Growing up in a low income household with only a single form of income, I learned from a young age, the value of saving money. When I got my first job and was handed my very first paycheck, I knew then and there that I was going to put it into savings. I didn’t make much money at my job but I knew that truly every penny counts because one day it will all pay off and there will be no more “struggle meals” or sacrifices being made just to have the opportunities as everyone else. To this day, I still save my paychecks. I spend a small portion on myself and the rest goes into a bank account. I didn’t grow up in a family that had tons of money. In fact, it was the opposite. We had the basic necessities, no luxuries and I didn’t mind it. It wasn’t always ideal but a part of me is extremely grateful as it has taught me how important it is to be responsible with money. In today’s economy, the cost of living is higher than what most working adults make. My goals in life are hard and I know that a big obstacle is money. But with that being said, I refuse to take no for an answer. I don’t want to give up because I know that my aspirations are entirely attainable either time and effort. Effort that I am willing to put in. Being a woman of color is a value that carry with me through everything that I do. I have been told that being a woman of color is hard and especially coming from a family with little funds, the struggles were always there. But I feel like the benefits are also there. I want to make my family proud and go as far as I am capable of doing. I want to use my education and knowledge for good. My ask from you is no different than everyone else’s asks. This scholarship would be a huge weight lifted off of my chest. I hope that you and your team consider me to as one of your winners for this scholarship as I will do great things with this money. My responsibility with the money that I have earned shows the dedication and sacrifices that I am willing to make in order to get to the finish line. I hope that you consider me and if you have read this far, I thank you!