When I imagine myself living the life of my dreams, I see a life filled with purpose, love, and impact. I wake up every day excited to walk in my calling—working as a Human Resources professional within the daycare industry, making a difference behind the scenes for the people who care for our future: our children. My work is rooted in creating positive, supportive environments for childcare employees. I specialize in improving employee retention by addressing burnout, recognizing talent, and fostering a culture where teachers and staff feel valued, heard, and empowered. It’s not just a career—it’s a mission to transform the daycare system and the lives of those who dedicate themselves to early childhood development. Alongside my professional career, I am also running my nonprofit organization, Destined 4 Success, which has grown into a nationally recognized name in youth advocacy. Destined 4 Success is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting children from Pre-K through 12th grade educationally, emotionally, mentally, and physically. We focus on uplifting low-income families through impactful programs, community events, and youth development initiatives. From school supply drives and workshops to mentorship programs and self-care events, our mission is to make life easier and more fulfilling for underserved youth. My days are fulfilling not just because of my work, but because of the life I’ve built outside of it. I am happily married to a very handsome, chocolate-skinned man who is not only my partner in love, but in purpose. Together, we’re raising beautiful children in a home filled with laughter, faith, and ambition. Our kids are kind-hearted, curious, and confident—growing up in a world where dreams are not just encouraged but expected. We instill in them the same values my mother instilled in me: hard work, integrity, compassion, and service. Living my dream life isn’t about material wealth or fame—it’s about impact. It’s about knowing that I’m living in alignment with my calling and giving back to the communities that shaped me. It’s about breaking generational cycles and creating new legacies. I envision leading panels, mentoring young girls who remind me of myself, and continuing to grow Destined 4 Success into a powerhouse of hope and opportunity. This scholarship brings me one step closer to that life. With financial support, I can focus more on my education and nonprofit work without the burden of financial stress. Every dollar would be an investment not just in me, but in the children, families, and educators I plan to serve. My dream life is bold, beautiful, and deeply rooted in service. And I’m working every day to make it a reality.

Without my mother, I truly don’t know where I would be. She is the backbone of my life, the quiet force that has shaped me into the woman I am today. After her divorce, my mom raised me and my twin sister. Despite the emotional and financial challenges, she remained steady and strong. She taught us the fundamentals of life—cooking, cleaning, hygiene, and self-respect. More than that, she modeled resilience, grace, and unconditional love. When I was accepted into North Carolina A&T State University and my twin sister into UNC-Greensboro, my mom made the ultimate sacrifice—she packed up everything and moved to Greensboro. She didn’t want us to experience our college years without the comfort of family nearby. She wanted to make sure we had not just an education, but an enjoyable experience that felt like home. Her selflessness continues to inspire me daily. Even now, as I pursue my graduate degree in Human Resources Management, she remains my biggest cheerleader. From my academic pursuits to my love life, and especially with my nonprofit, Destined 4 Success, she’s always there—listening, encouraging, and sometimes pushing me to dream even bigger. My mom doesn’t just believe in me; she invests in me with her time, her wisdom, and her unwavering presence. If awarded this scholarship, I would invest the funds directly into Destined 4 Success, a nonprofit organization I co-founded to uplift and empower youth from low-income communities. Our mission is to support children—educationally, mentally, emotionally, and physically—through initiatives that make life easier for families in need. From Pre-K to 12th grade, we serve students and families by hosting programs, workshops, and community-wide events that promote growth and unity. We have several events on the horizon that would greatly benefit from additional funding. Our Annual Back-to-School Drive provides hundreds of students with school supplies, hygiene kits, and backpacks, ensuring they return to school prepared and confident. Our upcoming Community Field Day is another major initiative aimed at uniting families through fitness, fun, and access to essential resources. We also have youth enrichment programs like “STEM Destined 4 You,” financial literacy workshops, and empowerment sessions led by guest speakers and community mentors. Receiving this scholarship would not only lighten the financial load for my education, but it would also allow me to pour more into the youth who remind me so much of myself. Children who, like me, come from hardworking, loving families that just need a little help. I am proud of many things, but what I’m most proud of is having a mom who never gave up on me—and in her honor, I choose to never give up on others. I have a strong support system, but my mother is my foundation. I know without a doubt, no matter what life throws my way, I can always count on her.

From a young age, anxiety was a quiet shadow that followed me into classrooms, conversations, and even moments of celebration. I didn’t have the words to describe what I was feeling until I got older, but I always knew that something about how I processed the world felt heavier than it did for others. Everyday experiences—like speaking up in class, starting a new job, or submitting a paper—often felt overwhelming. But rather than allowing anxiety to define me, I’ve worked hard to turn it into a source of strength, empathy, and determination. My experience with anxiety has taught me how to pause, reflect, and understand emotions—both mine and others’. In my current job in the daycare industry, these skills have become my superpower. Working with children requires patience, compassion, and the ability to stay calm in unpredictable situations. Because I know what it feels like to navigate big emotions, I’m able to help children feel seen, safe, and supported. I’ve turned something that once held me back into something that now drives me to lead and nurture with intention. Pursuing a college degree is deeply personal to me. I’m currently in graduate school, holding a 3.9 GPA while majoring in Human Resources. Earning this degree isn’t just about advancing my career—it’s about unlocking opportunities to create real, lasting change in a field I care about. I dream of working in HR or outreach within the daycare industry, helping to address the high turnover rates and lack of support for early childhood educators. I believe that when we take care of the people who care for our children, we create a stronger foundation for everyone’s future. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s made me resilient. On top of working and studying full-time, I’ve also launched a nonprofit organization called Destined 4 Success, a 501(c)(3) that supports youth in grades Pre-K through 12. We help low-income families by offering educational programs, wellness events, and community-based initiatives that give children a chance to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Every project I take on through my nonprofit stems from a place of passion and purpose—because I know what it feels like to struggle and I want to be part of the solution. Anxiety may still be a part of my story, but it no longer writes the chapters. Instead, I use it as a reminder of how far I’ve come—and how capable I am of reaching even greater heights. Earning a degree, while managing mental health, work, and nonprofit leadership, has proven to me that I am strong, focused, and ready to make a difference. A scholarship would not only lighten the financial burden but would also be a powerful investment in someone who is already committed to giving back. I don’t just want to succeed for myself—I want to inspire others to push through, show up, and keep going, no matter what shadows they face.