Being a first-generation college student graduate is a great accomplishment that one has to be proud of! According to me, it does not only show the effort put in but also going milestone to break the barriers that could not be broken before and paving way for other members of the family. I am the first one in my family to attain a college degree, I have had so many barriers and challenges that not many people have faced. Despite the challenges, I chose to sore higher and stir up. Being on this journey has not only made me my aspirations be on another level but also helped in my growth. As a girl raised by my mom and my grandmother from a low-income family who did not go beyond middle school, they did not have any experience to guide me through school life. However, they believed in me and dedicated themselves to help me pursue my studies. It was not easy for them, but they tried. Seeing them struggle every day to keep me in school really motivated me. I involved myself in organizations in school for students which gave me the opportunity to meet with other ambitious students who motivated me too. We shared our struggles and encouraged each other to break the barriers in our families. I connected with mentors from a mentorship that I joined, which not only contributed positively to my academic journey through academic support but also served as a platform to share my challenges and got comfort from the mentors which helped me realize the importance of seeking help when we need it. The mentorship program was so empowering. I am currently at Southwest to continue my education, and I am a peer mentor. I mentor my fellow students an experience which has made me realize that education is not just an achievement but a responsibility in a community. Helping my fellow students navigate through their academic journey has made me realize the importance of advocating and providing guidance to students. Providing guidance to my fellow students fills my heart. I am actually considering taking education somewhere along the line in future so I can give students the guidance needed. Being where I am, I sit down and reflect where I have come from, I must say it has been quite a journey, which is quite a testimony. The effort, the dedication and the sacrifices I have made to get here says it all. Both my personal and academic life have shaped and molded me greatly laying a big foundation for my future. In conclusion, being a first-generation college graduate comes with a lot of sacrifices and dedication including overcoming challenges and one can emerge from the challenges by engaging in activities which contributes a lot to one's success. Because the contributed a lot towards several skills like communication which helped me network with various people. As I look forward to graduate from y current college, I hold dear the lessons and the networks I have established. Helping others as a peer mentor has established a strong desire to help more people now and in future. It is just a start for me as at now and I look forward to making a positive change not just regionally me but worldwide.

One Black woman who has deeply inspired me is Maya Angelou. Her resilience, wisdom, and unwavering spirit have left a lasting impact on me. Maya Angelou's ability to overcome adversity, find her voice, and use her words to inspire and empower others is truly remarkable. She taught me the power of storytelling, the importance of resilience, and the value of using my voice to advocate for change. In order for me to channel Maya Angelou's inspiration into my own journey towards achieving my goals, I have embraced the idea of fearlessly pursuing my passions and dreams. Just like Maya Angelou faced challenges head-on and emerged stronger, I strive to approach obstacles with courage and determination. I draw strength from her words and experiences, using them as a guiding light to navigate through challenges and setbacks. Furthermore, I aim to embody Maya Angelou's spirit of compassion and empathy in all my endeavors. By embracing diversity, promoting inclusivity, and advocating for social justice, I hope to honor her legacy and contribute to creating a more equitable and compassionate world. In essence, Maya Angelou's life and work serve as a constant reminder to me that resilience, empathy, and the power of words can drive positive change. I carry her inspiration with me as I pursue my goals, knowing that her legacy continues to guide and empower me on my journey. I strive to embody Maya Angelou's spirit in several ways: Maya Angelou, was resilient. With this type of character from Maya, I aim to face challenges with resilience and grace. I understand that setbacks are a natural part of life, and I strive to overcome them with determination and perseverance. Maya Angelou was also known for her empathy and compassion towards others. With this trait I will emulate her ability to connect with people from all walks of life, to listen with an open heart, and to offer support and understanding whenever needed. She was an advocate. She used her voice to advocate for social justice and equality. I am committed to speaking up for those who are marginalized or oppressed, and to actively working towards creating a more just and inclusive society. Building a better future: Advocacy for social justice and equality is about creating a better future for current and future generations. By advocating for positive social change, we can contribute to building a more sustainable, peaceful, and compassionate world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Because advocacy for social justice and equality is a moral imperative that calls upon individuals and communities to stand up against injustice, promote equality, and work towards a more just and inclusive society for all. Overall, advocacy for social justice plays a vital role in challenging discrimination by raising awareness, advocating for policy change, empowering marginalized communities, promoting diversity and inclusion, and holding institutions accountable for discriminatory practices. By addressing discrimination at its root causes and working towards systemic change, advocates strive to create a more just and equitable society for all. Maya Angelou was a prolific writer and artist who used her creativity to inspire and uplift others. I strive to tap into my own creativity to express myself, share my ideas, and connect with people in meaningful ways. Maya Angelou's journey of self-discovery and personal growth serves as a reminder to me to constantly strive for self-improvement and to embrace new opportunities for learning and development. By embodying these qualities inspired by Maya Angelou, I aim to make a positive impact on the world around me and to honor her legacy through my actions and words. I want to leave a legacy.