Service has never been just a word to me, it’s been the way I’ve lived my life. Reading about the legacy of Sgt. Albert Dono Ware, and the values of service, sacrifice, and bravery he stood for, made me reflect on my own journey and the path I’m continuing to build. While my experiences are different, those same values have shaped how I work, how I lead, and how I show up for others every day. I’ve spent over twenty years working in hospitality across Chicago, in kitchens, hotels, and large-scale events. It’s an industry that demands a lot from you, long hours, high pressure, and constant accountability. But it also teaches you what it means to serve. Not just in the sense of providing food, but in creating experiences, supporting your team, and being reliable when people are counting on you. That mindset has stayed with me. You learn quickly that it’s not about you it’s about the people you serve and the team you stand beside. Sacrifice is something I’ve come to understand deeply over the years. Working in this field often means missing time with family, pushing through physical exhaustion, and staying committed even when things get tough. There were moments when it would have been easier to step away, but I stayed because I believed in what I was building. Those experiences shaped my discipline and my resilience. They taught me that growth doesn’t come without giving something up along the way. Bravery, for me, has shown up in quieter but just as meaningful ways. At this stage in my life, choosing to go back to school is a risk. I’ve already built a career through experience, but I know there’s another level I can reach with the right education. Stepping into something new, being willing to learn again, and pushing myself beyond what’s comfortable, that takes courage. It’s a different kind of bravery, but it’s real. As an African American man in the hospitality industry, I’ve also seen some of the challenges that exist for people in my community. There is no shortage of talent, but there is often a shortage of access, access to mentorship, to capital, and to clear paths for growth. I’ve worked alongside people who had the skill and drive but didn’t always have the opportunity to move forward. That’s something that has stayed with me, and it’s a big part of why I’m pursuing more than just a job in this field. I’m building Savor & Soul Hospitality with the intention of creating more than just a catering business. I want it to be a space where people can grow, learn, and build something for themselves. Whether it’s through training, mentorship, or simply giving someone a chance, my goal is to create opportunities that I know aren’t always easy to find. I want to be part of changing that. When I think about what needs to change on a larger level, a few things stand out. Workforce development is one of them. There need to be stronger programs that connect people directly to real skills and real jobs, especially in industries like hospitality where hands-on experience matters. Access to funding is another major issue. A lot of people have ideas and the ability to execute them, but without financial support, those ideas never get off the ground. Creating more access to capital for minority entrepreneurs would make a real difference. Education also plays a big role. Not just traditional education, but practical, career-focused learning that prepares people for leadership and ownership. That’s part of why I’m going back to school to strengthen what I already know and expand what I can do with it. Change like this doesn’t happen alone. It takes schools, local businesses, community organizations, and policymakers all working together. Businesses need to invest in people. Schools need to stay connected to real industry needs. Communities need support systems that help individuals move forward. And policymakers need to prioritize programs that actually reach the people who need them most. At the end of the day, the values of service, sacrifice, and bravery aren’t just ideas, they’re choices you make every day. They’ve shaped my journey so far, and they continue to guide where I’m going next. I’m committed to building something that reflects those values, not just for myself, but for others coming up behind me. This scholarship would help me continue that path. It would give me the support to focus on my education while continuing to build a business rooted in purpose. More than anything, it would allow me to keep moving forward with the same commitment I’ve carried throughout my career, showing up, doing the work, and creating something that makes a difference.