In my community, gang violence is a constant presence. Many kids are influenced by it at a young age, and it often feels like the cycle is impossible to escape. I know firsthand how dangerous that path can be gangs took my father away from me for life. That experience gave me a clear perspective: I wanted to choose a different path, and more importantly, I wanted to help others do the same. For me, being an “up-stander” means stepping in when I see people around me being pulled toward negativity and showing them that there is another way. I use my own life as an example, talking openly about my experiences and why I chose to avoid gangs. Instead of glorifying the streets, I show kids that college is possible, being an athlete is an amazing opportunity, and there are ways to achieve success without putting your future at risk. One of the biggest ways I try to make a difference is through football. I train kids in my neighborhood, not just to teach them the sport, but to keep them off the streets and give them something positive to focus on. When we work out or practice, I talk to them about discipline, goals, and what it takes to succeed. I remind them that while the streets may look like an easy way out, they always come with consequences. Through sports, I try to build confidence and show them that they have real potential to create better lives for themselves. I also stay in touch with young people in my community whether it’s through social media or in person. Sometimes, just knowing someone is there to listen or give advice makes a big difference. I try to be that voice of encouragement, reminding them that they don’t have to follow the negative examples around them. Even small conversations can shift a mindset, and I take those moments seriously because I know how much they matter. In the future, I want to continue using my voice and my platform as a student-athlete to inspire change in my community. My goal is to expand the impact I’ve already started, whether it’s by creating youth programs, mentoring at a larger scale, or using my education and athletic journey as a way to speak out against violence. I believe that being an up-stander means never staying silent in the face of wrong, and I plan to keep pushing for a narrative where kids see themselves as leaders, athletes, and scholars not as victims of their environment.

I grew up in a single-parent household with five siblings in Essex County, New Jersey one of the toughest environments in the state. My mother worked three jobs just to keep the lights on, which meant she was rarely home. As one of the oldest, I often found myself stepping into the role of caregiver. I cooked with the little food we had, helped my siblings with homework, and made sure they were safe. There were many nights when I went without eating to make sure my younger siblings had enough. While it wasn’t easy, those moments shaped who I am today by teaching me responsibility, sacrifice, and the importance of being a protector. Living in a low-income household forced me to mature quickly, but it also gave me a deep sense of purpose. I learned the value of hard work and perseverance, and I developed a drive to create a better future for myself and my family. Watching my mom struggle to provide taught me that I could not take opportunities for granted. I wanted to be someone my siblings could look up to not just in words, but through my actions. Football became one of the biggest outlets for me. It was more than just a sport it was a chance to build discipline, channel my energy, and most importantly, open the door to college through a scholarship. I knew from an early age that my family would not be able to afford tuition, so I treated football and academics as my way forward. Countless hours in the gym, on the field, and in the classroom were fueled by the thought of my family and the sacrifices my mom made. Every sprint, every rep, and every late-night study session wasn’t just about me it was about giving my siblings hope and showing them what determination can accomplish. My background instilled in me values that I will carry for the rest of my life: perseverance, discipline, and service to others. I want to use the lessons I’ve learned to continue pushing myself academically and athletically, while also giving back to my community. My ultimate goal is to build a life where I can provide stability and opportunity for my siblings, while inspiring other young people from difficult backgrounds to believe in themselves. Receiving this scholarship would mean more than financial support it would be an opportunity to continue the journey I’ve been fighting for my whole life. It would allow me to focus fully on my education and football, without the constant fear of financial setbacks holding me back. Most importantly, it would bring me one step closer to building the future I have always dreamed of: one where I can support my family, give back to my community, and be proof that no matter where you come from, hard work and perseverance can create a better path forward.

My involvement in my local church has played a major role in shaping how I serve my community and the values I live by. From a young age, the church was not just a place of worship for me it was a place of support, guidance, and strength. It gave me a foundation built on faith, responsibility, and service, and it showed me that being part of a community means being there for others in times of need. At church, I had the opportunity to participate in different volunteer activities, from food drives and clothing donations to events that provided school supplies for children whose families were struggling. Seeing how even the smallest act of service could put a smile on someone’s face or make a family’s burden a little lighter opened my eyes to the power of giving back. These experiences taught me that service is not just about large, grand gestures it’s about consistency, compassion, and using whatever resources or talents you have to help others. The lessons I learned at church became part of how I approach my everyday life. I carried those values into my own home by helping raise my siblings, supporting my mother, and making sure my family was cared for. I also carried them into my neighborhood, where I found myself mentoring younger kids through sports. Training them in football and the gym wasn’t just about athletic skills it was about teaching discipline, teamwork, and resilience. I realized that, just like the church leaders and members who invested in me, I could be a positive influence in the lives of others. My church involvement also helped me grow as a leader. It showed me that leadership isn’t about control or recognition it’s about service. By putting others first, listening with empathy, and leading by example, I learned how to make a real impact. Those values carried into my commitment to football, academics, and my long-term goals. I see my talents and opportunities as blessings, and I believe it’s my responsibility to use them not only to better myself but also to inspire and uplift others. In the end, my church taught me that true success is measured not only by personal achievements but also by the lives you touch along the way. Whether it’s supporting my family, mentoring kids in my community, or volunteering to meet the needs of others, I strive to live out the principles of faith and service that I developed through my church. It gave me the foundation to understand that my journey is not just about me it’s about making a lasting difference in the lives of those around me.

I grew up in a single-parent household with five siblings in Essex County, New Jersey one of the toughest environments in the state. My mother worked three jobs just to keep the lights on, which meant she was rarely home. As one of the oldest, I often found myself stepping into the role of caregiver. I cooked with the little food we had, helped my siblings with homework, and made sure they were safe. There were many nights when I went without eating to make sure my younger siblings had enough. While it wasn’t easy, those moments shaped who I am today by teaching me responsibility, sacrifice, and the importance of being a protector. Living in a low-income household forced me to mature quickly, but it also gave me a deep sense of purpose. I learned the value of hard work and perseverance, and I developed a drive to create a better future for myself and my family. Watching my mom struggle to provide taught me that I could not take opportunities for granted. I wanted to be someone my siblings could look up to not just in words, but through my actions. Football became one of the biggest outlets for me. It was more than just a sport it was a chance to build discipline, channel my energy, and most importantly, open the door to college through a scholarship. I knew from an early age that my family would not be able to afford tuition, so I treated football and academics as my way forward. Countless hours in the gym, on the field, and in the classroom were fueled by the thought of my family and the sacrifices my mom made. Every sprint, every rep, and every late-night study session wasn’t just about me it was about giving my siblings hope and showing them what determination can accomplish. My background instilled in me values that I will carry for the rest of my life: perseverance, discipline, and service to others. I want to use the lessons I’ve learned to continue pushing myself academically and athletically, while also giving back to my community. My ultimate goal is to build a life where I can provide stability and opportunity for my siblings, while inspiring other young people from difficult backgrounds to believe in themselves. Growing up with little taught me how to make the most of every opportunity. It motivated me to work harder in school and football so that I could earn a scholarship and pursue my education. Most importantly, it taught me never to give up because I know my success is bigger than just me, it’s about the people who depend on me and the future I want to create.

My experience with mental health has shaped me into the person I am today stronger, more self-aware, and deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of others. Growing up without my father, who was incarcerated during some of the most important years of my life, left a deep emotional impact. I had to navigate the world with a lot of questions, pain, and a sense of emptiness that I didn’t always know how to express. That silence built up over time and turned into anxiety constantly worrying about my future, my family, and whether or not I would ever make it out of my environment. On top of that, being betrayed in a relationship by someone I deeply trusted pushed me into a season of depression. I felt alone, misunderstood, and emotionally drained. It wasn’t just heartbreak it was the feeling that everything I was holding together was starting to fall apart. But because I didn’t want to be seen as weak, especially as a male athlete, I kept a lot of my pain hidden. That only made things harder. Despite these challenges, I stayed committed to my dream: graduating college and making it to the NFL. That dream has kept me going through the darkest moments. But it hasn’t been easy. The pressure to succeed coming from a poverty-stricken environment, being raised by a single mother who has given everything for me, and carrying the hope of changing our lives can feel like the weight of the world. There were times when I questioned if I was enough or if I was really going to make it. But every time I got knocked down, I got back up. I realized that strength isn’t about always being okay it’s about pushing forward, even when you’re not. These experiences have completely shifted how I see the world. They’ve made me more compassionate, more open, and more dedicated to being a positive force in people’s lives. I’ve learned how important mental health is not just for success, but for survival. That’s why, in addition to my athletic and academic goals, I want to be someone who speaks up about mental health, especially for young men and athletes who are often told to “tough it out.” My relationships have become more real and intentional. I value loyalty, honesty, and emotional support more than ever. I’ve also learned to protect my peace and surround myself with people who genuinely care about my well-being. Ultimately, these struggles have helped shape my career aspirations. Whether I make it to the NFL or become an educator and mentor, I want to help others understand that their pain doesn’t define them and that it’s okay to ask for help. My story is still being written, but I plan to use it to uplift and guide others who are battling silently, just like I was.

My name is Jhamari Hill, and I come from Irvington, New Jersey a place filled with violence, poverty, and limited opportunities. Growing up in such an environment has shaped me in many ways. It’s a place where kids often fall into the wrong paths simply because they don’t see any other options. But I’ve always known I wanted more for myself. I’ve always believed that with hard work, faith, and the right support, I could change the direction of my life and become someone who gives back and creates opportunities for others. My biggest supporter has always been my mother a single parent who has sacrificed everything for me. She took on debt to send me to junior college because she believed in my dreams, even when we didn’t have the money. Unfortunately, that financial burden has now left us in a situation where she can no longer help me continue my education. She isn’t eligible to co-sign a loan or take out any more credit, and I’m currently unable to secure the funding I need to continue at a four-year university where I’ve been offered the chance to play football and pursue my degree. This is why I’m applying for this scholarship. Without it, I won’t be able to move forward in my academic journey this year. I’ve come too far to stop now, and I’m not ready to give up on my future. Educationally, I’ve already earned my associate’s degree in Business and Sports Management from Monroe College, graduating with honors. My goal is to now complete my bachelor’s degree while continuing to play football, with the ultimate dream of transferring to a Division I school and earning opportunities through NIL. Beyond that, I want to become an educator and youth mentor someone who uses both knowledge and lived experience to inspire the next generation. I’ve already begun doing that in my own way. Back home, I’ve worked as a personal teacher’s aide at Peshine Avenue Elementary School in Newark and spent time training kids in my neighborhood in football and fitness. I also help with a local recreation club, giving my time to younger kids who remind me of myself at their age. Many of these children don’t have role models or support systems, and I want to show them that it’s possible to make something of yourself even if you come from a rough place like Irvington. Being involved in my community has taught me responsibility, compassion, and the importance of giving back. It’s helped me grow into a leader and realize that my purpose goes beyond personal success. Every time I encourage a kid, help them with schoolwork, or push them to keep going when they want to give up, I feel like I’m fulfilling my mission. And I’m just getting started. This scholarship would mean the world to me. It would allow me to continue my education and football career without having to pause or drop out due to financial barriers. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to becoming the type of role model and educator I needed when I was younger. I know what it’s like to feel stuck, to have dreams bigger than your circumstances, and I also know what it’s like to keep going anyway. With your help, I can continue building a future not just for myself, but for the many young people I hope to guide and uplift. I want to be living proof that where you start doesn’t define where you finish. Thank you for considering my application and believing in students like me who are chasing a better future.

As the son of a single mother, I grew up understanding the value of hard work, sacrifice, and unconditional love. My mother did everything in her power to raise me with strong values, a good heart, and a resilient mindset, even when times were tough. Her strength and commitment to my future showed me the kind of difference one person can make in someone’s life. That’s the kind of difference I want to make—as an educator, mentor, and role model. My journey hasn’t always been easy. I’ve had to overcome academic struggles, learning challenges, and personal obstacles. But I’ve never let those challenges stop me. I pushed myself, asked for help when I needed it, and stayed focused on my goals. I earned my associate’s degree in Business and Sports Management from Monroe College with honors, and I now play football at Lake Erie College. My dream is to continue growing as a student-athlete, transfer to a Division I program, and use my platform to inspire others. Through everything, one thing has remained clear: I have a deep passion for helping others especially the youth. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through education by becoming the kind of teacher and mentor I wish I had during my toughest moments. I want to create a classroom where every student feels seen, heard, and understood. I want my students to know that their backgrounds or current struggles do not define their futures. With the right support, they can rise above anything. Outside the classroom, I also plan to stay active in my community. I’ve already begun training and mentoring kids in my neighborhood whether in the gym, on the football field, or just through conversation. I want to continue coaching youth sports and creating safe, empowering spaces for young people to grow, build confidence, and dream big. Sports changed my life it gave me discipline, leadership skills, and a sense of purpose and I want to pass that on. Eventually, I hope to lead initiatives focused on educational equity, mentorship, and mental health support in schools, especially in underserved communities. My goal is to show students that someone who came from humble beginnings, raised by a single mother, can rise, give back, and make a real difference. I’m not just pursuing a career I’m pursuing a calling. Through education, I will empower the next generation to believe in themselves and realize their full potential. That’s how I plan to impact the world.