A sea of church hats the size of large lily pads float in the air, brightly colored, some with bows and some with rhinestones. I look around and reflect on the love for God inside my Church: a hidden gem located in a drug ravaged neighborhood. Unknown to me at the time, church was my first real platform. Initially, I hesitated when giving Easter speeches in a big white dress. Overtime, I became excited to share my talents, happily volunteering to praise dance, and perform “ ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” When presented with the opportunity to join the Mayor’s Youth Commission, I was beyond anxiety ridden. Knowing that only twenty four out of two hundred people would be selected, I knew I had to write an electrifying speech. One chaotic evening I was on the brink of giving up, when suddenly I heard the voices from the collection of elderly women that counsel the younger church members, called the Motherboard, saying “Go ahead baby.” I was instantly motivated to keep going. It’s not only the church that has shaped who I am, I live in Austin, an area often labeled as one of the most violent neighborhoods in Chicago, but I feel a sense of community. It's the tables where intense political conversations are held around a game of dominoes amongst my pot bellied uncles and pans of 3D’s Jerk Chicken and cabbage. Though gang-infested, my community is full of people looking out for me. Now it's my turn to do the same, as a representative on the Mayor's Youth Commission, I represent teenagers all across the city of Chicago. I give thanks to the monumental effect church and my neighborhood has had on me, keeping me grounded in my values and providing clarity in moments I feel overwhelmed. I plan on giving back to my community by remaining involved in church and thinking about those who have shaped the person that I am today. These people include my neighborhood, family and the countless other community members that I have been able to connect with. By remaining aware of the policy initiatives that affect those who are often disregarded, I plan to continue my education by attending law school and become another reliable provider for my community.

A sea of church hats the size of large lily pads float in the air, brightly colored, some with bows and some with rhinestones. I look around and reflect on the love for God inside my Church: a hidden gem located in a drug ravaged neighborhood. Unknown to me at the time, church was my first real platform. Initially, I hesitated when giving Easter speeches in a big white dress. Overtime, I became excited to share my talents, happily volunteering to praise dance, and perform “ ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” When presented with the opportunity to join the Mayor’s Youth Commission, I was beyond anxiety ridden. Knowing that only twenty four out of two hundred people would be selected, I knew I had to write an electrifying speech. One chaotic evening I was on the brink of giving up, when suddenly I heard the voices from the collection of elderly women that counsel the younger church members, called the Motherboard, saying “Go ahead baby.” I was instantly motivated to keep going. It’s not only the church that has shaped who I am, I live in Austin, an area often labeled as one of the most violent neighborhoods in Chicago, but I feel a sense of community. It's the tables where intense political conversations are held around a game of dominoes amongst my pot bellied uncles and pans of 3D’s Jerk Chicken and cabbage. Though gang-infested, my community is full of people looking out for me. Now it's my turn to do the same, as a representative on the Mayor's Youth Commission, I represent teenagers all across the city of Chicago. I give thanks to the monumental effect church and my neighborhood has had on me, keeping me grounded in my values and providing clarity in moments I feel overwhelmed. I plan on giving back to my community by remaining involved in church and thinking about those who have shaped the person that I am today. These people include my neighborhood, family and the countless other community members that I have been able to connect with. By remaining aware of the policy initiatives that affect those who are often disregarded, I plan to continue my education by attending law school and become another reliable provider for my community.