High school wasn’t my strongest season, but it was one of the most important chapters of my life. It’s where I began to understand not just who I am, but how I learn and how to keep going even when things feel impossible. I was diagnosed with dyslexia early on, and from the start, school was a challenge. While other students could easily read out loud or finish writing assignments quickly, I struggled to decode simple words or spell correctly. I spent a lot of time feeling frustrated, embarrassed, and even ashamed. No matter how hard I tried, I often felt like I was falling behind. I remember sitting in classrooms, watching my classmates breeze through textbooks while I was still on the first page. Reading aloud was especially hard it made me anxious, and I was afraid of being judged. Sometimes I would pretend to be sick just to avoid the stress. I knew I wasn’t “dumb,” but it was hard not to feel that way when I was constantly reminded of how different I was. Despite these challenges, I never gave up. Over the years, I started to accept that my brain works differently and that’s not a bad thing. I learned to advocate for myself, asking for the tools and accommodations I needed: extra time, audiobooks, speech-to-text apps, and one-on-one support. I also learned how to study in ways that worked best for me, like using visuals, color-coding, and hands-on methods. While I still had to work twice as hard as others just to keep up, I began to feel proud of how far I’d come. I wasn’t failing I was fighting. And every time I passed a test, finished a book, or completed a project, I knew I had earned it. Dyslexia didn’t just make me a different kind of learner it made me more determined. It taught me how to be patient with myself, how to stay focused when things got hard, and how to bounce back from setbacks. I became someone who keeps trying, even when it feels like the odds are stacked against me. That mindset is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. Now, I’m excited about college because it represents a fresh start. In high school, I often felt defined by my struggles, but in college, I have the chance to define myself by my strengths. I’m looking forward to being in an environment where I can grow, learn at my own pace, and be surrounded by people who support my journey. I want to challenge myself, not just academically, but personally and finally show what I’m capable of when I have the right tools and support. I also hope to meet others who have faced similar challenges. I know what it feels like to be underestimated, and I want to encourage others to believe in themselves the way I’ve learned to believe in me. Whether it’s through tutoring, mentorship, or simply sharing my story, I want to be someone who helps others see that struggling doesn’t mean failing it just means your path might look different. College is more than a new chapter for me it’s a second chance. A chance to take everything I’ve learned through struggle and turn it into strength. A chance to stop surviving and start thriving. I’m ready for the hard work, the growth, and the opportunities that come next. I may not have had the easiest journey here, but I’ve earned my place and I plan to make the most of it.

My name is Imani Muhammad, and I’m someone who finds meaning in creativity, resilience, and connection. I’ve learned that where we live, work, and grow deeply affects how we feel and that belief is the heart of my dream to become an interior designer. My journey hasn’t been without challenges. I was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, and for a long time, I felt like I was constantly trying to catch up. Reading and writing were difficult, and it was frustrating watching others move ahead while I had to find my own way. But over time, I began to see that my brain wasn’t broken it was just different. I think visually, learn best with hands-on experience, and solve problems from unique angles. What once made me feel behind eventually became my strength. Interior design became an outlet where I could express myself freely, without limits. I started experimenting with color, furniture, and layouts not just for fun, but to create a feeling. Whether it was rearranging my room or helping friends with theirs, I realized I had a gift for turning ordinary spaces into places that felt calm, welcoming, and alive. Design made sense to me in a way words sometimes didn’t. Much of who I am comes from my grandparents. They were my biggest supporters — not just encouraging me in school and life, but showing me through their actions what it means to love unconditionally. Summers spent with them in Wisconsin are some of my most treasured memories. Their home was simple, but it was filled with warmth, love, and peace. That space showed me the power of environment — how a home can hold you together, even when the world outside feels hard. When my grandparents passed away, it felt like losing my foundation. But their influence didn’t end there. In many ways, losing them gave me even more reason to pursue my dream. I want to honor everything they taught me by building a future that reflects their values: kindness, creativity, and making others feel at home. My goal is to use interior design to make a real difference. I want to create spaces that do more than look nice I want them to feel like hope, healing, and possibility. I’m especially passionate about designing for people who, like me, face challenges in how they learn or live. I want to focus on spaces that support mental wellness, learning differences, and emotional comfort. Whether that means designing calming classrooms, sensory-friendly homes, or community centers that welcome everyone, I want my work to help others feel safe and seen. Through my education in design, I plan to grow not just in skill, but in purpose. I want to use everything I’ve learned from my struggles with dyslexia to the lessons of love and resilience from my grandparents to make spaces that truly matter. I believe that thoughtful design can change lives. And I’m ready to build a future where it does.

Growing up, my grandparents were more than just family they were my role models, my safe space, and my best friends. They raised me with the kind of love that didn’t need to be spoken to be felt. Their actions, their patience, and their quiet strength taught me more than any textbook ever could. I carry their influence in everything I do, and I know that who I am today is because of the foundation they gave me. Some of my most cherished memories are from the summers I spent in Wisconsin with them. That time together was simple but full of meaning. We'd go for long walks, sit outside watching the sky change colors, or just talk about life. Those summers were my reset, a reminder that even when things were hard during the school year, I always had that place and those people to return to. School was never easy for me. I was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, and for a long time, I felt like I was constantly falling behind. Reading took longer, writing was a struggle, and tests felt overwhelming. I often wondered why things that seemed so easy for other kids were so hard for me. But over time, I started to realize that dyslexia wasn’t just a challenge it was also a gift. It taught me how to think differently, how to be resourceful, and how to approach problems in creative ways. Instead of giving up, I adapted. I discovered that I learned better through visuals, hands-on activities, and real-world examples. I found pride in the unique ways I could absorb information and express myself. My grandparents never treated me like I was less than. They always reminded me that everyone learns differently and that different doesn’t mean wrong. Their support gave me the confidence to keep going, even when things felt impossible. Through it all, I discovered a love for design. I was always rearranging my room, experimenting with colors, or imagining how to make a space feel more inviting. What started as a hobby quickly became a passion. Interior design became a way for me to express myself without needing perfect grammar or spelling. It was about feeling, vision, and creativity all things I’ve been developing my whole life. When my grandparents passed away, it left a hole in my heart. I still miss them every day. But their memory, and everything they poured into me, became the fuel to chase my dream even harder. They always believed in my future and now, I want to build one that honors them. I want to design spaces that feel like home, just like they created for me. My dream is to become an interior designer and create spaces that make people feel like they belong. I want to design rooms that tell stories, just like my grandparents’ house told mine. That little home in Wisconsin was never fancy, but it was full of warmth and soul. Every corner held a memory, every piece of furniture had a purpose, and every room made you feel like you were exactly where you were meant to be. That’s what I want to give to others. I know that my path hasn’t been the easiest. But every struggle has shaped me into someone who is resilient, empathetic, and deeply creative. Dyslexia taught me how to persevere. My grandparents taught me how to love and believe in myself. My story isn’t about perfection. It’s about growth, love, and finding strength in unexpected places. And I’m proud of the person I’m becoming.

There was a night I’ll never forget not because something loud happened, but because of how quiet it was. My sister, Nia, was always the one who lit up a room without even trying. Two years older than me, she had this energy about her like she knew where she was going and had the world half figured out. But after her first semester of college, that light in her started to dim. She came home for winter break, and it was like the color in her had faded. She stayed in her room most days, barely eating, barely talking. It felt like she was slipping underwater and no one could reach her. I wasn’t sure what to do. I was only sixteen and scared of doing or saying the wrong thing. But one night, I passed her room and heard her crying. Not loud just this soft, broken sound that made my chest tighten. I stood outside her door for a minute, frozen. Then I knocked. No answer. So I opened the door. She was sitting on the floor, back against the bed, her arms wrapped around her knees. I didn’t say anything. I just sat down next to her. We stayed like that for a while, not speaking. Eventually, she whispered, “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” I wanted to tell her she was fine, that everything would be okay, but I knew she needed more than clichés. So I just said, “You don’t have to go through this alone.” That was the beginning of a long winter. I started spending more time with her not always talking, just being around. We’d sit in the car and listen to music without saying much. I’d bring her coffee or ask if she wanted to go on a drive, even if it was just to get air. Slowly, she began to open up to me, and later to our parents. With time, and therapy, she started climbing her way back. Watching her fight her way through the dark taught me more than anything I’ve ever learned in a classroom. It taught me that pain isn’t always loud. That sometimes the people who seem the strongest carry the heaviest weight. And most of all, it taught me that helping someone doesn’t always mean fixing them it means loving them while they figure out how to heal. To this day, Nia thanks me for “saving” her. But I don’t think I saved her. I just didn’t leave. I stayed when it mattered. And sometimes, that’s the most important thing you can do.

To me, empowerment means having the confidence to believe in yourself and knowing that you are capable of doing great things, no matter what obstacles come your way. It’s about finding your voice, using it, and not letting fear or doubt stop you from going after what you want. Empowerment doesn’t mean you always feel strong or fearless, but it means you keep moving forward even when things get hard. It’s about trusting yourself and knowing that you have the power to make a difference in your own life and in the lives of others. Empowerment plays a big role in my life, especially when it comes to chasing my goals. One of my biggest dreams is to become an interior designer. There have been times when I doubted if I could really do it if I was creative enough, talented enough, or even if people would take me seriously. But learning to believe in myself and not give up has been part of my journey. When I picture the future I want for myself, it gives me strength to keep working hard, even when I feel unsure. Empowerment is what pushes me to keep going, to keep learning, and to never settle for less than what I know I can do. I also feel empowered when I give back to my community. Volunteering at local shelters and helping out with neighborhood clean-up projects has shown me that even small actions can make a big impact. There’s something powerful about knowing you’re helping someone else or improving the space around you. Those experiences made me realize that the environment we live in can shape the way we feel and think about ourselves. That’s a big reason why I want to become an interior designer so I can help create spaces that make people feel seen, safe, and inspired. Using my creativity to bring comfort and beauty into someone’s life is one of the most empowering things I can imagine. Empowerment also comes from the people around me. My family, friends, and teachers have always encouraged me to believe in myself. When people support you, it makes it easier to take risks and step out of your comfort zone. I’m thankful for the people who remind me of my worth and push me to reach for more. But I’ve also learned that real empowerment comes from within. You have to be your own biggest supporter, even when no one else is watching. In the end, empowerment means knowing who you are, standing up for yourself, and using your talents to help others. It has helped shape the way I see myself and the goals I have for my future. I want to keep growing, learning, and becoming the best version of myself someone who lifts others up and makes a real impact in the world.

I’ve given back to my community by volunteering at local shelters and participating in neighborhood clean-up projects. These experiences have shown me how important our environments are to our well-being. Seeing the impact of even small changes has inspired me to use my design talents to create positive change whether it’s improving someone’s home, school, or community center. My goal is to design with purpose and bring comfort, creativity, and dignity into the spaces where people live and grow. One of my academic goals is to study interior design at Morgan State University and gain the skills and knowledge needed to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional. Professionally, I hope to one day open my own design firm that focuses on transforming underserved communities through affordable and inspiring interior spaces. Design has always been something I connected with naturally. Whether it's rearranging a room, picking out color schemes, or paying attention to how lighting affects mood, I’ve always noticed how the details of a space can change how someone feels. But as I got older, I realized that not everyone has access to well-designed, safe, or even comfortable spaces especially in under-resourced communities. That realization pushed me to think bigger about how I could use interior design to make a lasting impact. I want to be part of the change that helps create spaces where people can thrive, not just survive. I imagine transforming old buildings into vibrant youth centers, designing homes that bring families closer together, and creating classrooms that encourage learning and creativity. I believe interior design can be a powerful tool for healing, empowerment, and self-expression. In addition to design, I value leadership and service. I’ve learned that when you care for your community, your community grows stronger and so do you. Being involved in service work has shaped my character and taught me the importance of using my skills to help others. That’s exactly what I plan to keep doing in my career. I also get a lot of inspiration from where I come from. Growing up, I’ve seen both the struggles and the strengths of my community. There are so many people who work hard every day but don’t have the resources to create the homes or spaces they dream of. I want to be the person who helps make those dreams come true. Whether it’s through color, texture, furniture, or layout, I want to bring life and hope into the places people spend the most time. Being creative has always been my way of expressing myself. I love putting things together in new ways, and I enjoy helping others see the beauty in what they already have. I think that’s what design is really about not just making things look nice, but making people feel good in the space they’re in. Going to Morgan State University means a lot to me. I know I’ll be surrounded by other students who are passionate, motivated, and ready to make a difference. I want to learn from experienced professors, grow in my creativity, and be part of a community that supports each other. I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned so far and build on it. In the future, I want people to look at my work and feel inspired, comforted, and seen. I want to help others see that design isn’t just for the wealthy it’s for everyone. With hard work, heart, and the right education, I know I can be someone who makes the world a little brighter, one space at a time.