I am Faith Williams, a senior at Delran High School in Delran, New Jersey. My cumulative GPA is 4.682. I am a member of the Quill and Scroll International Honor Society for High School Journalists and the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, the Juntos Podemos chapter of Delran High School. To me, empowerment means being equipped with knowledge about the subject matter at hand and having the skillset to perform in that role. Empowerment can be given, or it can be taught by self-taught. Throughout my years in high school, I had to find a way to empower myself by looking at my failures from a positive perspective, rather than a negative aspect of my life. I would like to share with you a unique perspective that empowers my academic interest, which is failing. I have used and continue to use failure as a valuable learning experience to improve my academic interests. Failing allows me to analyze the situation at hand. It has also allowed me to think critically and to be adaptable. Through failing, I have gained the willingness to be steadfast in my academics as a future Film/Television and Communication major at Howard University. I think back to the many times when I was told “No,” The times when I struggled to be heard in my classes at my high school. There were times it would seem like my worth and work were never enough, and that I was failing myself. I think about how easy it would be for me to quit. Whenever I become overwhelmed with many "No’s", it pushes me to work harder than before. I am fueled and arguably so, empowered by the opportunity of becoming a future “Bison.” Failing is inevitable. However, I am determined to continue to take those lessons and apply them to my successes through my academic interests as a film student, combined with my eagerness to learn. I envision the experiences lived and the lessons learned from my unique perspective to shape my future as a scholar and a leader by first embracing my failures as a part of my success. Looking at it from this perspective, had I not failed in certain areas of my life, then there is that strong possibility that I would not have discovered a deeper inner strength in me to become a scholar in my field. Secondly, by failing, I will have learned how to celebrate my failures as a leader. One of my favorite quotes by Nelson Mandela is “It always seems impossible until it’s done”. My failures would have taught me never to give up after taking the wrong turn. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of persistence and hard work. In conclusion, I will continue to look for ways in which failure is presented as an opportunity for greater things to come. This is how self-employment affects my life. Thank you.

I was five years old when I started “The Dance Center” in Linden, New Jersey. My dance school was also my after-school program. I recall being put on a small yellow school bus and dropped off at “The Dance Center.” My dance instructor greeted me at the bus doors with a warm welcome, and I said, “Hey. I am Faith, and it is my first time being here.” Throughout my years at The Dance Center, I have learned that discipline and dedication are two of the most valuable qualities that have transcended throughout my school years. Dancing has taught me how to collaborate with other dancers. In dancing, I have learnt the importance of teamwork. I have learnt that even amid performing, mistakes will happen; however, never stop performing, but just keep on performing. I was allowed to be in the winter cheerleading team at my high school. The lessons that I have learned in my earlier years at The Dance Center have given me great confidence that holds to being a dancer and a cheerleader. Being a dancer or cheerleader requires me to focus and practice hard. I believe that dedication to practice brings consistency. I have applied this mindset to my school and life, which gives me joy. Being in this sport has made me stronger than I was before. It has allowed me to embrace my failures in a unique way. For example, throughout my years in high school, I had to find a way to empower myself by looking at my failures from a positive perspective, rather than a negative aspect of my life. Failing allows me to analyze the situation at hand. It has also allowed me to think critically and to be adaptable. Through failing, I have gained the willingness to be steadfast in my academics and my life. I think back to the many times when I was told “No,” The times when I struggled to be heard in my classes at my high school. There were times it would seem like my worth and work were never enough, and that I was failing myself. I think about how easy it would be for me to quit. Whenever I become overwhelmed with many "No’s," it pushes me to work harder than before. I am fueled and arguably empowered by my self-worth. Failing is inevitable. However, I am determined to continue to take those lessons and apply them to my successes through my academic interest, combined with my eagerness to learn. Looking at it from this perspective, had I not failed in certain areas of my life, then there is that strong possibility that I would not have discovered a deeper inner strength in me to become a stronger female in a male-dominated world. I will have learned how to celebrate my failures as a leader. One of my favorite quotes by Nelson Mandela is “It always seems impossible until it’s done”. My failures would have taught me never to give up after taking the wrong turn. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of persistence and hard work. In conclusion, I will continue to look for ways in which failure is presented as an opportunity for greater things to come.

My name is Faith Williams. I am a senior at Delran High School located in Delran, New Jersey. Academically, I have a 4.682 cumulative GPA. I am a member of the Quill and Scroll International Honor Society for High School Journalists. I am also a member of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, the Juntos Podemos chapter of Delran High School. To me, my Caribbean heritage means to be driven with optimism while working hard to accomplish my goals. My Caribbean heritage also means to have a rich history, with its diverse culture. A history that is being celebrated throughout the world not just by Caribbeans, but by others who have found common interest in my Caribbean heritage. I am grateful to be a part of my Caribbean heritage and for the opportunity to honor and celebrate those who have paved the way for me to attend college. I am passionate about attending college because of my mother. I see my mother as a woman who has accomplished anything she sets her heart on doing. I recall my mother telling me that she had gone to an interview and one of the questions was "What was your reason for going back to college", and she replied, "My daughter." She sets the expectation of "I can do all things." My mother has influenced me significantly. I have witnessed her strength in working with grate effort and her willingness to be present for others at the time of their need without tiring or giving up. Her kindness goes beyond just a mere “please or thank you.” She sees the best among others, and she challenges me to strive towards the best version of me. Her resilience has taught me how to adapt to change. Her emotional intelligence has also taught me the values of being compassionate. I am also passionate about going to college because I believe in higher education and the endless possibilities it has to offer. I am confident that attending college will empower me to be knowledgeable about the subject matter at hand and impower me with skillsets to perform in that role. Additionally, I am passionate about attending college because of failing. I have used and continue to use failing as a valuable learning experience to improve my academic interests. Failing allows me to analyze the situation at hand. It has also allowed me to think critically, and to be adaptable in that present moment. Through failing, I have gained the willingness to be steadfast in my academic interest. I think back to the many times when I was told “No;” The times when I struggled to be heard in my classes at my high school. There were times it would seem like my worth and work was never enough and that I was failing myself. I think about how easy it would be for me to quit. Whenever I become overwhelmed with many "No(s)", it pushes me to work harder than before. I am fueled and arguably passionate about attending college because I believe in myself. One of my favorite quotes by Nelson Mandela is “It always seems impossible until it’s done”. My failures have taught me never to give up after taking the wrong turn. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of persistence and hard work. In conclusion, I will continue to look for ways in which failure is presented as an opportunity for greater things to come. For these reasons, I am passionate about attending college. Thank you, Faith Williams

My name is Faith Williams. I am currently a senior at Delran High school, in Delran New Jersey. My favorite pastime involves reading and spending quality time with my family. I enjoy collaborating with others and learning new skills. Throughout my high school years of being dedicated and taking accountability for my work has served me well. My high school academic achievement has made me to be on the honor roll since my freshman year. I am the proud Managing Editor for my high school paper. This position has afforded me the opportunity to network with other clubs throughout the school. It further allows me to build relationships and finding commonalities with my peers. Bring a Peer Leader over the years has been a rewarding experience for me. I am responsible for ensuring that all incoming freshman students are equipped with the tools that they will need to assist them to navigate their first year of high school. This includes but not limited to helping students finding their classroom, teaching them how to better understand their schedules, and reminding them that they are not alone. My added responsibility as a Peer Leader is to always remind our freshman students that their voices matter, and that they are welcome to seek out help. Additionally, I am a member of the Junior Varsity Tennis Team, Diversity Club and also a member of the Winner Cheer Team. As I strive towards the future me, I welcome the opportunities to serve others and inspire the next generation in making a positive impact in their future careers. My parents have taught me that life is to be lived to its fullest, and “You must live to live again.” In other words, whatever I have achieved in life, I have a responsibility to give back in any capacity that I can. My future plans in making a positive impact on the world through my career involves working with diverse groups, and using our collective skill sets as one to accomplish those set goals. As a future communication and media major. I am confident that this platform will allow me to be a voice for those who may believe that their voices are not being heard. This can be done by highlighting their stories through documentary, books, article, social media and other means of communication platforms. It is with great pleasure that I can be able to share with you. Thank you for this opportunity. Sincerely, Faith Williams

My name is Faith Williams. I am currently a senior at Delran High school, in Delran New Jersey. My favorite pastime involves reading and spending quality time with my family. I enjoy collaborating with others and learning new skills. Throughout my high school years of being dedicated and taking accountability for my work has served me well. My high school academic achievement has made me to be on the honor roll since my freshman year. I am the proud Managing Editor for my high school paper. This position has afforded me the opportunity to network with other clubs throughout the school. It further allows me to build relationships and finding commonalities with my peers. Bring a Peer Leader over the years has been a rewarding experience for me. I am responsible for ensuring that all incoming freshman students are equipped with the tools that they will need to assist them to navigate their first year of high school. This includes but not limited to helping students finding their classroom, teaching them how to better understand their schedules, and reminding them that they are not alone. My added responsibility as a Peer Leader is to always remind our freshman students that their voices matter, and that they are welcome to seek out help. Additionally, I am a member of the Junior Varsity Tennis Team, Diversity Club and also a member of the Winner Cheer Team. As I strive towards the future me, I welcome the opportunities to serve others and inspire the next generation in making a positive impact in their future careers. My parents have taught me that life is to be lived to its fullest, and “You must live to live again.” In other words, whatever I have achieved in life, I have a responsibility to give back in any capacity that I can. My future plans in making a positive impact on the world through my career involves working with diverse groups, and using our collective skill sets as one to accomplish those set goals. As a future communication and media major, I am confident that this platform will allow me to be a voice for those who may believe that their voices are not being heard. This can be done by highlighting their stories through documentary, books, article, social media and other means of communication platforms. It is with great pleasure that I can be able to share with you. Thank you for this opportunity. Sincerely, Faith Williams