I grew up understanding that financial stability was never guaranteed. From an early age, I watched my parents work tirelessly to provide for my sister and me. When they divorced, the reality of being raised in a single-parent, low-income household set in. My father became our primary provider, and what once felt ordinary like family dinners, after-school conversations became precious, limited moments during every other weekend. It was a difficult transition, one that forced me to grow up faster than I expected. The challenges deepened when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Both of my parents lost their jobs, and our family’s financial insecurity became undeniable. My sister was preparing for college, and I witnessed my parents’ sacrifices intensify as they did everything possible to keep us afloat. The stress of watching them navigate unemployment and financial uncertainty left an impression on me: that hard work and perseverance could carry us through even the most difficult times. In 2023, my father suffered a heart attack, another reminder of the fragility of life and the burden financial insecurity places on families. I stepped into a greater role at home supporting him during recovery, helping manage responsibilities, and working to ease the financial pressure. Then, in 2024, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, testing my resilience once again. Balancing school, family responsibilities, and the emotional weight of her illness forced me to develop discipline, empathy, and a stronger sense of purpose. Growing up in a low-income family has shaped my values in profound ways. I have learned resilience from my parents’ sacrifices, empathy from supporting my mother’s health journey, and responsibility from stepping up during crises. These values guide my academic and professional goals. Currently, I am pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Fashion at the University of Southern California. My dream is to become a fashion executive who uses creativity and business strategy to build inclusive brands that empower underrepresented communities. Service has also become central to my identity. I volunteer with Dress for Success, helping women in low-income communities prepare for job interviews. Watching their confidence grow through something as simple as professional attire reminds me of the transformative power of opportunity. I also advocate for mental health awareness in honor of my cousin, who passed away by suicide. Partnering with Euphoric.777, a nonprofit brand, I promote conversations around mental health and encourage young people to seek help. The adversity I faced has not discouraged me, instead it has fueled me. I know what it feels like to live with financial insecurity, but I also know the power of determination, education, and community. These experiences have made me more resilient, more empathetic, and more committed to creating a career that uplifts others. I began by describing the challenges of growing up in a single-parent, low-income household. Those challenges could have held me back, but instead they became stepping stones. They taught me perseverance, compassion, and vision. I carry these lessons into everything I do, and they will continue to guide me as I work toward building a future defined not by circumstance, but by purpose.

I still remember the first time I sat down to study the basics of money management. Numbers were not the intimidating part, it was the realization that access to financial tools often determines who gets ahead and who falls behind. For me, building credit early is not just about purchasing power, but about creating freedom, stability, and opportunity for my future. As a college student from a low-income background, financial security has never been guaranteed. My parents’ divorce, followed by job losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, left my family facing uncertainty. Later, when my father suffered a heart attack and my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, I quickly learned the importance of planning for emergencies. These experiences showed me that financial literacy is more than theory, it is survival, and it is empowerment. One of the smartest money moves I have made so far has been investing in cryptocurrency. While risky, I saw digital currency as part of the future financial landscape. By researching market trends, diversifying my investments, and only putting in what I could afford to lose, I treated it as both a learning experience and a long-term investment in my financial education. It taught me how to manage risk, think critically about global markets, and appreciate the importance of starting small but starting early. At the University of Southern California, where I study Business Administration with a minor in Fashion, I plan to continue making disciplined money moves. I budget carefully to balance tuition and living costs, apply consistently for scholarships, and prioritize saving even when it feels impossible. In addition, I want to use the financial literacy I am gaining to empower others. Whether through mentoring peers, volunteering with organizations like Dress for Success, or one day creating fashion initiatives that promote economic empowerment, I see financial knowledge as something meant to be shared. Building credit early is essential to this journey. Establishing strong credit means I will be able to rent an apartment without worry, qualify for business loans when I launch entrepreneurial ventures, and secure financial independence without being weighed down by debt. I want to walk into adulthood prepared, not struggling to catch up. The Qwik Scholarship represents more than financial support. It represents a belief in students like me who are determined to take ownership of their financial futures. By starting early, practicing discipline, and sharing what I learn, I know I can transform the obstacles I have faced into a foundation for long-term success. I began with the idea that money is not just about numbers it is about opportunity. That lesson continues to guide me today. With support from this scholarship, I will not only secure my own financial future but also use what I learn to build opportunity for others.

Fashion has always been more than just clothing to me; it's a language of self-expression and cultural storytelling. From hosting childhood fashion shows in my mother’s closet to launching an online clothing business on Depop, my passion for fashion has shaped my vision for the future. I aspire to become a fashion executive who blends creativity and business strategy to lead innovative, inclusive brands that reflect underrepresented communities. In 2020, I combined my love for fashion, technology, and entrepreneurship by curating and selling clothing on Depop. I analyzed consumer trends, identified popular styles, and built relationships with customers. This experience helped me develop a strong understanding of e-commerce, digital marketing, and brand building. It also revealed to me how fashion can be used as a tool to connect with people across cultural lines and inspire self-worth. My hands-on industry experience deepened at Harlem’s Fashion Row, where I contributed to campaigns and photoshoots featured at New York Fashion Week. I assisted with set design, styling, event coordination, and website audits to enhance brand visibility. Through this work, I witnessed firsthand how storytelling through fashion can celebrate identity. Currently, I am pursuing a major in Business Administration with a minor in Fashion at the University of Southern California. My coursework in marketing, management, and fashion media is giving me the strategic foundation to lead in the industry. As a member of USC’s Fashion Industry Association, I’ve helped plan events, assisted with model casting, and engaged in workshops that deepen my understanding of entrepreneurship and creative leadership. My drive is fueled not only by ambition, but also by my values of creativity, service, and compassion. I believe fashion can be a force for good. That’s why I’ve volunteered with Dress for Success, helping women in low-income communities select professional attire for interviews. Watching their confidence grow reminded me that fashion is about more than style; it's about opportunity and transformation. I also advocate for mental health awareness in honor of my late cousin, who died by suicide. I’ve partnered with Euphoric.777, a nonprofit clothing brand that encourages open conversations around mental health with the message “Are You Really Happy?” I use digital storytelling and social media to share this message, creating spaces where people feel seen and supported. This work keeps me grounded in purpose and reminds me that true leadership starts with empathy. The Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship would significantly lighten the financial burden of attending college, allowing me to focus fully on my education, internships, and professional growth. Beyond the financial relief, this scholarship represents a deeper connection to the values I live by such as ambition, kindness, purpose, and the determination to make a lasting impact. Like Kalia, I want to be remembered not only for what I achieved, but for how I made others feel. With this scholarship’s support, I am confident in my ability to turn my passion into a purpose-driven career.

As a woman of color from a low-income background, the pursuit of higher education has always come with challenges balancing tuition and family responsibilities. However, nothing could have prepared me for July 2024, when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Hearing those words and the fear of losing my mom consumed me for weeks. Losing my appetite and peace of mind, I turned to the Bible. A passage in Psalms reminded me that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” That verse became my anchor. Over time I learned to put on a brave face, even when sadness was ever present. One of the most transformative lessons came when my mother’s own brave face slipped. Her fear sometimes showed up as frustration. In the past, I may have responded with irritation, but I began to recognize these moments as expressions of vulnerability. This shift deepened my empathy for my mom and anyone dealing with the pain of cancer. To help process my own emotions, I joined a breast cancer support group. Through shared stories and reflection, I became more resilient. This experience has reshaped my life. I no longer take anything for granted and now carry a strength rooted in love, compassion, and community. It’s made me a better daughter, friend, and leader. Even during these hardships, I’ve remained focused and purpose driven on my goals. Fashion has always been more than clothing to me, it is a language, a way to empower and connect. I’ve been passionate about it since childhood, when I hosted fashion shows in my mother’s closet. In 2020, I launched an online store on Depop, curating collections that blend culture, identity, and creativity. I learned how to analyze consumer trends, develop brand voice, and build relationships with customers. I expanded my industry experience at Harlem’s Fashion Row, where I contributed to campaigns and photoshoots, including those featured at New York Fashion Week for brands like Dior. I also supported event planning and website audits, gaining insight into how fashion intersects with culture, business, and storytelling. Currently, I am a Business Administration major with a Fashion minor at the University of Southern California. As a member of USC’s Fashion Industry Association, I’ve helped plan events and model castings, and participated in workshops on brand strategy and entrepreneurship. My dream is to become a fashion executive who leads with both creativity and compassion, building brands that reflect the communities they serve. The Hicks Scholarship Award would ease the financial burdens I face, allowing me to focus fully on my education and industry experience. Additionally, it would support a dream rooted not just in fashion, but in purpose to lead, uplift, and inspire.

When my mom told me in July 2024 that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, my initial reaction was denial, followed by a wave of immense anxiety. Feeling incredibly overwhelmed and struggling to process the words as they left her mouth, my rapid heart beat juxtaposed her perplexingly calm voice and placid expression. Baffled by her bravery in the face of adversity, I saw a sense of resilience in her that was not just something I admired, but something I realized I needed to embody to support her. Watching my mom persevere despite her diagnosis both inspired and challenged me. I had to learn to put on a brave face for her, even when I felt immense sadness or fear about what the future held. However, her unwavering courage encouraged me to shift my perspective on life. Moments I once took for granted became more precious, and I began to replace feelings of worry and fear with gratitude and being present. Witnessing her determination reminded me that life is fragile, yet profoundly valuable, and that challenges, no matter how overwhelming, can be faced with grace and strength. However, one of the most transformative lessons I learned came from moments when my mom’s brave face slipped. Despite her composed demeanor, there were times when she would become argumentative or overbearing. In the past, I might have responded with frustration, but during her cancer journey, I realized that her actions often came from a place of fear and vulnerability. This understanding reshaped the way I approach not just her, but everyone I encounter. Now, instead of immediately finding fault in someone’s behavior, I pause to consider what personal challenges they may be facing. This shift in perspective has made me a more compassionate and empathetic person. Seeking ways to cope with my emotions and support my mom, I turned to a breast cancer support group. Joining a community of people who understood the struggles we were facing offered me a sense of comfort and connection. I took the initiative to research and join a local breast cancer foundation, where peer discussions allowed me to share my thoughts and hear stories from others working toward the same goal of healing and mutual support. These moments not only provided solace but also gave me tools to process my emotions and learn how to better support my mom. Yoga also became an essential outlet for coping. It offered me a quiet space to find peace and release the tension that came with the uncertainty of her diagnosis. Through this practice, I learned to manage my emotions and remain present, which was essential in being the strong, calm presence my mom needed. My mom’s cancer journey has profoundly shaped who I am. It taught me bravery in the face of adversity, the importance of compassion over judgment, and the value of seeking support during difficult times. Most of all, it deepened my appreciation for life’s fragility and the strength of human resilience. My mom’s cancer diagnosis has been a challenge, but it also became a powerful lesson in love, empathy, and the opportunity to develop as a person through hardship. Most importantly, it has deepened my appreciation for life and helped me approach challenges with greater strength and compassion.