My name is Jakaylah Roberts, and I am currently a sophomore at Tennessee State University, pursuing a degree in Marketing. As a first-generation college student, education has always been a priority and a source of pride for me and my family. My academic journey has been driven by a passion for creativity and communication, and I am committed to using my education to make a positive impact both in my career and community. Throughout my time in college, I have actively sought opportunities to develop my leadership and marketing skills. One of my most meaningful experiences has been working under the marketing executive for game days and fan engagement at my university. This role has provided hands-on experience in promoting athletic events, coordinating campaigns, and boosting school spirit. It has sharpened my abilities in event planning, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. Beyond the professional skills, it has taught me the importance of community involvement and supporting others through shared experiences. My career aspiration is to become one of the best Black marketing and financial advisors in the world, blending my business knowledge with my passion for empowering underrepresented communities. I want to lead innovative marketing campaigns that uplift Black-owned businesses and create opportunities for youth in underserved areas. I also plan to give back to Tennessee State University and mentor students, helping them navigate their paths as I did. Community involvement has been a cornerstone of my life. I volunteer with local organizations focused on education and youth development, and I’m passionate about creating programs that provide mentorship and resources to students who face challenges similar to mine. These efforts are not only about giving back but also about inspiring others to believe in their potential and work toward their goals. If I receive scholarship money, the savings from paying down my student loans will be life changing. Reducing my financial burden will allow me to focus more on my studies and professional development without the constant stress of debt. I will be able to invest in internships, workshops, and certifications that enhance my skills and career prospects. Additionally, I plan to save money to support future community projects that empower youth and promote education. In summary, I am a determined student with clear goals, a strong commitment to community, and a desire to use my education and experiences to make a lasting impact. With financial support, I will continue to grow academically and professionally, while giving back to the community that has shaped me.

If given the opportunity, I would focus on creating and expanding programs centered around education, mentorship, and community engagement to improve my community. I believe that investing time and resources into these areas can create a lasting positive impact by empowering young people and fostering a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Education is the foundation for success, and mentorship provides the guidance and encouragement that many youths need to overcome obstacles, set goals, and realize their full potential. First, I would establish after-school tutoring and enrichment programs that focus not only on academics but also on life skills such as financial literacy, communication, and leadership. Many students in underserved communities face challenges that go beyond textbooks. Offering these programs would give them a safe space to learn, grow, and develop confidence. I would partner with local schools, businesses, and volunteers to ensure these programs have the resources and support necessary to be effective and sustainable. Second, mentorship would be a key component of my community improvement efforts. Connecting young people with positive role models who can provide advice, encouragement, and networking opportunities can dramatically change their outlook and future prospects. Mentors can help youth navigate academic choices, career paths, and personal development. I would work to create a mentorship network that matches mentors and mentees based on interests, goals, and backgrounds, fostering meaningful and lasting relationships. Additionally, I would organize community events that bring people together to celebrate culture, share resources, and address local issues collaboratively. Creating opportunities for open dialogue and community participation helps build trust, unity, and a shared sense of responsibility. When people feel connected and empowered, they are more likely to contribute to the well-being of their neighborhood. This mission is important to me because I’ve seen how a lack of support and opportunities can limit potential, and how the right encouragement and resources can transform lives. Growing up, I witnessed peers struggle with limited access to quality education and mentorship, which impacted their confidence and future paths. I want to help break that cycle by providing others with the tools and support I was fortunate to receive. Improving my community through education, mentorship, and engagement aligns with my values of service, empowerment, and equality. I believe everyone deserves a chance to succeed, and by investing in people—especially youth—we can create a ripple effect of positive change that lasts for generations. This opportunity would allow me to make a tangible difference and inspire others to do the same.

My name is Jakaylah Roberts, and I am a first-generation college student studying accounting at Tennessee State University. Coming from a low-income background, I have always had to fight for every opportunity. But beyond the financial struggles, one of my greatest battles has been with my own mind. I have learned that mental health is not something you can ignore—it’s something you have to face, and when you do, you don’t just save yourself. You create space for others to heal, too. For much of my life, I thought I was just “bad at school.” I was undiagnosed with dyslexia for years, and it left me with a lot of self-doubt and frustration. But what people didn’t see was the mental toll it took on me. I internalized every struggle as failure. I felt broken. On top of that, growing up in a family that often celebrated my wins but wasn’t always present for the hard parts left me feeling alone in moments when I needed support the most. It wasn’t until I got to college that I truly began to understand how deeply my mental health was affecting every part of my life, academics, friendships, and even my sense of identity. I had to learn how to sit with my emotions, advocate for myself, and seek resources when I needed them. I found healing through counseling, journaling, and most importantly, by building community with people who understood what I was going through. That healing journey lit something in me. I started opening up more, not just about dyslexia, but about anxiety, imposter syndrome, and the weight of being the “strong one” all the time. And what I found was that every time I shared, someone else felt brave enough to share, too. My story wasn’t just mine anymore, it became a mirror for others to see their own resilience. I realized that healing isn’t selfish. It’s contagious. My goal is to become one of the top Black accountants and financial advisors in the world, but even more than that, I want to be a light for others. I want to build programs that offer financial literacy and mental health support in the same space, because you can’t thrive financially if you’re barely surviving emotionally. I want young people, especially those from underrepresented communities, to know they’re not alone in their struggles and that success doesn't require perfection, just persistence. Receiving this scholarship would be more than a financial blessing, it would be a reminder that I’m seen, that my story matters, and that the work I’m doing, both inside and outside the classroom, is worth continuing. I want to keep showing up, not just for myself, but for everyone who feels like giving up. Because when one of us rises, we all rise.

My name is Jakaylah Roberts, and I am a 20-year-old college sophomore at Tennessee State University majoring in accounting. I am a first-generation college student from a low-income background, and my journey has been filled with both challenges and triumphs. Navigating higher education without a strong financial or emotional support system has taught me how to be resourceful, resilient, and determined. This scholarship would be life-changing for me. It would not only ease my financial burden but also allow me to continue pursuing my education without the constant stress of how to afford tuition, books, or basic living expenses. My long-term goal is to become one of the most respected Black accountants and financial advisors in the world. I want to break barriers in my field and open doors for others who look like me. My passion for accounting is driven not just by numbers, but by purpose. I want to use my skills to educate and empower underserved communities about financial literacy, helping families understand budgeting, saving, and wealth-building. One day, I plan to open my own financial consulting firm that offers both services and mentorship programs for students of color who want to enter the field of finance. Giving back is extremely important to me. I envision returning to Tennessee State University as a successful alumna who supports students just like myself. Whether it’s through scholarships, internships, or speaking to classes, I want to be the person I once needed. I believe we rise by lifting others, and that is the foundation of my future. One of the most difficult challenges I’ve faced happened during my first year in college. That’s when I was officially diagnosed with dyslexia. At first, I felt defeated. I had always struggled with reading and comprehension, but receiving a formal diagnosis made me question my intelligence and whether I truly belonged in college. On top of that, I lacked emotional support from my family. They tend to only show up when I’m achieving something publicly, but they’re absent during the process the struggles, the failures, the nights I cried myself to sleep. What helped me overcome this difficult season was learning to advocate for myself. I started using the resources available to me, academic accommodations, tutoring, and counseling. I built a small but strong support system with professors and peers who saw my potential even when I couldn’t. Slowly, I began to understand that my challenges didn’t define me; they refined me. This scholarship would mean far more than just financial support; it would be a vote of confidence in who I am and who I’m striving to become. With this opportunity, I will continue to rise, and I will make sure to bring others with me.

Charity is important to me because I understand firsthand what it feels like to need help but not always know where to turn. Coming from a low-income background, I’ve experienced the challenges of navigating school, life, and goals without every resource at my fingertips. I’ve felt the stress of trying to succeed while carrying more than just books on my back, I carried pressure, doubt, and responsibilities most people never saw. But I’ve also felt the power of someone believing in me, whether it was a mentor, a teacher, or a scholarship that gave me a real chance. To me, charity isn’t just about giving money, it’s about creating opportunities, uplifting others, and planting seeds that grow into something greater. That’s why one of my biggest goals is to start a scholarship for low-income students like me, students who have big dreams and strong determination, but who just need a little support to help them push through. I want to help relieve the financial burdens that often hold so many talented individuals back. I also plan to give back to my alma mater, Tennessee State University. TSU has shaped me, challenged me, and helped me discover who I am. I want to pour back into the same institution that poured so much into me. To me, charity is about legacy, not just what you leave behind, but what you build while you’re here. I want my legacy to be one of service, love, and lifting others as I climb.

I’ve learned that what makes me different isn’t something to hide, it’s something to own, to amplify, and to use as a source of strength. Living with dyslexia means I’ve had to work harder than most just to read what others may breeze through in seconds. It’s taught me patience, creativity, and how to see the world in a way others don’t. Where someone else might look at a paragraph and see perfect structure, I see a puzzle, one I’ve trained myself to solve in my own unique way. At the same time, being diagnosed with a lung condition forced me to give up sports, something I loved deeply. Walking away from the field wasn’t just about losing a game, it felt like losing part of my identity. But what I gained was something greater: resilience. I had to find new ways to lead, new ways to push myself, and new ways to stay inspired. That’s how I discovered my passion for academics, service, and peer support. I learned that I didn’t need a jersey to be a role model. Now, I move with purpose, knowing someone is always watching, someone who might also be struggling to read a textbook or learning how to breathe through setbacks, literally and figuratively. I use my story to show them what’s possible. Whether it’s a classmate sitting behind me who sees me ask a question they were too afraid to ask, or a younger student who notices I’m the first to volunteer, I hope my quiet persistence reminds them they don’t have to be perfect, just determined. I leverage my difference by being visible in the moments that matter. I speak up in class, even when I’m unsure of my voice, because I know that courage can be contagious. I take on leadership roles, not because I want to be seen, but because I want others to see what’s possible, especially those who feel like the odds are stacked against them. I show up even when it’s hard, when my dyslexia makes reading assignments feel twice as long, or when my lungs remind me that my limits are different now. I show up because someone, somewhere, is watching and wondering if they can make it too. And through every challenge I overcome, every silent battle I fight, my answer to them is always the same: yes, you can. No matter what comes my way, I’ve learned to stay grounded in who I am. I don’t let the obstacles I face define me, they shape me, but they don’t confine me. I refuse to let my diagnosis, or my differences dim my light. I never sit in my sorrows for too long, because I know that progress isn’t always loud or fast, sometimes, it’s just putting one foot in front of the other. I keep pushing forward, keep showing up, and keep believing that tomorrow holds more opportunity than today. My story may be different, but that’s what makes it powerful. And if by living it authentically, I can give someone else the strength to keep going, then every struggle has been worth it.

Jakaylah Roberts – Vision Statement for Economic Empowerment and Social Equity As a 20-year-old sophomore at Tennessee State University and a first-generation college student, I have learned early in life what it means to persevere. I don’t come from wealth, and I’ve faced more than my share of challenges—academic pressures, financial instability, and personal hardships that might have discouraged others. But I remain committed to pushing forward, driven by a powerful vision: to uplift underrepresented communities through economic empowerment and business innovation. My goal is to turn adversity into opportunity—not just for myself, but for others like me who are fighting to break generational cycles of poverty and inequality. My lived experience has taught me the true value of resilience and the importance of access. Many people in marginalized communities don’t lack talent or ambition—they lack opportunity, guidance, and resources. Business, when used intentionally, can be a tool for liberation. Through entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and access to capital, communities can transform from surviving to thriving. I envision creating programs that support minority-owned businesses, promote financial education in underserved schools, and fund community-based innovation projects. By equipping people with the tools to build and sustain wealth, we can create change that lasts for generations. My passion lies in using my business education to disrupt the status quo. I am majoring in accounting, a field where Black professionals are drastically underrepresented. I plan to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), not only to defy the odds but to pave the way for others. I want to make a name for Black accountants, showing young Black students that they too can excel in spaces where they’ve historically been overlooked. Representation matters, and I aim to become the role model I never had—someone who proves that your background does not limit your future. Ultimately, my long-term goal is to work in economic reformation, especially in policies and initiatives that prioritize minority communities. I want to advocate for systemic changes that make funding, financial services, and mentorship accessible to those who need it most. Whether that means creating tax incentives for businesses that hire from disadvantaged neighborhoods, or launching a nonprofit focused on financial equity, I will use my skills in business to fight for justice. I believe that economic inclusion is one of the most effective paths toward true social equity. It’s not just about making money—it’s about making change. Despite the many obstacles I’ve faced in college, I’ve continued to rise. Each hardship has deepened my empathy and strengthened my determination. I know what it’s like to feel unseen and unsupported, and that’s why I fight so hard for equity. I want every student like me to know that they matter—and that with the right tools, they can do more than just survive; they can lead. Being a first-generation college student isn’t just a label for me—it’s a mission. I carry the hopes of my family, my community, and future generations on my shoulders. I am determined to use my education and experiences to drive meaningful, lasting progress. My vision is clear: to create a more inclusive economy where success is not determined by zip code or skin color, but by potential and perseverance. In the end, my career in business is about more than numbers—it’s about people. It’s about creating spaces where underrepresented voices are not only heard but valued. It’s about building a future where we all rise together.

One of the biggest obstacles I’ve had to overcome in my pursuit of higher education has been the lack of consistent support, both emotionally and structurally. As a first-generation college student, I’ve often felt like I’ve been walking this path alone, navigating systems and expectations that no one in my family has ever experienced. While my family is quick to show up when something good happens—like when I receive an award or make the Dean’s List—they are rarely present during the long nights, mental struggles, or the overwhelming pressure that comes with being the first to do something unfamiliar and difficult. This absence of support during the journey has been one of the hardest things to deal with. There were times when I desperately needed someone to lean on, someone to talk to about the stress, the fear of failure, or just the exhaustion of trying to keep it all together. Instead, I had to learn how to encourage myself and push through moments of self-doubt and loneliness. On top of that, as a young Black woman, I’ve had to confront cultural and systemic barriers that often make it harder to succeed in academic spaces. Whether it's being underestimated, overlooked, or feeling like I have to work twice as hard to be seen, I’ve carried a weight that many of my peers haven’t had to bear. Fortunately, during my senior year of high school, I had a counselor who saw me—really saw me. She noticed my potential when others didn’t and recognized how much I was carrying on my shoulders. She was one of the few adults in my life who didn’t just celebrate my wins but walked with me through the hard times. She helped me apply to colleges, guided me through financial aid paperwork, and most importantly, gave me encouragement when I felt like giving up. Her belief in me helped me believe in myself. Without her support, I’m not sure I would’ve made it to college, let alone stayed committed to finishing. She reminded me that my dreams were valid and that I wasn’t alone, even when it felt like I was. Her impact continues to shape how I carry myself and how I plan to support others who feel unseen or unheard. Overcoming the lack of support and facing systemic barriers has made me stronger and more determined. It’s taught me how to be resourceful, self-motivated, and compassionate toward others who are fighting similar battles. While I’m still on this journey, I now walk with more confidence—and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.

My name is Jakaylah Roberts. I am a 20-year-old sophomore at Tennessee State University and a proud first-generation college student. Coming from a background where I didn’t have much, I’ve always had to work hard for every opportunity. My journey hasn’t been easy, but every obstacle has made me more determined to succeed. One of the most significant parts of my story is how my mental health and learning differences—specifically, my experience with dyslexia—have shaped the way I see the world and navigate college life. Living with dyslexia has been a lifelong challenge. It affects how I read, write, and process information. In the fast-paced environment of college, that often leaves me feeling like I’m constantly playing catch-up. While other students can breeze through reading assignments or quickly take notes during lectures, I have to take extra steps—reading things multiple times, recording lectures, or staying up later than everyone else just to keep up. It’s not that I’m not capable; I just need more time and a different approach to learn effectively. This difference in learning style often leaves me feeling out of place. Study groups, for example, rarely work for me. The discussions tend to move too quickly, and I find myself falling behind, not because I don't understand the material, but because I need a moment to process it. That can be discouraging. It’s hard not to compare myself to others or feel like I’m less than, even when I’m putting in double the effort. But over time, I’ve realized that my struggles have also given me strength. Dyslexia has taught me how to be adaptable, creative, and incredibly persistent. I’ve learned how to advocate for myself, how to build study routines that actually work for me, and how to block out the pressure of comparison. Most importantly, I’ve learned to give myself grace—to acknowledge that my path might look different, but that doesn’t make it any less valid or valuable. My mental health journey has been closely tied to these academic struggles. There have been times where the stress of trying to keep up has led to anxiety, burnout, and self-doubt. But I continue to push through. I’ve sought out support, leaned on resources, and found strength in being open about what I’m going through. I believe that sharing these experiences helps break the stigma and reminds others that they’re not alone. Despite everything, I’m still standing, still learning, and still growing. I’m committed to not just achieving my own goals, but to uplifting others who face similar battles. I want to be a voice for those who feel unseen or misunderstood. Whether it’s through my future career in accounting or my passion for reform, I plan to make a difference in the world—and I know my journey, with all of its ups and downs, has prepared me to do just that.

My name is Jakaylah Roberts. I am a 20-year-old sophomore at Tennessee State University and a proud first-generation college student. Coming from a background where opportunities weren’t handed to me, I’ve had to learn resilience, determination, and the importance of hard work at an early age. I didn’t grow up with much, but I’ve always had big dreams and the drive to turn those dreams into reality. Since beginning my journey at Tennessee State University, life has tested me in more ways than I could’ve imagined. I’ve faced financial challenges, moments of self-doubt, and personal hardships that could have easily knocked me off course. But every obstacle has only strengthened my resolve. Despite it all, I continue to persevere. I wake up every day with the same fire in my heart to keep pushing forward, not just for myself but for those who look like me and come from similar backgrounds. I believe that where you come from does not define where you can go, and I live by that truth. One of my greatest passions lies in reformation—specifically, creating systems and support for marginalized communities. I want to help rewrite the narrative for minorities, especially Black youth, who are often told they can only go so far. I understand the pain of being overlooked, underestimated, and underrepresented. That’s why I plan to work tirelessly in spaces where I can advocate for equity, justice, and access. Whether it's through policy, mentorship, or community service, I want to be a part of real change. My goal is to be someone who uplifts others, not just in words but through meaningful action. In addition to my passion for advocacy, I’m pursuing a career in accounting. I know that finance and representation don’t always go hand in hand, especially for Black professionals. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to beat the status quo and make a name for Black accountants in the financial world. I want to break barriers, shatter stereotypes, and open doors for others who never thought they could enter the field. As an accountant, I plan to bring not just skill and professionalism but also integrity, compassion, and cultural awareness to every space I enter. Everything I do is rooted in a desire to give back—to uplift my community and to be the example I wish I had growing up. I’m not just in college to earn a degree; I’m here to build a legacy. I want to show other first-generation students that success is possible, even when the odds are stacked against you. My story is still being written, but one thing is certain: I will continue to rise, continue to fight, and continue to make an impact that reaches far beyond myself.