When I was little, I used to dream about college the way some kids dream about adventure—like it was a distant, exciting place I wasn’t quite sure how to reach. As I grew older, that dream became more real, but so did the obstacles standing in my way. Losing my father in eighth grade changed everything. My mom became our family’s sole provider, and finances were always tight. College was never a guarantee—it was something I would have to fight for. But instead of letting that discourage me, it motivated me. As a first-generation, low-income student, I’ve had to navigate my education largely on my own. There were no family members to guide me through FAFSA applications, no older siblings to explain how to balance school and work. I had to figure it out step by step, asking questions, seeking mentors, and learning through trial and error. While some of my classmates worried about what to pack for their dorms, I was figuring out how to afford my textbooks. But these challenges have only made me stronger. They’ve taught me resilience, problem-solving, and the power of persistence. Despite the struggles, I’ve never lost sight of my goals. To me, earning a college degree isn’t just about personal success—it’s about changing the trajectory of my life and my family’s future. Education is my way of breaking the cycle of financial hardship, of proving that where you come from doesn’t have to define where you go. My goal is not just to graduate but to thrive. I want to build a career that allows me to support myself and give back to others who, like me, are working hard to turn their dreams into reality. Attending college means everything to me. It’s not just about getting a diploma; it’s about proving to myself and my family that our struggles were not in vain. It’s about honoring my father’s memory and my mother’s sacrifices. Every late-night study session, every challenge I overcome, every step I take brings me closer to a future where financial insecurity no longer holds me back. This scholarship would ease some of the financial burden that comes with higher education, allowing me to focus on my studies rather than worrying about how to afford essential materials. More than that, it would be a validation of the hard work and determination that have brought me this far. My journey has not been easy, but it has shaped me into the person I am today—determined, ambitious, and ready to take on whatever comes next. College isn’t just an opportunity for me; it’s a necessity. It’s the key to unlocking the future I’ve worked so hard for, and with this scholarship, I’ll be one step closer to making that dream a reality.

Some of my greatest memories are of sitting with my grandpa at the kitchen table, sharing stories and laughter over cups of coffee. He had this rare gift of making everyone around him feel seen and appreciated, whether it was through a warm smile or simply his attentive presence. His ability to brighten someone’s day wasn’t confined to our family—it was a part of who he was. When he passed away from cancer, I was heartbroken, but I knew I wanted to honor his legacy in a way that would carry forward the kindness and joy he brought to the world. That’s when the idea of opening a coffee shop took root in my heart. I want to create a space where people can find more than just a cup of coffee—a place where they feel a genuine sense of connection and comfort. My dream is for the shop to be a refuge from the stresses of life, a place where someone can walk in feeling heavy and leave feeling just a little lighter. But this isn’t just about a personal dream; it’s about community. Coffee shops are natural gathering places, and I want mine to serve as a hub for bringing people together. I envision hosting events that support local artists, musicians, and creators, giving them a platform to share their talents while fostering relationships among neighbors. I also want to use the business as an avenue for giving back, whether by supporting charitable causes, partnering with local nonprofits, or creating opportunities for those in need to find a sense of belonging. As a first-generation college student, I’ve worked hard to pursue an education that will help me turn this vision into reality. Business school is teaching me more than just financial planning or marketing strategies; it’s teaching me how to think creatively and lead with empathy. These lessons are equipping me with the tools to create a business that isn’t solely focused on profit but on building something that makes a difference in people’s lives. Opening a coffee shop in my grandpa’s honor is more than a career goal—it’s my way of continuing his legacy. He taught me that even the simplest gestures can make someone’s day, and I want every cup of coffee served to be a reminder of that. Whether it’s the person grabbing a quick drink on their way to work or someone lingering for conversation, my goal is to brighten their day in some way, no matter how small. By combining my education, passion, and a personal motivation, I am determined to create a space that uplifts my community. My grandpa’s memory reminds me that making an impact doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s about showing up for others with kindness and care. That’s what my coffee shop will stand for: a place where smiles are brewed daily, and everyone feels they belong.

For most of us, 24 hours is just another day—filled with work, school, or time spent with family. But for a woman escaping domestic abuse, 24 hours can mean something entirely different. It can determine whether she finds the strength to start over or feels forced to return to a cycle of fear and control. Alarmingly, this is the average amount of time it takes for a woman to go back to her abuser. This often happens not because she lacks courage, but because she lacks necessities, support, and resources to take the next step. Witnessing this harsh reality inspired me to create N24—short for “Next 24 Hours.” N24 provides “grab-and-go” style bags filled with essentials like blankets, shampoo, toothpaste, journals, and menstrual products. These bags are designed to help women meet their immediate needs while offering them a lifeline of hope during an incredibly vulnerable moment. As someone who has experienced abuse firsthand, I understand the fear and uncertainty that come with leaving an abusive environment. Instead of allowing that pain to define me, I chose to channel it into creating solutions. Through donation drives and partnerships, N24 equips women with what they need to make the next 24 hours manageable, giving them a chance to build a life free of fear. But the work of N24 is about more than just physical items. It’s about providing reassurance and showing survivors that they are not alone—that there are people who care and want to see them succeed. Every bag is a small but powerful reminder that they have the strength to take the next step. Looking ahead, I plan to grow N24 to reach even more women in need. My goal is to partner with local shelters, hospitals, and police departments to ensure these bags are readily available to any woman who takes the brave step of leaving. I also want to raise awareness about domestic abuse and advocate for systemic changes to better support survivors. For example, I hope to help influence policies that expand funding for shelter programs and provide education on recognizing the signs of abuse. My decision to start N24 came from a deeply personal place, but its impact has been far-reaching. Every woman who receives one of these bags has the opportunity to rewrite her story, and being a small part of that journey is something I will always hold close to my heart. I believe that positive change happens when we use our experiences—both good and bad—to serve others. Through N24, I’ve learned the importance of compassion, resilience, and taking action, even when the odds feel overwhelming. My hope is to inspire others to join me in this mission, whether by donating, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness. Together, we can create a world where no woman feels alone in her fight for freedom. Real change starts with small, consistent actions. For me, it’s one bag, one survivor, and one life at a time.

Faith is a profound and deeply personal aspect of one’s life that can provide guidance and a sense of purpose. For me, my Christian faith in God has been a source of strength, inspiration, and direction throughout my journey. Not only has it shaped my view of the world, but also has driven my aspirations and goals, including my dream of opening a coffee shop where every aspect revolves around Christianity and inspiration for my community. Faith, in my life, has offered me a sense of purpose and assurance that I am a part of a greater plan. My faith in God has instilled in me values of love, compassion, and service to others. It has been a source of strength during times of hardship, as well as a guiding light when I face difficult decisions. One of the most significant ways in which faith has influenced me is in my desire to help those around me. Christian teachings have emphasized the importance of loving one’s neighbor and serving the community. This has driven me to seek opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need through volunteering, acts of kindness, and offering a listening ear to anyone who needs it. One of my most cherished dreams is to open a coffee shop that is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee- it’s a place of inspiration, faith, and community. In this coffee shop, I envision every aspect revolving around Christianity, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere for people of all backgrounds to connect and be uplifted. The interior of the coffee shop will be filled with inspirational quotes and bible verses, creating an environment that encourages reflection. The menu will include not only delightful coffee and pastries but also items named after Christian themes. Music and artwork that promote faith will be incorporated into the atmosphere to uplift my guests. The coffee shop will also serve as a space for community gatherings, support groups, and events that promote faith-based discussions and outreach programs. It will also allow local artists to share their talents and spread messages of hope and faith. Furthermore, the shop will actively support charities within the community, reinforcing the belief in the importance of giving back to those in need. As I pursue my career in opening and managing this faith-based coffee shop, my faith will play a crucial role in guiding my decisions. It will serve as the foundation for the business, infusing it with the most important Christian values. The coffee shop’s commitment to community engagement, charity work, and faith-based initiatives will be a testament to my faith and belief in helping others. I will actively seek opportunities to make a positive impact in my community, just as God has inspired me to do so in my personal life. With God’s guidance, I am confident that my faith will continue continue to be a source of strength and inspiration, allowing me to fulfill my vision of bringing, faith, hope, and love to the hearts of all who enter my coffee shop’s doors.

The text, “Ode to Millennials-Gen Z” dives into the complex dynamics between the older generation, and the Millennials and Gen Z cohorts. It looks at the challenges and potential of the younger generations as they face a rapidly changing world. The main concept presented in this text is “rendezvous with destiny,” which highlights the moment one generation passes the mantle to the next. The author begins by comparing the Millenials and Gen Z to the “Greatest Generation” of the 1930s and 1940s. This allows us to look at the economic challenges faced by the younger generations, which can very closely compare to those faced by the older generation. These include low incomes, high unemployment rates, and student loans. It also looks at inequality in the health care system and the tax structure that seems to favor the older generation. Another key theme that this text presents is the generational gap in attitudes and approaches. The older generations wish that the younger generations would adopt their values and follow in their path, however, the Millenials and Gen Z have found what works best for them to navigate the world. Although this may upset the older generation, we have found that because the world is constantly changing and adapting, generations need to as well. The author sees that Millenials and Gen Z have high hopes to rise to the occasion to become “The Greatest Generation 2.0.” We, the younger generation, are portrayed as kind and eager to take on challenges, just like the older generations. The author highlights how important recognizing the unique strengths and qualities of each generation is, as they navigate their rendezvous with destiny. All in all, although the older generation may not like the idea of the Millenials and Gen Z taking over, the younger generations have had many tests of strength that they have so far overcome. We have shown great perseverance and willingness to make the world a better place. Before the older generation, there was another generation that may have not wanted them to take over, yet they kept the world going, as will we. We will become The Greatest Generation 2.0.

In life's journey, individuals often encounter obstacles that hinder their educational pursuits, such as financial challenges, health issues, or various responsibilities. For me, these challenges took the form of a personal tragedy—the loss of my father due to drug abuse. However, amid this darkness, a beacon of support emerged in the form of my grandpa, who stepped up to raise me without a second thought, playing a significant role in my educational journey. Losing a parent to addiction is a profoundly complex experience that can shatter one's world. My dad's struggles with drug abuse didn't just affect him but also had a profound impact on our family. Even amidst his struggles, he remained my closest confidant. When he could, he cheered us on and loved us with his whole heart. His absence left a void in my life, creating financial and emotional challenges. Learning to navigate a new life without him was daunting, especially concerning the continuation of my education. It wasn't just the financial aspect that was difficult, but also the diminishing determination to carry on without him witnessing my graduation. In the midst of this turmoil, my grandpa, who is incredibly loving, intelligent, and selfless, emerged as my primary source of support. Despite being well past his years of fatherhood, he recognized the importance of education and took it upon himself to instill it in me. This act laid the foundation for my educational dreams, for which I can never express enough gratitude. While my grandpa helped me through high school, he also imparted valuable life lessons. His diverse experiences in the Air Force, as a police officer, and in various jobs provided him with the knowledge to share with me that I might not have gained elsewhere. My grandpa reminded me daily that "the beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you," quoting B.B. King. This message quickly reminded me that although my dad was taken from me, I still held power over my education and future. He was always there for me, providing the opportunity to stay focused on my educational goals. I excelled academically, graduating from high school with honors, and I continue to carry that same work ethic with me in college. His guidance instilled in me the confidence and determination to overcome adversity, and I am determined never to let him down. In my educational journey, my grandpa's support served as a lifeline that transformed the darkest moments of my life into opportunities for growth and success. His love, guidance, and selfless acts not only pushed me to achieve my educational goals but also shaped me into the person I am today.

As some may know, growing up in an unstable household is hard. The constant battles with family relationships, such as a parent coming in and out of your life can be daunting, yet for me, it became a strong motivator for who I am today. Beginning when I was young, my father struggled with addiction to drugs. He used them as an out to his everyday problems. When things went wrong, he would begin using drugs again in order to create a feeling of happiness. Because of this, he was in and out of jail and unavailable as a parent to me. After he got out of jail, he did his best to be there for me as much as he could, but then would fall back into the loophole. Not only was he struggling, but he was also causing me to struggle with trust and reliability at a young age. This was a hard experience for me, but I always tried to find a way to forgive him and move on. After many years of dealing with the constant cycle, my father began to get better. He came around more often, showed up to my softball tournaments, and supported me through school. Shortly after, however, his mother passed away while he was on a trip, causing him to fall into a deep depression because he wasn’t able to be there on her final days. His depression caused him to become distant and he began to use heroin. Shortly after, he passed away from an overdose. After my father passed away, my world turned upside down. I didn’t understand how such a terrible thing could happen, but after reading and learning about mental illness, it was evident he was fighting his own battles for a long time. Before my father passed, I didn’t understand the effects of mental illness and what it truly did to a person, because I had never experienced it. Many say to surround yourself with happiness in order to achieve it, but do not realize the true effects it has on an individual. This experience in life caused me to understand it much more, and I have made sure to always check in with everyone, no matter how happy they may seem. This is an important thing for everyone to understand because the smallest difference in attitude towards others can make a huge change in one’s life. This has caused my relationships to expand and prosper because the amount of care for someone’s well-being has increased significantly since the day my father passed away. Not only has this experience changed the way I think and act towards others, but it has also given me a goal. I plan on going to college for business economics in order to open my own coffee shop after I graduate. This coffee shop will be geared towards a positive environment, with menu items named after all positive messages, bright colors, calming music, and a safe place to stay for whoever needs joy in their life. I believe that many people struggle with mental illness because they have nowhere to go, so I want to create a place for those who feel that way. I hope to create a positive impact on as many lives as I can because nobody truly did that for my father. If I am able to help one family with a loss, it will complete the goals I have set for myself.