Starting off, I have something to say.I've been told I'm too outspoken or “ghetto” Everything I do is loud, wrong and dangerous. As you may have guessed it, Yes, I attended a Pwi,not because I chose to but because I had to. That's a story for a different day. I attended what is now called Cal Poly Humboldt, and on that campus “all voices matter”until somebody like me has something to say. On that campus we didn't have a safe space or so I thought so I dealt with a horrible mixed race roommate who used her “white passing” privilege every chance she got. She even pushed me into a hot stove because of a lie someone said and when I went to report it my words were switched around and I was literally told “you are the aggressor, she is the victim”. Everything I said was documented but later was deleted by faculty and staff to prove that she was in the right and me needing help was wrong. Freedom of speech you see in America is just an amendment written on paper to show proof that it's there,but being a black student, not just attending a PWI but living in America, freedom is not such a thing. I decided to bring back the BSU, The Black Student Union, a safe space for my fellow peers to speak as they please and be heard! The BSU gives our voices a sense of power, and since they want to be like us and be a part of our culture until it's time. While we have their attention with our free food, activities,etc.I also created random days where I would host random pop up events as well as host little Black trivia nights, kahoot nights, movie nights, listening parties, I even took it as far as creating a Jackpot. A jackpot is an institutional funding pot that students can either is used for the student body to promote events that they want to host for the community to get a sense of togetherness. I started this thing called the Annual BSU Cookout, although it's something that we do in our black community i wanted something for us as people to have a legacy to have and enjoy. I got sponsors to fund us, as well as let the local black owned businesses cater the food as well as table to promote themselves. They stereotype me as a threat when really I'm just a human trying to make it out the ways my mother and many others couldn't.I fell into depression because I felt I wasn't heard. I feel like this scholarship if i were to receive it would help me more be intune with my mental health. I would use the funds to help me with financial relief when it comes to paying my rent and utilities on time as well as attending classes regularly. It's really hard and struggling trying to do both while still being successful and not lose myself within. I would also use it towards my textbooks, and affordable living essentials that are needed. My long term use would be that I could use these funds to help me continue on with my degree and graduating on time being that my fafsa is running out. I am extremely grateful to have been able to receive the opportunity to apply for this scholarship due to my hardships that I have overcome and will continue to strive for. I just want to make an impact on myself the way I do for my community.

Losing a parent at a young age is a profound experience that reshapes every aspect of one's life. I know this all too well, as I lost my father.The impact of his absence was immediate and profound, sending shockwaves through my family and leaving us grappling with emotions we were ill-prepared to face. In the aftermath of his passing, our family dynamic shifted dramatically. My siblings burdened with the weight of grief and responsibility, struggled to provide the stability and support we so desperately needed being that my mother struggled and i was left to my siblings to take care of me. Financial insecurity loomed over us like a dark cloud, casting a shadow of uncertainty over our future. Suddenly, the world seemed like a much harsher and more unforgiving place, and I felt utterly adrift in its vastness. Amidst the chaos and turmoil, one thing remained constant – the transformative power of education. Even in my darkest moments, school became a refuge, a sanctuary where I could temporarily escape the pain and turmoil of my home life. It was there that I found solace in the comforting embrace of my teachers, who became beacons of light in an otherwise dimly lit world. Their unwavering belief in me, their dedication to my growth and well-being, gave me hope when all seemed lost. They saw potential in me that I couldn't see in myself, and their encouragement pushed me to strive for excellence even in the face of adversity. In their classrooms, I found not only knowledge but also healing – a safe space where I could process my emotions, express myself freely, and begin to rebuild my shattered confidence. It was through the guidance and support of these remarkable educators that I discovered my passion for teaching. Their empathy, compassion, and commitment to making a difference inspired me to follow in their footsteps and become a source of light and hope for others. I realized that I wanted to be the kind of teacher who could make a difference in the lives of students facing similar struggles, who could provide the same sense of comfort and encouragement that had been given to me. Choosing to pursue a career as a teacher is not just a career choice for me; it's a deeply personal calling. It's about honoring the legacy of those who helped me through my darkest days, about paying their kindness forward to the next generation of students who need it most. It's about creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. In becoming a teacher, I hope to be a beacon of light for others, guiding them through the storms of life with empathy, compassion, and unwavering belief in their abilities.

Losing a parent at a young age is a profound experience that reshapes every aspect of one's life. I know this all too well, as I lost my father when I was 16 years old. The impact of his absence was immediate and profound, sending shockwaves through my family and leaving us grappling with emotions we were ill-prepared to face. In the aftermath of his passing, our family dynamic shifted dramatically. My siblings burdened with the weight of grief and responsibility, struggled to provide the stability and support I so desperately needed being as my mother struggled as well so i was sent to live with my sister who herself was just a kid only 21 years old. Financial insecurity loomed over us like a dark cloud, casting a shadow of uncertainty over our future. Suddenly, the world seemed like a much harsher and more unforgiving place, and I felt utterly adrift in its vastness. Amidst the chaos and turmoil, one thing remained constant – the transformative power of education. Even in my darkest moments, school became a refuge, a sanctuary where I could temporarily escape the pain and turmoil of my home life. It was there that I found solace in the comforting embrace of my teachers, who became beacons of light in an otherwise dimly lit world. Their unwavering belief in me, their dedication to my growth and well-being, gave me hope when all seemed lost. They saw potential in me that I couldn't see in myself, and their encouragement pushed me to strive for excellence even in the face of adversity. In their classrooms, I found not only knowledge but also healing – a safe space where I could process my emotions, express myself freely, and begin to rebuild my shattered confidence. It was through the guidance and support of these remarkable educators that I discovered my passion for teaching. Their empathy, compassion, and commitment to making a difference inspired me to follow in their footsteps and become a source of light and hope for others. I realized that I wanted to be the kind of teacher who could make a difference in the lives of students facing similar struggles, who could provide the same sense of comfort and encouragement that had been given to me. Choosing to pursue a career as a teacher is not just a career choice for me; it's a deeply personal calling. It's about honoring the legacy of those who helped me through my darkest days, about paying their kindness forward to the next generation of students who need it most. It's about creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. In becoming a teacher, I hope to be a beacon of light for others, guiding them through the storms of life with empathy, compassion, and unwavering belief in their abilities.

"The Odyssey" by Homer: "As the sun set and the darkness swept down, he rose from the bench and led me to the dim recesses of the hall, where we sat side by side and reveled in the stories of heroes and gods. The flickering flames cast dancing shadows on the walls, and the air was filled with the enchanting scent of ancient scrolls. In that timeless moment, surrounded by the echoes of epic tales, I felt the weight of centuries lift, and my soul was transported to a world where the boundaries of reality and myth seamlessly intertwined." The excerpt from "The Odyssey" by Homer paints a vivid tableau of an intimate moment, enveloped in the mystical ambiance of an ancient hall. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the protagonist and his companion were led into the dim recesses, where the flickering flames cast dancing shadows on the walls. The air resonated with the enchanting scent of ancient scrolls, and in that timeless juncture, the boundaries of reality and myth seamlessly intertwined. The setting described seems to transcend the physicality of a mere space; it becomes a portal to a world where the echoes of epic tales hold sway. The act of sitting side by side, reveling in stories of heroes and gods, speaks to a communion with the past—a connection to narratives that have transcended centuries. The flickering flames, with their dancing shadows, become metaphors for the elusive nature of myth, where truths are obscured yet revealed in the interplay of light and dark. The mention of the enchanting scent of ancient scrolls adds a sensory layer to the experience, evoking the tangible history embedded within those rolled manuscripts. It is as if the very aroma carries the essence of ages past, infusing the air with the wisdom and sagas of bygone eras. In my interpretation, this paragraph captures the essence of the timeless allure of ancient narratives. It speaks to the transformative power of storytelling, where the boundaries between reality and myth blur, and the listener is transported into a realm where the weight of centuries lifts. It signifies a journey through time, not merely as a passive observer but as an active participant in the unfolding drama of human experience. From my perspective, this passage invites contemplation on the enduring significance of myth and storytelling. It prompts reflection on how these ancient tales, wrapped in the sensory experience of a dimly lit hall, resonate with our collective consciousness. It underscores the idea that, in the embrace of such narratives, we transcend the confines of our temporal existence and partake in a universal odyssey—a journey through the realms of imagination, wisdom, and the timeless echoes of the human saga. Diving deeper and bringing a more broader perspective ill delve into greater detail 1. Setting and Atmosphere - The mention of the sun setting and darkness descending sets the stage for an atmospheric shift, signaling a transition from day to night. - The dim recesses of the hall create an intimate and mysterious ambiance, contributing to the immersive experience. 2. Narrative Movement - The action of rising from the bench and being led to the dim recesses adds a sense of purpose and movement to the narrative, guiding the reader through the scene. 3. Shared Experience - Sitting side by side suggests a shared experience, emphasizing the communal aspect of storytelling and the connection between the characters. 4. Engagement with Stories - The characters reveling in the stories of heroes and gods underscores the significance of oral traditions and the power of storytelling in ancient cultures. 5. Visual Imagery - The flickering flames casting dancing shadows on the walls evoke visual imagery, creating a dynamic and visually captivating scene. 6. Sensory Experience - The mention of the enchanting scent of ancient scrolls adds a sensory dimension, emphasizing the tangible and historical nature of the setting. 7. Temporal Suspension - The phrase "In that timeless moment" suggests a suspension of time, highlighting the transformative power of storytelling to transport individuals beyond the constraints of their temporal reality. 8. Connection to Myth and Reality - The line "where the boundaries of reality and myth seamlessly intertwined" encapsulates the overarching theme, emphasizing the blurred lines between the tangible world and the realm of myth. 9. Personal Reflection - The narrator expressing the feeling of the weight of centuries lifting and the soul being transported signifies a personal and profound experience, suggesting a deep connection to the stories being shared. Each detail contributes to the richness of the narrative, creating a layered and immersive experience for the reader. If you have specific aspects you'd like for me to explore and further explain or if there's anything else you're curious about, feel free to let me know!

Starting, I have something to say. I've been told I'm too outspoken or “ghetto” and everything I do is unsafe and dangerous. As you may have guessed, Yes, I attend a Pwi, not because I chose to but because I had to show them that we are great in more ways than just sports. That's a story for a different day. I attend what is now called Cal Poly Humboldt, and on that campus “all voices matter” until somebody like me has something to say. On that campus we didn't have a safe space or so I thought so I dealt with a horrible mixed-race roommate who used her “white-passing” privilege every chance she got. She even pushed me into a hot stove because of a lie someone said and when I went to report it my words were switched around and I was told “You are the aggressor, she is the victim. Everything I said was documented but later deleted to prove that she was in the right and I needed help was wrong. Freedom of speech you see in America is just an amendment written on paper to show proof that it's there, but being a black student not just attending a PWI but living in America, freedom is not such a thing. It's a statement we yearn for to be true in hopes someone hears our voice. Being heard on a predominantly white campus is such a huge deal and that's why I decided to bring back our campus BSU. The Black Student Union is a safe space for my fellow peers to speak as they please and be heard. A place where they can say what they want and not feel bad about themselves or someone bringing them down because of the Aryan way these “christopher columbus” look-a-likes were taught to believe in. The BSU gives our voices a sense of power, and since they want to be like us and be a part of our culture until it's time. While we have their attention with our free food, activities, etc. We take the opportunity to let them know why this event is being hosted and what we stand for. To be able to speak at my discretion is such a power trip in many ways one can imagine. It is dear to know that on campuses your voice is heard so your spreading knowledge, resources, history, and thoughts to a future you may have not thought you could have created. Not being able to speak on campus freely is defamation of character in my eyes. They stereotype me as a threat when I'm just a human trying to make it out the ways my mother and many others couldn't. I fell into depression because I felt I wasn't heard. Knowing that someone not only can connect to me in more ways than once lets me know that freedom of speech is not only educating the ignorant but paving the way for the future.