I was five when my mom left me. She moved from our home in Fogo, Cape Verde, to work in Santiago, an island nearby. That was the worst day of my life because it was the first time my mom had left me. After my mom left, I went under a tree and cried, but a relative came up to me and told me, “It’s okay, she’s gonna be back.” This helped me feel calm and remain patient while I waited for my mother to return. My mother eventually returned, but she got married and moved to the United States. She told me I would join her eventually, when she had the money. My paternal grandmother, Teresa, wanted me to come live with her, which made me feel loved and taken care of. My aunt lived with us as well. She felt jealous that my grandmother favored me over her son, and would say to me, “you’re nasty. You don’t clean your room.” She would make me do chores like taking care of the pigs and washing the dishes. My grandma was like my cover. Whenever my aunt tried to hit me, she would hide me under her skirt. My grandma would always take my side whenever my aunt was arguing with me. I would help her when she was in pain and serve her whenever she needed help. My grandma passed away on January 6, 2016. I felt alone and worried about living in the house without her to protect me. My aunt said that since my grandma wanted me to live there, I could continue to live with her but I felt like I did not belong. Then one day, the immigration officer requested me in the U.S. Embassy in Santiago. At that moment, I felt hopeful about my future and happy that I was finally going to live with my mom. On April 20, 2018, I immigrated here to Boston. Challenges came up that I needed to face. The school was tough because I didn't know the language well, my classmates were mean, the teacher didn't help, and I took gym class three times a day so I couldn't learn what I needed to. One day I took the bus and couldn’t find the way to school. I saw another student wearing our school uniform, so I followed him down the street to school. I transferred to another school where the students were more friendly, and the teachers were more supportive. A lot of my classmates were Cape Verdeans, so that made me feel less isolated. I had a class where it was only for English learners, so it made it easy for me to learn the language and I made friends. Now I ignore negativity and turn it into a positive. Because I solved my problems, I can help other people with their problems. I kept helping others, and I realized that helping made me feel like it was something I would do as a career. There were times when I needed support. Now, I want to be the supporter of others just like Grandma when she hid me under her skirt. The affective and rude words from my aunt taught me a lesson that words affect people. So, I strive to be kind and to say positive words. I am proud of where I started and where I am now. I understand that sometimes people need to leave those that they love. My hope is to be able to support people like me who felt lost and alone.

The change I would make to the world is to stop the wars that are going on between countries, make peace, and make our world safer and more secure. This change is important to me because I believe that everyone deserves to live in a world free from fear and violence. As a rising freshman at Bridgewater State University, majoring in Teacher Education and Psychology, I have always been passionate about helping others and making a positive impact on the world. Growing up as a Cape Verdean man, I have seen firsthand how conflicts can tear communities apart. My high school GPA of 3.9 reflects my dedication to my studies, but it also shows my commitment to understanding the world around me. Through my studies in psychology, I have learned how deeply war affects individuals and societies. The trauma and loss experienced by those in war-torn areas is something no one should have to endure. In my future career as a teacher, I want to educate the next generation about the importance of peace and understanding. I believe that education is a powerful tool that can be used to prevent conflicts and promote harmony. By teaching young people about different cultures and perspectives, we can foster a sense of empathy and respect that will help to reduce tensions between countries. Additionally, my interest in psychology will allow me to support those who have been affected by war. Understanding the mental health impacts of conflict is crucial in helping individuals heal and move forward. By combining my knowledge of psychology and education, I hope to create a more compassionate world where people can resolve their differences without resorting to violence. Stopping wars and promoting peace is not an easy task, but I believe it is possible if we all work together. It starts with small actions, like teaching children about the value of peace and understanding, and it extends to larger efforts, like advocating for diplomatic solutions to conflicts. By working towards a common goal, we can create a world where everyone feels safe and secure. In conclusion, the change I would make to the world is to stop the wars between countries, make peace, and create a safer, more secure world. My studies in Teacher Education and Psychology at Bridgewater State University will equip me with the knowledge and skills needed to make this change. As a Cape Verdean man with a strong academic background, I am committed to using my education to promote peace and understanding. I believe that by working together, we can create a better future for everyone.

I was five when my mom left me. She moved from our home in Fogo, Cape Verde, to work in Santiago, an island nearby. That was the worst day of my life because it was the first time my mom had left me. After my mom left, I went under a tree and cried, but a relative came up to me and told me, “It’s okay, she’s gonna be back.” This helped me feel calm and remain patient while I waited for my mother to return. My mother eventually returned, but she got married and moved to the United States. She told me I would join her eventually, when she had the money. My paternal grandmother, Teresa, wanted me to come live with her, which made me feel loved and taken care of. My aunt lived with us as well. She felt jealous that my grandmother favored me over her son, and would say to me, “you’re nasty. You don’t clean your room.” She would make me do chores like taking care of the pigs and washing the dishes. My grandma was like my cover. Whenever my aunt tried to hit me, she would hide me under her skirt. My grandma would always take my side whenever my aunt was arguing with me. I would help her when she was in pain and serve her whenever she needed help. My grandma passed away on January 6, 2016. I felt alone and worried about living in the house without her to protect me. My aunt said that since my grandma wanted me to live there, I could continue to live with her but I felt like I did not belong. Then one day, the immigration officer requested me in the U.S. Embassy in Santiago. At that moment, I felt hopeful about my future and happy that I was finally going to live with my mom. On April 20, 2018, I immigrated here to Boston. Challenges came up that I needed to face. The school was tough because I didn't know the language well, my classmates were mean, the teacher didn't help, and I took gym class three times a day so I couldn't learn what I needed to. One day I took the bus and couldn’t find the way to school. I saw another student wearing our school uniform, so I followed him down the street to school. I transferred to another school where the students were more friendly, and the teachers were more supportive. A lot of my classmates were Cape Verdeans, so that made me feel less isolated. I had a class where it was only for English learners, so it made it easy for me to learn the language and I made friends. English became easy for me to speak. I can understand what people are saying clearly. Now I ignore negativity and turn it into a positive. Because I solved my problems, I can help other people with their problems. I kept helping others, and I realized that helping made me feel like it was something I would do as a career. There were times when I needed support. Now, I want to be the supporter of others just like Grandma when she hid me under her skirt. The affective and rude words from my aunt taught me a lesson that words affect people. So, I strive to be kind and to say positive words. I can be the person who gives their attention to others. Rather than feeling unhappy, I look at the benefits of a new place. I feel comfortable engaging with unfamiliar individuals and forging relationships and sharing my background with others. I am proud of where I started and where I am now. I understand that sometimes people need to leave those that they love. My hope is to be able to support people like me who felt lost and alone.

I’m Joeri Batista, a senior high school student, 18 years old. I work at CAVA, a restaurant part-time job. I work 18 hours a week. I’m a member of the National Honors Society, student government, yearbook club, and Cape Verdean club and I run an Instagram page for the school. Being a part of these organizations has allowed me to develop valuable teamwork, communication, and organizational skills, which will benefit me in the future. I'm also doing a student internship program in the school which I check in on students by editing their work and being present and ready to help. Throughout my high school year, I have earned awards like high honors, honors, an expression award, and a perfect attendance award. While a student I also was a teaching assistant for a 10th grade class. I did CPR training so I'm CPR certified. I love to help! Receiving the Edwards Scholarship is a great opportunity for me to make a positive impact after graduation to help my community become stronger. I have a strong desire to become a teacher since I have always enjoyed teaching. Me and my cousins would play school when we were growing up, and I would always be the teacher. Back in Cape Verde, with my old education, I had teachers who would not let me share my opinions or expected us to know things that we didn’t know. Because I wasn't prepared for success and wasn't instructed, I failed. So I want to be able to help kids grow and learn and be successful. I love working with children, so I want to be an elementary teacher so that I can show the value of education to other kids as well. Reaching my potential, which is becoming a teacher and psychologist, is the way I would like to help my community. I want to help students who have a goal set for themself reach it with my compassion and story. I want to inspire students that everything they set their mind on they can reach it. I want to be a supporter of others just like Grandma. I hope to be able to support people like me who feel lost and alone. I love communication, I love helping young people achieve their desired goals and be successful. Reaching my goal of being a teacher is my ideal profession. I love working with children, so I want to be an elementary teacher so that I can show the value of education to other kids as well.

I’m Joeri Batista, a senior high school student, 18 years old. I work at CAVA, a restaurant part-time job. I work 18 hours a week. I’m a member of the National Honors Society, student government, yearbook club, and Cape Verdean club and I run an Instagram page for the school. Being a part of these organizations has allowed me to develop valuable teamwork, communication, and organizational skills, which will benefit me in the future. I'm also doing a student internship program in the school which I check in on students by editing their work and being present and ready to help. Throughout my high school year, I have earned awards like high honors, honors, an expression award, and a perfect attendance award. While a student I also was a teaching assistant for a 10th grade class. I did CPR training so I'm CPR certified. I love to help! Receiving the Edwards Scholarship is a great opportunity for me to make a positive impact after graduation to help my community become stronger. I have a strong desire to become a teacher since I have always enjoyed teaching. Me and my cousins would play school when we were growing up, and I would always be the teacher. Back in Cape Verde, with my old education, I had teachers who would not let me share my opinions or expected us to know things that we didn’t know. Because I wasn't prepared for success and wasn't instructed, I failed. So I want to be able to help kids grow and learn and be successful. I love working with children, so I want to be an elementary teacher so that I can show the value of education to other kids as well. Reaching my potential, which is becoming a teacher and psychologist, is the way I would like to help my community. I want to help students who have a goal set for themself reach it with my compassion and story. I want to inspire students that everything they set their mind on they can reach it. I want to be a supporter of others just like Grandma. I hope to be able to support people like me who feel lost and alone. I love communication, I love helping young people achieve their desired goals and be successful. Reaching my goal of being a teacher is my ideal profession. I love working with children, so I want to be an elementary teacher so that I can show the value of education to other kids as well.