most meaningful experiences for me was participating in a beach cleanup at Jekyll Island with other Beta Club members. Walking along the shore and seeing how much waste had built up really opened my eyes to how human actions impact the environment. Being able to help clean it up made me feel like I was contributing to something bigger than myself. These experiences have inspired me to take more responsibility and become a leader in my community. They showed me that change takes effort, consistency, and people who are willing to step up. In the future, I want to continue giving back in ways that connect with my career, using my education to create solutions that improve both people’s lives and the environment

I have learned how to lead by showing up and being dependable when my community needs help. Through Beta Club, I have taken part in service projects that support people in my community. One of the most meaningful experiences for me was volunteering at a children’s home. I helped organize donations and spent time with kids who are going through difficult situations. That experience changed how I view service. It showed me that making an impact is about helping, being present and making people feel supported and valued. I have also grown as a leader through my role as Treasurer for the Hinesville Youth Council. In this position, I helped plan and manage finances for our youth community projects. Through meetings and group discussions, I learned how to communicate my ideas clearly and listen to others. I also learned how to stay organized and make decisions that benefit the group as a whole. This role taught me that leadership is not just about being in charge, but about being dependable and willing to put in the work behind the scenes. Through these experiences, I have learned that impact does not always have to be something big or noticeable. It can come from small, consistent efforts and a genuine desire to help others. Being involved in my community has helped me become more responsible, more aware, and more motivated to continue making a difference. In the future, I want to expand my impact through engineering by focusing on environmental issues that affect communities like mine. I plan to pursue a dual degree in chemistry and engineering with a focus on environmental engineering. This will allow me to understand both how systems work and how to create real solutions. I am especially interested in improving access to clean water, building more sustainable infrastructure, and finding ways to make environmental resources more accessible. I want to use engineering to solve real problems that people face every day. My goal is to design solutions that are not only effective but also affordable and realistic for different communities. I want to make sure that progress is shared and not limited to certain groups of people. Overall, my experiences in leadership have taught me the importance of consistency, responsibility, and teamwork. I plan to continue building on these skills as I move forward in my education. In the future, I want my work to have a lasting impact by helping create a more fair and sustainable environment for my community and beyond.

I am someone who pays attention to what is going on around me and asks questions about why things are the way they are. I have always noticed that some communities have better access to clean environments and resources than others. That pushed me to become interested in economics because I want to understand how decisions are made and who they benefit. I also plan to study engineering with a focus on environmental engineering so I can help create real solutions, not just study the problems. My goal is to use both fields together in a way that creates real change. Economics will help me understand systems, policies, and how resources are distributed. Engineering will give me the skills to design and improve things that people actually depend on. I want to work on projects that improve environmental conditions in communities that are often overlooked. That could include better water systems, more sustainable infrastructure, or solutions that are both effective and affordable. I care about making sure people are not left out of progress just because of where they live. One challenge I have faced is my mental health. There have been times when I felt overwhelmed, unmotivated, and unsure of myself. Trying to balance school, extracurricular activities, and preparing for my future made it difficult to stay focused. There were moments where I doubted my abilities, especially when I did not see any immediate improvement in my academic performance. It was frustrating to feel like I was putting in effort but not seeing results right away. I worked through that by changing how I approached both my mindset and my habits. I started setting small, realistic goals instead of expecting everything to improve at once. I became more intentional with my time and focused on building better study habits. I also learned how to recognize when I needed a break and when I needed to push myself. Instead of being hard on myself, I started practicing patience and consistency. Over time, I began to see progress, not just in my grades but in my confidence. These experiences have helped shape who I am today. I am more disciplined, more self-aware, and more determined to reach my goals. I know how to keep going even when things feel difficult, and I understand that growth takes time. In the future, I plan to use my education to make a meaningful impact by working on solutions that improve people’s daily lives. I want my career to be about more than just success. I want it to be about creating change and helping build a future that is more fair, sustainable, and accessible for everyone.

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.

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.