I am Jordan Bebee, a first-generation college student enrolled at Louisiana State University for the 2026–2027 academic year. Attending college is more than just the next step in my education, it represents a turning point in my life and an opportunity to build a future defined by stability, purpose, and success. I was raised by my mother with very limited support from my father. As the oldest of three children, I grew up quickly and took on responsibilities that many kids my age did not have to face. My father has struggled with incarceration, inconsistent employment, and drug addiction, which placed the full responsibility of providing and parenting on my mother. Watching her carry that burden taught me the importance of strength, sacrifice, and perseverance. It also showed me firsthand the impact that instability can have on a family. In 2018, I witnessed a domestic violence incident between my parents that changed me forever. That moment forced me to see the reality of my circumstances at a young age and pushed me to think differently about the kind of life I wanted for myself. Instead of allowing those experiences to define me in a negative way, I chose to use them as motivation to grow, to push forward, and to break the cycle. Going to college is my opportunity to take control of my future. I understand that success will not be handed to me. I will have to work for it every single day. Through dedication to my education, strong work ethic, and persistence, I plan to build a stable and meaningful career. College will provide me with the knowledge, discipline, and opportunities necessary to achieve my goals, but it is my responsibility to make the most of those opportunities. I am committed to putting in the effort required to succeed both academically and personally. My goal is to become a successful and productive member of society, not only for myself but for my family. I want to change the trajectory of my family’s future and create a new legacy, one built on hard work, stability, and achievement. Being a good role model to my younger brother and sister will be one of my best achievements. By pursuing higher education and remaining focused on my goals, I am determined to turn my challenges into a foundation for success. My total cost for attendance for the year= $54,206.00 School scholarships: $19,000.00 Work Study: $1,550.00 FAFSA: $7,200 Help from Mom: $5,000.00 Total need: $21,456.00 Sincerely, Jordan Bebee LSU Class of 2030