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Hobbies and interests
Tennis
Choir
Music
Reading
Politics
I read books multiple times per month
Jeremiah Lowther
1,235
Bold Points1x
Finalist![user profile avatar](https://static.bold.org/profilePictures/1627697343620.webp)
Jeremiah Lowther
1,235
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
Serving others and helping others find their voice and their space is a passion that is an integral part of who I am as a student leader. As a charter member and chapter leader of the Alabama Chapter of State of the Students, I have helped students connect with their local, state, and national political leaders. In 2018, I had the realization that many Alabamians are disconnected from state politics—much of it belonging to the culture of a “child’s place“ in the South. In response to this dire need for connection, I created the Alabama Chapter of State of the Students. This organization shows the power of the youth voice. Because of this organization, I will continue to use my voice to create more open conversations with those who have so much influence over our daily lives. Being a leader in this organization has amplified my view that all students can lead and serve.
As a recipient of a scholarship, I will continue to pursue academic and personal excellence while serving my community. State of the Students has shown me that I can balance my educational goals with community service and leadership in student organizations. I have learned how to help others lead, and that skill set will allow me to help strengthen the voice of my community.
Education
Morehouse College
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Sociology
Hillcrest High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Political Science and Government
- Law
- History
- Sociology
Career
Dream career field:
Public Policy
Dream career goals:
Senator
Sports
Tennis
Varsity2018 – 20224 years
Awards
- All State
Future Interests
Advocacy
Politics
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Normandie’s HBCU Empower Scholar Grant
For six years, I endured many challenges that made my decision to attend an HBCU very easy. Resilience, dedication, and emotional strength are all traits I have gained while being a member of my school's varsity tennis team. As a member of our school's tennis team, I dealt with recurrent images, thoughts, and words. "You can't do it." "You aren't good enough." "Why are you wasting your time."
As I race across the court to get to the next ball, I anticipate all that rides on the first stroke. Although my focus should be to get the next ball over the net, I can't help but think about these things. As my head is drowning, I forget to swing, and the ball rushes by me. My opponent cheers while the intrusive thoughts flood my mind. Again, I toss the ball and crash my racket into the ball. It's an ace. "Yes!" I screamed, but it never seemed enough.
When I tried out for the tennis team as a sixth-grader, I recognized that I would be the only person of color on the team. Along with the feelings of isolation, I also dealt with prejudice and stereotypes because of my skin color.
Choosing an HBCU has changed my definition of resilience, dedication, and emotional strength. Daily, I see tangible reminders of the resilience of descendants of the African diaspora. I see faculty and alumna dedicated to serving and cultivating the next generation of community advocates and leaders. My HBCU has also exposed me to my community's incredible determination and emotional strength. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow at an HBCU.
M.H.M.A Black Excellence Scholarship
Resilience, dedication, and emotional strength are all traits I gained while being a member of my high school's varsity tennis team. It came from dealing with recurrent images, thoughts, and words. "You can't do it." "You aren't good enough." "Why are you wasting your time."
As I race across the tennis court to get to the next ball, I anticipate all that rides on the first stroke of my racquet. Although my focus should be to get the next ball over the net, I can't help but think about these things. As my head is drowning in my thoughts, I forget to swing, and the ball rushes by me. My opponent cheers while the intrusive thoughts flood my mind. "Focus," I tell myself. "I have to be ready for the next point." It's my serve. I toss the ball and crash my racket into the ball. It's an ace. "Yes!" I screamed, but it never seemed enough. In the four years I played tennis, I constantly battled with these thoughts as I continued to contribute my best effort. Furthermore, my battle with being the only minority, my extreme dedication to playing tennis, and the inspiration I give to others allowed me to be the first African American male on my varsity high school tennis team.
When I tried out for the tennis team as a sixth-grader, I recognized that I would be the only person of color on the team. However, I failed to realize the harsh effects of my decision. I didn't know the isolation I would feel for the next six years. I struggled to speak to them about culturally unique things to the African American community.
Along with the feelings of isolation, I also have to deal with prejudice and stereotypes because of my skin color. Because I am the only minority, some teammates are comfortable saying the "N-word" or other expletives. No matter how I respond, I would be labeled the angry kid with temper problems. Every day I face these challenges that hinder my path to success. I credit some of my successes to these challenges.
From my experiences, I've learned that tennis stretches far beyond the court. Tennis has taught me resilience, dedication, and emotional strength. I have learned to drown out the voices within my head and from outside forces that look to weaken who I am as a person and athlete. I have learned to allow my efforts on the court to speak for me. The lessons I have learned on the court translate into other aspects of my life when I face a new challenge, seem to be the underdog, or seem to be in a space where I don't or should not belong. I wouldn't be the person I am today without experiencing these challenging situations.
When we fail but keep trying, we grow as human beings. Quitting is a victory for those who are committed to stagnation.