Receiving this scholarship would mean the world to me—not just financially, but emotionally and personally. As a first-generation college student, I’ve walked a journey filled with both triumphs and challenges. While my parents are incredibly proud and supportive, I’ve taken on the responsibility of navigating my educational path on my own. Balancing tuition, textbooks, and the countless other expenses that come with graduate school has been overwhelming at times, but I’ve never let that stop me from pursuing the goals I know I can reach. I’m currently pursuing my master’s degree in Human Resource Management because I have a deep passion for helping others reach their potential. I believe in guiding, leading, and uplifting the future leaders of today—and that passion is something I bring into every space I’m in, especially my current role as a daycare teacher. My dream is to become an HR professional within the daycare industry so I can focus on one of the biggest challenges I see every day: employee retention. I want to be a part of the solution—making sure the people who care for our children are supported, valued, and encouraged to stay and grow. Recently, I was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success in recognition of my efforts in graduate school, and that honor reminded me that all the sacrifices are worth it. I work hard because I know I’m building something bigger—not just for myself, but for the future family I hope to have one day. I want to leave a legacy of love, impact, and service. That desire to make a difference is what led me to start my nonprofit, Destined 4 Success, which supports youth from kindergarten through 12th grade in their physical, social, and educational development. Our mission is to empower children in low-income communities so they can thrive, just as I’ve worked hard to do myself. We host events, build partnerships, and create safe spaces where every child feels seen, valued, and supported. Winning this scholarship would help lift the weight of financial stress and allow me to continue pouring into my studies, my work, and my nonprofit. It would be more than just assistance—it would be an investment in a future HR leader and community advocate who is determined to keep giving back. Your support would allow me to walk confidently toward graduation and beyond, knowing I have the tools—and the village—to succeed. Thank you for considering me.

After graduating from North Carolina A&T State University, I was filled with hope and excitement. I had just landed what I thought was the job of my dreams—an executive assistant role at a major media company. It felt like everything I had worked for was finally falling into place. But the reality of that job was nothing like I imagined. Being the only African American woman in the office came with a weight I wasn’t prepared for. I often felt invisible, overlooked, and underappreciated. My boss would call me at 4 a.m. on Sundays, and I was expected to do tasks far outside of my job description—like taking their dogs to the vet—without any acknowledgment of my boundaries or personal wellbeing. Even when I wasn’t feeling well, I was expected to push through, as if my needs didn’t matter. Slowly, I began to convince myself that this was normal. That this was just how the corporate world worked. But deep inside, I knew something had to change. I took a brave step and started therapy, and it transformed my life. My therapist, Kenndi, helped me understand that my mental and emotional well-being were not only valid but vital. Within two months of consistent sessions, I found the strength to quit that job and start living for me again. I joined a local Charlotte group of empowering African American women who prioritize mental wellness, and that sense of sisterhood became a lifeline. I also began working as a daycare teacher—a role that brings me so much joy and aligns with my natural love for children. That experience reminded me that no paycheck is worth sacrificing your peace of mind. Out of that healing journey, I found my purpose. I founded a nonprofit called Destined 4 Success, dedicated to helping children in grades K-12 grow not just academically, but mentally, socially, and physically. We offer programs that promote emotional well-being, educational support, and positive self-development. I wanted to create a safe space for kids who, like me, may struggle silently, and I’m proud to say that we are already making a difference. Today, I’m pursuing my master’s degree in Human Resources Management, with the goal of becoming an HR professional in the daycare industry. I want to help improve employee retention and create workplace cultures that honor mental health and humanity. I’m still in therapy. I’m still learning. But I’m also leading—with love, resilience, and a clear vision of the future I want to create. Prioritizing my mental health didn’t just change my life—it gave me the power to help others change theirs.

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.