Introduction If I was being honest, at first I never wanted to be a “Malcom X” or “Martin Luther King”. I still don’t but I do think that as a community black people should always strive to win in life. Furthermore, it’s my generation's time to finally be the adults of the world. Soon we are going to be the example of who you should be and what society is. In the past black people have been at the bottom of society. We honestly still are and cannot climb up the ladder unless we take the stairs. There are no shortcuts and I know the best way to do that is together. That’s why I plan to go to a HBCU. It’s very important that we show the world we can come together in excellence. My inspiration The future is what inspired me to pursue a degree at an HBCU. Ever since I’ve turned eighteen I’ve realized the next chapter of my life is the first time where everyone around me will look at me like an adult. That means when I mess up the consequences will be for an adult not a child. As I get older, the expectations will rise as well. I feel like I thrive more when I’m around people I relate to. The energy revolving around an HBCU is very elevating and uplifting. Meaning of Social Justice Social justice is the equal access to wealth and other opportunities such as education and voting. Also, social justice means equal rights for everyone. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from. Sadly, it has never been that simple and it’s time for things to change. That’s why I'm going to a HBCU, to be around people who have a similar cause. My way of giving back to my community I’ve done numerous things to give back to my community. When I was younger I used to go to different black communities and give away free plates to multiple families from a restaurant called the Bistro. Also, I’ve gone to multiple marches in the name of social justice. The pandemic protests in Atlanta were also legendary and I participated in one of those as well. I haven’t done a lot but I’m making sure to try to do something. Conclusion I am ready to make the steps to have a successful life. The first big step is attending the HBCU Tennessee State University. The thought of my future has always been an inspiration to do my best and I feel like I'll do my best at an HBCU. Social justice means a lot to me because my people have never fully had that privilege. We’ve always had to fight and work for it. In my life I’ve never had a problem with giving back. In conclusion, I’m just an eighteen year old kid attending a HBCU striving for success.

Introduction I've gravitated towards art ever since I could remember. Also, it is very apparent that I have a sixth sense for multiple types of art, such as music, visual arts, and photography. That’s why I'm going to college because it’s clear my strength comes from exploring and improving on what I see. I’m from Atlanta, Georgia so the scene and environment here for the most part is very urban yet creative and I’ve always loved it. That’s why I don’t think my biggest influence is someone but somewhere, my home. When I graduate the goal is learn about cultures outside of Atlanta. Places like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, Philly, and Chicago are all big cities that look all different place that look like a whole other world compared to Atlanta. I plan to create painting =based on intriguing things I see and learn and put out photos on social media and inform people on the background of the photo. My Biggest Influence I’ve been hearing the question “Who has been the biggest influence in your life”a lot lately. My friends and family always tell me I don’t listen to anyone but myself. The answer is not who but where I was born, Atlanta, Georgia. A place where you’ll see the most creative and artistic things. Sadly, just like any other city Atlanta has its problems too. Violence is common in a lot of heavily populated areas and you hear about it all the time. That’s influenced my mentality when I'm out in the world by myself. It’s also helped me learn to observe any scene or situation and put what I see in a drawing or take a picture of some crazy everyday gravity downtown. I’ve always learned how to regurgitate what I see using my creative mind. Nature vs. Nurture is a clear example of why I am the way I am. My art is a clear example of why I am who I am. Plan After Graduation When I graduate from college I plan to travel and learn about different cities and cultures. I'm intrigued about the origin of certain areas, neighborhoods,paintings, photos, and etc. Social media has proven it will have a strong hold on society and I’m ready to use photography and videos along with my voice to educate and entertain an audience. I aim to be a creative outlet to people who love culture and make money from it. I am different My skill is different because like I said it’s based on who I am as an individual so it’s never been fake or borrowed. Anything coming from me has always been real and authentic. No ones my idol because no one is or has been where I want to be. Furthermore, I feel like that outlook on life is perfect for an artist because we always have to stay authentic and unique.

Art has always been a major hobby in my life and I'm ready to use it to better my life. It's very therapeutic and it helps people who feel like they don't have a voice create one. Furthermore, in my experience sometimes people don't hear you when your speaking. That's why with my art I'm going to convey a message. Also, my message will be different than usual. I plan to learn about different cultures and then convey what I learn through my art. People in the world are small minded and are too comfortable with being comfortable. I think the best way to get people out of that mindset is to expose them to different ways people live. That's so important to do because you can never truly grow and learn until you see another way of life. Art is just the best way for me to do that because people are attracted to any type of art in general.