“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” This quote by Malcolm X resonates deeply with me, because my education has always been the key to every door I’ve opened—and I plan to keep unlocking even greater opportunities through continued learning. As a proud student of Clark Atlanta University, an HBCU that has nurtured me both academically and personally, I have seen firsthand the transformative power of education. I grew up in a single-parent household, where my mother—an early childhood educator herself—instilled in me the value of learning, resilience, and service. Watching her dedicate herself to her students sparked my own passion for education, and as I prepare to graduate with my undergraduate degree, I am committed to taking the next step: pursuing a master’s degree in early childhood education and educational leadership. My goal is to combine my love for teaching with a broader ability to lead, advocate, and transform educational spaces. I want to equip myself with the tools to not only teach in the classroom, but to one day direct, manage, and even own early learning centers that serve underrepresented communities. Through further education, I plan to gain the leadership skills, research expertise, and policy knowledge necessary to create impactful, nurturing environments for young learners—just like the ones my mother built for her students and the ones I’ve been privileged to witness in my work at Whitefoord Early Learning Academy. Continuing my education is not just about earning another degree; it’s about deepening my ability to make a difference. I’ve already seen how early education shapes futures, especially for children from marginalized backgrounds. I want to ensure that every child, no matter their zip code or family income, has access to high-quality, loving, and developmentally appropriate education. A master’s program will allow me to study best practices, explore innovative teaching models, and learn how to advocate for educational equity on a larger scale. At the same time, I am deeply aware of the financial barriers that come with graduate study. As someone from a low-income background, funding my education is not just a challenge—it’s an ongoing obstacle. But I refuse to let finances be the reason I stop short of my dreams. I’ve worked hard to maintain academic excellence, earning a spot on the dean’s list while staying involved in leadership roles and community service. I’ve learned to balance multiple responsibilities, stay committed to my goals, and keep pushing forward even when the odds are stacked against me. This scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of graduate school, but it would also honor the legacy of educators like Charles E. Nettles—those who paved the way so that students like me could keep rising. With this support, I will continue my education with the same ambition, drive, and passion that brought me to this point, determined to uplift others along the way. My journey in education is far from over. I plan to keep growing, leading, and making an impact—because I believe every child deserves a champion, and every classroom needs a leader who sees beyond today into the limitless possibilities of tomorrow.

A Lasting Impact, A Lifelong Calling Growing up as a child raised by a single mother, I learned early what it meant to be nurtured, supported, and guided with love. Even before my father passed away, my mother was my primary provider and role model. She worked tirelessly to create stability for me, making sure that no matter our challenges, I always felt safe and valued. One thing that never wavered was her belief in the power of education. No matter what city or state we lived in, school became my safe haven. I loved learning, loved showing up, and loved being recognized for my efforts. From being on the principal’s list as a young child to making the dean’s list in college, I’ve always carried pride in my academics. But more than grades or certificates, school gave me purpose. I wasn’t just learning facts and figures—I was building confidence, character, and a sense of belonging. I took every opportunity to grow beyond the classroom. I spoke at school events, volunteered at programs, mentored younger students, and found joy in every chance to give back. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, though I didn’t know which path in education was calling me—until high school. It was during my dual enrollment courses in early childhood education that I realized how powerful those early years are. Watching young children learn and grow, I knew I wanted to be part of that journey from the very beginning. That passion became real when I began working at Whitefoord Early Learning Academy in Atlanta. Every year brought different students, different stories, and different challenges, but two children in particular forever shaped me. Both were quiet and soft-spoken, often overlooked by their more outgoing peers, but they had a quiet courage that drew me in. They were “the littlest of the bunch,” sometimes standing alone on the playground or sitting quietly at the art table, but they carried so much heart and brilliance. I remember how they clung to me—following me from room to room, sitting by my side during activities, waiting for me before transitioning anywhere. If I wasn’t going, they weren’t going. We were glued at the hip. Being that person for them—a safe space, a familiar face, a source of warmth—taught me the power of showing up. Every hug, every high-five, every moment of encouragement built their trust and confidence. Their smiles, their joy, and the small victories we shared reminded me that impact isn’t always loud or grand—it’s often found in the quiet, consistent ways we love children into believing in themselves. Seeing their growth, their newfound boldness, and their smiles at the end of the year made me realize that this is exactly why I want to teach. Much of this love and intentionality I learned from watching my mother, who was an early childhood educator herself. I remember the way she’d bring home coloring sheets, storybooks, and lesson materials, letting me help prepare for her next day’s activities. Even as a child, I admired how she poured patience, creativity, and heart into her work. I watched her go above and beyond for her students—staying late, bringing home extra work, and constantly thinking of ways to help each child feel special and capable. Her dedication wasn’t just something she clocked in and out of—it was who she was. Her example shaped me before I even realized it. She taught me that teaching isn’t just a profession—it’s a commitment to see every child, to care deeply, and to help guide their earliest steps in life. If I could change anything about education, it would be how we approach young learners. Too often, the early years are treated as mere preparation for “real” school, when in truth, early childhood is one of the most crucial developmental stages. I would change the way some educators underestimate the depth and importance of early learning. I would advocate for more training, more empathy, and more resources devoted to this critical time. I would also work to ensure that classrooms are filled with love and care, not just academic checklists. I want education to become both loving and personal, with the necessary tools to help each child succeed. I want to build classrooms where students feel seen and valued, where their individuality is celebrated, and where their learning is intertwined with emotional growth. I dream of creating a space where students aren’t just numbers or test scores, but whole people deserving of attention, compassion, and high expectations. Being an educator means everything to me because I know what it feels like to be poured into. I’ve been fortunate to be loved deeply by my mother, encouraged by teachers who believed in me, and inspired by the children I’ve been blessed to teach. I want to carry that legacy forward, one child at a time. And just like those little ones who followed me from room to room, I want every child I teach to know: I’m walking this journey with you. You are seen. You are loved. You matter. Teaching is more than a career for me—it’s a calling. It’s a promise to show up, to give my best, and to never stop believing in the potential of every child who enters my classroom. I want to be the teacher who sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and helps students carry love for learning into every stage of their lives. The impact I’ve made so far is just the beginning, and I am committed to making a lifetime of difference, just as my mother did, and just as those children inspired me to do.

Being a caregiver while pursuing higher education is definitely a challenge—but it’s also something I take pride in. I care for my mother, who lives with bipolar schizophrenia and depression. Even with her diagnosis, she’s one of the most vibrant, encouraging people I know. She pushes me to go after my dreams, and I carry her strength with me every day. Caregiving in my life means showing up—for the people I love and for myself. It means putting others first with intention and care, while learning to balance responsibilities and maintain grace through it all. Supporting my mom has taught me the value of empathy, patience, and recognizing that people living with mental health challenges can still lead full, meaningful lives. I help her with daily routines, offer emotional support, and make sure our home is a space filled with love, understanding, and positivity. One of the most beautiful parts of being her caregiver is gaining a different perspective of the world. Through her mental health journey, I’ve learned how powerful memories, emotions, and environment can be. It’s amazing how deeply connected we all are to the experiences we carry. Watching my mother navigate her mental health has opened my eyes to how complex and resilient the human mind can be. It’s made me more compassionate, more grounded, and more appreciative of every small win in life. Even with everything on my plate, I’ve found ways to maintain balance. I check in on my mother during the week when classes aren’t in session. Sometimes that looks like having dinner together, catching up on shows, or simply enjoying our girl talks. These moments keep us close and give me a break from the fast pace of college life. They remind me why I work so hard and why caregiving is something I will never take for granted. This experience has also helped shape my dreams. I’m a business accounting major with plans to own and operate early learning centers as well as other businesses that serve my community. I’ve always believed in giving back and building spaces where people—especially children and families—feel safe, seen, and supported. My background as a caregiver drives that passion even more. I want to create environments that acknowledge the emotional and mental well-being of families while providing tools and resources to help them thrive. Receiving the Cariloop Caregiver Scholarship would truly be a game-changer. My mother is on social security, and with my father having passed, I’ve had to take on a lot of responsibility at a young age. Financially, things are tight, and I work hard to cover what I can while still succeeding in school. This scholarship would give me the freedom to continue my education without constant financial stress. More importantly, it would remind me that my hard work—both in the classroom and at home—matters. Thank you for supporting student caregivers like me. We don’t always get the spotlight, but we keep going because we love deeply and believe in brighter days ahead.

Growing up, I watched my mother dedicate her time and energy to shaping young minds at an early childhood center. She wasn’t just teaching—she was nurturing, inspiring, and providing children with the foundation they needed to succeed. Seeing the impact she had on their lives sparked something in me. I realized that early childhood development is more than just education; it is the key to transforming communities and creating opportunities for future generations. As the Freshman Vice President of Clark Atlanta University, I have always been a leader with purpose. My high GPA reflects my dedication to academic excellence, but my passion lies in childhood development. I firmly believe that every child, regardless of their background, deserves access to quality early education. That’s why my ultimate goal is to open a learning center that serves children from all socioeconomic backgrounds, providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where they can thrive. Early childhood education is one of the most critical investments we can make in our society. Studies have shown that the first few years of life shape a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. Unfortunately, many communities, especially those with lower-income families, lack access to high-quality early education programs. I want to change that. My center will not only offer exceptional learning experiences but also provide resources for parents, ensuring that families have the support they need to foster their children’s growth at home. Beyond my academic and leadership experiences, my true compassion for children drives my commitment to this field. I have always been drawn to working with kids, knowing that the right environment can make all the difference in their future success. I want to put my heart into this work, creating a space where children feel valued, loved, and encouraged to explore their full potential. Receiving this scholarship would support my education and bring me one step closer to achieving my dream. It would allow me to continue developing my skills, gaining the knowledge needed to run a learning center effectively, and networking with professionals who share my vision. More importantly, it would enable me to give back to my community by providing a place where children can receive the education they deserve. My career path is not just about business—it is about impact. I want to be part of the transformation that ensures children have access to the best educational resources, regardless of their family’s financial situation. This scholarship would provide me with the means to further my education, develop my leadership skills, and ultimately make a lasting difference in the lives of countless children. By investing in my future, you are investing in the futures of the children I will one day serve. With your support, I will turn my passion into action, building a learning center that nurtures, educates, and empowers the next generation.

I am pursuing a major in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting because it aligns with my passion for entrepreneurship and my vision of building a successful and impactful career. From a young age, I have been driven to lead, organize, and find innovative solutions to problems. Business and accounting represent the perfect blend of structure, creativity, and strategy—essential tools for anyone aiming to start and grow their own enterprise. My interest in business stems from witnessing firsthand how strong leadership and financial literacy can create opportunities. Growing up, I was exposed to diverse environments and communities due to my family’s frequent relocations across cities like Atlanta, Montgomery, Austin, and Brooklyn. This constant change allowed me to see the impact that businesses, both large and small, have on communities. I became fascinated by how businesses not only drive economic growth but also influence social change and provide essential resources. This realization sparked my desire to one day build a business that not only generates profit but also gives back to the community. Accounting, in particular, interests me because it serves as the backbone of any successful business. I believe that understanding the financial side of operations—managing budgets, analyzing data, and ensuring compliance—will equip me with the skills necessary to make informed decisions. I have always been detail-oriented and enjoy working with numbers, which makes accounting a natural fit. This discipline will help me manage risks, plan for growth, and ensure the long-term sustainability of any venture I pursue. My leadership experiences have further fueled my interest in this field. Becoming the freshman vice president at Clark Atlanta University during my first year gave me a deeper appreciation for organizational management and strategic planning. Earning the trust of my peers and contributing to student government taught me the importance of collaboration, negotiation, and resource management—skills that are directly applicable to business and entrepreneurship. Additionally, my work experiences have reinforced my commitment to this path. By the age of 17, I secured a career-related job at an early learning center, which gave me firsthand experience in managing responsibilities, solving problems, and contributing to the growth of an organization. These experiences solidified my belief that business is not just about profits; it is about leadership, vision, and the ability to create positive change. My goal is to use my degree to build a legacy rooted in empowerment and innovation. I envision creating businesses that offer job opportunities, mentorship programs, and community initiatives. I am particularly passionate about mentoring young people who may not have access to the same resources and opportunities I had. I want to show them that with the right mindset, education, and support, they can achieve their goals. Ultimately, pursuing a major in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting is more than just an academic choice—it is a step toward fulfilling my lifelong vision of becoming a successful entrepreneur and leader. I am excited about the possibilities this path holds and the chance to create a meaningful impact through my work.

My upbringing has been shaped by resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering drive to succeed. Growing up in a family that moved frequently between cities like Atlanta, Montgomery, Austin, and Brooklyn, I learned early on how to adapt to new environments and embrace diverse cultures. This exposure nurtured my ability to connect with people from different backgrounds and navigate change with confidence. My parents, Yolanda and Eddie, instilled in me the value of education and perseverance. By the age of two, I could fully read—a testament to the emphasis my family placed on learning. This foundation paved the way for academic excellence, allowing me to graduate high school with honors and 13 achievement cords. Dual enrollment during my junior and senior years resulted in 28 college credits by the time I started at Clark Atlanta University. These experiences demonstrated that hard work and preparation are crucial for future success. The journey wasn’t without challenges. In 2022, I faced the devastating loss of my father. Navigating grief while maintaining my academic and personal responsibilities was difficult, but it taught me the importance of inner strength and faith. This experience reshaped my perspective on life, reinforcing the belief that even in the face of adversity, growth and success are possible. Surviving a car accident on the night of my high school graduation further reminded me of life’s fragility and the importance of pursuing my goals with urgency and passion. My leadership skills began to emerge at a young age, from winning reading competitions in second grade to becoming the captain of my high school dance team. At Clark Atlanta University, I was elected freshman vice president, earning over half of the student body votes. This achievement solidified my commitment to contributing to my community and affirmed my potential to lead. Co-authoring a mental health journal during the pandemic allowed me to channel my experiences into helping others, reinforcing the idea that personal struggles can inspire collective healing. Building a legacy means using these experiences as stepping stones. I aim to combine my passion for entrepreneurship with my background in business administration and accounting to create opportunities for others. My goal is to mentor young people, particularly those who face hardships, and provide them with the tools and confidence needed to succeed. I also aspire to establish educational initiatives that promote leadership and resilience, ensuring that the values instilled in me by my parents continue to uplift future generations. Ultimately, the legacy I envision is one rooted in perseverance, empathy, and empowerment. Every experience, from academic achievements to personal losses, has shaped me into someone who is prepared to lead, inspire, and create lasting change.

I, Essence Stephens, am a high school graduated dual enrollment student at Atlanta Technical College from Maynard Jackson High School in Atlanta, Georgia. I have maintained being a student-athlete with a strong average GPA of 3.7. I also have leadership and organizational experience and skills. I've participated in the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, and Student Government Association. My professional aspiration is to become an owner of multiple learning centers here in my home city of Atlanta, Georgia. I have always been interested in the development of children at early ages and the process of human development. In this upcoming fall I will be attending Clark Atlanta University as a freshman. I will be majoring in the business program offered to better develop the needed skills to run an organization. Within my studies I will be building connections with mentors and leaders all over the country that will pour into me the values of living and being socially and academically successful in my time to come. I plan to gain more resources for my community to take part in by providing quality care and reliability. I always knew I wanted to work with children. I developed the understanding that in order to change and develop things in my own way based on the challenges I have seen; I should put myself in that position to do so. Becoming the owner of my own learning centers not only opens new doors for myself but for everyone around me. I plan to go into this career with all my passion and use my personality to help everyone understand the importance of a learning center. Knowing that children are in a quality space while parents have to maintain their well-being daily is something that I want my career to aspire to. I'm excited to develop into being a part of this change for communities. Although this is my aspirational goal and plan in life, being a need-based student at a private HBCU institution is starting to project a negative financial outcome in the long run. I want to be able to experience the enriching culture of my dual Historically Black Institution (the combination of Clark College and Atlanta University). This presents itself to be a challenging opportunity for me to achieve without being in some form of student loan debt or financial burden to my mother. What inspires me to become the best version of myself is my mother. She continues to push me to reach for success and make sure I stay focused on my goal. With that push, Clark Atlanta’s school motto “Find A Way or Make One” has stuck with me in the decision of continuing my enrollment process at this expensive HBCU. The motto along with my mother's voice tell me that I must keep going. I must live up to my divine purpose in this world and put myself in positions that allow me to succeed financially in this institution. Being able to receive this scholarship would allow me to use the tools she gave to me to succeed in my future and furthermore my education. Being able to gain financial aid for my education further into the business aspect of my career would contribute to the success of our future. I plan to make sure that I use the tools given to me in college to help build a place for quality care.

I, Essence Stephens, am a high school graduated dual enrollment student at Atlanta Technical College from Maynard Jackson High School in Atlanta, Georgia. I have maintained being a student-athlete with a strong average GPA of 3.7. I also have leadership and organizational experience and skills. I've participated in the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, and Student Government Association. My professional aspiration is to become an owner of multiple early childhood learning centers here in my home city of Atlanta, Georgia. I have always been interested in the development of children at early ages and the process of human development. In this upcoming fall I will be attending Clark Atlanta University as a freshman. I will be majoring in the business and education program offered to better develop the needed skills to run a center and contributing to strong development. Within my studies I will be building connections with mentors and leaders all over the country that will pour into me the values of living and being socially and academically successful in my time to come. I plan to gain more resources for my community to take part in by providing quality care and reliability. I always knew I wanted to work with children. I developed the understanding that in order to change and develop things in my own way based on the challenges I have seen I should put myself in that position to do so. Becoming the owner of my own educational learning centers not only opens new doors for myself but for everyone around me. I plan to go into this career with all my passion and use my personality to help everyone understand the importance of early development in children. Knowing that children are in a quality space while parents have to maintain their well-being daily is something that I want my career to aspire to. I'm excited to develop into being a part of this change for communities. Although this is my aspirational goal and plan in life, being a need-based student at a private HBCU institution is starting to project a negative financial outcome in the long run. I want to be able to experience the enriching culture of my dual Historically Black Institution (the combination of Clark College and Atlanta University). This presents itself to be a challenging opportunity for me to achieve without being in some form of student loan debt or financial burden to my mother. What inspires me to become the best version of myself is my mother. She continues to push me to reach for success and make sure I stay focused on my goal. With that push, Clark Atlanta’s school motto “Find A Way or Make One” has stuck with me in the decision of continuing my enrollment process at this expensive HBCU. The motto along with my mother's voice tell me that I must keep going. I must live up to my divine purpose in this world and put myself in positions that allow me to succeed financially in this institution. Being able to receive this scholarship would allow me to use the tools she gave to me to succeed in my future and furthermore my education. Being able to gain financial aid for my education further into the business aspect of my early childhood career would contribute to the success of our future. I plan to make sure that I use the tools given to me in college to help build a place for quality care.

I, Essence Stephens, am a high school graduated dual enrollment student at Atlanta Technical College from Maynard Jackson High School in Atlanta, Georgia. I have maintained being a student-athlete with a strong average GPA of 3.7. I also have leadership and organizational experience and skills. I've participated in the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, and Student Government Association. My professional aspiration is to become an owner of multiple learning centers here in my home city of Atlanta, Georgia. I have always been interested in the development of children at early ages and the process of human development. In this upcoming fall I will be attending Clark Atlanta University as a freshman. I will be majoring in the business program offered to better develop the needed skills to run an organization. Within my studies I will be building connections with mentors and leaders all over the country that will pour into me the values of living and being socially and academically successful in my time to come. I plan to gain more resources for my community to take part in by providing quality care and reliability. I always knew I wanted to work with children. I developed the understanding that in order to change and develop things in my own way based on the challenges I have seen, I should put myself in that position to do so. Becoming the owner of my own learning centers not only opens new doors for myself but for everyone around me. I plan to go into this career with all my passion and use my personality to help everyone understand the importance of a learning center. Knowing that children are in a quality space while parents have to maintain their well-being daily is something that I want my career to aspire to. I'm excited to develop into being a part of this change for communities. Although this is my aspirational goal and plan in life, being a need-based student at a private HBCU institution is starting to project a negative financial outcome in the long run. I want to be able to experience the enriching culture of my dual Historically Black Institution (the combination of Clark College and Atlanta University). This presents itself to be a challenging opportunity for me to achieve without being in some form of student loan debt or financial burden to my mother. What inspires me to become the best version of myself is my mother. She continues to push me to reach for success and make sure I stay focused on my goal. With that push, Clark Atlanta’s school motto “Find A Way or Make One” has stuck with me in the decision of continuing my enrollment process at this expensive HBCU. The motto along with my mother's voice tell me that I must keep going. I must live up to my divine purpose in this world and put myself in positions that allow me to succeed financially in this institution. Being able to receive this scholarship would allow me to use the tools she gave to me to succeed in my future and furthermore my education. Being able to gain financial aid for my education further into the business aspect of my career would contribute to the success of our future. I plan to make sure that I use the tools given to me in college to help build a place for quality care.

I, Essence Stephens, am a dual enrollment student at Atlanta Technical College from Maynard Jackson High School. She has maintained being a student-athlete with a strong average GPA of 3.7. I also have leadership and organizational experience and skills. I've participated in the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, and Student Government Association. What inspires me to become the best version of myself is my mother. She continues to push me to reach for success and make sure I stay focused on my goal. Being able to receive this scholarship would allow me to use the tools she gave to me to succeed in my future and furthermore my education. My professional aspiration is to become an owner of a learning center here in my home city of Atlanta, Georgia. I have always been interested in the development of children at early ages and the process of human development. I plan to gain more resources for my community to take part in by providing quality care and reliability. I always knew I wanted to work with children. I developed the understanding that in order to change and develop things in my own way based on the challenges I have seen, I should put myself in that position to do so. Becoming the owner of my own learning center not only opens new doors for myself but for everyone around me. I plan to go into this career with all my passion and use my personality to help everyone understand the importance of a learning center. Knowing that children are in a quality space while parents have to maintain their well-being daily is something that I want my career to aspire to. I'm excited to develop into being a part of this change for communities. Being able to gain financial aid for my education further into the business aspect of my career would contribute to the success of our future. I plan to make sure that I use the tools given to me in college to help build a place for quality care.

Receiving this scholarship award will not only help me financially and academically but will help me continue to grow as a student leader. Being able to use the benefits of this program will help me be sure to be the best early childhood learning center owner based on the skills provided and given to me. Not only does owning my learning center present new opportunities for me, but it also benefits those around me. I want to put all of my love into this work and use my charm to make sure that everyone knows how important learning centers are. My professional goal has an impact on everyone. I want my career to aim for the knowledge that children are in a quality space while parents must always maintain their well-being. I can't wait to contribute to this transformation of communities. Our future prosperity would be aided by my being able to secure financial help for my studies while I pursue a career in business. I would be able to use the resources provided to me to achieve in the future and to further my education if I were to be awarded this scholarship. My career goal is to open a center in my community for people ranging from lower income and high income. Early childhood development and the process of human growth have long sparked my curiosity. I have always been interested in the development of children at early ages and the process of human development. I plan to gain more resources for my community to take part in by providing quality care and reliability. I always knew I wanted to work with children. I developed the understanding that in order to change and develop things in my own way based on the challenges I have seen, I should put myself in that position to do so. Becoming the owner of my own learning center not only opens new doors for myself but for everyone around me. I plan to go into this career with all my passion and use my personality to help everyone understand the importance of a learning center. Knowing that children are in a quality space while parents have to maintain their well-being daily is something that I want my career to aspire to. I'm excited to develop into being a part of this change for communities. Being able to gain financial aid for my education further into the business aspect of my career would contribute to the success of our future. I plan to make sure that I use the tools given to me in college to help build a place for quality care.

The person who pushed me the hardest and supported me the most are my parents, especially my father. In December 2022, my father passed away of natural causes when he went into the hospital completely normal with a tummy ache. We were unaware that his body would begin to shut down over the course of one week from thanksgiving. I didn't understand his death when it happened. My father was a man who valued his way of life. A man who made sure to tell his daughter “Good morning!” every day before a long day of school. A father who lived across town but showed up to my local school football game performances. Though no parent is perfect, my parents shaped me to be the strong young lady that I am. They gave me the tools I needed to succeed in the years to come. This moment taught me that death has no way of showing signs, it comes random. It also showed me that death has a way of leaving an impact on the living world. This gave me the drive to push hard for myself and for my father. From a spiritual aspect, I was able to take in the guidance of my father's wisdom and use it for what was left to be. This changed the direction of how I viewed life and how I interpreted the way of living. I now understand the divine feeling of losing a loved one. I grieve for my father with reminders of him popping out daily. With his reminders, I am also reminded of how grateful I am to be given a guardian angel whom I am the product of. I understand that death is something that we can't control but can only push us to put our best foot forward at all times. Who continues to inspire me to become the best version of myself is my mother. My mother was diagnosed with a disability that has continued to make it hard for her to be able to work. With her hardship, we have been living monthly off of Social Security disability income for years and live in a based-on-income household. Over the years before were blessed to settle in a home, we had a struggle being able to keep a home to ourselves. This resulted in us moving around and living with family. She continues to push me to reach for success and make sure I stay focused on my goal. Being able to receive this scholarship would allow me to use the tools she gave to me to succeed in my future and furthermore my education. My professional aspiration is to become an owner of a learning center here in my home city of Atlanta, Georgia. I have always been interested in the development of children at early ages and the process of human development. I plan to gain more resources for my community to take part in by providing quality care and reliability. I always knew I wanted to work with children.

What inspires me to become the best version of myself is my mother. She continues to push me to reach for success and make sure I stay focused on my goal. Being able to receive this scholarship would allow me to use the tools she gave to me to succeed in my future and furthermore my education. My professional aspiration is to become an owner of a learning center here in my home city of Atlanta, Georgia. I have always been interested in the development of children at early ages and the process of human development. I plan to gain more resources for my community to take part in by providing quality care and reliability. I always knew I wanted to work with children. My first choice was to be a teacher but over time I developed the understanding that in order to change and develop things in my own way based on the challenges I have seen, I should put myself in that position to do so. Becoming the owner of my own learning center not only opens new doors for myself but for everyone around me. I plan to go into this career with all my passion and use my personality to help everyone understand the importance of a learning center. With my professional aspiration, everyone is affected. Knowing that children are in a quality space while parents have to maintain their well-being daily is something that I want my career to aspire to. I'm excited to develop into being a part of this change for communities. Being able to gain financial aid for my education further into the business aspect of my career would contribute to the success of our future. I plan to make sure that I use the tools given to me in college to help build a place for quality care. There were moments I felt I would spend my years never being able to fully adapt or gain a sense of community , having to say my goodbyes to peers and people i believed were meant to be in my presence for a lifetime . However as I matured into the person I am today , I began to realize that the result of a thing I once saw as a challenge made me be prepared for different types of situations and people that I would have to encounter .Im able to hold my own weight and continue to stay true to me. I find my journey unique .

I have always made sure to plan to better my community in my career choice after I attend college. For the next four years, I will be majoring in business to obtain my dream of owning a learning center here in my hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. In my learning center, I plan to provide quality learning care to my community while offering many variety of opportunities for people in my community to be able to afford it. We are in an era where we are forced to send children to convenient childcare facilities that are affordable but not nurturing the children as needed. The early stages of child development are the most crucial times in our lives and should be handled as such. My learning center will also be invested in many organizations that allow for the correct development in our communities. What inspires me to become the best version of myself is my mother. She continues to push me to reach for success and make sure I stay focused on my goal. Being able to receive this scholarship would allow me to use the tools she gave to me to succeed in my future and furthermore my education. My professional aspiration is to become an owner of a learning center here in my home city of Atlanta, Georgia. I have always been interested in the development of children at early ages and the process of human development. I plan to gain more resources for my community to take part in by providing quality care and reliability. I always knew I wanted to work with children. My first choice was to be a teacher but over time I developed the understanding that in order to change and develop things in my own way based on the challenges I have seen, I should put myself in that position to do so. Becoming the owner of my own learning center not only opens new doors for myself but for everyone around me. I plan to go into this career with all my passion and use my personality to help everyone understand the importance of a learning center. With my professional aspiration, everyone is affected. Knowing that children are in a quality space while parents have to maintain their well-being daily is something that I want my career to aspire to. I'm excited to develop into being a part of this change for communities. Being able to gain financial aid for my education further into the business aspect of my career would contribute to the success of our future. I plan to make sure that I use the tools given to me in college to help build a place for quality care.

I was born and raised in the big city of Atlanta Georgia. Growing up in this city you find yourself coming across all different types of people and cultures every day. When I was a little girl I loved to play princesses with my neighborhood friend. Her name was Sophie. Now me and Sophie were unstoppable together. We used to try and match our dresses to each other anytime we knew we were going to be around each other. We would go get our favorite Ice cream from the local corner store on our street. Our family's church was just a few blocks down. We had a strong community and everyone in the neighborhood knew just how strong it was. You see, Sophie was raised by her grandparents. Her grandparents had been living in the city for over 50 decades, long before Sophie and I were thought of. As Sophie and I began to get older and make drastic changes in our lives, so was our community. Once we reached middle school, it seemed as though our life was changing in front of our eyes drastically. Our local corner stores were shut down and turned into Publix or Trader Joe's, which everyone knows is more expensive than Walmart. Our church was torn down to build residential homes and condos. You see when we first began to notice the changes, we believed that this was brought to us to help us. It was until one afternoon I had a sit down with Sophie. She shared with me that she would be moving within the next few months. She informed me how as her grandparents got older, they had trouble affording different problems that came with the home. She talked about how over the years different people would interact with her grandparents to get them to sell. Soon my friend Sophie's house was sold and renovated. This was my very first interaction with how gentrification actually affected me. Entire communities are undergoing transformations, and not always in a positive way. The heart and spirit of the town, the people who brought it to its current state, are being driven out. They seem to be disappearing from the history of the city. Atlanta was formerly well-known for its small businesses, close-knit communities, and soul food restaurants. Many people in Atlanta are feeling left behind as this new wave of change overshadows the culture that made the city special. Families are spreading and long-term inhabitants are being forced to relocate. The city appears to have forgotten its roots, trading them in for a version that not everyone can afford. Many programs have been placed for this social economic issue to be discovered and known to the new generation as we view how cities we grew up in have grown on us instead. My message is not that we shouldn't be allowed to have change in our neighborhoods, especially when referring to a change of scenery and resources for the community. It is just harder to enjoy the growth when the idea is met with ill intent and not for the community that was already in place . Let's rewrite the story of our future by providing accessible housing, employment opportunities, and resources in the reconstruction of lower-income communities rather than stripping them down. If these task cant be done by you, you could help by informing yourself on this issue and how it just may affect you.

As a child I have always strived to be ahead and be aware of what my next journey held for me . I feared there would be points in my life where I would be the unknowing “ new girl” who didn't know a thing about the mannerism or the slang used and what exactly they meant . My mom always referred to me as her business lady , her secretary. I was always seen researching our next location and how I would need to adjust to my new surroundings . What inspires me to become the best version of myself is my mother. She continues to push me to reach for success and make sure I stay focused on my goal. Being able to receive this scholarship would allow me to use the tools she gave to me to succeed in my future and furthermore my education. My professional aspiration is to become an owner of a learning center here in my home city of Atlanta, Georgia. I have always been interested in the development of children at early ages and the process of human development. I plan to gain more resources for my community to take part in by providing quality care and reliability. I always knew I wanted to work with children. My first choice was to be a teacher but over time I developed the understanding that in order to change and develop things in my own way based on the challenges I have seen, I should put myself in that position to do so. Becoming the owner of my own learning center not only opens new doors for myself but for everyone around me. I plan to go into this career head strong with all my passion and use my personality to help everyone understand the importance of a learning center. With my professional aspiration, everyone is affected. Knowing that children are in a quality space while parents have to maintain their well-being daily is something that I want my career to aspire to. I'm excited to develop into being a part of this change for communities. Being able to gain financial aid for my education further into the business aspect of my career would contribute to the success of our future. I plan to make sure that I use the tools given to me in college to help build a place for quality care.