Growing up, I learned that some of the biggest challenges we face can also become the experiences that shape us the most. One of the greatest challenges I have dealt with throughout my life has been my speech impediment. I have struggled with my speech since I was a child, and although I have worked hard to improve, it is still something I occasionally deal with today. Living with this challenge has not always been easy, but it has helped shape my character, my determination, and the way I see and support others. As a child, my speech impediment affected my confidence in ways that many people may not have noticed. There were times when I hesitated to speak because I worried about being judged, misunderstood, or treated differently. Simple things like answering questions in class, speaking in front of groups, or introducing myself could feel overwhelming. I often had to push myself to do things that came naturally to others. Those moments were difficult, but they taught me an important lesson: my voice and my ideas still mattered. Over time, I learned that communication is about much more than just the way someone speaks. It is about the passion, effort, and meaning behind the words. My experiences have made me more patient and understanding toward others who face challenges of their own. I know what it feels like to struggle with something that people may notice before they see the person behind it. Because of that, I have developed a deeper compassion for people who may feel different, overlooked, or unsure of themselves. My speech impediment has also pushed me to become more confident and determined. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. College has required me to step outside of my comfort zone by participating in discussions, giving presentations, and communicating professionally. There are still moments when my speech challenges me, but I have learned not to let fear stop me from pursuing my goals. Every time I speak up, I remind myself that progress is more important than perfection. Beyond my education, I want to use my experiences to encourage others. As a chef, business owner, father, and community volunteer, I have the opportunity to lead by example. I want others, especially young people who may be struggling with their own challenges, to understand that an obstacle does not have to determine their future. Success is possible when you continue to work hard, believe in yourself, and refuse to give up. My speech impediment is a part of my story, but it does not define me. Instead, it has given me strength, empathy, and the motivation to keep moving forward. It has taught me that everyone has something valuable to contribute, regardless of the challenges they face. As I continue my education and build my future career, I hope to inspire others by showing that challenges can become sources of strength. I may not always speak perfectly, but I have learned that a person’s impact is measured not only by how they speak, but by the difference they make in the lives of others.

My name is Jeremy Bowen, and I am currently working toward my Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. I am also a chef, business owner, father, and active volunteer in my church and community. While my degree is not specifically in education, I have always believed that one of the greatest ways to make a positive impact is by teaching, mentoring, and helping others discover their potential. Growing up, I learned the value of hard work from my mother, who raised our family as a single parent. She worked tirelessly to provide for us and taught me lessons that continue to guide my life today. She showed me the importance of integrity, perseverance, and helping others, even when you are facing challenges of your own. Those values shaped the person I have become and inspired me to pursue higher education later in life while balancing family, work, and community responsibilities. Throughout my career in hospitality, I have discovered that education happens in many different forms. Some of the most important lessons are taught outside of a traditional classroom. As a chef and business owner, I have had the opportunity to train kitchen staff, mentor young employees, and help people develop skills that can change the course of their lives. I enjoy teaching others because I know firsthand how valuable it is when someone takes the time to invest in your growth. Watching someone gain confidence, master a new skill, or earn a promotion because of what they have learned is incredibly rewarding. My volunteer work through my church has strengthened my desire to help others even more. I regularly assist with youth programs, church events, and community outreach activities. Working with young people has shown me how important encouragement can be. Many youth are dealing with challenges that are not always visible on the surface. Sometimes they simply need someone to listen, offer guidance, and remind them that they are capable of achieving great things. I try to be that person whenever I can. In the future, I hope to use both my education and professional experience to create opportunities for others. My goal is to continue growing my hospitality business while building a culture of mentorship and development. I want my company to be known not only for exceptional food and service but also for helping people learn valuable skills, advance their careers, and build confidence in themselves. I also hope to remain actively involved in community programs that support young people. Whether through mentorship, job training, educational workshops, or volunteer service, I want to help others see possibilities for their future that they may not yet see for themselves. I believe that when one person is given the tools and encouragement to succeed, the impact often reaches far beyond that individual and benefits entire families and communities. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue my education and move closer to these goals. More importantly, it would allow me to continue investing in others through mentorship, leadership, and service. My hope is that the knowledge and experiences I gain will not only improve my own life but also create opportunities for the people and communities I serve. I may not stand in front of a classroom as a traditional educator, but I plan to spend my life teaching through leadership, example, and service. If I can help even a few people believe in themselves, develop new skills, and pursue their dreams, then I will know I have made a meaningful impact on the world.

Throughout my career in hospitality, I have learned that serving people is about much more than food. A meal can fill someone’s stomach, but kindness, compassion, and showing someone that they matter can feed the heart as well. That belief has guided me throughout my life and shaped how I approach my work, my community, and my leadership. One of the volunteer efforts I have been involved in has been providing meals and support to people in my community going through difficult times. Through my company, Savor & Soul Hospitality LLC, I have used my skills as a chef to bring people together and provide not just a meal, but an experience of care and connection. From planning menus and preparing food to organizing volunteers and making sure everyone was welcomed, I learned that the smallest details can make the biggest difference. My commitment to service also extends into my church community at 2nd Paradise Missionary Baptist Church. Being involved with my church has given me opportunities to serve others, support community efforts, encourage young people, and be part of something bigger than myself. My faith and my church family have taught me that leadership is not about standing in front of others; it is about being willing to stand beside them when they need support. When I volunteer, I try to remember that every person has a story. Sometimes people do not just need a meal; they need someone to listen, someone to encourage them, or someone to remind them that they are not forgotten. Those moments have been among the most rewarding experiences of my life because they show the true meaning of service. My own life experiences have shaped the way I view giving back. I have faced challenges that tested my strength and taught me the importance of perseverance, compassion, and accepting help when it is needed. Because I know what it feels like to overcome obstacles, I believe strongly that when you can help someone else, you should. Service is a way to create opportunities and ensure others know they are valued. Through my journey as a chef, business owner, father, and community member, I have learned that a title does not measure leadership. Leadership is shown through actions. It is mentoring someone who wants to learn, encouraging someone who is struggling, showing up when people need help, and inspiring others to do the same. As I continue my education in Hospitality Management, I aim to grow my ability to serve others through mentorship, workforce development, and community outreach. My vision for Savor & Soul Hospitality LLC is not only to provide exceptional hospitality experiences but also to create opportunities for others to learn, grow, and succeed. Leadership through service can change lives. Whether through my church, my business, or my community involvement, I want my actions to reflect the values I believe in: compassion, responsibility, and helping others. To me, volunteering is not just something I participate in; it is a part of who I am and the kind of leader I want to continue becoming.

I love math because it helps me make sense of the world around me. Some people see math as just numbers and equations, but I see it as a tool for problem-solving, planning, and creating opportunities. Throughout my career in hospitality and as a business owner, math has played an important role in helping me succeed. As a chef and the owner of Savor & Soul Hospitality, I use math every day. I use it when calculating food costs, adjusting recipes, managing budgets, pricing events, and making decisions that affect my business. A small mistake in measurements or planning can impact an entire event, so math has taught me the importance of accuracy, patience, and attention to detail. What I enjoy most about math is that it challenges me to think through problems and find solutions. That mindset has helped me in many areas of my life. When I face obstacles, I have learned to step back, evaluate the situation, and figure out the best way forward instead of giving up. As I continue my education in Hospitality Management at National Louis University’s Kendall College, I see how important math is to the business side of hospitality. Understanding costs, profits, budgets, and planning are all necessary skills for building a successful company. My goal is to continue growing Savor & Soul Hospitality into a business that creates opportunities for others, and math is one of the tools that will help me get there. Math has also taught me that success comes from following the right steps. You cannot rush the process and expect the correct result. The same is true in life and business. Preparation, consistency, and learning from mistakes are all necessary to achieve your goals. My love for math comes from seeing how it turns ideas into reality. A recipe becomes a finished dish through measurements and calculations. A business idea becomes successful through planning and financial understanding. Goals become achievable when you break them down into smaller steps. Math is more than a subject I study, it is a skill I use to create, improve, and grow. It has helped shape me as a chef, entrepreneur, and student, and it will continue to guide me as I build a future focused on hospitality, leadership, and service.

When I think about the impact I want to make, I think about more than personal success. I think about the people I can help, the opportunities I can create, and the example I can set for others. Throughout my life, I have learned that success means more when you can use it to make a difference in someone else’s life. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management while building my company, Savor & Soul Hospitality LLC. My education is helping me become a stronger leader and giving me the tools I need to grow my business, but my purpose goes beyond owning a successful company. I want to use my education and experience to serve my community, create opportunities, and help others discover their own potential. One of the biggest influences in my life has been my mother. She raised four children as a single parent and showed me what determination, sacrifice, and strength look like. Watching her work hard and continue to provide for our family taught me that leadership is not about having a title. Leadership is about responsibility, consistency, and caring for others even when things are difficult. Her example continues to motivate me every day. My faith and my involvement with 2nd Paradise Missionary Baptist Church have also shaped the person and leader I am becoming. Being part of a church community has shown me the importance of serving others and being there for people during different seasons of their lives. Through church activities, outreach, and connecting with others, I have seen how a helping hand, a kind word, or simply showing up can make a lasting difference. My goal is to use my education and my business as tools to create opportunities for others. The hospitality industry has given me a career, valuable life lessons, and the chance to grow as a professional. I want to give that same opportunity to others, especially young people and individuals who may not know what career paths are available to them. As Savor & Soul Hospitality continues to grow, I want to create mentorship and training opportunities for people interested in culinary arts, hospitality, and entrepreneurship. I want to share the knowledge I have gained throughout my nearly twenty years in the industry and help others avoid some of the challenges I faced while building my own career. Sometimes all someone needs is a person willing to teach them, encourage them, and believe in their abilities. I also want my business to remain connected to the community. Food has always been a way to bring people together. Whether it is through community events, church programs, or partnerships with local organizations, I want to continue using hospitality as a way to serve and connect with people. My education is an important part of making this vision possible. It will help me become a better manager, business owner, and leader. It will provide me with the knowledge needed to build a sustainable company that can continue to make an impact for years to come. The future I want to help create is one where people have access to opportunities, encouragement, and support. I want to be someone who opens doors for others and reminds people that their circumstances do not define their future. Through education, service, faith, and hospitality, I want to leave behind a legacy that shows the true meaning of leadership is not what you achieve for yourself, but what you do for others.

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.