As a 32 year old online student who is a father and husband, I work from home during the day all while making sure my daughter is fed, played with, has a good nap and is ready for the next day where we do it all over again. I started my college journey in 2011, during that time I was not ready and I dropped out, in 2019 I was able to return and later on in 2021 I got my Associates Degree graduating. Magna Cum Laude, fast forward to 2024, I am a semester away from getting my Bachelor's and preparing for law school. My daughter is what drives me. She means so much to me and is why I returned back to school to finish my bachelor's degree and strive even further by applying to law school after graduation. I want to be able to provide for her and give whatever she needs to be successful and live a good life. I most important want her to have a good life. Growing up there were some days where I only had syrup sandwiches to eat, some days I had to wear the same clothes day after day. I go to college because with an education brings forth more opportunity to provide for her and help see that anything this possible. I will never let life slow me down especially when it comes to my daughter, she is dependant on me, and she is my blessing as to why I wake up in morning each day. The day she was born everything changed for me. When I log into my computer to start my week for classes I sometimes find myself thinking about the future and what it holds for her as black woman. I cannot just give up because then she sees that as what she should do. "Greatness is a journey that begins with the impossible and turns into the unforgettable". I always knew that I wanted to go back to school, I was blessed with a 2nd chance and my daughter is just fuel for me to keep going and never stop no matter what.

As a brother of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated I have had the esteemed opportunity to taught the values of not only brotherhood, scholarship, and service but also what it means to be leader in my community. As a former social action director for my chapter I have had the pleasure of networking amongst my other fraternity brothers, lead community wide impact events such as feed the homeless, as well as helping host my chapter's event titled the "John R. Lewis Beloved Community Day" which highlights an individual who has made a positive impact within the world. Phi Beta Sigma is an incredible organization and has helped shaped me into the man I am today. How I plan to continue positively impact my community further with my membership in Sigma, is by after completing law school, volunteering to help out with pro bono cases that will serve people who are less fortunate in the legal setting and wrongly accused of various things that they did not commit. My dream is to one day become a lawyer like James Weldon Johnson and help the next generation by truly paying it forward, I want to be able to help with tuition for young students going to college in the future because I know what it feels like to not have enough money to pay for books, or even meals during the day. The obstacles I've faced even as a working father of 1 daughter have been somedays not being able to eat because I had to use money for school to make sure there was not a hold on my account, and even going a couple days late on paying bills because my future and my daughter's future depended on my finishing school. This scholarship is another example of helping someone just trying to make it through the school year and focus on getting good grades and having to worry about thing financially. When scholarships like this are given to students who need it, it truly does lift a big weight off their shoulders. Especially when the student is well deserving of it. From the beginning I had always had my eyes set on joining my illustrious fraternity because of the way they carried themselves, with such elegance and class I knew I wanted to be just like them. From the time I saw them in my community doing great things my heart was set. I want to be the change that the world needs and this scholarship plays a big part into making that happen.

Living out my faith in my day-to-day life, particularly as it pertains to my support of Pro-Life, is an integral part of who I am as a person. My faith teaches me that all life is precious and deserves to be protected, from conception to natural death. This belief guides my actions and decisions in various aspects of my life, including how I interact with others, how I advocate for the vulnerable, and how I pursue my future goals and career path. One of the ways I actively live out my faith in support of Pro-Life is through volunteering at local pregnancy resource centers. These centers provide support, resources, and guidance to women facing unplanned pregnancies, offering them alternatives to abortion and empowering them to choose life for their unborn children. By volunteering at these centers, I am able to directly assist women in need and advocate for the value of every life, no matter the circumstances. Additionally, I engage in conversations and discussions with my peers and community members about the sanctity of life and the importance of protecting the unborn. I strive to educate others about the reality of abortion and the impact it has on individuals, families, and society as a whole. Through these conversations, I hope to promote a culture of life and foster compassion and support for those facing difficult decisions regarding pregnancy. My faith has greatly impacted my future goals and career path, leading me to pursue a career in the field of social work. I believe that through social work, I can continue to advocate for the vulnerable and protect all stages of life. Whether working with at-risk youth, families in crisis, or individuals struggling with mental health issues, I aim to uphold the dignity and worth of every individual and provide them with the support and resources they need to thrive. In order to use my education to enact change and protect all stages of life, I plan to continue my advocacy work through research, policy development, and direct service provision. By staying informed about current issues and trends related to Pro-Life, I can contribute to meaningful change at the systemic level and help shape policies that uphold the rights of the unborn. Additionally, I intend to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations to promote a holistic approach to supporting life, encompassing physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In conclusion, actively living out my faith in support of Pro-Life is a central part of my identity and guides my actions and decisions in all aspects of my life. My faith has influenced my future goals and career path, leading me to pursue a career in social work where I can continue to advocate for the vulnerable and protect all stages of life. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, I am committed to enacting change and promoting a culture of life that values and protects every individual, from conception to natural death.