The first time my anxiety affected my physical health, I was in college, stressed out by a looming deadline. The nausea was so severe that I ended up in the emergency room, unable to keep anything down for days. This wasn’t just stress—it was a manifestation of deep-rooted anxiety, a feeling that had been building inside me for years. As a first-generation college student, I often felt like an outsider in an environment where I didn’t feel like I belonged. This imposter syndrome became overwhelming, often leading me to question whether I was truly capable of succeeding in a space that wasn’t made for someone like me. This internal battle with my mental health has profoundly shaped my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. The anxiety and depression I’ve faced have made me more introspective, teaching me to recognize the importance of self-compassion and emotional resilience. Therapy has played a key role in helping me understand the roots of my struggles. Through it, I’ve learned healthier ways to cope, such as mindfulness, journaling, and setting boundaries. Instead of seeing myself as weak, I now recognize my struggles as part of the human experience. Therapy has also taught me how to quiet the voice of self-doubt that often comes with imposter syndrome, helping me to feel more secure in my academic achievements and personal growth. These experiences have also influenced my relationships. I’ve become more open and vulnerable with those I trust, allowing them to see the parts of me that I once kept hidden. Sharing my struggles has created deeper connections with others who have faced similar challenges, reinforcing the importance of support networks. It’s taught me that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness and that real relationships are built on understanding and empathy. My mental health journey has also deeply shaped my career aspirations. I want to create urban spaces that prioritize mental well-being, especially in underserved communities. A career goal of mine is to work on projects and community spaces that promote mental health, access to resources, and a sense of belonging. I’ve seen firsthand how stress and anxiety can negatively impact a person’s ability to thrive in their environment, and I want to help change that by designing spaces that support overall well-being. My goal is to create environments that nurture not just physical needs, but emotional and mental health as well. This scholarship would significantly ease my financial burden, allowing me to focus on my education and career goals without the constant worry of financial strain. It would also serve as a reminder of the strength I’ve gained from overcoming my mental health challenges and the importance of supporting others on their journeys. Ultimately, it would help me move closer to my vision of creating more equitable and sustainable urban spaces, where people of all backgrounds can thrive.

Growing up in a single-parent household as a first-generation African American college student, I have faced numerous financial and personal obstacles on my journey to higher education. While my family has been supportive, we have not had the financial means to contribute to my college expenses, requiring me to work multiple jobs while pursuing my degree. Balancing work and academics has been challenging, but it has strengthened my resilience, determination, and passion for making a meaningful impact in my community. I am a senior at Arizona State University, majoring in Urban and Metropolitan Studies with a minor in Real Estate. My academic journey is driven by a commitment to fostering community solutions that create more equitable and sustainable urban spaces. Growing up in a city with inconsistent access to reliable public transportation and affordable housing, I became acutely aware of how urban planning decisions directly affect the quality of life. This realization has fueled my passion for advocating for policies and projects that prioritize marginalized communities, ensuring they have access to affordable housing, efficient public transit, and inclusive economic opportunities. Beyond academics, I am deeply involved in community service. As an intern with Hustle PHX, I have worked with organizations supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs. Through this experience, I’ve seen how systemic inequalities disproportionately impact minority communities, and I am committed to being part of the solution. Receiving this scholarship would ease my financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies and community initiatives rather than worrying about making ends meet. It would also bring me closer to my long-term goal of shaping policies and projects that foster sustainable and inclusive urban development. With my degree, I aspire to work in urban planning and real estate development, ensuring that historically underserved communities have a voice in shaping the spaces they inhabit. My ultimate career goal is to develop after-school centers for youth, offering mentorship, educational support, and recreational opportunities. Growing up in a single-parent household, I benefited from programs like the Boys & Girls Club, which provided a safe space and mentorship. These experiences sparked my desire to create similar programs for underserved youth in metropolitan areas. By providing resources like computer labs, tutoring, and mentorship, I believe we can help guide young people toward success and build stronger, more resilient communities. I am determined to use my education to uplift others, just as I have strived to uplift myself despite the challenges I have faced. This scholarship would not only support my journey but also reinforce the importance of investing in students committed to driving positive change. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to continue working toward a future where urban spaces are more equitable and sustainable for all.

From a young age, I wanted a career centered around serving my community. As a little girl, I dreamed of becoming an attorney, but during high school, my passion for public service emerged. As a junior at Renton Senior High, I participated in the Running Start program, which allowed me to take college courses and sparked my motivation for higher education. I was also a student athlete during this time, playing basketball throughout high school. Growing up in a single-parent, minority household, I learned the value of hard work and resilience early on, though conversations about college were rare. While some family members attended college, none completed their degrees. My community involvement began during my adolescence, participating in many faith-based organizations. With my grandfather serving as both a pastor and community leader, I often helped organize food and clothing drives and volunteered at local soup kitchens. As a teen, I also volunteered with YoungLife at Washington Family Ranch, which deepened my commitment to public service. Completing my associate degree took longer than expected, so after graduating high school, I continued taking classes at Green River College while working part-time. This was when I took out my first student loan. During my time in community college, I sharpened my skills in teamwork, critical thinking, and time management, which gave me the confidence to apply to Arizona State University. After being accepted, I wasn’t sure how I'd pay for college, but I felt it was the right path for me. Moving to a new state, without knowing anyone or having family nearby, was intimidating, but I have no regrets. Branching out allowed me to achieve things I never thought possible. In my first semester at a four-year university, I took six classes while working part-time and earned a place on the Fall 2023 Dean's List. This accomplishment was a turning point, showing me that I could achieve what no one in my family had done. It reinforced the value of education in my life. Currently, I’m still working part-time to support myself as an out-of-state student, and the lack of financial support is why I opted to take out over $5,000 in student loans this semester. On top of my part-time job, I recently secured an apprenticeship with Public Allies Arizona, which excites me as it will give me valuable experience in the nonprofit sector. One of my long-term career goals is to develop a nonprofit organization focused on youth development. This interest stems from my experiences attending community centers like Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission and Boys & Girls Club, after school while my mother worked. By becoming educated and financially independent, I hope to give back to underrepresented youth, providing them with the support and mentorship they need to succeed, just as I received. Paying down my student loans faster will help me establish financial security. As a first-generation student, I understand how a lack of finances discouraged people in my family from attending and finishing college. By reducing my debt, I could save more diligently to ensure protection in case of financial emergencies. Additionally, I could redirect the money to accelerate the payment of remaining loans, allowing me to be debt-free more quickly. Achieving financial freedom creates new opportunities, reduces stress, and will allow me to save for important goals like buying a home. This is especially important to me because my parents weren’t able to build generational wealth. I want to create that for my children, so they can experience the stability of living in one home and attend college without the burden of working or worrying about costs.

When I hear the word legacy, I instantly think of the action and work someone must do to create a legacy. In my eyes, a legacy is left behind when an individual's actions leave a long-lasting, positive impact that sustains or benefits a community, especially after the retirement or death of the person. An example of a legacy I’ve experienced within my family is the legacy of singing that my grandmother started. My grandmother has always been a lead singer at our church so it was expected when my mother also became a soloist. My brother took after our mtoher and even pursued his dream of becoming a recording artist. As a young girl, attending studio sessions with my brother and studying the women in my family inspired me to express myself musically. After performing solos in churches and events and playing saxophone in my high school band,  I decided to pursue my dream as a recording artist as well. Music has been a part of my family for generations and has shaped how we express ourselves and validate the aspirations of others.  As a first-generation college student, I feel a sense of responsibility to leave a legacy within my community. I am certain that my upbringing had a great impact on my life path. Especially on my educational journey. In particular, growing up in a minority, single-parent household made me feel like some opportunities and privileges were out of reach. During high school, going to college was rather a dream of mine than a goal.  Often hearing my mother stress about the costs of things and our financial security made me feel like going to college would create another stressor for her. During my first half years of high school, I didnt have a plan for my future. My perspective on my future shifted when I began the Running Start program during my junior year of high school. Running Start is an accelerated learning program that allows high school juniors and seniors to take state-funded community college courses. I graduated high school with only five credits remaining toward an Associate degree.  After successfully finishing a 2-year program I felt a sense of accomplishment and knew that continuing my education was the right thing to do. While attending Arizona State University, I am studying at the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. My goal in studying at Watts College is to grasp community development and outreach so that I can someday become a community leader.  My ultimate career goal is to develop non-profit community centers for youth to gather after school. This interest stems from attending community centers such as Seattle Union Gospel Mission and Boys & Girls Club, after school while my mother worked. I want to make a positive impact on the lives of youth in urban communities especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. These after-school centers will include clubrooms, computer labs, workspaces with tutors, fitness equipment, cue sports, and more. The mission is to give all students the opportunity to express themselves. Youth would also have the opportunity to receive support and mentorship from professionals and leaders in the community. This kind of resource would provide youth with additional guidance and support toward their future. Guiding upcoming generations on the right path to becoming respectable adults is essential in building an ideal community.