My “why” is rooted in emotion, healing, and representation. I create because I feel deeply, and visual art has always been my way of releasing and transforming those feelings into something meaningful. Growing up in a single-mother household and witnessing my brother’s battle with schizophrenia, I was exposed early to the emotional weight so many people silently carry. I didn’t always have the words to explain what I was feeling, but art gave me a voice when life felt too heavy. It became more than a hobby it became my survival, and eventually, my calling. What motivates me to continue in the world of visual arts is the desire to build spaces for others to heal as well. I am passionate about blending mental wellness and creativity through my dream venture, JADED a community space where adults, particularly in underserved communities, can express their emotions through painting. It will be a place for people to release, reconnect with themselves, and feel seen without judgment. Even as technology continues to revolutionize the art world with artificial intelligence, digital design tools, and auto-generated content I believe the human spirit behind a piece of art will always set it apart. Tools can help create, but only lived experiences, emotions, and storytelling can breathe true life into a project. That’s what I intend to preserve in everything I do. One of my long-term dreams is to create a comic book or animated series that tells the stories of Black families navigating mental health, grief, growth, and spirituality. I want to bring to life a world that reflects the beauty and complexity of our emotions. Something that says, “You’re not alone,” to people who’ve been taught to keep their pain hidden. A project like this isn’t just about visibility it’s about validation. As a student of the arts, I plan to use both traditional methods and emerging technologies to amplify my message but I’ll never lose sight of the soul behind the art. I create to heal, to connect, and to tell the stories that matter. That’s my why. And that’s what I will continue to carry into every future project, show, and venture I pursue.

Charity has always been important to me because I’ve experienced firsthand how even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Growing up in a single-mother household, we didn’t have much, but the generosity of others whether it was school supplies, a warm meal, or encouraging words reminded me that people care, and that stuck with me. To me, charity isn’t just about giving money it’s about giving time, love, and support in ways that uplift others. That belief is what drives my dream of launching JADED, a creative wellness space for adults to heal emotionally through painting and art. My goal is to make art therapy more accessible, especially for people in underserved communities. In the future, I plan to give back by donating a portion of JADED’s proceeds to mental health nonprofits and offering free sessions to those who can’t afford them. I also want to host community painting events and create a space where people can feel heard, safe, and valued. Charity, to me, is about using whatever you have your story, your talent, your heart to make someone else’s journey a little lighter. I intend to do just that, both through my business and in everyday life.

My name is Jade Williams, and I’m from Lancaster, California. I come from a single-mother household where I learned firsthand the power of love, strength, and perseverance. My mother worked hard to provide for us, often putting her own needs aside so that my siblings and I could have a better future. Her example taught me that even when life is difficult, purpose and passion can carry you through. That foundation shaped the way I see the world and continues to inspire my goals today. Growing up, I witnessed how emotional struggles can silently affect families. My brother’s experience with schizophrenia opened my eyes to the reality of mental health challenges, particularly in the Black community where mental illness is often misunderstood or stigmatized. Though I wasn’t always old enough to fully understand what was happening, I felt the emotional toll it took on my family, especially my mom. Over time, those experiences sparked something powerful in me a desire to create safe, expressive spaces for healing and support. That desire led to the vision of JADED, a creative wellness space designed for adults to use painting and art as tools for emotional expression and mental wellness. The concept is deeply personal. I’ve experienced how art can be an emotional outlet, a form of therapy without words. JADED will be a judgment-free zone where people especially those who feel overwhelmed, unheard, or overlooked can feel seen and supported through creativity. My goal is to create an environment where art becomes a tool for healing, connection, and growth. To make this dream a reality, I chose to major in Entrepreneurship. I want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from the ground up how to manage finances, develop strategies, connect with communities, and create sustainable change. Every course I take brings me one step closer to making JADED not just a vision, but a living, breathing space where healing can happen. I also plan to continue my education after graduation, pursuing certifications in art therapy or mental health counseling to ensure I’m equipped to lead with empathy, professionalism, and care. Through my studies and future career, I plan to make a positive impact by showing others that healing is possible and that it’s okay to express, to feel, and to begin again. I want to challenge the silence around mental health and help redefine what wellness looks like in our communities. JADED will not just offer creative experiences, but community events, conversations, and workshops that foster emotional resilience and support. My ultimate goal is to create a space that brings light to those navigating emotional darkness a space rooted in love, healing, and hope. I believe that every person deserves the opportunity to heal, and I’m committed to building something that helps make that possible. With the education I’m receiving now and the continued support of programs like this, I believe I can turn my personal passion into a powerful platform for change.

My name is Jade Williams, and I am currently majoring in Entrepreneurship. Choosing this path was not just a practical decision it was personal. I’ve always been drawn to creativity, connection, and helping others, and I knew early on that I wanted to build something that blended all of those passions. My dream is to create a business called JADED, a creative wellness studio that offers adults a safe space to express and process their emotions through painting and art-based activities. The idea was inspired by my personal experiences, my brother’s mental health journey, and my strong belief that creativity is a powerful form of healing. This scholarship would have a major impact on my ability to reach that goal. As a student from a single-mother household, finances have always been tight. Every semester has required careful budgeting and sometimes difficult sacrifices. While I remain committed to my education, these financial challenges have made it hard to invest in the extra tools, resources, and opportunities that could truly elevate my learning experience. With this scholarship, I would not only be able to cover some of my academic expenses, but I’d also be able to start moving more confidently toward building JADED from developing a business plan and branding to exploring licensing and art therapy certifications. My studies in entrepreneurship have already taught me a lot about what it takes to start and sustain a business from understanding finances and marketing to managing operations. But what I’ve come to realize is that the most important element of any business is its purpose. JADED is more than a business idea; it’s a space I wish existed for my brother, for myself, and for countless others who feel overwhelmed, unheard, or emotionally stuck. It’s a space for adults especially in Black and underserved communities to express what they can’t always say out loud. A space where art becomes a conversation, and creativity becomes therapy. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus more fully on my coursework, complete projects that move JADED from dream to reality, and build the foundation for a business that truly serves people. It would also offer me emotional reassurance that others see value in what I’m trying to create, and believe in my ability to make it happen. After graduation, I plan to continue my education through certification programs in art therapy or mental health counseling. My goal is to ensure JADED is both creatively enriching and emotionally safe. I want it to be a space rooted in real knowledge, empathy, and understanding. I believe in using entrepreneurship not just to make money, but to make a difference. With the support of this scholarship, I can continue my education with purpose, and one day bring JADED to life as a place of healing, expression, and community. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to share my vision and for your consideration in supporting my journey.

Launching JADED a creative wellness space has been delayed due to financial priorities like tuition and bills.

My name is Jade Williams, and I’m from Lancaster, California. I was raised in a single-mother household where strength, sacrifice, and survival were everyday realities. My mother worked incredibly hard to raise us on her own, and through her example, I learned the importance of perseverance, independence, and finding purpose even in the midst of adversity. Although our circumstances were sometimes challenging, my home was filled with love, and I was taught early on that I could create something meaningful out of even the hardest moments. One of the most defining aspects of my life has been my relationship with my brother, who lives with schizophrenia. Watching his mental health journey has shaped my understanding of emotional wellness, especially within the Black community where mental illness is too often misunderstood or ignored. I wasn’t always able to fully grasp what he was experiencing, but I saw how the lack of support, communication, and understanding made his path even harder. Over time, this inspired a passion within me to create spaces where people feel emotionally safe and valued where mental health is not stigmatized, but embraced with empathy. This passion led me to dream up JADED a creative wellness studio that would allow adults to use painting and other forms of art as emotional release and reflection. JADED will serve as a judgment-free space for self-expression, especially for individuals who feel overwhelmed, unseen, or emotionally burdened. Whether they’re processing grief, mental illness, stress, or simply need a space to breathe and create, JADED will be there to offer healing through art. To bring this dream to life, I’m currently studying entrepreneurship. I want to equip myself with the knowledge and tools to successfully launch and sustain a business that’s rooted in purpose and community impact. My goal is to open JADED as both a service and a movement a place that not only provides creative outlets but also helps shift how we talk about mental health. I plan to offer affordable painting sessions, community workshops, and collaborations with local nonprofits. A portion of JADED’s proceeds will go toward supporting mental health initiatives that serve underserved populations. In addition to JADED, I plan to continue my education beyond my undergraduate studies whether through a master’s program in mental health counseling or certifications in art therapy. My goal is to be professionally prepared to guide others through their healing processes with care, creativity, and cultural sensitivity. What makes JADED and my vision as a future entrepreneur unique is that it’s deeply personal. This isn’t just a business idea; it’s a reflection of everything I’ve lived through, everything I’ve felt, and everything I want to give back. My community deserves spaces that honor emotion, creativity, and growth. I believe we can begin to change the world by creating spaces that heal people, one brushstroke at a time. Ultimately, I want to be a changemaker. I want to create something that not only helps people cope but empowers them to thrive. I know from experience that pain can turn into purpose and I plan to use mine to inspire others, build community, and spark healing for generations to come.

My name is Jade Williams, and I come from Lancaster, California. Raised by a single mother, I learned early on the meaning of resilience, sacrifice, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward even when life feels uncertain. My upbringing was filled with both challenges and love, and it taught me how to appreciate the little things, to value community, and to never take opportunities for granted. One of the biggest influences in my life has been my brother, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Watching him navigate his mental health journey opened my eyes to how often emotional struggles are misunderstood, especially in Black communities. It also sparked something inside me a deep desire to learn more about mental wellness, emotional healing, and the role creativity can play in both. His story became the seed that grew into my dream project: JADED. JADED is a vision for a creative wellness space where adults can use painting and other artistic expression as a way to process emotions in a safe, judgment-free environment. It’s not a reality yet, but it’s a dream I’m committed to building. Currently, I study entrepreneurship, because I believe in the power of turning personal passion into meaningful work.I’m also interested in continuing my learning journey beyond graduation through certification programs in art therapy or mental health counseling so that I’m equipped to support others in ways that are ethical, informed, and compassionate. My personal values are rooted in empathy, creativity, and community. I believe in showing up for others, in listening deeply, and in creating safe spaces where people can be their full, authentic selves. I believe that healing is possible, and that sometimes all it takes is a paintbrush, a quiet space, and the freedom to feel.

My love of learning has always been more than a pursuit of good grades it’s been a survival tool, a source of empowerment, and a gateway to self-discovery. Learning has shaped not just how I think, but who I am. It has helped me understand my past, make sense of the present, and envision a future filled with purpose. Growing up in a single-mother household, I saw firsthand what it means to make sacrifices for the sake of family. My mother worked tirelessly to provide for us, and though we didn’t always have material wealth, she instilled in me a deep respect for knowledge. She reminded me constantly that what I learned could never be taken from me. That message stayed with me and grew stronger over the years. Inside the classroom, I was always eager to absorb information, but I was most drawn to subjects that encouraged self-expression, critical thinking, and emotional depth especially art, psychology, and literature. I was fascinated by the connection between human emotion and creativity. The more I learned about mental health, the more I began to reflect on my own family’s experiences particularly my brother’s journey with schizophrenia. That personal connection transformed my curiosity into a calling. Outside of the classroom, my learning became more personal. Watching my brother navigate a world that often misunderstood him opened my eyes to the urgent need for compassion and creativity in mental health spaces. It challenged the way I saw the world. It pushed me to ask deeper questions: Why is emotional healing often overlooked? Why don’t more spaces exist for people to simply feel? And most importantly how can I help change that? These questions led me to dream up JADED, a creative wellness studio where art and mental health come together to offer people especially adults who often feel overlooked a safe, judgment-free space to heal and express themselves. I envision JADED as more than just a business; it’s a reflection of everything I’ve learned about the power of empathy, expression, and community. I plan to continue my education in both entrepreneurship and mental health so I can turn that vision into something tangible. I want to earn certifications in counseling or art therapy, not just to be qualified, but to offer care that is informed, ethical, and truly impactful. My love of learning is what will carry me through every challenge in that journey. To me, learning means freedom. It means constantly evolving and refusing to settle for surface-level thinking. It’s what keeps me curious, humble, and open to growth. It’s what drives me to use my story to help others, and to turn pain into purpose. I don’t just want to learn for myself I want to learn so I can teach, uplift, and create change. Learning taught me how to see the world not just as it is, but as it could be. And that’s the vision that guides everything I do.

The world around me is my greatest inspiration as an artist because it’s full of raw emotion, unspoken stories, and hidden beauty. I find myself constantly observing the people, colors, conversations, and energy that surround me . Life is art. Every moment, even the hard ones, holds inspiration for my next brushstroke. Growing up in a single-mother household and witnessing my brother’s mental health journey shaped the way I see the world. I don’t just see surface-level images I feel the stories beneath them. Whether it’s the silent strength of a working mother, the chaos of a crowded city bus, or the peaceful stillness in a quiet room, I interpret those experiences emotionally and visually. My art is a reflection of both what I see and what I feel. It captures real-life moments infused with color, energy, and vulnerability. What inspires me most, though, is people’s resilience. I’m deeply moved by how people continue to show up, keep going, and find joy despite everything they’re carrying. That resilience is what I aim to capture in my paintings. Through every canvas, I want to celebrate survival, emotion, and transformation. I want my work to be more than just visually appealing I want it to be emotionally real. Even the small things music playing from a car window, kids drawing with chalk on the sidewalk, or a stranger’s kind gesture can spark something in me. Everyday life reminds me that inspiration doesn’t always have to be grand. Sometimes, it’s in the overlooked, everyday moments where we find the most truth. That’s what my art represents: real people, real emotions, and the beauty that exists even in pain. I hope to use this perspective not only to create, but also to help others feel seen and understood through my future wellness space, JADED.

Arts education has been one of the most impactful forces in my life. From a young age, creativity gave me a safe place to exist fully as I was, without judgment. Growing up in a single-mother household, where the emotional and financial weight often fell on one woman’s shoulders, I quickly learned how powerful silence could be. There were many things we didn’t talk about pain, struggle, fear but art allowed me to say what I couldn’t say out loud. It was through painting, drawing, and creative writing that I found my voice. Art became my therapy before I even understood what therapy meant. It was there for me when life felt uncertain. It gave me peace when things at home felt chaotic. It helped me process emotions that were too heavy for words. In school, any class that involved creative expression became my safe zone. I didn’t always have the best supplies or tools, but what I did have was passion and that passion kept me going. As I grew older and life presented bigger challenges, arts education continued to ground me. It taught me patience, how to push through frustration, and how to embrace imperfection. The more I leaned into creativity, the more I realized that every painting, every brushstroke, and every color held a piece of my story. My art didn’t need to be perfect it just needed to be honest. That freedom helped me gain confidence, not just as an artist, but as a person. The biggest inspiration in my artistic journey has been my brother. When he was diagnosed with schizophrenia, it turned our world upside down. I saw how difficult it was for him to be fully seen and understood. There were days when communication was hard and emotions ran high, but one thing that never left him was his creative spark. Watching him use his imagination to escape or express himself reminded me that creativity isn’t just a talent it’s a lifeline. His vulnerability, strength, and uniqueness gave me a deeper understanding of why art matters so much. It’s not just about what’s created it’s about why it’s created. His journey inspired me to use my own creativity not only for personal healing, but to help others heal too. That’s why I dream of creating JADED a creative wellness studio for adults, especially those impacted by trauma, mental illness, or emotional burnout. JADED will be a space where art and emotional wellness meet a space where people can express themselves freely and without judgment. My mother is another major influence in my journey. Despite all she faced raising children alone, surviving domestic violence, and often putting her needs last she never stopped encouraging me to be creative. She celebrated my talents and made sure I knew they were valuable, even when the world made me question it. Her support helped me hold on to my passion, even during difficult times. Thanks to my brother’s courage and my mother’s strength, I now see my artistic gift as a responsibility. I’m not just creating for myself anymore I’m creating for others who need a voice, a release, a moment of peace. I want to use the foundation arts education gave me to build something bigger than myself. Through JADED and my continued education in entrepreneurship and counseling, I plan to make art accessible, healing, and impactful. Art saved me. Now, I want to use it to help save others.

I plan on continuing my education after graduation because I truly believe that learning never stops especially when your goal is to create something that serves others in a deep and meaningful way. For me, education has always been more than just a path to a career. It has been a gateway to understanding myself, my purpose, and how I can turn both my personal experiences and passions into something that uplifts my community. As someone raised in a single-mother household, I was taught early on the importance of pushing through challenges and investing in myself. My mother gave me everything she had her time, her wisdom, and her love often at the expense of her own dreams. Watching her navigate life with so much strength and so little support inspired me to work hard, but it also opened my eyes to how often women like her are left to carry the emotional and financial weight of families without access to healing or help. That understanding deepened when my brother was diagnosed with schizophrenia. It was a turning point in my life. Witnessing his struggle with mental illness and seeing the lack of support, education, and empathy around him especially as a young Black man lit a fire in me. It made me want to do more than just observe. It made me want to be a part of the solution. That’s why I’m building JADED a creative wellness studio for adults over 21 where art and emotional well-being come together. JADED is still a dream, but it’s one I’m committed to making a reality. It will be a safe space for people to paint, reflect, breathe, and heal, especially those dealing with trauma, burnout, or mental health struggles. To bring JADED to life in a way that is sustainable, effective, and truly healing, I know I must keep growing. After earning my degree in entrepreneurship, I plan to continue my education by pursuing either a master’s program in counseling, psychology, or art therapy, or a combination of certifications in expressive arts therapy, trauma-informed care, and mental health advocacy. My goal is to deepen my knowledge so I can create a space that doesn’t just feel good but actually helps people process their emotions and move forward. I want to be qualified not just as a business owner, but as a leader in mental wellness and creative healing. I want to understand the science behind emotional release and trauma response. I want to learn how to structure programs that are both inclusive and intentional. I want to collaborate with professionals, support nonprofits, and build a brand that gives back to the communities that shaped me. By continuing my education, I’m investing in myself so that I can invest in others. I’m preparing not just to run a business, but to start a movement. One that says healing can be colorful, emotional, messy, beautiful and most of all, possible.

I am Jade Williams, a young Black woman from Lancaster, California, with a big heart, a creative mind, and an unshakable determination to turn pain into purpose. I was raised in a single-mother household where love was abundant, but resources were sometimes scarce. My mother did everything she could to protect us, provide for us, and pour into us—often without pouring into herself. She taught me what real strength looks like: the kind that sacrifices, endures, and keeps going no matter what. Growing up with just my mom as our main provider gave me a unique perspective on what it means to survive and thrive. She juggled the roles of caretaker, provider, protector, and counselor, all while carrying emotional wounds of her own. I didn’t always understand the weight she was carrying, but I felt it. As I got older, I began to see how hard it is for women—especially Black women—to be everything for everyone and still hold space for their own healing. That realization made me more compassionate and more curious. I started asking questions. Why don’t more women have access to safe spaces to process their emotions? Why is therapy still so stigmatized in our community? And why is it that we’re often expected to be strong, but rarely given room to be soft? Those questions led me to explore the relationship between art and mental health, and they inspired me to dream up JADED—a creative wellness studio for adults, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, who need a space to heal emotionally through art. JADED will offer guided painting sessions, emotional support resources, and a calming environment for people to breathe, reflect, and create without judgment. It will not be therapy, but it will be deeply therapeutic. Coming from a single-mother household taught me how to be resourceful, how to care deeply, and how to keep going even when things are tough. Those lessons now fuel my mission to create something meaningful, something that can serve others and bring peace to people who are often overlooked. I plan to make a positive impact on the world by using my education in entrepreneurship to turn JADED into a space where art and emotional wellness intersect. I want to make healing more accessible, especially for Black women and men who are often left out of mental health conversations. I want people to know that it’s okay to feel, to rest, and to express what’s going on inside without fear of being misunderstood. My mother’s strength gave me the foundation. My brother’s mental health journey gave me the inspiration. And my creativity gave me the voice to shape it all into something bigger than myself. Through JADED, I plan to spark healing, one canvas at a time. I believe that when people feel seen, supported, and safe, they begin to bloom. I want to be part of that bloom for my family, for my community, and for every person who needs just a little more light in their life.

Growing up, I never witnessed the domestic violence my mother endured firsthand, but I lived in the quiet aftermath of it. I felt it in her silence, in the way she held herself, and in the unspoken weight she carried from room to room. She never talked much about what happened to her, but her eyes often told the story. Despite it all, she remained steady for her children. She made sure we felt safe, even when she didn’t always feel that way herself. Her strength taught me that surviving is a form of bravery, even when it looks calm on the outside. Her example became my foundation, and through her, I learned the importance of emotional resilience. My brother, on the other hand, taught me the meaning of vulnerability and the value of compassion. After he was diagnosed with schizophrenia, I watched our family struggle to understand the condition, while also trying to support him in a world that is still incredibly unkind to those with mental illness. I saw how misunderstood he became. I saw how stigma replaced support, and how judgment too often replaced care. But I also saw his strength, his creativity, and his willingness to keep going through it all. That experience lit a fire in me. It made me want to fight for people like him. It made me want to become someone who helps others find healing, especially when the system fails to provide it. That is where the vision for JADED was born: a creative wellness studio for adults, especially those from underserved communities. It is a space where people can use painting and self expression to process their emotions in a safe, supportive environment. While the focus is not on being a skilled artist, it is about using art as a form of emotional release and mental clarity. JADED will welcome people who have experienced trauma, mental illness, burnout, or just the weight of everyday life. It will be especially meaningful for African American women and men, who are often expected to carry so much without ever being given space to lay it down. What makes my artistic gift different is that it comes from a place of empathy. I do not create to impress others. I create to connect, to release, and to heal. My work is deeply emotional, rooted in feeling rather than perfection. I believe that every brushstroke can be a step toward freedom, a small way to say something that is too difficult to speak aloud. When I paint, I feel peace. I feel clarity. I want to share that experience with others. Through my education in entrepreneurship, I am learning how to take this dream and build it into something real. I am learning about finances, structure, sustainability, and community partnerships. But more than anything, I am learning how to build a business that centers people first. After graduation, I plan to launch JADED not only as a studio, but as a movement toward emotional wellness through art. I want to collaborate with mental health professionals, nonprofit organizations, and artists who believe in the power of healing through creativity. My brother’s journey and my mother’s quiet strength are what motivate me to move forward. JADED is for them. And JADED is for every person who has ever felt like their emotions were too heavy or too complicated to share. Through paint, through color, and through community, I want to help people heal in the way I have one brush at a time.

The idea for JADED was born in a moment of chaos. It was late at night, and my brother was in the middle of a mental health episode. As his emotions spiraled out of control, I stood in the hallway, helpless. My family had been navigating his schizophrenia diagnosis without much guidance or support. Watching someone I love suffer and not knowing how to help left me feeling defeated. That night, I saw something different after things settled, my brother began sketching on a torn piece of paper. It wasn’t perfect, but it gave him peace. That one moment sparked something in me. What if more people had access to that kind of peace? What if there was a safe space where adults, especially those struggling with mental health, could come together to create, reflect, and heal through art? That was the beginning of my dream: JADED a judgment-free, creativity centered space where painting and emotional expression go hand in hand. JADED isn’t a business yet. It lives in my notebook, my late-night brainstorms, and the quiet parts of my heart. But even though it’s still just a dream, the journey of imagining it has already changed me. I envision $20 painting sessions that not only give people an outlet but also support mental health nonprofits. I imagine a warm, welcoming studio where people over 21 can feel free to explore their feelings through color and creativity. I want it to be the place my brother needed the place we all need at some point. The biggest obstacle has been knowing that I don’t yet have the tools to bring it to life. I’m a full-time college student studying entrepreneurship, still learning how to write a business plan, secure funding, and network with professionals. Some days, the dream feels far away. But I’ve come to realize that meaningful ideas often begin in hard places. Instead of being discouraged, I’ve chosen to be inspired. Every challenge from family struggles to self-doubt has pushed me to grow into someone more determined, compassionate, and creative. JADED represents more than a business idea. It’s my response to the pain I’ve experienced, and it’s my hope for others who are silently fighting their own battles. This dream has taught me the value of turning hardship into purpose and the importance of empathy in leadership. I may not have it all figured out yet, but I know this: I won’t stop working until JADED becomes a space where people feel seen, safe, and supported. Thanks to every obstacle I’ve encountered, I’ve found not only strength but direction. I’m ready to keep moving forward, step by step, until my dream becomes a reality. I’ve learned to lead with empathy, to keep showing up even when I don’t have all the answers, and to believe that even the biggest dreams can start with a single, honest question: What if?

My Journey, My Purpose My name is Jade Williams, and I am a proud student of entrepreneurship from Lancaster, California. Growing up in a close-knit yet resilient family, I learned early on the power of perseverance, love, and faith in the face of adversity. One of the most transformative experiences in my life has been watching my brother navigate life with schizophrenia. His journey has not been easy, nor has it been easy for my family. But through the challenges, I’ve witnessed an incredible strength within him—and within all of us. His experience has given me a profound sense of purpose: to advocate for mental health, break stigmas, and create opportunities for healing and growth in underserved communities. From a young age, I saw how mental health struggles can isolate people, particularly in communities of color. For my brother, it was not just the illness but also the judgment and lack of resources that weighed heavily on him. For my family, it was a constant battle to find support systems that understood what we were going through. But these challenges didn’t break us; they motivated me to find solutions and use my passion for entrepreneurship to make a meaningful impact. Attending an HBCU is not just an academic decision for me—it is a spiritual and cultural calling. HBCUs are more than institutions; they are havens of resilience, empowerment, and excellence. They represent the dreams and sacrifices of generations who fought for equality and opportunity. For me, attending an HBCU means walking in the footsteps of giants who paved the way for me to be here today. It means being part of a community that understands my story, values my culture, and pushes me to excel not only for myself but for my family and my community. At my HBCU, I feel seen in ways I never have before. My professors, peers, and mentors believe in me and remind me that I am capable of greatness. This environment has helped me embrace my identity and given me the courage to dream bigger. It has also taught me that my success is not just my own—it is tied to a larger legacy. Every step I take is an opportunity to uplift others, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly. My passion for entrepreneurship stems from a desire to create something meaningful out of life’s challenges. Inspired by my brother’s journey, I created JADED, a service where art and mental health intersect. The idea behind JADED is simple yet powerful: to provide a safe space for adults to process their emotions through painting. Art has a way of speaking when words fail, and I wanted to create a platform where individuals could express themselves without judgment. Each session also contributes to mental health nonprofits, ensuring that JADED has a ripple effect beyond its participants. Through JADED, I have seen how something as simple as painting can be transformative. Participants have shared stories of healing, connection, and self-discovery, and each session reminds me why I chose this path. However, JADED is only the beginning. My ultimate goal is to grow this initiative into a larger platform that provides resources, education, and support for families impacted by mental health challenges. I want to be a voice for those who feel unheard and a bridge for communities that have been overlooked for far too long. My entrepreneurial vision extends beyond mental health. I want to create businesses that address systemic inequalities, provide opportunities, and inspire others to dream beyond their circumstances. For my family, I want to offer stability and financial security, showing them that we are not defined by our struggles but by how we rise above them. For my community, I want to be a beacon of hope, proving that meaningful change is possible when we combine passion with purpose. Attending an HBCU has been the foundation for this vision. It has taught me the importance of community, the power of resilience, and the value of education. My journey here has shown me that entrepreneurship is not just about building wealth—it’s about building a legacy. It’s about using my skills and knowledge to create a better world for those around me. Every step I take in my journey is driven by love: love for my brother, who inspires me daily; love for my family, who have supported me unconditionally; and love for my community, who deserve more resources, opportunities, and understanding. My mission is clear: to combine my entrepreneurial skills with my passion for mental health advocacy to create lasting change. I know the road ahead won’t be easy, but I am prepared. My experiences have given me the resilience to face challenges head-on and the determination to turn obstacles into opportunities. With the education and empowerment I am gaining at my HBCU, I am confident that I can make a difference—for my family, my community, and future generations. Attending an HBCU is not just about my present; it is about my future. It is about honoring the past and creating a legacy that uplifts, inspires, and empowers. Through my entrepreneurial journey, I hope to show others that even the most difficult experiences can lead to purpose and greatness.