I was born on a spring day, April 13, 2002, in Baton Rouge — a city where the air hums with music and the streets carry the stories of survival. My childhood wasn’t painted in soft pastels — it was a canvas of fractured lines and missing pieces. A father whose work kept him miles away, a mother who held the world together with hands that never stopped trembling yet never stopped holding on. I was the younger sister by age, but life gave me the script of the “bigger” one — the guide, the voice of reason, the one who would step into the storm with bare feet and still learn how to dance. I grew up knowing that love isn’t always loud, sometimes it’s the quiet faith that carries you through the night. That faith became my anchor. God’s grace — my proof that broken homes can still grow beautiful hearts. In school, I refused to be a shadow. I was the dance captain, leading movements that spoke louder than words. The battalion commander in JROTC, learning that leadership isn’t about power, but about the courage to stand at the front and still see the ones behind you. Vice president of the National Honor Society, because excellence is a choice I made daily, not just a label I earned. College took me to Jackson State University, where I found another kind of family in Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, a circle that taught me that service is more than giving, it’s pouring into others even when your own cup feels light. Somewhere along the way, my heart leaned toward healing — toward restoring not just what’s broken in the body, but what’s bruised in the spirit. That’s when I knew: I was meant to be an Athletic Trainer. Meant to be the person who hands back not just movement, but confidence. And still, beyond the career dreams, I romanticize life. I love the way quiet moments can hold entire galaxies. I wander into new places, breathing in their stories. I dream of creating a gym attire brand for tall women of all sizes — because strength should never have to shrink itself to fit. My story is not perfect, but it is purposeful. Every scar has been a stitch in my strength. Every detour has been a doorway. And I carry it all with the knowing — that from brokenness can come brilliance, and from resilience can rise a woman who knows her worth and walks with God’s light in every step.

From a young age, I developed a deep respect for the strength and resilience of the human body. I was fascinated not just by how the body could perform, but by how it could heal after facing pain or setbacks. That passion, along with my experiences being an athlete and watching teammates and friends battle injuries, inspired me to pursue a degree in athletic training. I want to be more than someone who treats injuries — I want to be a source of hope, motivation, and guidance for people in some of their hardest moments. Athletic training, for me, is a calling to restore both confidence and physical ability in others. My career goal is to become a licensed athletic trainer and eventually open a sports rehabilitation clinic that serves not only athletes but also communities that don’t have regular access to quality care. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how limited resources could affect a person’s health and opportunities. I want to bridge that gap — ensuring that no one feels left behind in their healing process simply because of where they come from or what they can afford. Beyond treatment, I hope to educate others about prevention, recovery, and maintaining long-term wellness. One of the ways I’ve been able to impact my community is through leadership roles that pushed me to serve beyond myself. In high school, I served as the dance captain, leading my team with discipline, creativity, and encouragement. I was also the battalion commander in JROTC, where I learned the value of responsibility, teamwork, and resilience. Additionally, I served as vice president of the National Honor Society, which allowed me to organize service projects and mentor younger students. Later in college, I continued that spirit of service through Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, where I worked on projects that directly supported local families and schools. Most recently, I was honored to serve as a CHP Student Ambassador for the Master’s program, a role that allowed me to represent my college, welcome new students, and be a voice of encouragement and guidance for those beginning their journey. These experiences taught me that leadership isn’t about holding a title — it’s about being willing to sacrifice, to serve, and to create an environment where others can thrive. My passion for athletic training is deeply tied to these lessons. Growing up, I often had to step into the role of being “the big sister to my big sister.” That responsibility shaped me into someone who understands the importance of support, empathy, and resilience. It also gave me the determination to never give up on my goals, no matter the obstacles. I believe this scholarship would not only support my education but also invest in a future where I can continue to pour back into my community through service and healthcare. My journey has taught me that while success is personal, it is most meaningful when it uplifts others. Athletic training is the path I’ve chosen to make that impact.

Every day, I strive to live out qualities that not only define who I am but also guide me toward the future I envision for myself. The traits of strong leadership and communication skills, resilience, unselfishness, determination, and a strong work ethic are central to how I move through life, and each plays an essential role in my personal and professional journey. Leadership and communication are a part of my daily routine. Whether in school, volunteering, or serving as a CHP Student Ambassador, I prioritize listening as much as I speak and ensuring those around me feel seen and supported. Leadership to me isn’t about authority—it’s about influence, service, and creating an environment where others can thrive. Resilience is something I’ve had to learn through life’s challenges. Growing up in a family where responsibility often came early, I learned to push forward even when the road wasn’t easy. Watching my sister serve in the Navy also inspired me to embody resilience. Her discipline and courage remind me daily that perseverance and strength are built in moments of struggle, not ease. Being unselfish guides how I interact with others. I believe success is not only about personal achievements but also about lifting others as you climb. From volunteering in my community through Alpha Phi Omega to assisting peers in my academic program, I’ve made it a point to share my time, energy, and resources to support others. Focus and determination fuel my pursuit of a Master of Athletic Training degree. Balancing academics, clinicals, and leadership roles requires me to remain disciplined and goal-oriented. Each day, I remind myself why I started this journey: to serve athletes, advocate for their well-being, and give back to communities that need it most. Finally, my strong work ethic ensures that I stay consistent in all that I do. Whether it’s studying late to master course material or stepping up in leadership roles, I commit myself fully. I know that hard work is the foundation that turns dreams into reality. Looking ahead, my goal is to work as an athletic trainer in the NFL, NBA, or collegiate athletics while also mentoring the next generation of students entering the field. My decision to pursue this degree comes from a deep desire to provide holistic care to athletes, supporting them physically, mentally, and emotionally. To me, leadership means being a servant first—setting an example through action, empowering others to grow, and leaving every space better than I found it. With resilience, selflessness, determination, and hard work, I believe I can achieve my goals while making a lasting impact.

My journey with mental health has been one of the most defining parts of my life, shaping not only my goals but also the way I love, connect, and view the world around me. It has taught me that true strength is not about appearing perfect but about embracing vulnerability, seeking help when needed, and choosing to keep going even on the hardest days. These experiences deeply influence my career aspirations. I know firsthand how mental well-being impacts every area of life, which is why in athletic training I want to care for athletes as whole people—not just their injuries. I want to be a steady hand and a reassuring presence, someone who reminds them that their worth is far greater than their performance. My struggles gave me empathy, and I hope to turn that empathy into action by being a professional who uplifts and advocates for those in my care. My relationships have also grown richer because of what I’ve been through. I’ve learned to listen more carefully, love more gently, and create safe spaces where honesty and vulnerability are welcome. Mental health taught me the importance of grace—both giving it to others and extending it to myself. As a result, my connections with family, friends, and peers are deeper and more meaningful. Most of all, my understanding of the world has changed. I see now that many people carry invisible battles, and that a kind word, a patient ear, or a simple act of care can make all the difference. My faith has been my anchor through it all, reminding me that even in my lowest moments, I am not alone and that God’s grace turns pain into purpose. Because of my experiences, I strive to live with compassion, authenticity, and service. Mental health has not weakened me—it has softened my heart, strengthened my spirit, and given me a vision of a world where no one feels unseen in their struggles.

Love Island has always been about testing connections, but The Heart Maze takes things to an entirely new level. This challenge blends strategy, honesty, and emotional vulnerability into one unforgettable experience. Unlike physical competitions or lighthearted games, The Heart Maze is designed to reveal how well couples truly know each other—and whether they’re brave enough to confront the truths that could make or break their bond. The challenge begins with a life-sized maze built on the villa grounds, divided into several “zones,” each representing a stage of a relationship: Trust, Communication, Intimacy, and Future Plans. Each couple must enter the maze together, but here’s the twist—only one partner can see the full map while the other must rely solely on instructions from their partner to navigate. This tests their communication and patience from the very start. At the end of each zone, the couple faces a truth-or-dare style task, but elevated with emotional stakes. For example: • Trust Zone: One partner is blindfolded and must fall backward into their partner’s arms, symbolizing reliance. Before catching them, the partner must answer a personal question like, “What’s my biggest fear in a relationship?” correctly—or the fall becomes riskier. • Communication Zone: Couples receive noise-canceling headphones while trying to lip-read a phrase of affection or encouragement from their partner. Success depends on how well they know each other’s expressions. • Intimacy Zone: Partners must reveal something they’ve never shared before—anything from a past heartbreak to a hidden dream—before completing a puzzle of their favorite shared memory. • Future Plans Zone: Couples are given two envelopes: one contains a “dream scenario” (such as traveling together or moving in), the other a “challenge” (like long-distance or career changes). They must openly discuss how they’d handle it before moving forward. The final test comes at the maze’s center: a symbolic “Love Lock.” Couples must decide whether to lock their box together (showing commitment) or leave it open (choosing to wait). This choice is revealed to the entire villa, sparking conversations and maybe even drama about their readiness. The Heart Maze is extraordinary because it combines emotional depth, vulnerability, and teamwork rather than focusing only on surface-level fun. It pushes Islanders beyond flirting and into real conversations about trust, honesty, and the future—transforming the villa into a space not just for love, but for growth.

When I imagine the life of my dreams, I see peace, purpose, and freedom. I picture myself living abroad, surrounded by nature and my family, free from the weight of student debt. Financially free, I would be able to travel, explore what the world has to offer, and enjoy the simple joys of life—like dancing in the rain. For me, a dream life is one where I am healthy, happy, and fully present, with my faith in God guiding every step. In this vision, I am thriving in my career as an athletic trainer, serving in the NFL, NBA, or at the collegiate level. While my profession focuses on injury prevention and rehabilitation, I see my role as much more than that. I want to be a source of encouragement and advocacy for athletes, helping them maintain not only their physical health but also their mental and emotional well-being. I want the athletes I serve to know they are cared for beyond their performance, and I hope to inspire them the way athletic trainers once inspired me. Part of my dream is having the financial freedom to focus less on stress and more on impact. Without the burden of debt, I would be able to take advantage of professional growth opportunities like conferences, certifications, and specialized workshops. More importantly, I would have the resources to give back—particularly to the Black community, which has always been close to my heart. Giving back would be central to my life. I envision organizing free clinics for young athletes in underserved communities, offering education on injury prevention, wellness, and nutrition. I also want to mentor students who aspire to work in healthcare, helping them see the possibilities for their futures. One of my long-term goals is to contribute to scholarship programs, so other students can pursue their education without the financial challenges I’ve experienced. My faith in God grounds all of these dreams. It is through Him that I find the strength to push forward, the wisdom to lead, and the courage to serve. In my dream life, my bond with God is stronger than ever, and I live each day with gratitude for His grace and guidance. Ultimately, my dream life is about balance and fulfillment. It’s about traveling with my family, serving my community, and thriving in my profession while staying grounded in faith. Whether I am mentoring a young student, caring for an athlete, or simply enjoying the rain with my loved ones, I will know that I am living a life of purpose, peace, and joy.