My mom often tells me about her remorse of never pursuing education. Growing up as a woman with parents entrenched in traditional, orthodox values from a village background, her role from birth was predetermined; she was to grow up and become a domestic wife. My father on the other hand, despite being one of the most intelligent people I’ve known, never even finished middle school as my grandpa did not believe in modern education, he deemed it a waste of time– a method for brainwashing his kids. Yet, it is because of the remarkable influence of these pillars in my life – my parents who endeavored to dismantle such outdated ideologies – that I now have the privilege to pursue higher education. They’ve instilled in me the principles and tenets that pushed me to be resilient in my endeavors and academics, and for that I am eternally grateful. Growing up in Senegal, a developing country, opportunities were often scarce, especially for women. However from a young age the forces of curiosity and candor which shaped my existence began to thrive, weaving for me intellectual curiosity and a passion for education. Upon moving to the United States at the age of 10 years old I aspired to embody a standard of excellence that I believed any young girl could emulate. I quickly acquired proficiency in the English language and, due to the significant presence of Mexican immigrants in my community, I also became fluent in Spanish within the same year. This sparked an interest and passion in linguistics enabling me to speak 5 languages including french, fulani and wolof. This was a testament to my innate curiosity. Moving to the United States from Senegal at 10 was a profound challenge. Adjusting to a new culture, language, and way of life was overwhelming. Simple tasks became hurdles, and I often felt isolated and homesick. However, with time and support, I learned to adapt and appreciate the diversity of my new home, building resilience along the way. In a foreign country where linguistic and cultural barriers sometimes divide, I found resilience where intellectual curiosity prevailed. And linguistics became a bridge—a means to connect with those whose stories and perspectives differed from my own. This empowered me to foster a global perspective and has enabled me to find community and beauty in cultural diversity; to see the world for what it could be and build a new one inside of the macrocosm of our interacting universes. It's through this lens of cultural fluency that I approach my academic and extracurricular endeavors. As I matured, I came to recognize the critical need for representation, leading me to actively pursue opportunities to fill gaps where individuals like me were underrepresented. This led me to be part of prestigious programs such as the National Geographic Society and Photocamp, as well as serving as an ambassador in the Colorado Business Hall of Fame and be a key speaker in panels such as the AFRIK impact education forum, Pie network, and great education colorado. After gaining recognition from Senator Bennet, I was also honored with an invitation to the Governor's residence. Moreover I am looking forward to collaborating with the house committee on education on a bill aimed at creating a more equitable school funding in Colorado. Additionally, I've secured an internship at KPMG, one of the world's leading accounting firms, further solidifying my commitment to driving impactful change both locally and globally. After Graduation I hope to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business economics, then go to law school. I saw firsthand my parents get taken advantage of due to their limited knowledge of their rights and my community’s irrational fear and misunderstanding of the law, so I hope to be an advocate in that space. I also hope to create a non-profit foundation that will fund the education of young kids in developing countries aspiring to be a beacon of hope fostering education in regions where access to quality learning experiences is limited. Through an approach that will work systematically–sustaining their needs, through mentorship, and generating opportunities for skill development, providing them with the tools they need to break a cycle of poverty. All this In the hopes that I will amplify the voices of those often overlooked and forgotten as well as serve as a conspicuous champion for mental liberation, and success through education reform.

My mom often tells me about her remorse of never pursuing her education. Growing up as a woman with parents entrenched in traditional, orthodox values from a village background, her role from birth was predetermined; she was to grow up and become a domestic wife. This rendered her almost illiterate. My father on the other hand, despite being one of the most intelligent people I’ve known, never even finished middle school as my grandpa did not believe in modern education, he deemed it a waste of time– a method for brainwashing his kids. Yet, it is because of the remarkable influence of these pillars in my life – my parents who endeavored to dismantle such outdated ideologies – that I now have the privilege to pursue higher education. They’ve instilled in me the principles and tenets that pushed me to be resilient in my endeavors and academics, and for that I am eternally grateful. Growing up in Senegal, a developing country, opportunities were often scarce, especially for women. However from a young age the forces of curiosity and candor which shaped my existence began to thrive, weaving for me intellectual curiosity and a passion for education. Upon moving to the United States at the age of 10 years old I aspired to embody a standard of excellence that I believed any young girl could emulate. I quickly acquired proficiency in the English language and, due to the significant presence of Mexican immigrants in my community, I also became fluent in Spanish within the same year. This sparked an interest and passion in linguistics enabling me to speak 5 languages including french, fulani and wolof. This is a testament to my innate curiosity & receptivity. In a foreign country where linguistic and cultural barriers caused a divide, I found resilience where intellectual curiosity prevailed. And linguistics became a bridge—a means to connect with those whose stories and perspectives differed from my own. This empowered me to foster a global perspective and has enabled me to find community and beauty in cultural diversity; to see the world for what it could be and build a new one inside of the macrocosm of our universes and find my place in it. It's through this lens of cultural fluency that I approach my academic and extracurricular endeavors. Recognizing the critical need for representation, I actively pursued opportunities to fill gaps where individuals like me were underrepresented. This led me to work alongside world-class National Geographic Explorers and photographers, serve as an ambassador in the Colorado Business Hall of Fame, becoming the founder of a travel planning business and getting featured on CNBC cities of success. Throughout my highschool career I’ve also developed a passion for advocacy, in education , social justice and mental health, guiding me to become a member of the African leadership group, RootED, and the Denver Education Vision Project– all leading me to gain recognition from Senator Bennet. Moreover I've secured an internship at KPMG, one of the world's leading accounting firms, further solidifying my commitment to driving impactful change both locally and globally. After graduation, I plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in finance and investments, and business economics with a focus on real estate. Winning the Rose Concrete Scholarship would alleviate financial burdens, enabling me to excel in my studies and lay the groundwork for a non-profit foundation dedicated to educating children in developing countries. Inspired by my love for Senegal, this scholarship would help me give back to communities, making a lasting difference by helping others overcome the challenges I once faced.

My mom often tells me about her remorse of never pursuing education. Growing up as a woman with parents entrenched in traditional, orthodox values from a village background in Senegal, her role from birth was predetermined; she was to grow up and become a domestic wife. My father, on the other hand, despite being one of the most intelligent people I’ve known, never even finished middle school as my grandpa did not believe in modern education, deeming it a waste of time and a method for brainwashing his kids. Yet, it is because of the remarkable influence of these pillars in my life—my parents, who endeavored to dismantle such outdated ideologies—that I now have the privilege to pursue higher education. They’ve instilled in me the principles and tenets that pushed me to be resilient in my endeavors and academics, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Growing up in Senegal, a developing country, opportunities were often scarce, especially for women. However, from a young age, the forces of curiosity and candor which shaped my existence began to thrive, weaving for me an intellectual curiosity and a passion for education. Upon moving to the United States at the age of 10 years old, I aspired to embody a standard of excellence that I believed any young girl could emulate. Adjusting to a new culture, language, and way of life was overwhelming. Simple tasks became hurdles, and I often felt isolated and homesick. With time and support, I learned to adapt and appreciate the diversity of my new home, building resilience along the way. I quickly acquired proficiency in the English language and, due to the significant presence of Mexican immigrants in my community, I also became fluent in Spanish within the same year. This sparked an interest and passion in linguistics, enabling me to speak five languages. This was a testament to my innate curiosity and receptivity. Ina foreign country where linguistic and cultural barriers sometimes divide, I found resilience where intellectual curiosity prevailed. Linguistics became a bridge—a means to connect with those whose stories and perspectives differed from my own. This empowered me to foster a global perspective and enabled me to find community and beauty in cultural diversity; to see the world for what it could be and build new one inside of the macrocosm of our interacting universes. It's through this lens of cultural fluency that I approach my academic and extracurricular endeavors. Recognizing the need for representation, I actively pursued opportunities to fill gaps where individuals like me were underrepresented. This led me to work alongside National Geographic Explorers, serve as an ambassador in Colorado Business Hall of Fame, , and get featured on CNBC Cities of Success. Throughout my high school career, I’ve also developed a passion for advocacy in education, social justice, and mental health, guiding me to become a member of the African Leadership Group,RootED, and the Denver Education Vision Project.Moreover, I’ve secured an internship at KPMG, one of the world's leading accounting firms, further solidifying my commitment to driving impactful change both locally and globally. After graduation, I hope to pursue a bachelor’s degree in finance and investments, and business economics with a focus on real estate. I also hope to create a non-profit foundation that will fund the education of young kids in developing countries, aspiring to be a beacon of hope fostering education in regions where access to quality learning experiences is limited. My love for Senegal and the profound impact it has had on my journey motivates me to give back and help others overcome the challenges I once faced.

“You’re so eloquent and well spoken I hope you get into congress one day and I hope I live long enough to see it” a sweet lady once told me at a Great Education Colorado event; was the most memorable compliment I was given. Not because of the magnitude collocated with congressional powers, rather the fact that she believed my words were impactful and worthy of her life being lengthened, so she could see me achieve great success. I had served as a panelist amongst policymakers, education executives, and state board members, all eager for my perspective as a Denver Public School student. Understanding the importance of representation I recognized the power of my words in that moment. Despite growing up with fluency in four languages, I wasn't eloquent nor confident. Throughout my life I remember wanting to bleach my skin as I linked success with lighter skin or white, both of which I wasn’t. Growing up In Senegal bleaching your skin was a societal norm that wasn't entirely shunned upon despite health concerns or even the ethics linked with such practice. However the answer was simple: fit this standard and success will follow. This in my later journeys of introspection and self discovery, I learned was wrong. I realized I had to embark on a journey of unleashing oppressive shackles that held me back, and unlearning detrimental doctrines that to my naive perceptions seemed ideal. I began to learn that real education, one that fosters systematic change, is the initial step towards liberation, and a passport to real success as It awakens one from cognitive slumber and serves as a compass of navigation for life. After this long journey, my passion for political change in my community through education reform ignited. Through impactful fellowships like the Denver Education Vision Project and an internship with RootED both championing for education reform, I began to embody a consciousness that allowed me to finally thrive. Leading me to presidential and immersive roles in the National Honor Society, student government, and mentorship service to youth in my community. That along with the encouraging comments from the lady, I developed a keen interest in Congress, political science and social and education policy; In the hopes that I will amplify the voices of those often overlooked in critical spaces and serve as a conspicuous champion for mental liberation through education reform. After graduation I hope to pursue higher education in the fields of law and business economics. Due to my parents lack of education and limited opportunities, growing up they’ve instilled in me the importance of pursuing higher education. Seeing them struggle with legal paperworks as well as being taken advantage of and looked down upon due to their shortcomings I made it a goal of mine to be the person they didn't have the opportunity to be. Understanding the transformative power of education I hope to create a nonprofit organization specifically tailored for young children in developing countries. I hope this to be a beacon of hope fostering education in regions where access to quality learning experiences is limited. I want to empower the next generation and implement an approach that will work systematically–sustaining their needs, through mentorship, and generating opportunities for skill development, providing them with the tools they need to break a cycle of poverty and unlock their full potential, giving them opportunities my parents were not given.

The imaginative and creative forces of curiosity and candor which shaped my existence began to thrive, in my young adult life, through the principles and values of service, advocacy and education. As a muslim we’re taught from a young age to follow the islamic principles of being good, through service and through the pursuit of knowledge. These enabled me to see the world for what it could be and has allowed me to build a new world inside of the macrocosm of our universes and find my place in it. Growing up in a third world country I saw firsthand the importance of service generated by compassionate communities of diverse individuals who struggled to make it day to day. Despite grappling with poverty, I believe that many of them were among the happiest individuals. As I grew older I became more and more appreciative of that mindset of service, that served as a pillar of strength to my community. This mindset I believe is the innate equipment that is the basis for further development. In Aristotle's words “what is the essence of life: to serve others and do good” to find purpose and meaning through service that is gratifying, enlightening and fulfilling. Thus why throughout my highschool career I've learned to embody a mindset of service— through heavy involvement with community and advocacy based initiatives. By working with the Denver-Education-Vision project, and reshaping education in DPS I’ve learned the importance of a community and the importance of fostering new relationships. Through my internship with RootED— a non profit organization that’s fostering viable change in the education world I've learned the importance of education. Further on this drive for service was fortified through involvement with the African Leadership group, a nonprofit organization that has done commendable work in aiding African immigrants successfully integrate in the United States through educational opportunities and the heartbeat of generosity. After graduation I hope to pursue higher education in the fields of law and business economics. Due to my parents lack of education and limited opportunities, growing up they’ve instilled in me the importance of pursuing higher education. Seeing them struggle with legal paperworks as well as being taken advantage of and looked down upon due to their shortcomings I made it a goal of mine to be the person they didn't have the opportunity to be. Understanding the transformative power of education I hope to create a nonprofit organization specifically tailored for young children in developing countries. I hope this to be a beacon of hope fostering education in regions where access to quality learning experiences is limited. I want to empower the next generation and implement an approach that will work systematically–sustaining their needs, through mentorship, and generating opportunities for skill development, providing them with the tools they need to break a cycle of poverty and unlock their full potential, giving them opportunities my parents were not given. Becoming a recipient of the William A. Stuart Dream Scholarship would be a transformative milestone for me and a huge opportunity for me to further my education as well. Im deeply motivated into the William A. Stuart Dream Scholarship where If I win I envision myself leveraging the rich resources offered by post secondary education to propel my personal and academic growth.

In sixth grade, I experienced the loss of a friend to suicide, and although the signs were apparent, both her community and I failed to recognize them. Leading me to grapple with the question of what could push someone so young to take such a drastic step, to wish to no longer exist. This experience exposed me to the harsh realities of this world related to depression in relation to health. In my understanding, health had always been associated with the physical body, and this perception prevailed in my community as well. Mental health appeared distant, almost like a luxury, because discussing such emotions was deemed taboo. The prevailing sentiment was that if you weren't physically unwell, you were considered fine. However, this experience taught me otherwise. On the night of August 5th 2020, my family confronted a devastating reality that would forever reshape our lives. It all started with an urgent, late-night knock on our door; I recall cowering behind a staircase out of fear. It was my uncle upset, tears streaming down his cheeks, quivering with fear and shock as he tried to impart the devastating news that his house was on fire. To see a grown man with such great stature fall on his knees repeating the words “ my house is on fire” was enough to shake me to my core. It was arson, done by three teenagers who had targeted the wrong house. That night we lost 5 beautiful souls including two toddlers. This moment marked a profound and enduring tragedy for our family. I’ve been told that through adversity one learns to embody patience and resilience, and that strength of character is built and it is through these adversities that I learned the importance of these values. Though the journey was filled with uncertainties, through them I found the importance of community. Recognizing the significance of these matters, I assumed the role of a mental health advocate during my junior year of high school by actively engaging in a series of live broadcasts with the African Leadership Group, to redefine mental health. I sought to be the change I wished to see.The emphasis was on conveying that it is acceptable to experience difficulties and that fostering open communication and mental health awareness is not something to be stigmatized but rather something to be encouraged, as it has the potential to save lives. In Essence throughout my highschool career I've learned to embody a mindset of an entrepreneur with service in mind — through heavy involvement with community and advocacy based initiatives. By working with an executive and strategy team with the Denver-Education-Vision project, Interviewing community members and reshaping education in DPS has taught me the significance of community. Through my internship with RootED— a non profit organization that’s fostering viable change in the education world as a community liaison intern I've learned the importance of education. Through networking with diverse individuals, including the governor, taught me the importance of fostering new relationships. Through my Presidential role in National honor society, seeking to uplift students and exposing them to internships and resources while serving as a mentor I've learned the importance of mentorship. Through involvement with the African Leadership group, a nonprofit organization who has done commendable work in aiding African immigrants successfully integrate in the United States through educational opportunities and the heartbeat of generosity during donation drives, I've learned the importance of giving back. After graduation I hope to create a nonprofit organization. Fueled by my parent’s experiences and lack of opportunities due to a lack of good and equitable education, I want to embark on a journey to create a nonprofit organization specifically tailored for young children in developing countries. I hope this to be a beacon of hope fostering education in regions where access to quality learning experiences is often limited. Understanding the transformative power of education, I hope to implement an approach that will work systematically while sustaining their needs, through mentorship, and generating opportunities for skill development. I want to empower the next generation, through transformative education providing them with the tools they need to break a cycle of poverty and unlock their full potential, giving them opportunities my parents were not given.

Growing up in a third world country I saw firsthand the importance of service generated by compassionate communities of diverse individuals who struggled to make it day to day. Despite grappling with poverty, I believe that many of them were among the happiest individuals. As I grew older I became more and more appreciative of that mindset of service, that served as a pillar of strength to my community. This mindset I believe is the innate equipment that is the basis for further development. In Aristotle's words “what is the essence of life: to serve others and do good” to find purpose and meaning through service that is gratifying, enlightening and fulfilling. Thus why throughout my highschool career I've learned to embody a mindset of service— through heavy involvement with community and advocacy based initiatives. By working with the Denver-Education-Vision project, and reshaping education in DPS I’ve learned the importance of a community and the importance of fostering new relationships. Through my internship with RootED— a non profit organization that’s fostering viable change in the education world I've learned the importance of education. Further on this drive for service was fortified through involvement with the African Leadership group, a nonprofit organization that has done commendable work in aiding African immigrants successfully integrate in the United States through educational opportunities and the heartbeat of generosity. I believe my greatest strength to be my passion for advocacy and my candor. These qualities have enabled me to build an identity shaped by my passion for social justice, equity and equality through the tenets of discipline. This is thanks to great role models whom I’ve encountered along my journey of self discovery and building myself up to be something greater than what my lower nafs and insecurities limit me to. Through one of my favorite books, Atomic habits and other various ted talks and podcasts, I’ve realized the significance of discipline, good habits and community service. After graduation I hope to pursue higher education in the fields of law and business economics. Due to my parents lack of education and limited opportunities, growing up they’ve instilled in me the importance of pursuing higher education. Seeing them struggle with legal paperworks as well as being taken advantage of and looked down upon due to their shortcomings I made it a goal of mine to be the person they didn't have the opportunity to be. Understanding the transformative power of education I hope to create a nonprofit organization specifically tailored for young children in developing countries. I hope this to be a beacon of hope fostering education in regions where access to quality learning experiences is limited. I want to empower the next generation and implement an approach that will work systematically–sustaining their needs, through mentorship, and generating opportunities for skill development, providing them with the tools they need to break a cycle of poverty and unlock their full potential, giving them opportunities my parents were not given.

Growing up in a West African country, one of the most persistent challenges I have confronted is the struggle for self-acceptance, particularly concerning my skin color. In my birth-country the pervasive issue of self-hatred linked to colorism is not a recent phenomenon; rather, it is deeply ingrained in the concealed layers of our societal fabric. I remember witnessing advertisements promoting skin-bleaching creams outlining the pursuit of an idealized standard of beauty, as defined by the narrow lens of their societal norms. This experience was daunting, and at the time, I didn't fully grasp its impact because it was the reality meticulously constructed for fostering self-acceptance.The consequences of this societal pressure took a toll on my mental health, lingering into my teenage years. In sixth grade, I experienced the loss of a friend to suicide, and although the signs were apparent, both her community and I failed to recognize them. I grappled with the question of what could push someone so young to take such a drastic step, to wish to no longer exist. At that time, the concept of mental health was unfamiliar to me. In my understanding, health had always been associated with the physical body, and this perception prevailed in my community as well. Mental health appeared distant, almost like a luxury, because discussing such emotions was deemed taboo. The prevailing sentiment was that if you weren't physically unwell, you were considered fine. However, it doesn't have to remain that way. On the night of August 5th 2020, my family confronted a devastating reality that would forever reshape our lives. It all started with an urgent, late-night knock on our door; I recall cowering behind a staircase out of fear. It was my uncle upset, tears streaming down his cheeks, quivering with fear and shock as he tried to impart the devastating news that his house was on fire. To see a grown man with such great stature fall on his knees repeating the words “ my house is on fire” was enough to shake me to my core. It was arson, done by three teenagers who had targeted the wrong house. That night we lost 5 beautiful souls including two toddlers. This moment marked a profound and enduring tragedy for our family. Through adversity one learns to embody patience and resilience, and that strength of character is built and it is through these adversities that I learned these values. Though the journey was filled with uncertainties, through them I found the importance of community. Recognizing the significance of these matters, I assumed the role of a mental health advocate during my junior year of high school by actively engaging in a series of live broadcasts with the African Leadership Group, to redefine and comprehend mental health. The emphasis was on conveying that it is acceptable to experience difficulties and that fostering open communication and mental health awareness is not something to be stigmatized but rather something to be encouraged, as it has the potential to save lives. If I could give advice to anyone that's currently facing adversity or is having diffculties succombing that situation I would tell them one of my favorite quotes of all time, found in the quran "Indeed with hardship comes ease, indeed with hardship comes ease. Life is transient and we are always moving forward with time, and though time may not heal wounds it eases it, the pain eventually subsides, and that's a beautiful thing

The imaginative and creative forces of curiosity and candor which shaped my existence began to thrive, in my young adult life, through the principles and values of service, advocacy and education. As a muslim we’re taught from a young age to follow the islamic principles of being good, through service and through the pursuit of knowledge. These enabled me to see the world for what it could be and has allowed me to build a new world inside of the macrocosm of our universes and find my place in it. Growing up in a third world country I saw firsthand the importance of service generated by compassionate communities of diverse individuals who struggled to make it day to day. Despite grappling with poverty, I believe that many of them were among the happiest individuals. As I grew older I became more and more appreciative of that mindset of service, that served as a pillar of strength to my community. This mindset I believe is the innate equipment that is the basis for further development. In Aristotle's words “what is the essence of life: to serve others and do good” to find purpose and meaning through service that is gratifying, enlightening and fulfilling. Thus why throughout my highschool career I've learned to embody a mindset of service— through heavy involvement with community and advocacy based initiatives. By working with the Denver-Education-Vision project, and reshaping education in DPS I’ve learned the importance of a community and the importance of fostering new relationships. Through my internship with RootED— a non profit organization that’s fostering viable change in the education world I've learned the importance of education. Further on this drive for service was fortified through involvement with the African Leadership group, a nonprofit organization that has done commendable work in aiding African immigrants successfully integrate in the United States through educational opportunities and the heartbeat of generosity. I believe my greatest strength to be my passion for advocacy and my candor. These qualities have enabled me to build an identity shaped by my passion for social justice, equity and equality through the tenets of discipline. This is thanks to great role models whom I’ve encountered along my journey of self discovery and building myself up to be something greater than what my insecurities limit me to. Through one of my favorite books, Atomic habits and other various ted talks and podcasts, I’ve realized the significance of discipline, good habits and community service. After graduation I hope to pursue higher education in the fields of law and business economics. Due to my parents lack of education and limited opportunities, growing up they’ve instilled in me the importance of pursuing higher education. Seeing them struggle with legal paperworks as well as being taken advantage of and looked down upon due to their shortcomings I made it a goal of mine to be the person they didn't have the opportunity to be. Understanding the transformative power of education I hope to create a nonprofit organization specifically tailored for young children in developing countries. I hope this to be a beacon of hope fostering education in regions where access to quality learning experiences is limited. I want to empower the next generation and implement an approach that will work systematically–sustaining their needs, through mentorship, and generating opportunities for skill development, providing them with the tools they need to break a cycle of poverty and unlock their full potential, giving them opportunities my parents were not given.

The imaginative and creative forces of curiosity and candor which shaped my existence began to thrive, in my young adult life, through the principles and values of service, advocacy and education. These enabled me to see the world for what it could be and has allowed me to build a new world inside of the macrocosm of our universes and find my place in it. I believe my greatest strengths to be my passion for advocacy and my candor. These qualities have enabled me to build an identity shaped by my passion for social justice, equity and equality through the tenets of discipline. This is thanks to great role models whom I’ve encountered along my journey of self discovery and building myself up to be something greater than what my insecurities limit me to. Through one of my favorite books, Atomic habits and other various ted talks and podcasts, I’ve realized the significance of discipline, good habits and community service. After graduation I hope to pursue higher education in the fields of law and business economics. Due to my parents lack of education and limited opportunities, growing up they’ve instilled in me the importance of pursuing higher education. Seeing them struggle with legal paperworks and looked down upon due to their shortcomings, I made it a goal of mine to pursue higher-education. Understanding the transformative power of education I hope to create a nonprofit organization specifically tailored for young children in developing countries. I want to empower the next generation and implement an approach that will work systematically–sustaining their needs, through mentorship, and generating opportunities for skill development, providing them with the tools they need to break a cycle of poverty and unlock their full potential, giving them opportunities my parents were not given.

The imaginative and creative forces of curiosity and candor which shaped my existence began to thrive, in my young adult life, through the principles and values of service, advocacy and education. As a muslim we’re taught from a young age to follow the islamic principles of being good, through service and through the pursuit of knowledge. These enabled me to see the world for what it could be and has allowed me to build a new world inside of the macrocosm of our universes and find my place in it. Growing up in a third world country I saw firsthand the importance of service generated by compassionate communities of diverse individuals who struggled to make it day to day. Despite grappling with poverty, I believe that many of them were among the happiest individuals. As I grew older I became more and more appreciative of that mindset of service, that served as a pillar of strength to my community. This mindset I believe is the innate equipment that is the basis for further development. In Aristotle's words “what is the essence of life: to serve others and do good” to find purpose and meaning through service that is gratifying, enlightening and fulfilling. Thus why throughout my highschool career I've learned to embody a mindset of service— through heavy involvement with community and advocacy based initiatives. By working with the Denver-Education-Vision project, and reshaping education in DPS I’ve learned the importance of a community and the importance of fostering new relationships. Through my internship with RootED— a non profit organization that’s fostering viable change in the education world I've learned the importance of education. Further on this drive for service was fortified through involvement with the African Leadership group, a nonprofit organization that has done commendable work in aiding African immigrants successfully integrate in the United States through educational opportunities and the heartbeat of generosity. I believe my greatest strength to be my passion for advocacy and my candor. These qualities have enabled me to build an identity shaped by my passion for social justice, equity and equality through the tenets of discipline. This is thanks to great role models whom I’ve encountered along my journey of self discovery and building myself up to be something greater than what my lower nafs and insecurities limit me to. Through one of my favorite books, Atomic habits and other various ted talks and podcasts, I’ve realized the significance of discipline, good habits and community service. After graduation I hope to pursue higher education in the fields of law and business economics. Due to my parents lack of education and limited opportunities, growing up they’ve instilled in me the importance of pursuing higher education. Seeing them struggle with legal paperworks as well as being taken advantage of and looked down upon due to their shortcomings I made it a goal of mine to be the person they didn't have the opportunity to be. Understanding the transformative power of education I hope to create a nonprofit organization specifically tailored for young children in developing countries. I hope this to be a beacon of hope fostering education in regions where access to quality learning experiences is limited. I want to empower the next generation and implement an approach that will work systematically–sustaining their needs, through mentorship, and generating opportunities for skill development, providing them with the tools they need to break a cycle of poverty and unlock their full potential, giving them opportunities my parents were not given.

Growing up in a West African country, one of the most persistent challenges I have confronted is the struggle for self-acceptance, particularly concerning my skin color. In my birth-country the pervasive issue of self-hatred linked to colorism is not a recent phenomenon; rather, it is deeply ingrained in the concealed layers of our societal fabric. I remember witnessing advertisements promoting skin-bleaching creams outlining the pursuit of an idealized standard of beauty, as defined by the narrow lens of their societal norms. This experience was daunting, and at the time, I didn't fully grasp its impact because it was the reality meticulously constructed for fostering self-acceptance.The consequences of this societal pressure took a toll on my mental health, lingering into my teenage years. In sixth grade, I experienced the loss of a friend to suicide, and although the signs were apparent, both her community and I failed to recognize them. I grappled with the question of what could push someone so young to take such a drastic step, to wish to no longer exist. At that time, the concept of mental health was unfamiliar to me. In my understanding, health had always been associated with the physical body, and this perception prevailed in my community as well. Mental health appeared distant, almost like a luxury, because discussing such emotions was deemed taboo. The prevailing sentiment was that if you weren't physically unwell, you were considered fine. However, it doesn't have to remain that way. On the night of August 5th 2020, my family confronted a devastating reality that would forever reshape our lives. It all started with an urgent, late-night knock on our door; I recall cowering behind a staircase out of fear. It was my uncle upset, tears streaming down his cheeks, quivering with fear and shock as he tried to impart the devastating news that his house was on fire. To see a grown man with such great stature fall on his knees repeating the words “ my house is on fire” was enough to shake me to my core. It was arson, done by three teenagers who had targeted the wrong house. That night we lost 5 beautiful souls including two toddlers. This moment marked a profound and enduring tragedy for our family. Through adversity one learns to embody patience and resilience, and that strength of character is built and it is through these adversities that I learned these values. Though the journey was filled with uncertainties, through them I found the importance of community. Recognizing the significance of these matters, I assumed the role of a mental health advocate during my junior year of high school by actively engaging in a series of live broadcasts with the African Leadership Group, to redefine and comprehend mental health. The emphasis was on conveying that it is acceptable to experience difficulties and that fostering open communication and mental health awareness is not something to be stigmatized but rather something to be encouraged, as it has the potential to save lives. One day I hope to create a nonprofit organization, tailored for young children in developing countries for the advancement of their education aiming for it to be a beacon of hope. Understanding the transformative power of education, I hope to implement an approach that will work systematically while sustaining their needs, through mentorship, and generating opportunities for skill development.

“You’re so eloquent and well spoken I hope you get into congress one day and I hope I live long enough to see it” was one of the most memorable compliments I was ever given. Not because of the magnitude collocated with congressional powers, rather the fact that someone believed my words were impactful enough, and worthy of their life being lengthened, so she could see me achieve great success. That’s when I realized the power of my words. I've done panels in the past but this one was different. Present were all the important people- the policy makers, the education organization executives, the state board members- attempting to hear what I had to say about my experience as a Denver Public School student. I knew I had to represent and I had to do it well. If I wanted to see the change that I advocated for in my community I had to be that voice. I know the power of transformative education, the opportunities it generates and that made me passionate about education reform. My Highschool career centered around a commitment to social justice, education equity as well as community service. Coming from a household with immigrant parents who were not fortunate enough to graduate highschool I made it an objective of mine to pursue higher education and advocate for education reform and equity especially in minority communities and underfunded education facilities. Witnessing the challenges they faced due to limited educational opportunities has fueled my determination to break the cycle. Their experiences have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the transformative impact of education, motivating me to overcome obstacles and seize the opportunities that a higher education can provide. By comprehending the diverse political dynamics influencing both education and law, I am confident that studying political science and education will equip me with valuable insights and a distinctive viewpoint on the political landscape. This understanding will act as a driving force for my future pursuits and endeavors. After graduation I hope to create a nonprofit organization. Fueled by my parent’s experiences and lack of opportunities due to a lack of good and equitable education, I want to embark on a journey to create a nonprofit organization specifically tailored for young children in developing countries. I hope this to be a beacon of hope fostering education in regions where access to quality learning experiences is often limited. Understanding the transformative power of education, I hope to implement an approach that will work systematically while sustaining their needs, through mentorship, and generating opportunities for skill development. I want to empower the next generation, through transformative education providing them with the tools they need to break a cycle of poverty and unlock their full potential, giving them opportunities my parents were not given.

Growing up in a West African country, one of the most persistent challenges I have confronted is the struggle for self-acceptance, particularly concerning my skin color. In my birth-country the pervasive issue of self-hatred linked to colorism is not a recent phenomenon; rather, it is deeply ingrained in the concealed layers of our societal fabric. I remember witnessing advertisements promoting skin-bleaching creams outlining the pursuit of an idealized standard of beauty, as defined by the narrow lens of their societal norms. This experience was daunting, and at the time, I didn't fully grasp its impact because it was the reality meticulously constructed for fostering self-acceptance.The consequences of this societal pressure took a toll on my mental health, lingering into my teenage years. In sixth grade, I experienced the loss of a friend to suicide, and although the signs were apparent, both her community and I failed to recognize them. I grappled with the question of what could push someone so young to take such a drastic step, to wish to no longer exist. At that time, the concept of mental health was unfamiliar to me. In my understanding, health had always been associated with the physical body, and this perception prevailed in my community as well. Mental health appeared distant, almost like a luxury, because discussing such emotions was deemed taboo. The prevailing sentiment was that if you weren't physically unwell, you were considered fine. However, it doesn't have to remain that way. On the night of August 5th 2020, my family confronted a devastating reality that would forever reshape our lives. It all started with an urgent, late-night knock on our door; I recall cowering behind a staircase out of fear. It was my uncle upset, tears streaming down his cheeks, quivering with fear and shock as he tried to impart the devastating news that his house was on fire. To see a grown man with such great stature fall on his knees repeating the words “ my house is on fire” was enough to shake me to my core. It was arson, done by three teenagers who had targeted the wrong house. That night we lost 5 beautiful souls including two toddlers. This moment marked a profound and enduring tragedy for our family. Through adversity one learns to embody patience and resilience, and that strength of character is built and it is through these adversities that I learned these values. Though the journey was filled with uncertainties, through them I found the importance of community. Recognizing the significance of these matters, I assumed the role of a mental health advocate during my junior year of high school by actively engaging in a series of live broadcasts with the African Leadership Group, to redefine and comprehend mental health. The emphasis was on conveying that it is acceptable to experience difficulties and that fostering open communication and mental health awareness is not something to be stigmatized but rather something to be encouraged, as it has the potential to save lives.

“You’re so eloquent and well spoken I hope you get into congress one day and I hope I live long enough to see it” was one of the most memorable compliments I was ever given. Not because of the magnitude collocated with congressional powers, rather the fact that someone believed my words were impactful enough, and worthy of their life being lengthened, so she could see me achieve great success. That’s when I realized the power of my words. I've done panels in the past but this one was different. Present were all the important people- the policy makers, the education organization executives, the state board members- attempting to hear what I had to say about my experience as a Denver Public School student. I knew I had to represent and I had to do it well. If I wanted to see the change that I advocated for in my community I had to be that voice. I know the power of transformative education, the opportunities it generates and that made me passionate about education reform. My Highschool career centered around a commitment to social justice, education equity as well as community service. Coming from a household with immigrant parents who were not fortunate enough to graduate highschool I made it an objective of mine to pursue higher education and advocate for education reform and equity especially in minority communities and underfunded education facilities. Witnessing the challenges they faced due to limited educational opportunities has fueled my determination to break the cycle. Their experiences have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the transformative impact of education, motivating me to overcome obstacles and seize the opportunities that a higher education can provide. By comprehending the diverse political dynamics influencing both education and law, I am confident that studying political science and education will equip me with valuable insights and a distinctive viewpoint on the political landscape. This understanding will act as a driving force for my future pursuits and endeavors. After graduation I hope to create a nonprofit organization. Fueled by my parent’s experiences and lack of opportunities due to a lack of good and equitable education, I want to embark on a journey to create a nonprofit organization specifically tailored for young children in developing countries. I hope this to be a beacon of hope fostering education in regions where access to quality learning experiences is often limited. Understanding the transformative power of education, I hope to implement an approach that will work systematically while sustaining their needs, through mentorship, and generating opportunities for skill development. I want to empower the next generation, through transformative education providing them with the tools they need to break a cycle of poverty and unlock their full potential, giving them opportunities my parents were not given.

“You’re so eloquent and well spoken I hope you get into congress one day and I hope I live long enough to see it” was one of the most memorable compliments I was ever given. Not because of the magnitude collocated with congressional powers, rather the fact that someone believed my words were impactful enough, and worthy of their life being lengthened, so she could see me achieve great success. That’s when I realized the power of my words. I've done panels in the past but this one was different. Present were all the important people- the policy makers, the education organization executives, the state board members- attempting to hear what I had to say about my experience as a Denver Public School student. I knew I had to represent and I had to do it well. If I wanted to see the change that I advocated for in my community I had to be that voice. I know the power of transformative education, the opportunities it generates and that made me passionate about education and service. My Highschool career centered around a commitment to social justice, education equity as well as community service. Coming from a household with immigrant parents who were not fortunate enough to graduate highschool I made it an objective of mine to pursue higher education and advocate for education reform and equity especially in minority communities and underfunded education facilities. Witnessing the challenges they faced due to limited educational opportunities has fueled my determination to break the cycle. Their experiences have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the transformative impact of education, motivating me to overcome obstacles and seize the opportunities that a higher education can provide. In essence throughout my highschool career I've learned to embody exemplified entrepreneurial thinking and self acceptance— through heavy involvement with community and advocacy based initiatives. By working with an executive and strategy team with the Denver-Education-Vision project, Interviewing community members and reshaping education in DPS has taught me the significance of community. Through my internship with RootED— a non profit organization that’s fostering viable change in the education world as a community liaison intern I've learned the importance of education. Through networking with diverse individuals, including the governor, taught me the importance of fostering new relationships. Through my Presidential role in National honor society, seeking to uplift students and exposing them to internships and resources while serving as a mentor I've learned the importance of mentorship. Through involvement with the African Leadership group, a nonprofit organization who has done commendable work in aiding African immigrants successfully integrate in the United States through educational opportunities and the heartbeat of generosity during donation drives, I've learned the importance of giving back. Through all this I’ve learned that Entrepreneurship goes beyond conventional limits, this enabled me to navigate diverse spaces and weave a dynamic tapestry of positive change. After graduation I hope to create a nonprofit organization. Fueled by my parent’s experiences and lack of opportunities due to a lack of good and equitable education, I want to embark on a journey to create a nonprofit organization specifically tailored for young children in developing countries. I hope this to be a beacon of hope fostering education in regions where access to quality learning experiences is often limited. Understanding the transformative power of education, I hope to implement an approach that will work systematically while sustaining their needs, through mentorship, and generating opportunities for skill development.