Hello my name is Giovanni Burns I am currently going into my junior year of college, I am a 19 year old from San Diego California. For my first two years of college I spent them at a community college in San Diego called San Diego Mesa College studying business. Although I did not get my associates degree I still plan on pursuing my higher education and transferring to a university in Virginia called Bluefield University. Going to college means everything to me unlike me now and two years ago when I graduated from highschool. Unlike many of my peers which chose different routes like working, military, or just simply not doing anything, I chose to go to college mainly because I love playing football but you can’t play any sports without everything being great in the classroom. Since I was young I always knew and dreamed of going to college and making my family proud. My mothers big dream is for both of her kids to follow in her footsteps and graduate from college. With me being the oldest, I would also be the second one in my whole family to graduate with my degree in 4 years. That is a big accomplishment for me and very meaningful because everyone in my family looks up to me from my little cousins that are still in elementary school to my older God Siblings that are 25+ years older. Me finishing college helps me become the role model for my family and other people around me that I influence,and also a feeling of hope and “maybe this is possible” because seeing people you look up to or people around accomplish things that people only talk about and never do is overly exciting and “becomes the norm”. Finishing college would also allow me to continue my football dreams and play football at the collegiate level and hopefully one day in the NFL. Like I stated earlier you can't play football without school I don’t say that just to give a reason to do mediocre or “ok” in the classroom I had a 3.1 gpa and have goals of graduating with a 3.0 or hopefully a 3.5 gpa. I honestly feel as though your school work is the most important thing while going to school and being focused on becoming the best student you can. With my degree in Business I ultimately want to become an entrepreneur. I’ve always had dreams of being my own boss, I honestly do not like the thought of working for people and people being able to boss me around and tell me what to do. For now I’ve only thought of my own personal cleat business for football. But if and when after my brand takes off I would definitely add other sports and different genders to expand my brand and my message. My message to the world with my own brand and company is “BE YOU”. In today's world a lot of people like to copy, do something that someone else is doing and are unoriginal beng original and yourself in my opinion is the only way you should live because you are a 1 in 1,000,000,000 person with you own personality, talents, and strengths that make you different from another person with your name. You only have one chance at living life because you only live once and there’s not enough time to not live your own life for yourself and become whatever you want or at least take the risk trying to achieve and overcome your goals.

"God knows how much you can bare", What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger", and "Teamwork makes the Dream Work", are three of my favorite sayings. I apply these concepts to my life regularly. My mother has been my biggest supporter, challenger, and mentor. She has been able to make everything happen for my younger brother and me. Growing up in a single parent home hasn’t been easy. I spent countless days wishing I had another life. Wondering why I can’t have both parents like my peers. Why do I have to sacrifice and go with a friend because my mom has to go with my brother or has to work. However over the years, I realized that overcoming these struggles helped me develop into the strong, family centered, caring and determined young man I am today. I am by no means perfect and I am still growing daily. However, I have been able to redirect the pain, disappointment, closed doors, and obstacles into my passion and testimony to succeed and inspire others. I dreamed of playing football with my best friend. We attended various Junior College tours together and committed to the same Junior College. Everything was going according to plans, however two weeks after high school he was fatally shot. With the love, support, and encouragement of my biological and extended family I have been able to continue to pursue our dream. I was recently offered the opportunity to attend a 4 year university and play football. The journey I have been on in a God fearing single parent home has prepared me to have the faith of a mustard seed in order to cope with anything life throws at me. Once I obtain my degree, I plan to be a family man and provide my children with a two parent home. In addition, I plan to also be a dominant force in my community. I want to develop positive and supportive outlets and opportunities for young kids in similar situations as I experienced growing up. I want them to know its ok to do the unpopular thing. They need to understand that they can use every experience as an opportunity for growth. I plan to help them develop self improvements plans to conquer and prevail from their experience rather then use it for self-destruction. I will be a permanent part of their team to support their dreams like my mother has instilled in me.

Teamwork makes the Dream Work, this is one of my mother’s favorite sayings. This concept was how she was able to make everything happen for my younger brother and me. Growing up in a single parent home wasn’t easy. I spent countless days wishing I had another life. Why can’t I have both parents like my peers. Why do I have to sacrifice and go with a friend because my mom has to go with my brother. Then over the years, I realized that overcoming those struggles helped me develop into the strong, family centered, caring and determined young man I am today. I am by no means perfect and I am still growing daily. However, I have been able to redirect the pain, disappointment, closed doors and struggles into my passion and testimony to succeed and inspire others. I graduated high school, attended Junior College for two years and played football. I am 3 credits away from graduating with my AA in Business. I am currently pursuing my bachelor degree at a 4 year university while simultaneously pursuing my dream to play college football I train 5 days a week, work a part time job and help my mother pick up or drop off my little brother. I understand the importance of sacrifice, teamwork and support. I know my mom gets tired, but she never shows it. She is always there when we need her. The journey I have been on in a single parent home has prepared me to be able to cope with anything life throws at me. I am more responsible, dependable, and flexible. I value family time and working together to build on generational wealth. I am committed to becoming the man my mom has worked so hard to help me become. Once I graduate from college, I will be a family man and provide my children with a two parent home. In addition, I plan to also be a dominant force in my community. I want to develop positive and supportive outlets and opportunities for young kids in similar situations as I experienced growing up. I want them to know that they can use every experience as an opportunity to grow. I plan to help them develop self improvements plans to conquer and prevail from their experience rather then use it for self-destruction. I will be a part of their team to support their dreams like my mother dud for me.

Throughout my life, I have been supported and influenced by so many community members, teachers, family and friends, they taught me the value of performing acts of service. As a result, I am extremely passionate about doing everything I can to help another person. It only takes a small gesture of kindness to impact another person in a positive and supportive manner. You can not look at a person and immediately know their current psychological state, struggle, stress or current mind set. Some people are going through a challenging time in life, dealing with self destruction, physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial challenges and still look perfectly fine. They may very well be on the verge of a breakdown. Have you ever had a bad morning and the moment you saw your coworker welcoming smile, you immediately felt a little better. That coworker is me. I understand how a smile, positive greeting, check in or simple gesture of offering a listening ear while standing in an elevator may be just what that person needed to keep striving. I try my hardest to be that one community member that is there to offer that support. I frequently give to others in need whether it’s a dollar donation, clothing donation, friendly smile to brighten their day, or listening ear, I understand the importance of being a positive light in this harsh world. I also value and pride myself on my role as big brother, cousin, and son. I understand the importance or showing up for others especially family. I make myself available to pick up my little brother, niece or cousin after school or work. I show up to games, promotion or special events for my friends younger siblings too. I want them to know they have a friend in me. I am that friend that can be counted on for anything, anytime and all they have to do is send a text or call. I will be there. I hope the loyalty and support I show them is then passed on to others. Once I am in a financially stable career, I plan to make larger contributions to serve others. I plan to be a coach, trainer and mentor for young children. I am hopeful that my role in their lives triggers them to fell the need to also give back. Over time my small acts of community service will transcend and extend for generations to come .

I would give the world to see my best friend smile like he did when we ran the 100 yard dash our senior year of track!!! Kevin was my best friend from junior high through high school. We were destined to be best friends, we looked alike and last name had the same first four letters so we were always by each other in the yearbook , 8th grade promotion and high school graduation. We were even supposed to play Junior College football together. Unfortunately he was killed three weeks after high school graduation. My best friend was like my brother. We first met when we were 6 years old. We played against each other in the jamboree football game. Both our teams were undefeated and that season we ended in a tie. I still remember he was #40 had a bald head and was the fastest player on the field. There are so many amazing memories. In junior high school, we were two peas in a pod. We almost missed promotion playing fortnite mobile. We looked up and our whole line was gone. Then in high school , everyone thought we were really twins. We were always together. He was my right hand. Everyone was always asking us if we were really brothers and of course we always said ‘yea’. A best friend knows so much about you and is always there to support you. I remember watching his dreads grow and his confidence too. My best friend had a dynamic personality, was the most caring and loving son, nephew, brother, teammate and friend. My little brother was his little brother. He looked out for him and supported him like he was really his family too. If your fortunate like me to get a best friend like mine you’ll understand your blessing. Make sure you tell them how much you love, appreciate, and enjoy their presence. I cant tell my best friend but I can hold on to the memories and cherish the time that he was in my life. I am thankful, appreciative, and remember every time he gave me a ride even when I knew he didn’t want to. That’s what best friends do. We would have aux battles and he would play the winning song every time. I knew when he arrived because I could hear his car from down the block and that’s what I loved. My best friend and I truly made the best of our senior year in high school from the football field to track to class, I knew I could count on him. I am so thankful for every moment we shared together. My best friend brought me joy and happiness. I would give everything and a little bit more just to do our handshake again, even though I would mess up every time. I know he is in a better place now with God and heaven gained another angel. Although I can’t see him, I know he is watching over me as my Guardian Angel twin. This is why my best friend is so important to me. I hope everyone gets to have a relationship with their best friend like I did.

Augustus Walley received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery and selflessness by keeping one of his fellow soldiers alive in battle. Mr. Walley was born a slave who was freed at an early age, but still experienced oppression and racism throughout his life. He even faced oppression while serving as a Buffalo Soldier. However he did not allow those unfortunate circumstances to define him. When one of the soldiers was unable to escape, he used his horse riding skills to help the severely wounded soldiers get to safety. As a result , he was a pillar in showing how strong, dedicated and loyal an African American soldier really was. Mr. Walley’s efforts were also a pillar in the fight for Civil Rights. When he was a soldier, he was viewed by society and the Country as second class and less than his fellow white soldiers. However, he did not internalize these views nor did he allow them to affect his role or commitment to his duty to serve. As a result, he was recognized not only by the United States but also by the State of Maryland. He received the Congressional Medal of Honor and The Maryland Museum of Military History dedicated a room in Augustus Walley’s honor as a 19th Century Buffalo Soldier. We can learn a lot from Mr. Walley’s life, efforts, and commitment to duty. From his life we can learn that despite facing discrimination we must continue to be strong. In fact, even 140 year after he rescued a fallen soldier, African American's are still facing discrimination, unjust treatment and violent acts by the people who are supposed to protect and serve them. We can learn not to allow adversity or discrimination to change our hearts or commitment. From his efforts we can learn to always act in kindness and help others in need. Despite not being very well off, I always offer to help others in need. From his commitment to duty, we can learn that no matter how challenging a situation maybe, we need to remain dedicated to the process and the fight so that we can learn from the experience. We can learn to be strong enough to face and overcome adversity. You can also learn how to fight and continue to keep on pushing through what ever your going through while it looks and feels like all odds are going against you and not in your favor. If you keep your head high, you will overcome and prevail. From his journey we can learn that there is no such thing as impossible and if you put your mind to it any and everything can be possible. In conclusion, I plan to use what I learned from Mr. Walley's journey in life to help mold my own journey. First, I plan to use the way he faced discrimination by staying cool, calm, collected and strong. I will not react, instead I plan to use that negative energy in a productive manner by using it as fuel to help me stay focused on my goals. Second, I plan to apply his philosophy not only in life in general but on the football field as well. As a shorter receiver, I have to work harder, in order to prove I am just as good as the taller receivers. I plan to perfect my craft, stay dedicated to the process, and be prepared to compete on all levels. Just like he did when learning to become a skilled Buffalo Soldier. I plan to be available, supportive and helpful whenever needed.

I am a loyal and caring person as a result l, I am always supporting and encouraging others to follow their dreams. I have always dreamed of playing college football. This was something me and football brothers talked about all the time. However, reality hit hard my senior year. One day a coach told me, I needed to learn to let go and realize my future was not tied to or reliant on my friends. At first, I was frustrated, am I supposed to turn my back on my brothers. The ones who have been there with me since 4th or 5th grade? How could I just stop supporting them, we are in this together. This has been something we all talked about since we were young. We planned to play high school football and then college football. How could I stop pushing towards our goals? Then it hit me, was this our goals or my goal? I had to self reflect and realize, I am only able to control and make my own goals a reality. I needed to stop focusing on we and focus on me. At first, I thought it was selfish and I wasn’t being a good friend. Then I realized that if each of us actually had the same goals it would all work out. However, whenever I tried to coordinate a training session to go run routes or develop our footwork, they never could make it. The text would either get ignored or they’d say they were busy. After a few weeks of them not training with me, I realized that I am not being selfish for wanting to perfect my trade. I am being passionate about my future and if they aren’t willing to make those sacrifices to train and condition too, then just maybe they really don’t have the same long term goal as me. It was a hard but valuable lesson that I learned, I was being loyal to a fault. I wasn’t realizing the more I was convincing my friends to do there part the further away my own destiny was getting from me. I learned that I needed to be loyal to me first and it’s OK to put yourself first .When faced with a tough decision to make, you may have to step out on faith and put your best foot forward to reach your goals. I was able to do it and you can too!!

Throughout my life, I have been supported and influenced by so many community members, teachers, family and friends, they taught me the value of performing acts of service. As a result, I am extremely passionate about doing everything I can to help another person. It only takes a small gesture of kindness to impact another person in a positive and supportive manner. You can not look at a person and immediately know their current psychological state, struggle, stress or current mind set. Some people are going through a challenging time in life, dealing with self destruction, physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial challenges and still look perfectly fine. They may very well be on the verge of a breakdown. Have you ever had a bad morning and the moment you saw your coworker welcoming smile, you immediately felt a little better. That coworker is me. I understand how a smile, positive greeting, check in or simple gesture of offering a listening ear while standing in an elevator may be just what that person needed to keep striving. I try my hardest to be that one community member that is there to offer that support. I frequently give to others in need whether it’s a dollar donation, clothing donation, friendly smile to brighten their day, or listening ear, I understand the importance of being a positive light in this harsh world. I also value and pride myself on my role as big brother, cousin, and son. I understand the importance or showing up for others especially family. I make myself available to pick up my little brother, niece or cousin after school or work. I show up to games, promotion or special events for my friends younger siblings too. I want them to know they have a friend in me. I hope the loyalty and support I show them is then passed on to people special to them. Once I am in a financially stable career, I plan to make larger contributions to serve others. I plan to be a coach, trainer and mentor for young children. I am hopeful that my role in their lives triggers them to fell the need to also give back. Over time my small acts of community service will transcend and extend for generations to come. This will be my legacy and provide others with a sense of hope while paying it forward at the same time.

If I am selected as the recipient of this scholarship, I plan to give back in many ways. I have been fortunate throughout my life, to have been supported and influenced by so many community members, teachers, family and friends. They taught me the value of giving to others just for the good of giving. As a result, I am extremely passionate about doing everything I can to help others. You can not look at a person and immediately know their current psychological state, struggle, stress or current mind set. Some people are going through a challenging time in life, dealing with self destruction, physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial challenges and still look perfectly fine. They may very well be on the verge of a breakdown. Have you ever had a bad morning and the moment you saw your coworker welcoming smile, you immediately felt a little better. That person, coworker and overall smiling face is me. I understand how a smile, positive greeting, check in or simple gesture of offering a listening ear while standing in an elevator may be just what that person needed to keep striving. I try my hardest to be that one community member that is there to offer that support. I frequently give to others in need whether it’s a dollar donation, clothing donation, friendly smile to brighten their day, or listening ear, I understand the importance of being a positive light in this harsh world. Once I am in a financially stable career, I plan to make larger contributions to serve others. I plan to be a coach, trainer and mentor for young children. I am hopeful that my role in their lives triggers them to feel the need to also give back. Over time my small acts of community service will transcend and extend for generations to come .

In my sophomore year, I broke my foot and ended my season with 5 weeks left in the season. Although, I was unable to physically contribute I was able to use my leadership skills to not only help my teammates but support the team with competing. At that time, I realized my best skill was leadership. My leadership skills are often displayed through encouragement, guidance, and support. When my teammates make a good play, I am the first one there to acknowledge their success. When my teammates, make a mistake or give up a big play, I am there to encourage them, give them guidance, and constructive criticism. As a result, my teammates look to me as a leader and will even call me for feedback or to run drills with them. My leadership skills have also been utilized in the community. I volunteer to coach and train younger athletes. Whenever there is a youth camp, I volunteer my time to support and encourage the younger kids to strive for their athletic dreams. I truly believe that it takes a strong village to develop and support each other to be successful. I want the yourth to use me as a resource to help them be better athletes, students and community members. My leadership skills are also displayed in my ability to support others in need. I truly believe in the concept, “I am my brothers keeper.” If one of my teammates need something, I am the first person they call. I usually have extra pads, socks, cleats, and even helmets in my backpack or locker. If my teammates need it and I have it, its theirs no questions asked. I believe my leadership skills have helped me be a better person, brother, son, teammate, student and community member.

I am a Gentlemen at heart. I am Influencing and smart. I am an Opportunist with a lot of fight. I am Vibrant and cant wait to shine bright. I am an Athlete waiting for my time to take flight. I am a Natural born leader. I am Nifty and eager. I am Instinctive and attentive to all concerns I am GIOVANNI Burns.

My bucket list consist of playing football in multiple states and at multiple levels. I have made good progress to date, i have played football for the last 12 years. I have been nominated for and played in all stars games in the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and now the 12th grade. I played games in California, Arizona, Las Vegas and Florida. My last high school football game will be played in the AT&T Dallas Cowboy Stadium. I am eager and excited for my future. I have been accepted into 6 different colleges. All of the colleges are in a state that I have not played. Hopefully, Ill get to also cross off playing in college, in a college bowl game, college championship game, NFL combine, NFL game and Super Bowl.

Throughout my life, I have been supported and influenced by so many community members, teachers, family and friends, they taught me the value of performing acts of service. As a result, I am extremely passionate about doing everything I can to help another person. It only takes a small gesture of kindness to impact another person in a positive and supportive manner. You can not look at a person and immediately know their current psychological state, struggle, stress or current mind set. Some people are going through a challenging time in life, dealing with self destruction, physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial challenges and still look perfectly fine. They may very well be on the verge of a breakdown. Have you ever had a bad morning and the moment you saw your coworker welcoming smile, you immediately felt a little better. That coworker is me. I understand how a smile, positive greeting, check in or simple gesture of offering a listening ear while standing in an elevator may be just what that person needed to keep striving. I try my hardest to be that one community member that is there to offer that support. I frequently give to others in need whether it’s a dollar donation, clothing donation, friendly smile to brighten their day, or listening ear, I understand the importance of being a positive light in this harsh world. Once I am in a financially stable career, I plan to make larger contributions to serve others. I plan to be a coach, trainer and mentor for young children. I am hopeful that my role in their lives triggers them to fell the need to also give back. Over time my small acts of community service will transcend and extend for generations to come.

My family is truly the definition of diverse. My younger brother is light skin with curly hair. My mom and I are both dark skin with kinky hair. One of my cousins is full blood Indian. I have been blessed with no color lines in my family and growing up. Although my mother has taught me about social profiling and how to always carry myself especially in light of the Black Lives Matter epidemic. Imagine my world changing when I realized the color of my skin could cost me my life. How is this possible? I am not a threat because I’m dark skin with kinky hair. However, this has been the cause of the demise of many people who look like me. I have not experienced injustice first hand. I have gotten frightened when driving and a police officer gets behind me. I can only imagine the intense fear and feelings of the people who have faced injustice. I will not allow the world challenges with equality and diversity to change me. In fact, I plan to face diversity and equality directly. I will make an impact by always being kind. I speak to people in the grocery store. If a stranger strikes a conversation with me I take time to listen. I am always positive and upbeat offering a warm and welcoming smile. I will make an impact by showing everyone that there are still good and caring people of all colors in this world. I hope that my energy will impact others to do the same.

I plan to make a positive impact on the world by giving back to the youth. Although, I was raised in a single parent home, I was fortunate to have had a supportive mother, youth coaches, elementary school teachers, and family friends who have supported me and my family. I was able to play sports since I was four years old. I remember having sleep overs and doing activities with my teammates that helped me develop strong friendships and life-long relationships. However, I have seen other kids who have never had any of these experiences. Some kids have been abused by their parents, abandoned, and just struggled to live. I want to be able to provide kids with a positive outlet where they feel safe, can be involved in sports, be a kid and develop positive childhood memories. I want them to know they can overcome any life experience. I want to be the one person that provides those children with a turning point to help them develop a desire to give back. Ultimately, my small gesture of support will extend over generations to come, resulting in a long term impact in the world.

Giving is important to me because I know there are people who don’t have as much as I do would and would give everything to switch lives just for 1 day. I also like the feeling of making someone’s day and making someone happy by surprising them and giving them anything. Usually when I am at stores and the cashier asks me to put a couple extra dollars or can they keep my change for children in Rady Hospitals or kids who don’t have as much I let them cashier take a couple extra dollars. When I am with my little brothers football team I try and help to be the best mentor I can and try to give the best advice I can for on and off the field so they can become better people.

In my Opinion confidence to me is bordering on the line of cockiness but you know that you can do anything you put your minds too and that you are the best in what ever you do. I am working on my confidence by asking more random questions when I take college visits and talking to strangers more because your not going to be with people you know your whole life. I have also started to make new friends at school and ask the teachers for help whenever I feel I can not finish the problems with my group or by myself.

Life is like a camera. Focus on what’s important. Capture the good times. And if things don’t work out, just take another shot. Ziad K. Abdelnour, Throughout my 16 years of life, I have had many opportunities to reflect on what’s important, refocus and take another shot academically, in Sports, and in life. I believe that each of these life lessons have helped me become a stronger more capable and hard working young man. In school, I challenged myself in Math. As junior I took Pre-Calculus and not only did I pass the class I passed with an A both semesters. Therefore, in senior year I decided to challenge myself even further by taking AP Calculus. This has by far been one of the most difficult classes I have ever taken. However, I am using all the available resources to help me focus in order to take my best shot at pulling off an A. In Sports I have had to clean my lens a few times more recently due to COVID and getting a new head coach in football things have been a roller coaster of ups and downs, twist and turns. All of these obstacles have helped me develop as an athlete. I have had to focus on building my Football IQ by studying film, developing my skills by training and learning the new coaches playbook. All of these opportunities have helped me develop as an athlete. In my family, my focus has been set on being the first male to graduate from college. This will be a huge accomplishment for me and my family. I will be a role model and someone for my younger siblings to look up to and try to be like. I am excited about this opportunity to make history for both my maternal and paternal family. My goal is to help them see that anything is possible when you focus and stay dedicated. In summary, just like you can do with a camera, when a adversity, life challenges, stigma, or anything comes up it is an opportunity to refocus and take another shot, again, and again, and again until you get it right.

Hard work, dedication, and commitment the three pillars needed to achieve your dreams!! I am Giovanni Burns, a senior student athlete attending Grossmont High school. My dream is to play college football on Saturday and professionally on Sundays. To achieve these dreams I need to go to college. I want to be the first male in my immediate family to attend and graduate from college. This will allow me to be a role model and someone to look up to for my younger siblings. It would allow me to make history in my family and encourage the other males in my family to go to college. It would also give me an opportunity to play football in college. I have been playing football since I was 5 years old. I have always dreamed about playing in college. Playing football has been my passion. I have dynamic field vision and am really good at coaching others up. I have volunteered as a trainer and assistant coach to help younger athletes improve their football IQ. This is how I give back. Once I able, I plan to continue to give back by coaching and training youth to help develop and support their passion for the game. Thank you for the opportunity and I am hopeful I will be chosen to receive this scholarship

My #Back2SchoolBold moment was inspired by my #lastfirstday of school. It's senior year and I'm 10 months away from reaching my first big transition from youth to adult. Growing up we all say "I can't wait until I'm an adult!" Part of me really feels excited for that transition the other part of me is a little scared. However, I am going to make the best of this year academically, and athletically. Me and my teammates have waited 4 years for this. We will make this the best #Back2SchoolBold moments ever.

Sacrifice Now Enjoy Later!!!!! Have you ever heard this phrase? Well this is the one phrase that stood out to me when I took a Financial Literacy Skills module in 2020. The moral of this phrase has a powerful message that many times people fail to take heed to. However, if you actually follow this advice you will realize your true full financial potential. A small sacrifice now, will allow you to enjoy more later. I was told that I should sacrifice by saving 55% of any money I receive first. This technique will allow me to always be prepared for a financial emergency and will prevent me from going into debt. I have to be disciplined and mindful of the difference between a need and a want. I need to only purchase things that I need in the beginning. Overtime, and as I build my financial wealth and knowledge, I will be able to purchase some things that I want without compromising my financial status. Once I retire, I should have built a solid financial foundation which I plan to pass this down to my own children to teach them early that they need to “Sacrifice now so they can enjoy all of it later!” Basically, the most helpful financial advice I’ve received requires me to be disciplined, dedicated and committed, which is not only good for your financial success, but good for all life ambitions.