As a first generation student raised by a single mother my journey has been shaped by perseverance, community and a deep sense of responsibility to help others. My mother has always worked hard to provide for us, often juggling multiple jobs to keep our household running. Despite her sacrifices, we have often faced financial hardship. Now as I prepare to enter college, I carry both pride in how far we've come and a need for financial support to continue moving forward. Receiving help through scholarship would relive some of the burden on my family and allow me to focus on becoming the first in family to earn a college degree. Throughout high school, i've it a priority to stay connected to my community through consistent volunteer work. I've been volunteering at St. Mark's church since 2021, where I help sort and organize donated clothing for the church's thrift store. I also assist in maintaining the church grounds by helping with light repairs and keeping the space clean and welcoming. These weekly efforts have taught me the value of service and how community care starts with the small, everyday things we can do help others. During the holiday season, I serve as volunteer for the Prey thanksgiving Food drive in Berwyn heights, Maryland. Each year, I help collect, pack and distribute food and gifts to families in need. This experience has been especially meaning to me because I know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of support. Being able to giveback and see the smiles on people's face's reminds me why I serve its about lifting others when the need it most. In addition to my volunteer work, i've taken on leadership roles at school that have allowed me to support and protect my peers. As a student ambassador and 12th grade class representative, I advocate for student needs, promote inclusion, and help create a welcoming school culture. I also serve as a writing center tutor, where I support students academically and emotionally, those who may struggle with confidence or feel left behind. These roles have helped me build trust with my peers and become someone others feel comfortable to for help. I believe that protecting the youth both in person and online starts with creating environments where they feel safe, respected and heard. As someone active in clubs like the Black student union and national honor society, i've worked to foster positive spaces where students of all backgrounds can feel included and supported. I also use my leadership positions to speak out against bullying and encourage respectful dialogue. While i'm not a formal counselor, I always make it clear to my peers that I am here to listen, to stand up for them, and to direct they to the right resources if they need help. In the future I hope to pursue a degree in nursing, with the goal of becoming a labor and delivery nurse, I plan ti carry these values with me. I want to be a compassionate caregiver, a strong advocate for women and children, and a Leader who continues to serve and protect others in every stage of life. Community involvement isn't just something I do its who I am.

Growing up as the child of a single mother has shaped me in every part of who I am today- my work ethic, resilience and my commitment to achieving more than what our circumstances predicted. My mother has worked tiredly to support our family often juggling multiple jobs just to keep the lights on. There were times where paying for swim fees meant sacrifices had to be made in other areas. I am determined to not only make her sacrifices worth it but also break the barriers as a first generation college student. Since the age of four I've found peace and discipline in the water. Being on the swim team all these years has been my safe space. a place where i've learned endurance, commitment and how to push forward even when it hurts. Swimming taught me how to balance early mornings weekend meets and demanding AP courses, like Biology, English Language, and Precalculus. Ive carried that same discipline outside the pool into my academic and personal life. Balancing theses with work volunteer commitments hasn't been easy but it's helped me become adaptable and determined. Outside of school I work as a Lifeguard, where i'm responsible for keeping swimmers safe. performing emergency procedures when needed, and maintaining a welcoming environment for all guests. Ive also dedicate my time to volunteering at St. Marks Church, helping organize donated clothes and maintaining the church grounds, and I participate in a holiday food drive to support local families in need. These experiences have deepened my sense of community and leadership. I'm also proud to be active in organizations like the Black Student Union, Student Government Association, National Honor Society, and more. As a Student Ambassador and 12th Grade Class Representative, I work hard to support my peers and represent my school positively. I also serve as a writing center tutor helping other students strengthen their academic skills. This scholarship would help lift some of the financial pressure off of my mom and allow me to focus fully on my studies and goals. It would be a step closer to fulfilling the dreams my mother and I have fought for earning a college degree and creating a future filled with opportunity. I want to continue to rise above the challenges that have shaped me and use my education to uplift other as well. I plan to become a labor and delivery nurse, a role where I can support women and families during one of the most important times in their lives. It's a career that reflects my passion for care, strength, and community and this scholarship would make it possible.

My passion for extracurricular activities stems from wanting to serve, connect and grow alongside others. Volunteering and participating in school activities has not only shaped who I am but has also allowed me to make a meaningful impact on my community. As a volunteer at St Marks church since 2021 I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the dehind the scenes work that keeps the community strong. Sorting and organizing donated clothes for the thrift store has taught me to pay attention to detail as well as the importante of giving. Clean well presented clothing can bring confidence to someone in need. Helping building maintenance and collaborating with fellow volunteers taught me how shared responsibility strengthens community bonds. Everytime we meet our goals whether in organization donations or keeping the crunch grounds clear I’m reminded that even small acts of service contribute to a larger mission. During the annual holiday food and clothes drive in Berwyn heights I experienced first hand how coordinated action can uplift the community. From collect collecting donations to packaging food and gifts, i’ve had the privilege of bringing joy to families during difficult seasons. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know something as simple as packaging a meal or wrapping a gift can bring so much hope. Working alongside other volunteers was also sharpen my logistical communication skills, which are essential tools for creating a lasting impact. My role as a student ambassador at College Park Academy has allowed me to extend that spirit of service within my school.Representing the school at events, welcoming prospective students and their families, and supporting staff during major functions have deepened my leadership and public speaking skills. More importantly it’s giving me a chance to support students at a critical transition time in their academic career. I remember how uncomfortable new environment could be, and I strive to make others you’re welcome and confident. In addition to my volunteer rules, I’m a part of organizations that reflect values and interest. Through clubs like ASA, BSU, SGA, LNU, and NHS, I’ve embraced leadership opportunities and worked to amplify student voices from diverse backgrounds. As a 12th grade class representative I advocate for my peers and help plan events that build school spirit and unity. Being a Writing Center Tutor allows me to mentor fellow students academically, and as Basketball Team Manager, I’ve taken on behind-the-scenes leadership that supports team success through careful planning and dedication. Which of these activities have taught me something valuable how to lead with empathy, how to work effectively in a team, and how to solve problems with creativity and care. But more than that, they’ve shown me that community isn’t something we passively belong to—it’s something we actively build. Whether through service, leadership, or support, I aim to contribute positively wherever I go. I’m passionate about these extracurricular experiences because they’ve allowed me to uplift others while becoming a better version of myself. They remind me that impact doesn’t always come from grand gestures; it often comes from showing up consistently, listening carefully, and doing the work with heart.