My name is Johnathan Haywood, and I am a compassionate, energetic, and goal-oriented 18-year-old high school senior and dual enrollment student. I am a proud student of Mitchell County High School and Albany Technical College. I plan to attend Columbus State University in the Fall of 2022 and major in Mass Communications. My philosophy of life is that everyone can succeed in achieving their goals if they work hard, stay focused on their goals and have grit. Grit is the firmness of character, courage, and an unconquerable spirit. My mother always said, “It doesn’t matter how you start; it’s how you finish.” My parents are hardworking individuals who instilled in us the importance of earning a quality education even though they were not fortunate to receive one. I am starting my life’s journey with no money to finance my education. However, this is not stopping me from achieving my goals. I have “GRIT” and possess an unconquerable spirit that will allow me to achieve my goal of graduating from college debt-free. I have taken webinars on applying for scholarships, and I am using this information to apply for scholarships to accomplish this incredible milestone. I have never allowed the opinions of others to stifle my growth or stop me from pursuing my goals. I have learned to see obstacles as opportunities that have challenged me to create a different pathway to reaching my goals. I have been active in our sports program since 2018. I decided to join tennis in my freshman year of high school. I started playing #2 doubles, but as I matured and excelled in the sport, I earned the #1 singles slot the next year and have held that spot for three years. As the boys’ #1 singles player, I took several matches to 3-way ties and won against notable opponents. I became the Captain of the Tennis Team in 2019. Tennis taught me leadership skills and how important it is to be an effective communicator. I have been active in my church (Victory of Albany) Missions/Outreach Ministry for three years, distributing food, clothing and offering prayer to those who need it. The goal of our mission team is to demonstrate God’s life-changing love, hope, and power, by touching and caring for hurting people, whether in our community or abroad. I have been accepted into Columbus State University’s Servant Leadership Stipend Program. The philosophy of servant leadership stems from the idea that leading others should ultimately come from a place of care and concern for others. Servant leaders should use their influence to encourage growth, competency, autonomy, and a desire to serve others and the individuals around them. This program will allow me to continue my community service involvement in the local community. My career path has led me down a successful road that I have always envisioned for myself! In April 2022, I will be graduating from Albany Technical College as a dual enrollment student with a diploma in Design and Media Production Technology. A month later, I will be walking across the stage, receiving my high school diploma from Mitchell County High School. I have also been accepted in Columbus State University and will be enrolling in the Fall of 2022 and majoring in Mass Communications. I will graduate from Columbus State University with BA Degree in Communications. I will move to a larger metropolitan area and work as a television anchor at a progressive and long-standing news or radio station to build a strong portfolio in the media industry and create a brand that will reach people of all races and genders.

My passion for mass communication was birthed at an early age when I decided to run for President of the Student Council in the 5th grade. My campaign promise was “a vote for Johnathan Haywood is a vote for “CHANGE.” Together We Can Make A Difference!” COVID-19 taught me how vital communication and relationships are to developing a healthy and prosperous soul. I realized the value of words and the importance of communicating and presenting your message is a powerful tool that affects future generations. I have always loved communicating and connecting with people. Over the years, I have become a good listener. I believe that you never know what a person is going through in life until you take the time to listen, and that starts a meaningful dialogue. When you take the time to listen and show people you care, it can transform their lives in such a positive way. I began volunteering in our Missions/Outreach Ministry at Victory of Albany (2019-present). We distribute food and clothing to the needy, and we also pray for any needs the individual may have when they come for assistance. I feel very proud and humbled because our goal is to meet the needs of those who need our help, whether it’s in our community or abroad. This ministry has shown me firsthand how simple acts of love and kindness can change the trajectory of a person’s life in unique ways. I did not win my 5th-grade election, but it taught me “obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal” (Henry Ford). I have learned to see obstacles as opportunities that have challenged me to create a different path to reach my goals, and this is what I did!

I am a remarkable, well-spoken, and energetic 18-year-old high school senior. I live in a small rural community in southwest Georgia and attend Mitchell County High School, the home of the “Eagles.” In 2019, I enrolled in Dual Enrollment classes based on academics. I have always loved communicating and connecting with people. Over the years, I have become a good listener. I believe that you never know what a person is going through in life until you take the time to listen, and that starts a meaningful dialogue. When you take the time to listen and show people you care, it can transform their lives in such a positive way. I began volunteering in our Missions/Outreach Ministry at Victory of Albany (2019-present). We distribute food and clothing to the needy, and we also pray for any needs the individual may have when they come for assistance. It blesses me to see people’s lives changed and transformed by something I did or said in a conversation. I feel very proud and humbled because our goal is to meet the needs of those who need our help, whether it’s in our community or abroad. This ministry has shown me firsthand how simple acts of love and kindness can change the trajectory of a person’s life in unique ways. My love for community service is the lasting impact that I want to leave on the world. It is a gift that you can share with others, and the rewards you receive in return will leave a lasting impact on the lives of those you have touched. It is also a humbling experience to help others, and that is something worth remembering for future generations.

What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals. Zig Ziglar I am a remarkable, well-spoken, and energetic 18-year-old. I live in a small rural community in southwest Georgia and attend Mitchell County High School, the home of the “Eagles.” In 2019, my commitment to my studies paid off academically as I began taking Dual Enrollment classes. I have volunteered in our Missions Ministry for over three years at Victory of Albany. We distribute food and clothing to the needy, and we also pray for any needs the individual may have when they visit our site. I love giving back to the community; our church’s goal is to meet the needs of those who need our help, whether locally or abroad. Community service has expanded my worldview, developed leadership skills and made me aware of how positively my actions affect others. It has been a rewarding and humbling experience to see firsthand how acts of kindness and love can change the trajectory of a person’s life. It is a fantastic way to connect with the citizens in your community. In the Fall of 2022, I will enroll in Columbus State University (CSU), Columbus, Georgia, and major in Mass Communication. My goal is to connect to a campus ministry or local church to continue my community service. Upon graduation from CSU, I will seek employment in the Fulton County area. There are many opportunities for growth in this area. It will allow me to explore the media market and begin using my communication skills to network and form relationships. My goal is to become a familiar face in the media industry, and it all started with community service!

I am an energetic, well-spoken, supportive, and remarkable 18-year-old. I love people, and I love communicating and connecting with people of all ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. I believe that you never know what a person is going through in life until you take the time to listen, and that starts a meaningful dialogue. Over the years, I have become a good listener, and I believe that when you take the time to listen and show people you care, it can transform their lives in such a positive way. I volunteer at church (Victory of Albany) in our Missions Department. I have been working with our Missions for over three years distributing food/clothing to the needy and providing prayer. This opportunity allows me to interact and minister individually to the needs of others who need a helping hand. I feel very proud because our goal is to meet the needs of those who need our help, whether it’s in our community or abroad. This ministry has shown me firsthand how simple acts of love and kindness can change the trajectory of a person’s life in unique ways. I work as a student intern at the Mitchell County House of Hope (MCHH). MCHH is a non-profit organization that provides general welfare to the homeless. It also provides temporary housing, clothing, and food for the homeless and provides provisions for hygiene needs. It also provides individuals with transportation to apply for jobs, assists in job searches, training and advising, assisting and managing personal income and expenditures. For December, our community service project was “Drive-Thru Diaper Day.” Community events are excellent opportunities to connect with people and inform them about our organization’s different services for the community. Bold acts of service change your life forever!

“Be As Passionate about listening as you are about wanting to be heard.” - Brené Brown.“ I am an energetic, well-spoken, supportive, and remarkable 18-year-old. If you spend a few minutes with me, it is evident that I love people, and I love communicating and connecting with people of all ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. I believe that you never know what a person is going through in life until you take the time to listen, and that starts a meaningful dialogue. Over the years, I have become a good listener, and I believe that when you take the time to listen and show people you care, it can transform their lives in such a positive way. I started community service during my high school years (over three years ago). I did not realize the many benefits and rewards I would reap due to my love for communicating with people. The relationships I have made with other volunteers (young and old) over the years are invaluable. Community Service allowed me to develop better interpersonal communication, listening, and leadership skills. I learned to help others, expand my worldview, develop empathy, and realize how my actions positively affect others. I learned to be a keen listener, and here are a few listening tips that I developed over the years: a) It is good to keep eye contact with the person you are talking with; b) Pay attention to the other person very carefully; c) practice patience and acknowledge what the individual may be experiencing; d) Provide feedback to let them know you are listening. My goal is to ensure that the individuals have been encouraged, blessed, and empowered when they leave my presence, and this only comes from being passionate about listening as I am about wanting to be heard (Brene’ Brown),

If you spend a few minutes with me, it is apparent that I love people, and I love talking and connecting with people of all ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. I believe that you never know what a person is going through in life until you take the time to listen, and that starts a meaningful dialogue. Over the years, I have become a good listener, and I believe that when you take the time to listen and show people you care, it can transform their lives in such a positive way. I volunteer at church (Victory of Albany) in our Missions Department. I have been working with our Missions for over three years distributing food/clothing to the needy and providing prayer. This opportunity allows me to interact and minister individually to the needs of others who need a helping hand. I feel very proud because our goal is to meet the needs of those who need our help, whether it’s in our community or abroad. This ministry has shown me firsthand how simple acts of love and kindness can change the trajectory of a person’s life in unique ways. I work as a student intern at the Mitchell County House of Hope (MCHH). MCHH is a non-profit organization that provides general welfare to the homeless. It also provides temporary housing, clothing, and food for the homeless and provides provisions for hygiene needs. It also provides individuals with transportation to apply for jobs, assists in job searches, training and advising, assisting and managing personal income and expenditures. For December, our community service projects are “Drive-Thru Diaper Day, Food Drive, and Toy Drive.” I will be volunteering for all of these events. These events are an excellent opportunity to connect with the community. Community Service will change your life forever!

I am an energetic, well-spoken, supportive, and remarkable 18-year-old. I learned adversity when I was diagnosed with a speech impediment at a very young age. I had to learn how to manage my stuttering by speaking slowly, staying calm, reducing stress and fatigue, all these techniques aided in improving my flow of speech. Speaking clearly without stuttering has been a mental challenge for me. However, my courageous spirit did not allow my speech impediment to define or stifle my determination or growth. In actuality, it has motivated and kept me focused on my goals. My speech impediment has made me more confident and bolder simply by learning to use my speech as a tool to positively affect my life rather than allowing it to be a stumbling block. I started community service during my high school years (over three years ago) and did not realize the many benefits and rewards I would reap due to my love for people. The relationships I have made with other volunteers (young and old) over the years are invaluable. Community Service allowed me to develop better interpersonal communication and leadership skills. I have learned to help others, expand my worldview, develop empathy, and realize how my actions positively affect others. In the fall of next year, I will be enrolling in Columbus State University (CSU), Columbus, Georgia. I chose the field of Mass Communication because I love communicating and connecting with diverse cultures, and it all began with a speech impediment and community service. I have learned to see obstacles as opportunities that have challenged me to create a different path to reach my goals, and this is what I did!