A time when I faced hardship was during my childhood. I know that you probably get a lot of these stories, but this story changed my life; it made me see life from a different perspective. In August of 2016, my older cousin was a victim of homicide. I was very young then, so I didn't quite understand or know how to feel. I was not as in touch with my feelings as I am now. While that was going on, I was going through trials myself. A month later, I was diagnosed with cancer. I was only a child, thirteen years old. I was already a sickly child growing up, so this made things harder for me. I had to stop going to school, so I no longer saw my friends. That was the first time in my life that I had actual, genuine friends. I was at doctor's appointments every day, so I had no time to live a normal life. I was lonely and alienated; I was missing out on normal social activities, family gatherings, and more. I was scared for my future; the discomfort and pain I felt around my family were emotionally draining for both me and my family. especially for my mom because she had to balance caring for me and my other sibling's responsibilities with work and other family obligations, which led to stress and tension in the household. With my father not being around, it was even harder. Amid these hardships, I found solace and strength in the support of my family, friends, and community. Their unwavering love, empathy, and encouragement helped me navigate the emotional and physical hurdles of cancer treatment while grieving the loss of my cousin. Their acts of kindness, whether it was accompanying me to chemotherapy sessions, preparing meals, or simply lending a listening ear, demonstrated the transformative power of Agape love—selfless, unconditional, and compassionate. As I journeyed through cancer treatment and grief, I discovered the importance of cultivating resilience and finding meaning in adversity. Rather than succumbing to despair or bitterness, I chose to embrace a mindset of hope and gratitude. I found purpose in my experiences by using them as opportunities for personal growth, empathy, and service to others. Embodying Agape love, I became actively involved in supporting fellow cancer patients and their families, offering companionship, encouragement, and practical assistance. I volunteered at local St. Jude and support organizations, sharing my story and providing emotional support to those facing similar challenges. Through these acts of service, I sought to be a beacon of hope and compassion in the lives of others, paying forward the kindness and support that had been extended to me during my struggles. Additionally, I became involved in community initiatives aimed at raising awareness about violence prevention and promoting healing and reconciliation in the aftermath of my cousin's tragic death. By advocating for peace, justice, and dialogue, I sought to honor his memory and create positive change in my community. In retrospect, the hardships I faced during my childhood taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, empathy, and the transformative power of Agape love. Through adversity, I discovered my capacity to overcome challenges, find meaning in suffering, and cultivate a deeper sense of connection and compassion for others. Today, I continue to embody Agape love by actively engaging in acts of service, compassion, and advocacy, striving to make a positive difference in the lives of those around me and my community.

I was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, and as a dedicated Biology student at Georgia State University, I am eager to gain practical experience and expand my knowledge in the medical field promotion. While also providing me with hands-on experience in implementing health promotion strategies within my local community. Being awarded a scholarship is not only a privilege but also a huge chance to invest in my future. I understand that with receiving this scholarship comes the obligation to make wise choices that will improve my life and the lives of people around me. In this essay, I will present a well-thought-out strategy for how I want to use the scholarship money to improve my life. Education is the first step in building a better life. As a student, my main goal will be to use a sizable percentage of the scholarship money for my educational costs. Tuition, books, course materials, and other expenses related to education are included. By investing in my education, I will provide myself with the knowledge and abilities required to excel in my chosen sector and make a real difference in society. I am aware of the burden that student loan debt may place on recent graduates, making it more difficult for them to begin their adult lives with financial security. To lessen the long-term financial burden, I intend to pay down my current student loans with the scholarship money. I can direct more funds toward my professional and personal development if I can pay off my debt, creating the foundation for a better and more secure future. Having a safety net is essential since life is unpredictable.This fund will serve as a financial safety net in times of unforeseen adversity, ensuring that I do not forgo my education, health, or well-being. Continuous self-improvement is crucial for success in today's cutthroat world. I want to invest chances for my professional and personal growth, such as conferences, workshops, and online courses. These encounters will enable me to diversify my skill set, boost my self-assurance, and become a more valued asset in the workplace. A better life includes both physical and emotional well-being in addition to financial achievement. I want to prioritize my health by spending some of the scholarship money on regular exercise, a wholesome diet, and mental health resources. My productivity will increase if my body and mind are in good shape, allowing me to get the most out of my school experience and future employment. As a scholarship recipient, I am appreciative of the changes that have been given to me. I believe in the benefits of giving back to the neighborhood that has helped me. In light of this, I intend to donate a portion of the scholarship money to nonprofit organizations and neighborhood improvement initiatives. Making a difference in the lives of others will have a good effect on society as well as increase my sense of contentment and purpose. Scholarships are not privileges I consider granted. I want to use the scholarship money to improve my life and the lives of those around me through careful preparation and sound money management. I am convinced that I will be better able to accomplish my goals and have a positive impact on the world if I prioritize personal and professional growth, invest in my education, pay off debt, build an emergency fund, and reduce debt. I'm resolved to make the most of this chance and accept the responsibility that comes with it as I set out on this transformative journey to promote a more promising and successful future.

The dream version of my future self is a successful black woman, someone who has overcome systemic barriers and achieved her goals while lifting and inspiring others to do the same, and who is celebrated and recognized for her accomplishments and contributions to society.