Education is a powerful tool for opening doors, creating opportunities, and shaping the future of business. My goal is to use my education in business administration to not only excel personally but also to create pathways that allow others from underrepresented communities to succeed in the corporate world. I believe that access to knowledge, mentorship, and resources can transform industries and foster more equitable opportunities for everyone. During my academic journey, I plan to focus on developing skills that drive business success: leadership, financial management, strategic planning, and effective communication. With these skills, I aim to design programs that provide guidance and support for young professionals who may face barriers to entry in business. For example, I envision mentorship initiatives connecting students with experienced professionals, workshops that teach essential workplace skills, and networking opportunities that allow participants to build meaningful connections. By doing this, I hope to create systems where underrepresented talent can thrive and reach leadership positions with confidence. My personal experiences have shaped this vision. Growing up in a household where financial stability was a constant challenge, I learned how limited access to resources can impact opportunity. I saw my mom work tirelessly to provide for seven children while facing numerous obstacles, and I experienced firsthand how mentorship and support from others—like my coaches who paid my basketball fees—can change a person’s trajectory. These experiences have inspired me to be the mentor, advocate, and resource for others that I wish I had more of growing up. I also plan to use my education to build businesses and programs that directly invest in communities. I want to create spaces where young professionals and entrepreneurs can access guidance, funding resources, and skill-building opportunities that help them succeed in corporate and entrepreneurial ventures. Whether through community-based workshops, scholarship programs, or professional development platforms, my goal is to empower others while contributing to innovation and growth in the business world. Ultimately, my education is more than a personal investment—it is a foundation for creating change. By combining business knowledge with leadership, mentorship, and community engagement, I aim to build environments where Black professionals have access to the tools, support, and confidence they need to excel. Education empowers me to lead, uplift, and open doors for others while building a stronger, more equitable business landscape for future generations. I plan to shape the way the words thinks about “ black women” in a leadership role.

Social media has become an inseparable part of daily life, especially for young people. While it offers connection, entertainment, and opportunities for self-expression, it also has a profound impact on mental health and self-esteem. Constant exposure to carefully curated images, lifestyles, and opinions can create unrealistic standards that leave people feeling inadequate or insecure. Comparing ourselves to others online can distort our perception of reality, making it easy to focus on what we don’t have instead of appreciating what we do. Over time, this can lead to anxiety, depression, and negative body image, particularly among teens and young adults. One major issue is that social media often prioritizes popularity over authenticity. Likes, comments, and shares can become measures of self-worth, making validation from others feel more important than personal growth. This reliance on external approval can make people overly self-conscious, anxious about how they appear online, and fearful of missing out. Additionally, exposure to cyberbullying, negative content, or online harassment can intensify feelings of low self-esteem and contribute to long-term emotional struggles. Despite these challenges, there are strategies that can help mitigate social media’s impact on mental health. First, promoting digital literacy is essential. Teaching young people how to critically evaluate online content, recognize unrealistic portrayals, and understand that social media is often a highlight reel rather than real life can reduce harmful comparisons. Encouraging breaks from social media and setting time limits can also help maintain a healthy balance, allowing individuals to focus on real-life relationships, hobbies, and personal development. Another solution is fostering supportive online communities. Platforms that encourage positive interaction, inclusivity, and kindness can improve users’ mental well-being. People should feel empowered to curate their feeds, follow accounts that inspire them, and block content that triggers anxiety or self-doubt. Parents, educators, and mental health professionals can also play a role by providing guidance, modeling healthy social media habits, and offering resources for coping with online stress. Ultimately, addressing social media’s impact requires both personal awareness and systemic change. By teaching people to engage thoughtfully, promoting digital wellness, and prioritizing authentic connection over superficial validation, we can reduce its negative effects and help individuals build stronger self-esteem. Social media can be a tool for connection and growth, but only when it is approached with balance, mindfulness, and self-compassion. In conclusion, social media shapes mental health and self-esteem in powerful ways, often amplifying feelings of inadequacy and comparison. However, through education, awareness, and intentional habits, we can minimize its harmful effects. By learning to navigate online spaces thoughtfully and encouraging healthier interactions, we can turn social media into a platform that uplifts, inspires, and supports rather than diminishes our sense of self.