Education is a powerful catalyst for personal growth and societal transformation. As an active member of the LGBTQ+ community and a participant in the LGBTQ+ network at Goldman Sachs, I am acutely aware of the unique challenges faced by individuals like myself. I firmly believe that education, coupled with advocacy and empowerment, can pave the way for positive change and create a more inclusive society for all. Through my educational journey, I plan to leverage my experiences, knowledge, and skills to make a lasting impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and the broader community. Firstly, I intend to use my education as a platform to raise awareness about the issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community. By engaging in research, participating in dialogues, and sharing my personal experiences, I aim to dismantle stereotypes, challenge misconceptions, and foster a more accepting and understanding environment. Additionally, I aspire to actively contribute to the creation of inclusive policies and resources within educational institutions and organizations. I recognize that many LGBTQ+ individuals face barriers to accessing quality education, safe spaces, and supportive resources. Therefore, I aim to advocate for LGBTQ+-inclusive curricula, promote the establishment of LGBTQ+ support groups, and collaborate with educational institutions to develop policies that protect the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ students. By working alongside educators, administrators, and community leaders, I seek to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, have equal opportunities to thrive academically and personally. Furthermore, I believe in the power of mentorship and representation. As an LGBTQ+ individual, I understand the importance of having role models and mentors who have walked a similar path. Through my education, I plan to position myself as a mentor and advocate for LGBTQ+ youth. By sharing my personal journey, offering guidance, and providing a supportive presence, I aim to empower and inspire the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders. I want to show them that their identities should never hinder their dreams and aspirations, and that education can be a transformative force in their lives. In my professional career, I will utilize the knowledge and skills gained through my education to contribute to the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights and equality. Whether through my role at Goldman Sachs or other platforms, I intend to work towards creating inclusive work environments that value diversity and celebrate LGBTQ+ voices. I will collaborate with organizations and initiatives dedicated to LGBTQ+ advocacy and employ my skills to drive change from within, fostering a culture of acceptance and respect. Ultimately, my goal is to create a society where LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive, free from discrimination and prejudice. Through my education, I plan to equip myself with the necessary tools, knowledge, and networks to become a change agent. I am committed to using my platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, challenge systemic inequalities, and foster an environment that celebrates diversity. In conclusion, I am deeply committed to using my education as a vehicle for a positive impact on society, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. By raising awareness, advocating for inclusive policies, providing mentorship, and fostering change in professional settings, I aim to create a more equitable and accepting world. With this scholarship's support, I will be able to further my education, expand my reach, and continue my journey toward making a lasting difference for LGBTQ+ individuals and society as a whole.

As a senior analyst at Goldman Sachs, specializing in data-driven compliance review, and actively involved in the firm's initiatives for HBCU and Black network recruiting, I have had the privilege of demonstrating leadership in multiple capacities. Additionally, my role as a track and field coach for the youth in North Houston has allowed me to extend my leadership skills beyond the professional realm. Through these experiences, I have honed my ability to inspire and guide others, and I am determined to leverage my leadership skills to drive meaningful change and create a more inclusive future. In my role at Goldman Sachs, I have demonstrated leadership by spearheading data-driven compliance reviews to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements. Through my meticulous analysis and recommendations, I have been able to mitigate risks and enhance the firm's compliance protocols. Moreover, my involvement in HBCU and Black network recruiting initiatives has allowed me to serve as a mentor and advocate for aspiring individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. By sharing my own experiences, providing guidance, and actively participating in recruitment events, I aim to empower talented individuals and contribute to a more diverse and equitable workforce. Beyond my professional endeavors, my role as a track and field coach has provided me with a platform to inspire and nurture young athletes. Through coaching, I have fostered an environment that promotes teamwork, discipline, and resilience. I strive to instill in them the belief that hard work and determination can lead to success both on and off the track. By serving as a positive role model and mentor, I hope to empower these young individuals to pursue their passions, overcome obstacles, and reach their full potential. Looking to the future, I aspire to make a lasting impact by using my leadership skills to address the barriers that women face in the corporate world. I am determined to advocate for gender equality and work towards creating inclusive policies and practices that empower women to advance in leadership positions. By leveraging my position at Goldman Sachs and actively engaging with organizations dedicated to women's empowerment, I aim to foster an environment where women can thrive and contribute to the decision-making process at all levels. Furthermore, I intend to expand my efforts in community outreach and mentorship programs, particularly focusing on underprivileged youth. By combining my passion for athletics and leadership, I aim to establish initiatives that provide access to sports programs and educational resources, empowering young individuals to develop essential life skills and pursue their dreams. In conclusion, my experiences as a senior analyst at Goldman Sachs, my involvement in HBCU and Black network recruiting, and my role as a track and field coach have allowed me to demonstrate leadership in diverse contexts. Through these experiences, I have developed a deep sense of responsibility to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women and underrepresented individuals. With my leadership skills, I am committed to driving positive change, advocating for gender equality, and empowering young individuals to realize their full potential. By investing in exceptional female leaders like myself, this scholarship will contribute to building a brighter and more inclusive future for all.

As a college student who comes from a single-parent household, I am well aware of the financial burden that comes with student loans. That is why I have taken proactive steps to address my current and future student loan debt. Firstly, I have made the decision to work a full-time job while pursuing my education. This is to ensure that I can have a steady income to help pay for my tuition and any associated expenses. This approach has enabled me to save consistently and avoid taking on new debt wherever possible. Additionally, I have made it a habit to make payments towards my student loan prior to the due date. This not only helps me stay on top of my payments but also helps reduce the interest that accrues over time. Furthermore, I have made it a priority to apply for multiple scholarships every day. This has proven to be an effective approach as I have been able to receive a few scholarships that have helped lessen my financial burden. Looking forward, I plan to continue with the same approach of working a full-time job, saving consistently, and avoiding new debt. Additionally, I plan to keep making payments prior to their due date to reduce the amount of interest that accumulates. As I approach graduation, I will look into loan repayment programs that can help me pay off my student loans as quickly as possible. As I continue to pursue my educational and career goals, I am also actively seeking out doctoral programs that offer full funding. This would significantly alleviate the financial burden of student loan debt and allow me to focus on my studies and research without worrying about the financial implications. I am exploring various options and conducting extensive research to identify programs that align with my academic and career aspirations. Pursuing a doctoral degree is a significant investment of time, energy, and resources, and I am committed to finding a program that not only aligns with my interests and goals but also offers financial support to help me achieve my academic and professional objectives. By taking a proactive approach to addressing my future student loan debt, I am confident that I will be able to achieve my long-term goals while minimizing the financial burden of my education. In conclusion, my current and future student loan debt is something that I take seriously, and I am willing to put in the work required to address it. By working a full-time job, saving consistently, making payments before they are due, and applying for multiple scholarships, I have been able to make a significant dent in my student loan debt. As I continue to pursue my education and enter the workforce, I am confident that I will find new ways to address my student loan debt and make a positive impact on my financial future.

My name is Jay Joseph, and I come from a single-parent household where there was never any emphasis on education, financial literacy, building wealth, or even just challenging oneself to step out of their comfort zone. Growing up, I quickly realized that if I wanted to accomplish anything beyond my current surroundings, I would have to push myself outside of my comfort zone and seek out opportunities that were not readily available to me. Despite facing various challenges, I was determined to overcome them and make a positive impact on my community. One of the most significant challenges I faced was the lack of resources and guidance available to me. Fortunately, I was able to find a mentor who saw potential in me and pushed me to apply to prestigious universities and firms. This mentorship changed my life and opened doors that I never thought were possible. From then on, I knew that I wanted to be that same mentor and role model for others in my community. Throughout my journey, I have served as a volunteer track and field coach in underserved communities in Houston and participated in HBCU recruiting for Goldman Sachs. Additionally, I have acted as an ambassador/mentor for black women entering Goldman Sachs, helped with college readiness for students in my community, and volunteered at my local church, Hope City. These experiences have shaped me into the person I am today and have instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to give back to my community. Looking towards the future, I plan to continue making a positive impact through my education. I believe that with a business degree, I can create my own scholarship fund and mentorship program to help black students get ready for college. By doing so, I hope to inspire more minority students to pursue higher education and provide them with the resources they need to succeed. Additionally, I plan to use my investment banking background to help those in my community with financial literacy and wealth-building, ultimately helping to close the wealth gap that plagues many minority communities.In the future, I am committed to creating a program that will specifically target and help black students get ready for college. This program will include mentorship, tutoring, and other resources that will help students succeed and achieve their dreams. Additionally, I plan to establish a scholarship fund that will provide financial assistance to underprivileged students who may not have the means to pay for college. In conclusion, my challenges and experiences have taught me the importance of education, mentorship, and giving back to my community. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given and am committed to making a positive impact on the world through my education and future career.

In today’s world, one of the most pressing issues we face is inequality, particularly for marginalized communities. In order to combat this, it is important to take action and serve our local communities, states, and countries to help make a better future for all. Personally, I have made it a priority to be involved in various initiatives and programs that aim to uplift and empower underserved communities. One of the ways I have served my local community is through volunteering as a track and field coach in underserved areas in Houston. I have been able to work with young athletes, teaching them valuable skills and providing them with positive role models. Through this experience, I have witnessed the impact that investing time and effort into the youth can have on their futures. Additionally, I have participated in HBCU recruiting events for Goldman Sachs, where I have had the opportunity to inspire and guide black college students as they embark on their careers. As an ambassador/mentor for black women entering Goldman Sachs, I have been able to provide support and guidance to those who are often underrepresented in the field. Furthermore, I have dedicated my time to helping students in my community with college readiness. This includes providing assistance with college applications and financial aid, as well as sharing my personal experiences and advice on how to navigate the college journey. By doing so, I hope to empower the next generation of young adults to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals. In the future, I am committed to creating a program that will specifically target and help black students get ready for college. This program will include mentorship, tutoring, and other resources that will help students succeed and achieve their dreams. Additionally, I plan to establish a scholarship fund that will provide financial assistance to underprivileged students who may not have the means to pay for college. In addition to my goals of encouraging more minority students to pursue college and helping with career readiness, I also plan to focus on HBCU students and equipping them with the tools they need while in college. I believe that HBCUs play an essential role in the educational landscape and provide unique opportunities for students of color to succeed. I plan to establish a scholarship fund specifically for HBCU students and create a program that helps them with job placement, paying off student loans, and teaches them how to be great alumni and give back to their community and university. I believe that this holistic approach to supporting students will help them succeed not only in college but also in their careers and as members of their communities. By providing support beyond graduation, I hope to make a lasting impact on the lives of HBCU students and contribute to closing the gap in opportunities and outcomes for people of color. In conclusion, serving our communities and helping to make the world a better place is a responsibility that we all should take seriously. Through my experiences and actions, I have been able to contribute to this goal, and I am committed to continuing to do so in the future. By working together, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

Mental health is a vital aspect of our overall well-being and should be given as much attention as physical health. Many people tend to overlook their mental health until it becomes a pressing issue. In my opinion, taking care of my mental health is crucial because it affects every aspect of my life, from my relationships with family and friends to my productivity at work. Good mental health helps me to manage stress, maintain focus, and make good decisions. To maintain my mental wellness, I have developed some effective strategies that work for me. One of the most crucial is taking care of my physical health. I find that when I eat well and exercise regularly, I feel more energized and focused. Another strategy is prioritizing self-care activities that help me to relax and recharge. These activities include reading, spending time in nature, and practicing meditation and mindfulness. In addition, I recognize the importance of seeking professional help when necessary. Seeing a therapist or counselor can be beneficial in managing stress and anxiety, and can also help to identify any underlying mental health issues that may need to be addressed. I believe that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. In the black community, mental health issues are often stigmatized and seen as a sign of weakness. This can prevent individuals from seeking help and support when they need it most. The stigma surrounding mental health can also lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment, which can further compound the issue. As a minority, it is important to recognize the unique challenges and stressors that can affect mental health, including systemic racism, discrimination, and social inequalities. By taking care of our mental health and seeking help when needed, we can break down the barriers and stigma surrounding mental health in the black community and encourage others to prioritize their own well-being. We can also work to create a more supportive and understanding environment for those who may be struggling with mental health issues. It is essential that we continue to have conversations and advocate for resources and support for mental health in our communities, so that individuals of all backgrounds have the opportunity to live happy, healthy lives. Finally, I make it a point to maintain strong connections with my support system, including family and friends. Having a supportive community to turn to during difficult times is incredibly valuable. I also try to surround myself with positive influences and engage in activities that bring me joy and fulfillment. In conclusion, I believe that prioritizing my mental health is essential to leading a fulfilling life. By taking care of myself through physical exercise, self-care activities, seeking professional help when necessary, and maintaining strong connections with my support system, I am better equipped to handle life's challenges and pursue my goals. I encourage everyone to take their mental health seriously and prioritize self-care.

Mental health is a vital aspect of our overall well-being and should be given as much attention as physical health. Many people tend to overlook their mental health until it becomes a pressing issue. In my opinion, taking care of my mental health is crucial because it affects every aspect of my life, from my relationships with family and friends to my productivity at work. Good mental health helps me to manage stress, maintain focus, and make good decisions. To maintain my mental wellness, I have developed some effective strategies that work for me. One of the most crucial is taking care of my physical health. I find that when I eat well and exercise regularly, I feel more energized and focused. Another strategy is prioritizing self-care activities that help me to relax and recharge. These activities include reading, spending time in nature, and practicing meditation and mindfulness. In addition, I recognize the importance of seeking professional help when necessary. Seeing a therapist or counselor can be beneficial in managing stress and anxiety, and can also help to identify any underlying mental health issues that may need to be addressed. I believe that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. In the black community, mental health issues are often stigmatized and seen as a sign of weakness. This can prevent individuals from seeking help and support when they need it most. The stigma surrounding mental health can also lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment, which can further compound the issue. As a minority, it is important to recognize the unique challenges and stressors that can affect mental health, including systemic racism, discrimination, and social inequalities. By taking care of our mental health and seeking help when needed, we can break down the barriers and stigma surrounding mental health in the black community and encourage others to prioritize their own well-being. We can also work to create a more supportive and understanding environment for those who may be struggling with mental health issues. It is essential that we continue to have conversations and advocate for resources and support for mental health in our communities, so that individuals of all backgrounds have the opportunity to live happy, healthy lives. Finally, I make it a point to maintain strong connections with my support system, including family and friends. Having a supportive community to turn to during difficult times is incredibly valuable. I also try to surround myself with positive influences and engage in activities that bring me joy and fulfillment. In conclusion, I believe that prioritizing my mental health is essential to leading a fulfilling life. By taking care of myself through physical exercise, self-care activities, seeking professional help when necessary, and maintaining strong connections with my support system, I am better equipped to handle life's challenges and pursue my goals. I encourage everyone to take their mental health seriously and prioritize self-care.

The dream version of my future self is free in every way, financially, emotionally, spiritually and mentally, and I am enabling and guiding others towards those same freedoms.

Gender disparity in Texas is a longstanding issue that has affected women from all walks of life. It is important to confront this issue head-on and work towards creating a more equal society. For me, one of the primary motivations to confront gender disparity in Texas is to close wage gaps, especially for minority women. Women in Texas face significant wage gaps, with the gap being even wider for women of color. This is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed, and I am motivated to make a difference in this area. Another area of focus for me is to teach financial literacy to underserved communities. I believe that financial literacy is a crucial life skill that can help individuals and families to improve their financial situation. In Texas, there are many underserved communities that lack access to financial education and resources. By teaching financial literacy to these communities, I hope to make a tangible impact on their financial wellbeing. In terms of the impact I hope to make with my degree and future career, I want to encourage more minority students to pursue college and use scholarships and grants to fund their education. I believe that education is a powerful tool that can help to break the cycle of poverty and provide opportunities for upward mobility. As someone who has benefited from scholarships and grants throughout my educational journey, I want to pay it forward and help other students to access these resources. One of my other goals consist of encouraging more minority students to pursue college and helping with career readiness, I also plan to focus on HBCU students and equipping them with the tools they need while in college. I believe that HBCUs play an essential role in the educational landscape and provide unique opportunities for students of color to succeed. I plan to establish a scholarship fund specifically for HBCU students and create a program that helps them with job placement, paying off student loans, and teaches them how to be great alumni and give back to their community and university. I believe that this holistic approach to supporting students will help them succeed not only in college but also in their careers and as members of their communities. By providing support beyond graduation, I hope to make a lasting impact on the lives of HBCU students and contribute to closing the gap in opportunities and outcomes for people of color. Additionally, I want to help with career prep and college readiness for minority students. Many students from underserved communities face significant barriers when it comes to accessing higher education and securing high-paying jobs. By providing mentorship and resources for career prep and college readiness, I hope to help these students achieve their academic and career goals. In my future career, I plan to use my investment banking background to create my own scholarship fund and college readiness and mentoring program. This will enable me to make a tangible impact on the lives of students in underserved communities, and help to close the gap when it comes to gender and socioeconomic disparity in Texas. Overall, I am deeply motivated to confront gender disparity in Texas and work towards creating a more equitable society.

One technology that inspires me about the way in which technology can make the world a better place is solar power. Solar power is the conversion of energy from sunlight into electricity, and it has the potential to revolutionize the world by providing sustainable and clean energy to everyone. One of the biggest advantages of solar power is that it is renewable and does not produce harmful emissions. Unlike traditional power sources such as coal or natural gas, solar power does not contribute to climate change or air pollution. This means that by using solar power, we can reduce our carbon footprint and help protect the environment. Another advantage of solar power is that it is becoming increasingly affordable and accessible. With advances in technology, the cost of solar panels has decreased, and more people are able to install solar panels on their homes and businesses. This means that more people are able to generate their own power and reduce their reliance on traditional power sources. Finally, solar power has the potential to provide energy to people in developing countries who may not have access to traditional power sources. By providing affordable and sustainable energy, solar power can help improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world. In conclusion, solar power is a technology that inspires me because it has the potential to make the world a better place by providing clean, affordable, and sustainable energy to everyone. As technology continues to advance, I believe that solar power will become even more accessible and widespread, helping to create a brighter future for all.

Reduce my energy consumption at home: Turn off lights and electronics when not I am not using them, use energy-efficient light bulbs, and unplug chargers and appliances when not in use. When i do get a home in the future i also plan to use renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines. Reduce water consumption when at home: Take shorter showers, turn off the tap while brushing my teeth or shaving, have my apartment complex fix any leaks, and purchase installing low-flow showerheads and faucets. Reduce waste: Reduce, reuse, and recycle as much as possible at home and also when i go into the office. I avoid single-use plastic products, bring my own reusable bags and containers, and compost organic waste. Choose sustainable transportation: I walk, bike, or use public transportation whenever possible. If I have to use a car, first i consider carpooling, using a hybrid or electric vehicle, or offsetting my carbon emissions. Eat a sustainable diet: Choose locally grown, organic, and seasonal produce whenever possible. Reduce your meat consumption, as animal agriculture has a significant environmental impact. For a few weeks out of the month, I also go on a vegetarian or vegan diet. Support sustainable businesses: I choose products and services from businesses that prioritize sustainability and have environmentally friendly practices. Use less paper: I avoid unnecessary printing and use digital documents whenever possible. Choose recycled paper products when printing is necessary at home and also in the office. By making intentional choices to live sustainably, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help to protect the environment, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and promote a more sustainable future. Environmental protection: By reducing ymy carbon footprint and living sustainably, I can help to protect the environment and conserve natural resources for future generations. Climate change mitigation: Climate change is one of the biggest global challenges we face today, and reducing your carbon footprint can help to mitigate its impacts, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and ecosystem disruption. Health benefits: Sustainable living choices, such as reducing energy and water consumption, can also have health benefits, such as improved air and water quality, and reduced exposure to toxins and pollutants. Financial savings: Sustainable living choices can also lead to financial savings, such as reducing energy and water bills, and reducing the amount spent on disposable goods. I believe reducing my carbon footprint is an important aspect of sustainable living, as it is a measure of the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that result from your daily activities, such as transportation, energy use, and consumption of goods and services. Greenhouse gas emissions contribute to climate change, which poses a significant threat to the environment and human well-being. By reducing my carbon footprint, you can help to mitigate the impacts of climate change and promote a more sustainable future.

My application documents may show a "good" GPA, a resume that consists of "good" jobs and even the ability to juggle an athletic career and academics then the accomplishment of going into a promising career at an amazing firm after graduation. What I would want the scholarship committee to know is where my drive comes from and I have to accomplish these things. I come from a single-parent household where there was never any emphasis on education, financial literacy, building wealth, or even just challenging yourself to step out of your comfort zone. This was not because my family was opposed to any of these things but because my mother never had anyone to guide her on those things so there was no way she could instill those things into me or my siblings. When I was first exposed to things outside my usual reference point in my household I knew why these things were put into my sight. It's so that I could change my reference point for my ambitions and expectations for myself and those around me and others like me. Some example of what that has looked like for me so far is that I had my mother vow to me that we would either both obtain a degree at the same time or she would get one before me to better ourselves and our family. She accomplished that goal before I set foot across the stage and pivoted in her career. Both of my younger siblings are continuing to follow in my footsteps as my youngest brother is making his mark at Stratford High School by being one of the best long jumpers in TX and being recruited by division universities and track & field. My second brother has just started his journey to continuing his education at Texas State where he is also pursuing a degree in business management. Outside of my household, I strive to make an impact in my workplace and my university. At Goldman Sachs I am a part of the Black Network, and the HBCU alliance where we focus on college prep, career prep and recruiting for underserved minorities not only in our communities but across the US. These are programs I hold dear to me because without these same programs, I would have no idea what Goldman Sachs was and what a career in investment banking even looked like. I would want the scholarship committee to know that me pursuing this degree is more than just bettering myself from an educational or career standpoint but it is about me bettering myself so that I can be able to help those around me by providing them with practical knowledge and help. Also by having the ability and resources to pay it forward to those who were once in my shoes. Business may seem like a world full of greed and ulterior motives but the only thing that motivates me to continue to pursue the knowledge of business is what I know I can do with the tools and resources that would allow me to give back to those around me in more ways than one. Being able to pay down my debt will allow me to continue my education and make strides towards my career and community goals.

If i were not constrained by things that matter like money, status, or success overall set by conventional standards my dreams would consist of learning as much as I can and traveling the world. How does getting what you want to make you feel? Despite where you are and the circumstances, you can decide to live more than a life most people are only content to live. ‘Living your dreams’ means that you must be task-focused; with a strong will to fulfill your dreams, no matter what it will cost you. If your dream is going to become a reality, you are going to implement your plans to reach your goals. The problem is that people will try to convince you that what you want is impossible. It will truly be hard, and there is many a time you will want to give up. When you have identified the object of your desire, you must start mapping out how to confront any negativity with tenacity and audacity to God’s purpose. Until your mind begins to reflect your inner desire, you cannot yield completely to your dreams with vision, courage and discipline. I would love nothing more than to just take in as much knowledge as possible everything from what I'm learning now while pursuing my master's in business administration with a concentration in information technology to learning culinary skills in some of the culinary capitals of the world. I truly enjoy the experience of taking in new information because you get the chance to challenge yourself, meet new people, and create an experience you only can have once as you continue to build your knowledge. In reality, there is not a job that pays enough to fund all of this learning and traveling that allows so much flexibility in my eyes or maybe I just have not come across it yet. Even then I'm sure it's not extremely accessible. Many people have never sat down to figure out what it means to have a dream. This is usually because they are shot down by the harsh reality that sets in when you realize how much education costs, on top of day to day responsibilities, and even if you do find the means to fund the education finding support along the way is just as important. It also common now to see that return on that education to not even live up to the cost post-graduation as well.