I faced difficulties as a child growing up with only one parent, which influenced my determination to attend college. My mother put in a lot of effort to provide for us, and seeing her struggle inspired me to strive for a better future for myself and my loved ones. My business, DaArtBureau, where I bring visions to life one picture at a time, reflects my passion for photography, which has always been a driving force for me. I want to put my skills to use not only to build a successful photography career but also to help my community. I intend to lay out a non profit organization by 2025 that will give assets, mentorship, and backing for teenagers who need legitimate direction and monetary assets. Through support and education, this non profit will assist young people in realizing their potential and achieving their objectives. Being black to me implies exemplifying strength, versatility, and pride despite misfortune. It implies conveying forward the tradition of my predecessors and having a beneficial outcome locally. My decision to attend Tennessee State University, an HBCU, has given me a supportive community that understands and supports my identity and goals. HBCUs provide a singular community that encourages personal development, leadership, and a sense of community. I hope that through my education and future endeavors, I can demonstrate that perseverance and hard work can lead to success no matter where you start and encourage others to embrace their identity and strive for excellence.

Growing up in a home with one parent I encountered challenges that influenced my determination to pursue a college education. My mother put in effort to support our family. We faced ongoing financial struggles. Witnessing her hardships fueled my ambition to create a future, for both myself and my loved ones. Being the first in my family to attend college I had no guidebook for navigating the world of education. Upon entering Tennessee State University I was taken by surprise due to all the demands. Found myself struggling with grades and just balancing my new life overall. It became clear that I needed to learn and implement study habits and find a balance between commitments and personal hurdles. Juggling schoolwork while carrying the weight of my familys struggles home only added to the complexity. Despite these challenges I was resolute in turning things. My love for photography, which comes alive through my business DaArtBureau where I actualize visions one shot at a time served as a driving force. Capturing the beauty of the world around me provided me with comfort and inspiration helping me stay dedicated, to my aspirations. Through my social media platforms @Behumble.jj and @Da.art.bureau I aim to spread positivity and inspire others to persevere through any circumstances they may face. Sharing my experiences and creative endeavors with others not inspires me. Also enables me to connect with a supportive community. During my freshman year, at TSU I took on leadership roles such as Mister Freshman, Vice President of the BUILD Institute and Mister Crimson and Cream. These positions not allowed me to contribute to my schools growth. Also gave me the opportunity to serve my community. Through these roles I gained insights into the significance of leadership, teamwork and giving back to those around me. Engaging in community service initiatives from reading to children in schools to organizing clean ups and volunteering at thrift stores, which has strengthened my dedication to making a positive difference while imparting valuable lessons in empathy and service. My educational aspirations are fueled by a desire to bring about change within my community. I aim to leverage my knowledge and skills in assisting others in overcoming challenges to those I have encountered. Alongside running my photography business I intend to establish a non profit organization by 2025 that will serve as a support system for young individuals, like myself who lack proper guidance and financial resources. This nonprofit will offer mentorship programs, resources and assistance aimed at helping youths realize their aspirations. My goal is to leverage my education to create opportunities, for both myself and those, around me. I believe that with perseverance and dedication anyone can achieve success regardless of their starting point. Through sharing my experiences and utilizing my role as a photographer and mentor I aspire to motivate others to conquer obstacles and pursue their aspirations.

Growing up, I faced a lot of tough times dealing with depression from when I was about 11 until I was 18. My family and I went through really hard situations like not having a stable place to live, struggling with money, and not having people around to guide or support us. These challenges made me doubt my abilities and dreams. Despite everything, I had big dreams and wanted more from life than what I was experiencing. Not having a strong support system made my journey harder. I tried to find a way out through sports, hoping it might give me a better chance at going to college and changing my life, but it didn't work out. Despite this setback, I didn’t give up on my education and eventually earned a scholarship to Tennessee State. This opportunity was a turning point for me. A few months before starting college, I discovered photography. It quickly became more than just a passion, it also offered a way to make some money on the side. Now, as a first-generation college student and a photographer, I'm navigating a new chapter of my life. Photography not only fulfills me but also helps me financially as I continue my education. It's been a crucial part of my healing process from depression and building a more hopeful future. I'm beginning to find joy, peace, and a sense of direction, trusting that there’s a plan for me. Engaging with photography has opened new doors for me, allowing me to connect with others and share my perspective through the lens. It has become a powerful tool for expression, capturing moments of beauty, hardship, and resilience. This journey with photography has been transformative, not just in how I view the world, but also in how I see myself. It has given me a sense of purpose and a creative outlet that complements my academic pursuits. The journey through depression and adversity has shaped me into who I am today. It taught me resilience, the importance of perseverance, and that sometimes, the toughest battles lead to the greatest growth. I'm now focused on finishing college, growing my photography business, and eventually, giving back to my community and supporting my family. My experiences have taught me valuable lessons about the power of perseverance, the importance of seeking help, and the strength found in pursuing one’s passions. Looking ahead, I'm motivated by the desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others, using my story and my work to inspire those who may be facing similar challenges. For anyone facing similar challenges, my advice is simple: reach out for help when you need it, hold on to hope, and keep pushing forward, even when it’s hard. It’s possible to overcome depression and adversity with determination and support. Always remember, your current struggles don’t define your future potential. Life can be unpredictable and challenging, but with each step forward, you're building a stronger, more resilient version of yourself, ready to face the world with confidence and courage.

Overcoming adversity is never easy, but it is possible. I have personally faced difficult challenges in my life, including homelessness and depression at a young age. These experiences were difficult and painful, but they also taught me valuable lessons about resilience and the human spirit. I first became homeless at the age of 9, after my family lost our home due to financial difficulties. It was a difficult and scary time for me, as I was forced to navigate the harsh realities of homelessness at such a young age. I remember feeling lost and alone, and struggling to find a sense of purpose and hope. Despite the difficulties I faced, I was determined to overcome my adversity and make a better life for myself. I try to work hard so that in the future I am able to have a stable living, and eventually, have the finances available to aid me in fulfilling my goals. In addition to my struggles with homelessness, I also faced challenges with depression at a young age. This was a difficult and painful experience, as I felt like I was constantly fighting against an invisible enemy. I remember feeling like there was no hope and no way out, and feeling like I was trapped in a cycle of sadness and despair. Despite the challenges I faced, I was determined to overcome my depression and reclaim my life. I found ways to cope with my feelings of sadness and despair with music and with expressing myself with digital art. I focused on self-care, practiced mindfulness, and hope that one day I can find a support system of friends and/or family who can help me through these tough times. Today, at the age of 18, I still don't have a home of my own and live with my mother. However, I am trying to do well in school, so that I can go to college and better myself as a person. I know that it won't be easy, but I am determined to overcome my adversities and create a better life for myself. I still face many of the same adversities to this day, but I have learned to approach them with a sense of determination and hope, knowing that I have the strength to overcome them. Through my experiences of trying to overcome adversity, I have learned that the most important thing is to never give up. No matter how difficult things may seem, there is always a way forward. I have also learned that it is important to surround yourself with people who care and believe in you. In conclusion, overcoming adversity is never easy, but it is possible. I have faced many difficult challenges in my life, including homelessness and depression at a young age, but I have come through these experiences stronger and more resilient. I still face many of the same adversities to this day, but I have learned to approach them with a sense of determination and hope, knowing that I have the strength to overcome them.

As a student, I have always been passionate about making a positive impact on the world through my education. I believe that education is a powerful tool for creating positive change and improving the lives of others. In the future, I plan to use my education to make a meaningful difference in the world by working in the field of business. One specific area that I am particularly interested in is entrepreneurship. I am currently studying business and hope to use my education and skills to start my own successful company. I believe that entrepreneurship is a powerful way to make a positive impact on society and to create new opportunities for others. I am determined to use my education and career to help build a better world through the development of innovative and sustainable business models. In addition to my work in business, I also plan to use my education to become involved in community service and volunteer work. I believe that it is important to give back to others and to use my skills and abilities to make a positive difference in the world. I am committed to using my education to make a lasting and meaningful impact on the lives of others. One specific way that I hope to make a positive impact through my education and career is by using my business skills to help address important social and environmental issues. I am particularly interested in using my skills to help create more sustainable and environmentally-friendly business practices. I believe that we have a responsibility to take care of the planet and to preserve it for future generations, and I am determined to use my education and career to help make a difference in this area. While I am excited about the possibilities that my education can bring, I know that there will be obstacles and challenges along the way. One major obstacle that I have faced while running track is the pressure to perform at a high level. As an athlete, I have often felt the weight of expectations on my shoulders and have had to work hard to maintain my focus and determination. However, this pressure has also helped me to build character and develop important life skills such as discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. Through my experiences in track, I have learned the value of hard work and dedication, and have developed the resilience and determination to overcome setbacks and challenges. In summary, I am committed to using my education to make a positive impact on the world through entrepreneurship and community service. I am particularly interested in using my business skills to help address important social and environmental issues and to create more sustainable business practices. While there will be obstacles and challenges along the way, I am confident that my experiences in track and my strong character will help me to overcome them and succeed in my goals.

Volunteering has had a significant impact on my mindset and has helped me to become a more empathetic and compassionate person. When I first started volunteering, I did so primarily because I thought it would be a good way to give back to my community and make a difference in the world. However, as I continued to volunteer and engage with people from all walks of life, I began to see the world in a different way. Through volunteering, I have come to understand that everyone has their own unique struggles and challenges, and that it is our responsibility as a society to support and lift each other up. I have also learned the value of selflessness and putting others before oneself, which has helped me to become a more selfless and caring person. In addition to these personal growth benefits, volunteering has also allowed me to develop new skills and gain valuable experience. I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of organizations and learn about different issues and causes that are important to me. This has not only helped me to grow as a person, but it has also given me a sense of purpose and direction in life. Despite the many rewards of volunteering, it can also be challenging at times. I have encountered difficult situations and have had to face my own biases and prejudices head on. Through these experiences, I have learned to be more understanding and open-minded, and have developed a deeper appreciation for diversity and inclusion. In terms of why I need this scholarship financially, I am currently a full-time student and do not have the means to pay for my education on my own. I am also working part-time to try and cover some of my expenses, but it is not enough. This scholarship would not only help to cover the cost of tuition and other educational expenses, but it would also allow me to focus more on my studies and less on worrying about how I will afford my education. Furthermore, I believe that education is the key to a better future and that it has the power to transform lives. I am passionate about my studies and am determined to succeed, but I need financial assistance in order to do so. I am confident that with the help of this scholarship, I will be able to achieve my academic and professional goals and make a positive impact in the world. Receiving this scholarship would also be a great honor and recognition of my hard work and dedication. It would serve as motivation for me to continue to strive for excellence and make the most of my education. In conclusion, volunteering has had a profound impact on my mindset and has helped me to become a more empathetic and compassionate person. It has also given me the opportunity to develop new skills and gain valuable experience. I need this scholarship financially in order to afford my education and focus on my studies. I am confident that with the help of this scholarship, I will be able to achieve my academic and professional goals and make a positive impact in the world.