Several Black Americans struggle to find positions and opportunities because of the color of their skin. Despite efforts from advocates like me to promote the inclusion of skilled African Americans in both the workforce and education. This is why I desperately desire to reshape perceptions of young Black students like myself and provide them with the opportunities they deserve. Every year, my mother and I host and lead an organization with ExxonMobil for the UNCF at their annual Walk for Education fundraiser to support young African American students at HBCUs. In 2023, our efforts earned around $10,000 for the UNCF. And just this past year, we raised $8,000, which has gone to underrepresented students across Texas who are striving to get to and through college. Hosting this annual event has revealed the value of education and how my efforts benefit children worldwide who share my background. In the future, I aspire to expand my impact in the Black community by establishing my own non-profit organization that hosts drives and volunteer events to raise awareness about educational inequality in minority communities. Eventually, I plan to attend law school, which will enable me to represent those in my community who are unable to speak for themselves. But first, I plan to major in political science so that I can learn the ropes of power, policy, and civic engagement. Overall, a combination of political science and law will transform my passion into power, equipping me with the skills to challenge injustice and work towards a more equitable society. Ultimately, my primary goal is to ensure that everyone has equal access to education and resources, regardless of their background or race. I dream to help others discover their passions and achieve greatness, which drives my pursuit of a more equitable education system.

Several Black Americans struggle to find positions and opportunities because of the color of their skin. Despite efforts from advocates like myself to promote the inclusion of skilled African Americans in both the workforce and education, black student enrollment in postsecondary institutions has decreased by 23% since 2010. Even though America has an extensive history of discrimination and racism, many individuals still fail to recognize the importance of learning from our past errors to prevent their recurrence in the future. The failure to understand our past flaws wears off on African Americans, causing them to be stereotyped and not taken seriously. This is why I desperately desire to reshape perceptions of young Black students like me and provide them with the opportunities they deserve. Often, what starts off a person’s journey to success is the education they receive. Sadly, K-12 schools in predominantly black communities frequently receive less funding than those in predominantly white communities, resulting in fewer resources, less experienced teachers, and fewer opportunities for advanced coursework. These limitations typically persist throughout a student's lifetime, forcing many exceptionally talented black kids to attend colleges that do not meet their expectations, as they have been outshone by others who grow up with the privilege of being able to afford an excellent education. In my opinion, education is a privilege accessible to only a limited number of people. Every year, my mother and I host and lead an organization with Exxon Mobil for the United Negro College Fund at their annual Walk For Education fundraiser to support young African American students at HBCUs. In 2023, our efforts earned around $10,000 for the UNCF. And just this past year, we made $8,000, adding to the event's grand total of $270,000, which has gone to underrepresented students across Texas who are striving to get to and through college. From having the privilege of volunteering for this event every year, I've learned the true value of community and the importance of uplifting one another. This experience has taught me that even small contributions can lead to monumental change when driven by passion, dedication, and a shared commitment to educational equity. I want to keep supporting African American students in my daily life, but I aim to do even more. These opportunities have sparked my desire to enter the field of law and civil work through my studies in political science, where I can defend marginalized communities whose backgrounds limit their ability to achieve success. Additionally, I intend to advocate for the dismantling of barriers that hinder our progress, such as funding inequality that deliberately seeks to deprive the lower class of educational equality. Overall, I will fight to ensure that institutions continue to value what young black students can bring to the table. However, our efforts alone are not enough. I constantly urge others to take part in efforts that help underprivileged people of color in the city of Houston, whether it’s serving at the local food bank, supporting black-owned businesses, donating their old clothing items to homeless shelters, or even joining me for the annual Walk for Education! All of these options are methods I have used to assist young Black Americans in pursuing their education and future careers, while also helping our country avoid repeating past mistakes from our history.

Several Black Americans struggle to find positions and opportunities because of the color of their skin. Despite efforts from advocates like myself to promote the inclusion of skilled African Americans in both the workforce and education, black student enrollment in postsecondary institutions has decreased by 23% since 2010. Even though America has an extensive history of discrimination and racism, many individuals still fail to recognize the importance of learning from our past errors to prevent their recurrence in the future. The failure to understand our past flaws wears off on African Americans, causing them to be stereotyped and not taken seriously. This is why I desperately desire to reshape perceptions of young Black students like me and provide them with the opportunities they deserve. Often, what starts off a person’s journey to success is the education they receive. Sadly, K-12 schools in predominantly black communities frequently receive less funding than those in predominantly white communities, resulting in fewer resources, less experienced teachers, and fewer opportunities for advanced coursework. These limitations typically persist throughout a student's lifetime, forcing many exceptionally talented black kids to attend colleges that do not meet their expectations, as they have been outshone by others who grow up with the privilege of being able to afford an excellent education. In my opinion, education is a privilege accessible to only a limited number of people. Every year, my mother and I host and lead an organization with Exxon Mobil for the United Negro College Fund at their annual Walk For Education fundraiser to support young African American students at HBCUs. In 2023, our efforts earned around $10,000 for the UNCF. And just this past year, we made $8,000, adding to the event's grand total of $270,000, which has gone to underrepresented students across Texas who are striving to get to and through college. From having the privilege of volunteering for this event every year, I've learned the true value of community and the importance of uplifting one another. This experience has taught me that even small contributions can lead to monumental change when driven by passion, dedication, and a shared commitment to educational equity. I want to keep supporting African American students in my daily life, but I aim to do even more. These opportunities have sparked my desire to enter the field of law and civil work through my studies in political science, where I can defend marginalized communities whose backgrounds limit their ability to achieve success. Additionally, I intend to advocate for the dismantling of barriers that hinder our progress, such as funding inequality that deliberately seeks to deprive the lower class of educational equality. Overall, I will fight to ensure that institutions continue to value what young black students can bring to the table. However, our efforts alone are not enough. I constantly urge others to take part in efforts that help underprivileged people of color in the city of Houston, whether it’s serving at the local food bank, supporting black-owned businesses, donating their old clothing items to homeless shelters, or even joining me for the annual Walk for Education! All of these options are methods I have used to assist young Black Americans in pursuing their education and future careers, while also helping our country avoid repeating past mistakes from our history.

Several Black Americans struggle to find positions and opportunities because of the color of their skin. Despite efforts from advocates like myself to promote the inclusion of skilled African Americans into higher education, black student enrollment in postsecondary institutions has decreased by 23% since 2010. Every year, my mother and I host and lead an organization for the United Negro College Fund at their annual Walk For Education fundraiser to support young African American students at HBCUs. In 2023, our efforts earned around $10,000 for the UNCF. And just this past year, we made $8,000, adding to the event's grand total of $270,000, which has gone to underrepresented students across Texas. From having the privilege of volunteering for this event every year, I've learned the true value of community and the importance of uplifting one another through small contributions that lead to a monumental impact. These opportunities have sparked my desire to enter the field of law and civil work through my studies in political science, where I can defend marginalized communities whose backgrounds limit their ability to achieve success. Overall, I will fight to ensure that institutions continue to value what young black students can bring to the table.

Several Black Americans struggle to find positions and opportunities because of the color of their skin. Despite efforts from advocates like myself to promote the inclusion of skilled African Americans in both the workforce and education, black student enrollment in postsecondary institutions has decreased by 23% since 2010. Even though America has an extensive history of discrimination and racism, many individuals still fail to recognize the importance of learning from our past errors to prevent their recurrence in the future. The failure to understand our past flaws wears off on African Americans, causing them to be stereotyped and not taken seriously. This is why I desperately desire to reshape perceptions of young Black students like me and provide them with the opportunities they deserve. Often, what starts off a person’s journey to success is the education they receive. Sadly, K-12 schools in predominantly black communities frequently receive less funding than those in predominantly white communities, resulting in fewer resources, less experienced teachers, and fewer opportunities for advanced coursework. These limitations typically persist throughout a student's lifetime, forcing many exceptionally talented black kids to attend colleges that do not meet their expectations, as they have been outshone by others who grow up with the privilege of being able to afford an excellent education. In my opinion, education is a privilege accessible to only a limited number of people. Every year, my mother and I host and lead an organization with Exxon Mobil for the United Negro College Fund at their annual Walk For Education fundraiser to support young African American students at HBCUs. In 2023, our efforts earned around $10,000 for the UNCF. And just this past year, we made $8,000, adding to the event's grand total of $270,000, which has gone to underrepresented students across Texas who are striving to get to and through college. From having the privilege of volunteering for this event every year, I've learned the true value of community and the importance of uplifting one another. This experience has taught me that even small contributions can lead to monumental change when driven by passion, dedication, and a shared commitment to educational equity. I want to keep supporting African American students in my daily life, but I aim to do even more. These opportunities have sparked my desire to enter the field of law and civil work through my studies in political science, where I can defend marginalized communities whose backgrounds limit their ability to achieve success. Additionally, I intend to advocate for the dismantling of barriers that hinder our progress, such as funding inequality that deliberately seeks to deprive the lower class of educational equality. Overall, I will fight to ensure that institutions continue to value what young black students can bring to the table. However, our efforts alone are not enough. I constantly urge others to take part in efforts that help underprivileged people of color in the city of Houston, whether it’s serving at the local food bank, supporting black-owned businesses, donating their old clothing items to homeless shelters, or even joining me for the annual Walk for Education! All of these options are methods I have used to assist young Black Americans in pursuing their education and future careers, while also helping our country avoid repeating past mistakes from our history.

Throughout much of my life, social anxiety made public places feel like I was trapped in a bubble. At home, interactions were minimal, as my mother focused on my sister, who has a developmental disorder, while my father served in the military. This sense of isolation fueled my fear of social situations. Consequently, less than 5 years after his retirement from the army, my father was laid off, leaving him with no job and forcing my mother to take on all of the financial burden. With my father having no job, my sister being in college, dependent on my parents, and my mother being the only provider, I took on three jobs during the summer to help alleviate some of my family’s burden, despite my fear of social settings. My parents did not financially plan for my sister and me to need so much help for college, especially given the rising inflation in college tuition and other expenses. It didn’t help that my grandmother’s minor surgery turned serious due to a complication that required her to be revived twice, resulting in several months in the hospital and my mother providing support for her. With no one else in my family working, I knew I needed to step up and help out. At first, the idea of working three jobs while struggling with social anxiety felt overwhelming. But I quickly had to adapt and learn how to work outside my comfort zone. Overall, while my parents have promised to help me, I know they aren’t in a position to provide for my college expenses. My goal is to earn enough money so that they won't have to worry about me and can focus on other things, like repaying their debts, making sure my grandparents are in good health, and ensuring my sister makes it through college. In addition to college, I plan to continue my education in law school. I have a big passion for serving my local community, especially underrepresented minorities. I have already helped raise over $18,000 for the NAACP to support struggling African American students throughout Texas. As a future lawyer, I hope to protect and defend those in my community who don’t have a voice for themself, which is why I need continued support to pursue my education. Though managing jobs while trying to focus on school has been very difficult and straining, I’ll admit that it has taught me a lot. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, forcing me to interact with people constantly, manage fast-paced environments, and handle conflicts and problems. I have become skilled in these areas and have used them to seek opportunities instead of pondering the challenges. I found strength in my ability to adapt, realizing that my family’s financial struggles were far greater than my discomfort. Each paycheck became more than just money—it was a symbol of resilience, a testament to my willingness to grow, and proof that I was no longer trapped in a bubble of fear. This is why receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden on my family but also allow me to fully commit to my education without the constant worry of making ends meet.

Several Black Americans struggle to find positions and opportunities because of the color of their skin. Despite efforts from advocates like myself to promote the inclusion of skilled African Americans in both the workforce and education, black student enrollment in postsecondary institutions has decreased by 23% since 2010. Even though America has an extensive history of discrimination and racism, many individuals still fail to recognize the importance of learning from our past errors to prevent their recurrence in the future. The failure to understand our past flaws wears off on African Americans, causing them to be stereotyped and not taken seriously. This is why I desperately desire to reshape perceptions of young Black students like me and provide them with the opportunities they deserve. Often, what starts off a person’s journey to success is the education they receive. Sadly, K-12 schools in predominantly black communities frequently receive less funding than those in predominantly white communities, resulting in fewer resources, less experienced teachers, and fewer opportunities for advanced coursework. These limitations typically persist throughout a student's lifetime, forcing many exceptionally talented black kids to attend colleges that do not meet their expectations, as they have been outshone by others who grow up with the privilege of being able to afford an excellent education. In my opinion, education is a privilege accessible to only a limited number of people. Every year, my mother and I host and lead an organization with Exxon Mobil for the United Negro College Fund at their annual Walk For Education fundraiser to support young African American students at HBCUs. In 2023, our efforts earned around $10,000 for the UNCF. And just this past year, we made $8,000, adding to the event's grand total of $270,000, which has gone to underrepresented students across Texas who are striving to get to and through college. From having the privilege of volunteering for this event every year, I've learned the true value of community and the importance of uplifting one another. This experience has taught me that even small contributions can lead to monumental change when driven by passion, dedication, and a shared commitment to educational equity. I want to keep supporting African American students in my daily life, but I aim to do even more. These opportunities have sparked my desire to enter the field of law and civil work through my studies in political science, where I can defend marginalized communities whose backgrounds limit their ability to achieve success. Additionally, I intend to advocate for the dismantling of barriers that hinder our progress, such as funding inequality that deliberately seeks to deprive the lower class of educational equality. Overall, I will fight to ensure that institutions continue to value what young black students can bring to the table. However, our efforts alone are not enough. I constantly urge others to take part in efforts that help underprivileged people of color in the city of Houston, whether it’s serving at the local food bank, supporting black-owned businesses, donating their old clothing items to homeless shelters, or even joining me for the annual Walk for Education! All of these options are methods I have used to give young black Americans a helping hand in the pursuit of their education and the future of their career.

With the end of many DEI programs this year, several black Americans will struggle to find positions and opportunities because of the color of their skin. Many people assume we get put on a pedestal because of what our heritage is, but it’s the complete opposite. Despite efforts from advocates like myself to promote the inclusion of skilled African Americans in both the workforce and education, black student enrollment in postsecondary institutions has decreased by 23% since 2010. Furthermore, black women remain significantly underrepresented in various occupations, constituting 5.25% or less of the workforce in certain sectors. This is why I desperately desire to reshape perceptions of young Black students like me and provide them with the opportunities they deserve, particularly in their college journeys. Often, what starts off a person’s journey to success is the education they receive. Sadly, K-12 schools in predominantly black communities frequently receive less funding than those in predominantly white areas, resulting in fewer resources, less experienced teachers, and fewer opportunities for advanced coursework. These limitations typically persist throughout a student's lifetime, forcing many exceptionally talented black kids to attend colleges that do not meet their expectations, as they have been outshone by others who grow up with the privilege of being able to afford an excellent education. Thankfully, my mother was able to escape these stereotypes. Coming from a small, underdeveloped, poor neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio, she achieved the impossible by fighting every single day to prove to others that she deserved her spot. My mom became the first person in her family to get accepted into the excellent HBCU called Spelman College and earned her place as one of the few black women with a college degree. This drove her passion to start getting involved in efforts to improve the future of young black students. Every year, my mother and I host and lead an organization with Exxon Mobil for the United Negro College Fund at their annual Walk For Education fundraiser to support young African American students at HBCUs. In 2023, our efforts earned around $10,000 for the UNCF. And just this past year, we made $8,000, adding to the event's grand total of $270,000, which has gone to underrepresented students across South Texas who are striving to get to and through college. In addition, I continuously advocate for the betterment of people of color not only through my volunteering endeavors, but through social media and my passion for debating. Through my TikTok account with over 2,000 followers, I engage in debates with people from around the country who undermine the challenges and limitations of African-American students seeking to enter postsecondary education. This opportunity has brought about my desire to enter the field of law and civil work, where I am able to defend marginalized communities whose background limits them from achieving success. Additionally, I intend to fight for the dismantling of barriers that hinder our progress, like the discontinuation of many DEI programs that helped many black Americans get jobs after their college education. I will fight to ensure that institutions continue to value what young black students can bring to the table. I am getting the opportunity to break free of stereotypes that chain me down, now it’s time for me to pass the torch by dedicating my college education and future endeavors to making sure that every black child, regardless of their economic status, location, or gender, has the chance to dream, to achieve, and to redefine the narrative of our community.

Several Black Americans struggle to find positions and opportunities because of the color of their skin. Despite efforts from advocates like myself to promote the inclusion of skilled African Americans in both the workforce and education, black student enrollment in postsecondary institutions has decreased by 23% since 2010. Even though America has an extensive history of discrimination and racism, many individuals still fail to recognize the importance of learning from our past errors to prevent their recurrence in the future. The failure to understand our past flaws wears off on African Americans, causing them to be stereotyped and not taken seriously. This is why I desperately desire to reshape perceptions of young Black students like me and provide them with the opportunities they deserve. Often, what starts off a person’s journey to success is the education they receive. Sadly, K-12 schools in predominantly black communities frequently receive less funding than those in predominantly white communities, resulting in fewer resources, less experienced teachers, and fewer opportunities for advanced coursework. These limitations typically persist throughout a student's lifetime, forcing many exceptionally talented black kids to attend colleges that do not meet their expectations, as they have been outshone by others who grow up with the privilege of being able to afford an excellent education. In my opinion, education is a privilege accessible to only a limited number of people. Every year, my mother and I host and lead an organization with Exxon Mobil for the United Negro College Fund at their annual Walk For Education fundraiser to support young African American students at HBCUs. In 2023, our efforts earned around $10,000 for the UNCF. And just this past year, we made $8,000, adding to the event's grand total of $270,000, which has gone to underrepresented students across Texas who are striving to get to and through college. From having the privilege of volunteering for this event every year, I've learned the true value of community and the importance of uplifting one another. This experience has taught me that even small contributions can lead to monumental change when driven by passion, dedication, and a shared commitment to educational equity. I want to keep supporting African American students in my daily life, but I aim to do even more. These opportunities have sparked my desire to enter the field of law and civil work through my studies in political science, where I can defend marginalized communities whose backgrounds limit their ability to achieve success. Additionally, I intend to advocate for the dismantling of barriers that hinder our progress, such as funding inequality that deliberately seeks to deprive the lower class of educational equality. Overall, I will fight to ensure that institutions continue to value what young black students can bring to the table. However, our efforts alone are not enough. I constantly urge others to take part in efforts that help underprivileged people of color in the city of Houston, whether it’s serving at the local food bank, supporting black-owned businesses, donating their old clothing items to homeless shelters, or even joining me for the annual Walk for Education! All of these options are methods I have used to give young black Americans a helping hand in the pursuit of their education and the future of their career.

With the end of many DEI programs this year, several black Americans will struggle to find positions and opportunities because of the color of their skin. Many people assume we get put on a pedestal because of what our heritage is, but it’s the complete opposite. Despite efforts from advocates like myself to promote the inclusion of skilled African Americans in both the workforce and education, black student enrollment in postsecondary institutions has decreased by 23% since 2010. Furthermore, black women remain significantly underrepresented in various occupations, constituting 5.25% or less of the workforce in certain sectors. This is why I desperately desire to reshape perceptions of young Black students like me and provide them with the opportunities they deserve, particularly in their college journeys. Often, what starts off a person’s journey to success is the education they receive. Sadly, K-12 schools in predominantly black communities frequently receive less funding than those in predominantly white areas, resulting in fewer resources, less experienced teachers, and fewer opportunities for advanced coursework. These limitations typically persist throughout a student's lifetime, forcing many exceptionally talented black kids to attend colleges that do not meet their expectations, as they have been outshone by others who grow up with the privilege of being able to afford an excellent education. Thankfully, my mother was able to escape these stereotypes. Coming from a small, underdeveloped, poor neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio, she achieved the impossible by fighting every single day to prove to others that she deserved her spot. My mom became the first person in her family to get accepted into the excellent HBCU called Spelman College and earned her place as one of the few black women with a college degree. This drove her passion to start getting involved in efforts to improve the future of young black students. Every year, my mother and I host and lead an organization with Exxon Mobil for the United Negro College Fund at their annual Walk For Education fundraiser to support young African American students at HBCUs. In 2023, our efforts earned around $10,000 for the UNCF. And just this past year, we made $8,000, adding to the event's grand total of $270,000, which has gone to underrepresented students across South Texas who are striving to get to and through college. In addition, I continuously advocate for the betterment of people of color not only through my volunteering endeavors, but through social media and my passion for debating. Through my TikTok account with over 2,000 followers, I engage in debates with people from around the country who undermine the challenges and limitations of African-American students seeking to enter postsecondary education. This opportunity has brought about my desire to enter the field of law and civil work, where I am able to defend marginalized communities whose background limits them from achieving success. Additionally, I intend to fight for the dismantling of barriers that hinder our progress, like the discontinuation of many DEI programs that helped many black Americans get jobs after their college education. I will fight to ensure that institutions continue to value what young black students can bring to the table. I am getting the opportunity to break free of stereotypes that chain me down, now it’s time for me to pass the torch by dedicating my college education and future endeavors to making sure that every black child, regardless of their economic status, location, or gender, has the chance to dream, to achieve, and to redefine the narrative of our community.

Throughout much of my life, social anxiety made public places feel like I was trapped in a bubble. At home, interactions were minimal, as my mother focused on my sister, who has a developmental disorder, while my father served in the military. This sense of isolation fueled my fear of social situations. Consequently, less than 5 years after his retirement from the army, my father was laid off, leaving him with no job and forcing my mother to take on all of the financial burden. With my father having no job, my sister being in college and dependent on my parents, and my mother being the only provider, I took on three jobs during the summer to help alleviate some of my family’s burden despite my fear of social settings. My parents did not financially plan for my sister and me to need so much help for college, especially given the rising inflation in college tuition and other expenses. It didn’t help that my grandmother’s minor surgery turned serious due to a complication that required her to be revived twice, resulting in several months in the hospital and my mother providing support for her. With no one else in my family working, I knew I needed to step up and help out. At first, the idea of working three jobs while struggling with social anxiety felt overwhelming. But I quickly had to adapt and learn how to work outside my comfort zone. Overall, while my parents have promised to help me, I know they aren’t in a position to provide for my college expenses. My goal has been to earn enough money so that they won't have to worry about me and can focus on other things, like repaying their debts, making sure my grandparents are in good health, and ensuring my sister makes it through college. Though managing jobs while trying to focus on school has been very difficult and straining while dealing with extreme social anxiety, I’ll admit that it has taught me a lot. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, forcing me to interact with people constantly, manage fast-paced environments, and handle conflicts and problems. It also brought out my newfound love for debating with others and gave me the courage and confidence to speak my opinions, encouraging me to take up law as my primary study in college. As I study law in the future, I hope to be the voice for others who are too anxious and shy like me to defend themselves. I firmly believe that one's outcome in court shouldn't be based on how outgoing they are to voice their opinion, but on whether they are truly innocent or not. I've seen firsthand how being shy destroys one's ambitions and desires, and I don't want to see others go through the same. Ultimately, I have become skilled in these areas and have used them to seek opportunities instead of pondering the challenges. I found strength in my ability to adapt, realizing that my family’s financial struggles were far more significant than my discomfort. Each paycheck became more than just money—it was a symbol of resilience, a testament to my willingness to grow, and proof that I was no longer trapped in a bubble of fear. This is why receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden on my family but also allow me to fully commit to my education and passions without the constant worry of making ends meet.

With the end of many DEI programs this year, several black Americans will struggle to find positions and opportunities because of the color of their skin. Many people assume we get put on a pedestal because of what our heritage is, but it’s the complete opposite. Despite efforts from advocates like myself to promote the inclusion of skilled African Americans in both the workforce and education, black student enrollment in postsecondary institutions has decreased by 23% since 2010. Furthermore, black women remain significantly underrepresented in various occupations, constituting 5.25% or less of the workforce in certain sectors. This is why I desperately desire to reshape perceptions of young Black students like me and provide them with the opportunities they deserve, particularly in their college journeys. Often, what starts off a person’s journey to success is the education they receive. Sadly, K-12 schools in predominantly black communities frequently receive less funding than those in predominantly white areas, resulting in fewer resources, less experienced teachers, and fewer opportunities for advanced coursework. These limitations typically persist throughout a student's lifetime, forcing many exceptionally talented black kids to attend colleges that do not meet their expectations, as they have been outshone by others who grow up with the privilege of being able to afford an excellent education. Thankfully, my mother was able to escape these stereotypes. Coming from a small, underdeveloped, poor neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio, she achieved the impossible by fighting every single day to prove to others that she deserved her spot. My mom became the first person in her family to get accepted into the excellent HBCU called Spelman College and earned her place as one of the few black women with a college degree. This drove her passion to start getting involved in efforts to improve the future of young black students. Every year, my mother and I host and lead an organiztion with Exxon Mobil for the United Negro College Fund at their annual Walk For Education fundraiser to support young African American students at HBCUs. In 2023, our efforts earned around $10,000 for the UNCF. And just this past year, we made $8,000, adding to the event's grand total of $270,000, which has gone to underrepresented students across South Texas who are striving to get to and through college. In addition, I continuously advocate for the betterment of people of color not only through my volunteering endeavors, but through social media and my passion for debating. Through my TikTok account with over 2,000 followers, I engage in debates with people from around the country who undermine the challenges and limitations of African-American students seeking to enter postsecondary education. This opportunity has brought about my desire to enter the field of law and civil work, where I am able to defend marginalized communities whose background limits them from achieving success. Additionally, I intend to fight for the dismantling of barriers that hinder our progress, like the discontinuation of many DEI programs that helped many black Americans get jobs after their college education. I will fight to ensure that institutions continue to value what young black students can bring to the table. I am getting the opportunity to break free of stereotypes that chain me down, now it’s time for me to pass the torch by dedicating my college education and future endeavors to making sure that every black child, regardless of their economic status, location, or gender, has the chance to dream, to achieve, and to redefine the narrative of our community.

With the end of many DEI programs this year, several black Americans will struggle to find positions and opportunities because of the color of their skin. Many people assume we get put on a pedestal because of what our heritage is, but it’s the complete opposite. Despite efforts from advocates like myself to promote the inclusion of skilled African Americans in both the workforce and education, black student enrollment in postsecondary institutions has decreased by 23% since 2010. Furthermore, black women remain significantly underrepresented in various occupations, constituting 5.25% or less of the workforce in certain sectors. This is why I desperately desire to reshape perceptions of young Black students like me and provide them with the opportunities they deserve, particularly in their college journeys. Often, what starts off a person’s journey to success is the education they receive. Sadly, K-12 schools in predominantly black communities frequently receive less funding than those in predominantly white areas, resulting in fewer resources, less experienced teachers, and fewer opportunities for advanced coursework. These limitations typically persist throughout a student's lifetime, forcing many exceptionally talented black kids to attend colleges that do not meet their expectations, as they have been outshone by others who grow up with the privilege of being able to afford an excellent education. Thankfully, my mother was able to escape these stereotypes. Coming from a small, underdeveloped, poor neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio, she achieved the impossible by fighting every single day to prove to others that she deserved her spot. My mom became the first person in her family to get accepted into the excellent HBCU called Spelman College and earned her place as one of the few black women with a college degree. This drove her passion to start getting involved in efforts to improve the future of young black students. Every year, my mother and I host and lead an organiztion with Exxon Mobil for the United Negro College Fund at their annual Walk For Education fundraiser to support young African American students at HBCUs. In 2023, our efforts earned around $10,000 for the UNCF. And just this past year, we made $8,000, adding to the event's grand total of $270,000, which has gone to underrepresented students across South Texas who are striving to get to and through college. In addition, I continuously advocate for the betterment of people of color not only through my volunteering endeavors, but through social media and my passion for debating. Through my TikTok account with over 2,000 followers, I engage in debates with people from around the country who undermine the challenges and limitations of African-American students seeking to enter postsecondary education. This opportunity has brought about my desire to enter the field of law and civil work, where I am able to defend marginalized communities whose background limits them from achieving success. Additionally, I intend to fight for the dismantling of barriers that hinder our progress, like the discontinuation of many DEI programs that helped many black Americans get jobs after their college education. I will fight to ensure that institutions continue to value what young black students can bring to the table. I am getting the opportunity to break free of stereotypes that chain me down, now it’s time for me to pass the torch by dedicating my college education and future endeavors to making sure that every black child, regardless of their economic status, location, or gender, has the chance to dream, to achieve, and to redefine the narrative of our community.

Throughout much of my life, social anxiety made public places feel like I was trapped in a bubble. At home, interactions were minimal, as my mother focused on my sister, who has a developmental disorder, while my father served in the military. This sense of isolation fueled my fear of social situations. Consequently, less than 5 years after his retirement from the army, my father was laid off, leaving him with no job and forcing my mother to take on all of the financial burden. With my father having no job, my sister being in college and dependent on my parents, and my mother being the only provider, I took on three jobs during the summer to help alleviate some of my family’s burden despite my fright of social settings. My parents did not financially plan for my sister and me to need so much help for college, especially given the rising inflation in college tuition and other expenses. It didn’t help that my grandmother’s minor surgery turned serious due to a complication that required her to be revived twice, resulting in several months in the hospital and my mother providing support for her. With no one else in my family working, I knew I needed to step up and help out. At first, the idea of working three jobs while struggling with social anxiety felt overwhelming. But I quickly had to adapt and learn how to work outside my comfort zone. Overall, while my parents have promised to help me, I know they aren’t in a position to provide for my college expenses. My goal is to earn enough money so that they won't have to worry about me and can focus on other things, like repaying their debts, making sure my grandparents are in good health, and ensuring my sister makes it through college. Though managing jobs while trying to focus on school has been very difficult and straining, I’ll admit that it has taught me a lot. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, forcing me to interact with people constantly, manage fast-paced environments, and handle conflicts and problems. It also brought out my newfound love for debating with others and gave me the courage and confidence to speak my opinions, encouraging me to take up law as my primary study in college. Ultimately, I have become skilled in these areas and have used them to seek opportunities instead of pondering on the challenges. I found strength in my ability to adapt, realizing that my family’s financial struggles were far greater than my discomfort. Each paycheck became more than just money—it was a symbol of resilience, a testament to my willingness to grow, and proof that I was no longer trapped in a bubble of fear. This is why receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden on my family but also allow me to fully commit to my education and passions without the constant worry of making ends meet.

Throughout much of my life, social anxiety made public places feel like I was trapped in a bubble. At home, interactions were minimal, as my mother focused on my sister, who has a developmental disorder, while my father served in the military. This sense of isolation fueled my fear of social situations. Consequently, less than 5 years after his retirement from the army, my father was laid off, leaving him with no job and forcing my mother to take on all of the financial burden. With my father having no job, my sister being in college dependent on my parents, and my mother being the only provider, I took on three jobs during the summer to help alleviate some of my family’s burden despite my fright of social settings. My parents did not financially plan for my sister and me to need so much help for college, especially given the rising inflation in college tuition and other expenses. It didn’t help that my grandmother’s minor surgery turned serious due to a complication that required her to be revived twice, resulting in several months in the hospital and my mother providing support for her. With no one else in my family working, I knew I needed to step up and help out. At first, the idea of working three jobs while struggling with social anxiety felt overwhelming. But I quickly had to adapt and learn how to work outside my comfort zone. Overall, while my parents have promised to help me, I know they aren’t in a position to provide for my college expenses. My goal is to earn enough money so that they won't have to worry about me and can focus on other things, like repaying their debts, making sure my grandparents are in good health, and ensuring my sister makes it through college. Though managing jobs while trying to focus on school has been very difficult and straining, I’ll admit that it has taught me a lot. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, forcing me to interact with people constantly, manage fast-paced environments, and handle conflicts and problems. I have become skilled in these areas and have used them to seek opportunities instead of pondering on the challenges. I found strength in my ability to adapt, realizing that my family’s financial struggles were far greater than my discomfort. Each paycheck became more than just money—it was a symbol of resilience, a testament to my willingness to grow, and proof that I was no longer trapped in a bubble of fear. This is why receiving the Julius Quentin Jackson Scholarship would not only ease the financial burden on my family but also allow me to fully commit to my education without the constant worry of making ends meet.

Everything has a name. As you glance around the room, can you spot an object without a name? It’s unlikely. Each name conveys the essence of the object. Your clock is a timekeeping device. Your pencil is a writing tool. But what does the name Jasmine say about me? People often ask, "Are you a princess?" I respond, "No." Then they inquire, “How about a flower?” I laugh and say, "Not even close." However, that laughter turns to melancholy as I reflect on what the name Jasmine truly signifies. Unfortunately, I am not someone you can find in a dictionary. Nonetheless, throughout my childhood, I felt as though others could read me like one. Whenever I fell short of expectations, I regarded myself as foolish. Sharing my genuine emotions often seemed absurd, and venturing out into the public left me feeling mocked. At that time in my life, I thought the dictionary definition of Jasmine referred to a quiet, lame, ugly, and ignorant girl. Sadly, this belief persisted for a long time due to my struggle with severe social anxiety. Compounding my difficulties, I battled ADHD, making it hard to concentrate during my formative school years. Even when I focused, mistakes seemed inevitable. It was as if the dictionary of my life was filled with crossed-out attempts and errors, each one reinforcing the idea that my name was synonymous with failure. Every mistake felt like another entry under a definition I couldn’t rewrite. My teachers often reprimanded me for lacking focus, blaming my poor test scores on an assumed lack of effort. The trauma from elementary and middle school experiences taught me to refrain from action, fearing I would simply fail again. As a result of these experiences, I chose to isolate myself, wearing a mask to avoid drawing attention. This growing fear of judgment made me frightened to look at my own reflection, anxious about what others saw. My grades plummeted, and I retreated home, finding solace in my phone for social connections, which helped me evade face-to-face interactions and provided the social comfort I so desperately lacked. This transition meant I prioritized social engagement through a screen over my academic responsibilities. My cycle of self-doubt and avoidance became a significant barrier I needed to overcome to regain my confidence, rebuild connections, and reclaim my identity. How did I transform from a withdrawn individual? I learned to look beyond the confines of my fabricated dictionary. I’ve come to appreciate that my imperfections are what truly make me lovable, and embracing myself has opened the door to my personal growth. However, I didn’t do it by myself; I had to cultivate my bravery and have enough confidence to seek assistance. I came out about my struggles to my mother, and she connected me with an excellent doctor whom I consult several times a year. They encourage me to dedicate myself to cultivating new habits like initiating conversations, reciting positive affirmations, and asking for support. With their guidance, I can now reach heights I once thought were impossible because I grew weary of striving for an unattainable ideal. In turn, I succeeded. To all the young men and women out there who, like me, who view others as obstacles instead of opportunities, remind yourself that you are more complex than just a definition in a dictionary, and you deserve the same opportunities that everyone else has access to. Just look my name up in the dictionary. You’d not only find a flower or a princess but a creative, confident, clever, and determined woman.

Everything has a name. As you glance around the room, can you spot an object without a name? It’s unlikely. Each name conveys the essence of the object. Your clock is a timekeeping device. Your pencil is a writing tool. But I am different. People often ask, "Are you a princess?" I respond, "No." Then they inquire, “How about a flower?” I laugh and say, "Not even close." However, that laughter turns to melancholy as I reflect on what the name Jasmine truly signifies. Unfortunately, I am not someone you can find in a dictionary. Throughout my childhood, I felt as though others could see straight through me. Whenever I fell short of expectations, I regarded myself as foolish. Sharing my genuine emotions often seemed absurd, and venturing out into the public left me feeling mocked. At that time in my life, I thought the dictionary definition of Jasmine referred to a quiet, lame, ugly, and ignorant girl. Sadly, this belief persisted for a long time due to my struggle with severe social anxiety. Compounding my difficulties, I battled ADHD, making it hard to concentrate during my formative school years. Even when I focused, mistakes seemed inevitable. My teachers often reprimanded me for lacking focus, blaming my poor test scores on an assumed lack of effort. The trauma from elementary and middle school experiences taught me to refrain from action, fearing I would simply fail again. Consequently, I chose to isolate myself, wearing a mask to avoid drawing attention. I felt burdened by the labels others used to define me, which were like weights on my shoulders, paralyzing me when I tried to connect with someone, make a friend, or express my opinion. I grew frightened to look at my own reflection, anxious about what others saw. My grades plummeted, and I retreated home, finding solace in my phone for social connections, which helped me evade face-to-face interactions. My poor social skills led to an overreliance on electronics, providing the social comfort I so desperately lacked. This transition meant I prioritized social engagement through a screen over my academic responsibilities. This cycle of self-doubt and avoidance became a significant barrier I needed to overcome to regain my confidence, rebuild connections, and reclaim my identity. How did I transform from a withdrawn individual? I learned to look beyond the confines of my fabricated dictionary. I’ve come to appreciate that my imperfections are what truly make me lovable, and embracing myself has opened the door to my personal growth. However, I didn’t do it by myself; I had to cultivate my bravery and have enough confidence to seek assistance. I came out about my struggles to my mother, and she connected me with an excellent doctor whom I consult several times a year. I can now reach heights I once thought were impossible, such as earning all A’s, joining multiple new clubs, and befriending new people each week. Overall, embracing my flaws fostered deeper connections with others, demonstrating that genuine strength arises from authenticity rather than an impossible pursuit of perfection. Ultimately, I grew weary of striving for an unattainable ideal. Instead of trying to reinvent my personality, I dedicated myself to cultivating new habits, and in time, I succeeded. These life lessons have revealed to me that I am far more intricate than a mere name in a dictionary. Now, if you were to look up 'Jasmine,' you would discover not just a flower or a princess but a creative, confident, clever, and determined woman.