My name is Jaliah Buckley, and I am an adoptee. At the age of two, I was removed from my biological mother due to child neglect and mental health issues and placed with my aunt, whom I have always regarded as a mother figure. Throughout my life, I have witnessed various mental and physical illnesses within my family, ranging from alcoholism to cancer, but I didn't fully grasp the severity of these issues until high school. It was during this time that I began to understand the impact of losing family members, particularly in my senior year when I lost my aunt, whom I cherished as a grandmother figure. The experience was overwhelming, and I struggled to navigate my grief. I am still in the process of healing, focusing on educating myself not only about grief but also about mental illness. Due to my family's dynamic, I have always felt a deep empathy for the children in my life who come from unstable homes. This sense of compassion guided me towards a career in social work. I have always believed that children deserve a safe space, and after completing high school, I was clear about my aspirations. Not only do I want to support foster children, but I aim to be a reliable presence for all kids who need someone—anyone—to listen to them. I believe society often overlooks the mental health needs of children, particularly children of color, as well as the impact of their home environments. As a community, we should be working collaboratively to support these kids in our neighborhoods, towns, and cities. Unfortunately, I have witnessed many social workers who do not put forth their best effort for these children. They often treat their roles as just another job rather than a serious commitment that deserves genuine passion and dedication. I have many ideas about what I want to achieve and how to get there. During high school, I took business management classes, which gave me valuable knowledge on starting a business. In the future, I hope to open a bakery that will host programs several days a week for foster children and low-income kids. These programs would include paid internships, teaching them how to start their own businesses, and baking. I believe that when everything else feels out of control, you can find stability in what you create in the kitchen. But for now, I plan to attend college and major in social work, while working towards starting my bakery from scratch. I aim to raise funds for my future business and for the children I hope to help. This scholarship will not only ease my financial burdens but also serve as a vital steppingstone toward achieving my goals and dreams.

My name is Jaliah Monae' Buckley. I was born on January 15th, 2007, in Seattle, Washington. I am an adoptee. My biological mother had four children and because she wasn't mentally unable to take care of us and neglectful, We were separated. My biological mother gave me to her younger sister and she adopted me at the age of eighteen. through my adoption, was given the opportunity for a better life. My mom and I grew up together, learning to navigate through life. she always encouraged me to be the best person I could be and to make a change in the world. I was raised in a large family. So, my support was not limited. My great aunts, who helped support us played a big role in who I am today. My adoption and what I witnessed with my uncle's children gave me an insight into what I want to do with the rest of my life become a social worker. it's encouraged me to be a part of the change. I've seen so many innocent children go into foster care and get abused and overlooked. I want to give support to those children and give them a chance no one else would give. To do this I plan on getting my masters in social work and all the necessities needed to get the job. I would like to be a support for children as they navigate through the system. Changing how the system is used for these kids, especially children of color. I have seen my family members go through a lot after their guardians or parents have passed or given up and witnessed the social workers move on after it got hard, it was heartbreaking to see someone just give up on kids who never experience that love and security. I quickly learned that children of color are mostly overlooked. Many of them in foster care are coming from communities that have been impacted by generational trauma. Some may not understand this trauma may be passed down, impacting the child's emotions and psychological well-being. I want to be a part of the solution by using myself as a walking example and proof that they could have a future too. This year I have joined DECA, which prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools around the globe. It has encouraged me that after I receive my master's in social work. I also want to start a bakery that caters to low-income communities. This would let me do what I love most and give those children an example of what they too can become.

My name is Jaliah Monae' Buckle, I was born on January 15th, 2007, in Seattle, Washington. I am an adoptee. My biological mother had four children and because she wasn't mentally unable to take care of us and neglectful; We were separated. My biological mother gave me to her younger sister and she adopted me at the age of eighteen. Through my adoption, I was given the opportunity for a better life. My mom and I grew up together, learning to navigate through life. She always encouraged me to be the best person I could be and to make a change in the world. I was raised in a large family. So, my support was not limited. My great aunts, who helped support us played a big role in who I am today. My adoption and what I witnessed with my uncle's children gave me an insight into what I want to do with the rest of my life become a social worker. It's encouraged me to be a part of the change. I've seen so many innocent children go into foster care and get abused and overlooked. I want to give support to those children and give them a chance no one else would give. To do this I plan on getting my masters in social work and all the necessities needed to get the job. I would like to be a support for children as they navigate through the system. Changing how the system is used for these kids, especially children of color. I have seen my family members go through a lot after their guardians or parents have passed or given up and witnessed the social workers move on after it got hard, it was heartbreaking to see someone just give up on kids who never experience that love and security. I quickly learned that children of color are mostly overlooked. Many of them in foster care are coming from communities that have been impacted by generational trauma. Some may not understand this trauma may be passed down, impacting the child's emotions and psychological well-being. I want to be a part of the solution by using myself as a walking example and proof that they could have a future too. This year, I joined DECA, which prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools around the globe. It has encouraged me that after I receive my master's in social work, I want to start a bakery that caters to low-income communities. This would let me do what I love most and give those children an example of what they, too, can become.

My name is Jaliah Monae' Buckle, I was born on January 15th, 2007, in Seattle, Washington. I am an adoptee. My biological mother had four children and because she wasn't mentally unable to take care of us and neglectful; We were separated. My biological mother gave me to her younger sister and she adopted me at the age of eighteen. Through my adoption, I was given the opportunity for a better life. My mom and I grew up together, learning to navigate through life. She always encouraged me to be the best person I could be and to make a change in the world. I was raised in a large family. So, my support was not limited. My great aunts, who helped support us played a big role in who I am today. My adoption and what I witnessed with my uncle's children gave me an insight into what I want to do with the rest of my life become a social worker. It's encouraged me to be a part of the change. I've seen so many innocent children go into foster care and get abused and overlooked. I want to give support to those children and give them a chance no one else would give. To do this I plan on getting my masters in social work and all the necessities needed to get the job. I would like to be a support for children as they navigate through the system. Changing how the system is used for these kids, especially children of color. I have seen my family members go through a lot after their guardians or parents have passed or given up and witnessed the social workers move on after it got hard, it was heartbreaking to see someone just give up on kids who never experience that love and security. I quickly learned that children of color are mostly overlooked. Many of them in foster care are coming from communities that have been impacted by generational trauma. Some may not understand this trauma may be passed down, impacting the child's emotions and psychological well-being. I want to be a part of the solution by using myself as a walking example and proof that they could have a future too. This year, I joined DECA, which prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools around the globe. It has encouraged me that after I receive my master's in social work, I want to start a bakery that caters to low-income communities. This would let me do what I love most and give those children an example of what they, too, can become.

My name is Jaliah Monae' Buckle, I was born on January 15th, 2007, in Seattle, Washington. I am an adoptee. My biological mother had four children and because she wasn't mentally unable to take care of us and neglectful; We were separated. My biological mother gave me to her younger sister and she adopted me at the age of eighteen. Through my adoption, I was given the opportunity for a better life. My mom and I grew up together, learning to navigate through life. She always encouraged me to be the best person I could be and to make a change in the world. I was raised in a large family. So, my support was not limited. My great aunts, who helped support us played a big role in who I am today. My adoption and what I witnessed with my uncle's children gave me an insight into what I want to do with the rest of my life become a social worker. It's encouraged me to be a part of the change. I've seen so many innocent children go into foster care and get abused and overlooked. I want to give support to those children and give them a chance no one else would give. To do this I plan on getting my masters in social work and all the necessities needed to get the job. I would like to be a support for children as they navigate through the system. Changing how the system is used for these kids, especially children of color. I have seen my family members go through a lot after their guardians or parents have passed or given up and witnessed the social workers move on after it got hard, it was heartbreaking to see someone just give up on kids who never experience that love and security. I quickly learned that children of color are mostly overlooked. Many of them in foster care are coming from communities that have been impacted by generational trauma. Some may not understand this trauma may be passed down, impacting the child's emotions and psychological well-being. I want to be a part of the solution by using myself as a walking example and proof that they could have a future too. This year , Ijoined DECA, which prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools around the globe. It has encouraged me that after I receive my master's in social work., Iwant to start a bakery that caters to low-income communities. This would let me do what I love most and give those children an example of what they ,too ,can become.

My name is Jaliah Monae' Buckle, I was born on January 15th, 2007, in Seattle, Washington. I am an adoptee. My biological mother had four children and because she wasn't mentally unable to take care of us and neglectful; We were separated. My biological mother gave me to her younger sister and she adopted me at the age of eighteen. Through my adoption, I was given the opportunity for a better life. My mom and I grew up together, learning to navigate through life. She always encouraged me to be the best person I could be and to make a change in the world. I was raised in a large family. So, my support was not limited. My great aunts, who helped support us played a big role in who I am today. My adoption and what I witnessed with my uncle's children gave me an insight into what I want to do with the rest of my life become a social worker. it's encouraged me to be a part of the change. I've seen so many innocent children go into foster care and get abused and overlooked. I want to give support to those children and give them a chance no one else would give. To do this I plan on getting my masters in social work and all the necessities needed to get the job. I would like to be a support for children as they navigate through the system. Changing how the system is used for these kids, especially children of color. I have seen my family members go through a lot after their guardians or parents have passed or given up and witnessed the social workers move on after it got hard, it was heartbreaking to see someone just give up on kids who never experience that love and security. I quickly learned that children of color are mostly overlooked. Many of them in foster care are coming from communities that have been impacted by generational trauma. Some may not understand this trauma may be passed down, impacting the child's emotions and psychological well-being. I want to be a part of the solution by using myself as a walking example and proof that they could have a future too. This year, I joined DECA, which prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools around the globe. It has encouraged me that after I receive my master's in social work, I want to start a bakery that caters to low-income communities. This would let me do what I love most and give those children an example of what they, too, can become.

My adoption and what I witnessed with my uncle's children gave me an insight into what I want to do with the rest of my life become a social worker. It's encouraged me to be a part of the change. I've seen so many innocent children go into foster care and get abused and overlooked. I want to give support to those children and give them a chance no one else would give. To do this I plan on getting my masters in social work and all the necessities needed to get the job. I would like to be a support for children as they navigate through the system. Changing how the system is used for these kids, especially children of color. I have seen my family members go through a lot after their guardians or parents have passed or given up and witnessed the social workers move on after it got hard, it was heartbreaking to see someone just give up on kids who never experience that love and security. I quickly learned that children of color are mostly overlooked. Many of them in foster care are coming from communities that have been impacted by generational trauma. Some may not understand this trauma may be passed down, impacting the child's emotions and psychological well-being. I want to be a part of the solution by using myself as a walking example and proof that they could have a future too. This year, I joined DECA, which prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools around the globe. It has encouraged me that after I receive my master's in social work, I want to start a bakery that caters to low-income communities. This would let me do what I love most and give those children an example of what they too can become.

My name is Jaliah Monae' Buckle, I was born on January 15th, 2007, in Seattle, Washington. I am an adoptee. My biological mother had four children and because she wasn't mentally unable to take care of us and neglectful; We were separated. My biological mother gave me to her younger sister and she adopted me at the age of eighteen. Through my adoption, I was given the opportunity for a better life. My mom and I grew up together, learning to navigate through life. She always encouraged me to be the best person I could be and to make a change in the world. I was raised in a large family. So, my support was not limited. My great aunts, who helped support us played a big role in who I am today. My adoption and what I witnessed with my uncle's children gave me an insight into what I want to do with the rest of my life become a social worker. It's encouraged me to be a part of the change. I've seen so many innocent children go into foster care and get abused and overlooked. I want to give support to those children and give them a chance no one else would give. To do this I plan on getting my masters in social work and all the necessities needed to get the job. I would like to be a support for children as they navigate through the system. Changing how the system is used for these kids, especially children of color. I have seen my family members go through a lot after their guardians or parents have passed or given up and witnessed the social workers move on after it got hard, it was heartbreaking to see someone just give up on kids who never experience that love and security. I quickly learned that children of color are mostly overlooked. Many of them in foster care are coming from communities that have been impacted by generational trauma. Some may not understand this trauma may be passed down, impacting the child's emotions and psychological well-being. I want to be a part of the solution by using myself as a walking example and proof that they could have a future too. This year I have joined DECA, which prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools around the globe. It has encouraged me that after I receive my master's in social work. I also want to start a bakery that caters to low-income communities. This would let me do what I love most and give those children an example of what they too can become.

My name is Jaliah Monae' Buckle, I was born on January 15th, 2007, in Seattle, Washington. I am an adoptee. My biological mother had four children and because she wasn't mentally unable to take care of us and neglectful; We were separated. My biological mother gave me to her younger sister and she adopted me at the age of eighteen. Through my adoption, I was given the opportunity for a better life. My mom and I grew up together, learning to navigate through life. She always encouraged me to be the best person I could be and to make a change in the world. I was raised in a large family. So, my support was not limited. My great aunts, who helped support us played a big role in who I am today. My adoption and what I witnessed with my uncle's children gave me an insight into what I want to do with the rest of my life become a social worker. It's encouraged me to be a part of the change. I've seen so many innocent children go into foster care and get abused and overlooked. I want to give support to those children and give them a chance no one else would give. To do this I plan on getting my masters in social work and all the necessities needed to get the job. I would like to be a support for children as they navigate through the system. Changing how the system is used for these kids, especially children of color. I have seen my family members go through a lot after their guardians or parents have passed or given up and witnessed the social workers move on after it got hard, it was heartbreaking to see someone just give up on kids who never experience that love and security. I quickly learned that children of color are mostly overlooked. Many of them in foster care are coming from communities that have been impacted by generational trauma. Some may not understand this trauma may be passed down, impacting the child's emotions and psychological well-being. I want to be a part of the solution by using myself as a walking example and proof that they could have a future too. This year, I joined DECA, which prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools around the globe. It has encouraged me that after I receive my master's in social work, I want to start a bakery that caters to low-income communities. This would let me do what I love most and give those children an example of what they, too, can become.

My name is Jaliah Monae' Buckle, I was born on January 15th, 2007, in Seattle, Washington. I am an adoptee. My biological mother had four children and because she wasn't mentally unable to take care of us and neglectful; We were separated. My biological mother gave me to her younger sister and she adopted me at the age of eighteen. Through my adoption, I was given the opportunity for a better life. My mom and I grew up together, learning to navigate through life. She always encouraged me to be the best person I could be and to make a change in the world. I was raised in a large family. So, my support was not limited. My great aunts, who helped support us played a big role in who I am today. My adoption and what I witnessed with my uncle's children gave me an insight into what I want to do with the rest of my life become a social worker. it's encouraged me to be a part of the change. I've seen so many innocent children go into foster care and get abused and overlooked. I want to give support to those children and give them a chance no one else would give. To do this I plan on getting my masters in social work and all the necessities needed to get the job. I would like to be a support for children as they navigate through the system. Changing how the system is used for these kids, especially children of color. I have seen my family members go through a lot after their guardians or parents have passed or given up and witnessed the social workers move on after it got hard, it was heartbreaking to see someone just give up on kids who never experience that love and security. I quickly learned that children of color are mostly overlooked. Many of them in foster care are coming from communities that have been impacted by generational trauma. Some may not understand this trauma may be passed down, impacting the child's emotions and psychological well-being. I want to be a part of the solution by using myself as a walking example and proof that they could have a future too. This year I have joined DECA, which prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools around the globe. It has encouraged me that after I receive my master's in social work. I also want to start a bakery that caters to low-income communities. This would let me do what I love most and give those children an example of what they too can become.

My name is Jaliah Monae' Buckle, I was born on January 15th, 2007, in Seattle, Washington. I am an adoptee. My biological mother had four children and because she wasn't mentally unable to take care of us and neglectful; We were separated. My biological mother gave me to her younger sister and she adopted me at the age of eighteen. through my adoption, I was given the opportunity for a better life. My mom and I grew up together, learning to navigate through life. she always encouraged me to be the best person I could be and to make a change in the world. I was raised in a large family. So, my support was not limited. My great aunts, who helped support us played a big role in who I am today. My adoption and what I witnessed with my uncle's children gave me an insight into what I want to do with the rest of my life become a social worker. It's encouraged me to be a part of the change. I've seen so many innocent children go into foster care and get abused and overlooked. I want to give support to those children and give them a chance no one else would give. To do this I plan on getting my masters in social work and all the necessities needed to get the job. I would like to be a support for children as they navigate through the system. Changing how the system is used for these kids, especially children of color. I have seen my family members go through a lot after their guardians or parents have passed or given up and witnessed the social workers move on after it got hard, it was heartbreaking to see someone just give up on kids who never experience that love and security. I quickly learned that children of color are mostly overlooked. Many of them in foster care are coming from communities that have been impacted by generational trauma. Some may not understand this trauma may be passed down, impacting the child's emotions and psychological well-being. I want to be a part of the solution by using myself as a walking example and proof that they could have a future too. This year I have joined DECA, which prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools around the globe. It has encouraged me that after I receive my master's in social work. I also want to start a bakery that caters to low-income communities. This would let me do what I love most and give those children an example of what they too can become.