Sustainability should always be a priority in the business industry because businesses affect almost every aspect of our daily lives. The products that we buy, the packaging they come in, how they are transported, and the technology companies use all have a direct impact on the environment. Because businesses have such a large influence, they also have a huge opportunity and chance to create a positive change for the planet, if they choose to do so. In today’s world, many companies focus mainly on profits, customer engagement, and growth. While making money is definitely important, it should not come at the expense of the Earth's health. Business leaders have an obligation to think about how their decisions affect natural resources, energy use, and waste. Sustainable practices such as reducing unnecessary packaging, using renewable energy, making sure we are sourcing materials from responsible areas, and lowering negative air emissions can help protect the environment while also building stronger and more trustworthy companies. Also, if companies make it a priority to source sustainable materials, it will overall improve quality, further making customers and consumers happy with the business. I also believe customers are more loyal to businesses that show they genuinely care. When a company makes sustainability a priority, it proves that they value more than just profits. It shows they care about people, communities, and future generations. One area that concerns me is the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and technology. Although these tools can improve efficiency, they also require massive amounts of electricity and data storage, which increases energy use and carbon emissions. As technology becomes more common in business, leaders must make sure innovation is balanced with environmental responsibility. I plan to study business because I want to become an entrepreneur. My goal is to build a company that is successful while also making a largely positive impact. I want to use materials that are friendly to the environment, reduce waste, and work with partners who share the same values as I do. I also want to ensure I create a workplace where employees are encouraged to come up with creative and sustainable ideas and feel free to express such matters. Beyond my own business, I hope to advocate for sustainability in every professional setting I enter. Whether in meetings, presentations, or leadership roles, I want to speak up for practices that benefit both people and the environment. I believe sustainability starts with individual choices, but real change happens when people work together. By combining my passion for business with my commitment to protecting the environment, I hope to prove that companies can be successful while also helping preserve the Earth for future generations. I want my future business to show that ethical decisions, environmental awareness, and financial success can exist together and inspire.

Knowledge is power. This is a lesson my parents instilled in me from a young age, and it has shaped the way I approach both my education and my life. My mother, in particular, has always emphasized that the more you learn, the farther you can go. Because of her influence, I have developed a deep love for learning, not only in the classroom, but in every aspect of life. Throughout my adolescence, I have faced challenges that forced me to mature quickly. Some experiences were painful, while others were more transformative, but each one strengthened my desire to grow. My greatest fear is becoming stagnant, mentally, emotionally, physically, or financially. I believe that personal growth is a lifelong responsibility, and that the more I develop myself overall, the better equipped I will be to uplift others. I have always felt called to be a teacher, not necessarily in a traditional classroom, but as someone who shares truth, wisdom, and encouragement, similar to the style of monks and other powerful spiritual leaders. I want to use what I learn through my education and life experiences to help others navigate their own challenges. Whether that means mentoring young women, supporting children and families, or advocating for mental health, I hope to become a source of guidance and empowerment within my community. My desire to give back is deeply connected to my upbringing. My parents have dedicated much of their lives to foster care and to work related to mental health. Watching them serve others taught me that real success is measured by the lives you impact. Their example showed me the importance of compassion, patience, and creating safe spaces for people who need support. As a young Black woman myself, I understand the importance of representation, leadership, and perseverance. I want to pursue higher education not only to build a successful career but to create meaningful change. I hope to help restore a sense of humanity, respect, and understanding in a world that often feels divided and forced to be separated. Even if my impact begins with one person at a time, I know that small acts of service can create lasting change. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden of my education and allow me to focus more fully on my academic, athletic, and personal goals. More importantly, it would be an investment in my ability to serve others. With continued education, mentorship, and determination, I am committed to using my knowledge to strengthen my community and make a positive impact on the world.

Two years ago, I was at one of the lowest points in my life. After graduating high school early during my junior year, I stepped away from both school and basketball. I had experienced a deeply personal trauma that left me feeling lost and disconnected from the things I once loved. I took a gap year, and although I met incredible lifelong people during that time, I had no clear direction. Eventually, I lost my job, struggled to pay my bills, and fell into a depression. I felt as though I was watching my dreams slip away. In my darkest moments, there was one place my mind always returned to: the basketball court. When I was overwhelmed with sadness, anger, and uncertainty, I found myself longing for the game that had always felt like home. I longed for the competition, the exhaustion, the team. That realization changed everything. I decided that no matter how difficult the journey would be, I was going to fight my way back to basketball and pursue my dream of playing at the collegiate level and beyond. I began rebuilding my life from the inside out. I focused on my physical health, my mental well-being, and my spiritual growth. I committed to training harder than I ever had before. I reached out to coaches, introduced myself, and worked relentlessly until I earned an opportunity to compete again. That experience taught me what it truly means to be a “You Got It Girl.” A YGIG is resilient, dependable, and willing to keep going even when life becomes overwhelming. She shows up for herself and for the people who believe in her. Basketball has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My father played professionally overseas, and my older sister played while I was growing up. Before I was old enough to join a team, I sat in the bleachers watching her practices and dreaming of the day I could step onto the court myself. In high school, I fully committed to the sport and was honored to receive Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Most Improved Player throughout my time there. I was also selected to attend one of Stephen Curry's training camps, which was an unforgettable experience that pushed me to elevate my game. The person I admire most is my father. While saying that may sound cliché, he has shaped nearly every part of who I am. We are very similar in our personalities and determination, which often times led to conflict when I was younger. As I matured, I began to understand the depth of his sacrifices and the wisdom behind his advice. My father has always pushed me to chase my goals, even when the path was difficult. Watching him carry both his pride and his regrets has motivated me to keep pursuing the dreams he once had and to show him that his efforts were not in vain. This fall, I will transfer to a Division III college to play my sophomore year of basketball. I began my college career as a walk-on at a junior college, and now I am continuing my athletic journey at a higher level while working toward my degree. Because Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships, much of my education and living expenses must be paid out of pocket. This scholarship would ease a significant financial burden. It would help cover costs to have my car shipped, textbooks, and the remaining tuition I am responsible for. More importantly, it would allow me to focus on being the best student-athlete I can be. Being a student-athlete means representing something larger than myself. It means proving that setbacks do not define us; our response to them and how we get back up do. My journey has taught me resilience, discipline, and faith in my own potential. No matter what obstacles I face, I know one thing for certain is: you got it, girl.

Funny enough, my “awkward” thing was going to be my height as well. I am a 6'3" female, and for most of my life, I have usually been the tallest person in the room. In elementary school, I was always the student standing in the back row for class pictures, towering over many of my classmates and even some of my teachers. Other students would always ask me to raise my hand as high as possible just so they could try to jump and high-five me. At times, that definitely made me feel like I stood out more than I wanted to. People constantly asked if I played basketball, and I heard every tall joke imaginable, which, in all honesty, I normally don't mind, but some days I can feel antisocial, but I know that, regardless, a conversation will be started because of how I look. Over time, I realized that the very thing that made me different was also one of my greatest strengths. Unlike many people who struggle with standing out, I have always loved being tall. And honestly, that is because of the people who raised me, my mom, 5'11, and dad, 6'10, always told me to hold my head high and never shrink myself. I took this very seriously, always. In fact, there are still days when I wish I would grow even taller. My height has given me confidence and taught me to embrace what makes me unique rather than trying to hide it. It also led me to one of the biggest passions in my life: basketball. I have loved basketball since I was a little girl. What started as a fun activity quickly became a dream that I poured my heart into. Through years of practice, early mornings, difficult losses, and countless hours in the gym, basketball taught me discipline, resilience, and determination. A year ago, playing at the collegiate level felt almost impossible. Today, I am proud to say that I have turned that dream into reality. In addition to basketball, I enjoy boxing. While I originally started boxing to stay in shape for basketball, it has become much more than a workout. Boxing has provided me with an outlet to relieve stress, sharpen my focus, and build both physical and mental toughness. Another thing that makes me stand out is my personal style. I love expressing myself through fashion and bold choices, such as dyeing my hair blue, red, and blonde. I have what my friends call a little bit of “swag.” My style reflects my belief that individuality should be celebrated. I believe everyone has something that makes them different. Whether it is your height, your personality, or your passions, those qualities are what make you memorable. Standing out is a beautiful thing, and I have learned to embrace it fully.