I am attending an HBCU because of the black excellence within these institutions – the richness of heritage, culture, movement, empowerment, and the freedom to be unapologetically black among my peers and scholars. HBCUs provide connections, personally and professionally, and mentors with people that know and understand the struggle of succeeding in a world where black people are continuously thriving, striving, and creating opportunities for the next generation to follow. HBCUs were created so that black people could have a voice and a chance at a better life beyond Jim Crow laws and civil rights; these institutions formed an atmosphere for scholars to come to and be bigger and better than themselves - going into the world and spreading knowledge and leadership. The founders of HBCUs destroyed barriers so that generations, probably beyond their wildest expectations, could be in a world where a black person could be just as or more successful than their white counterparts. This is the legacy I have been charged with by my family of HBCU graduates and I am driven to fulfill the goal and make my roots part of an HBCU institution. Of course, there are the HBCU experiences many people are aware of such as athletics, Homecoming celebrations, Pan-Hellenic Greek organizations, clubs, and socializing, however, the commitment and honor of continuing education at a higher level are expected to succeed through the educational experience motivates me to attend an HBCU. HBCUs offer the gift of being among like-minded, highly educated individuals that understand and look like me, come from the same history and walk of life as my ancestors and myself and be in the presence of people that want to uplift, educate, and give back to the community that shaped and cultivated them - this is the beauty of attending an HBCU.

My passion is computer science. Computer science is a continually growing field and with computers becoming involved in almost every aspect of our lives it should remain so for the foreseeable future. I took STEM classes at an early age and gravitated to technology, understanding, and building computer codes to create programs. In my final year of high school, I am taking Honors computer science and have completed all required computer science courses to graduate. I am choosing to major in computer science because writing code is a valuable skill to have, and I enjoy the challenge of working through various problems and thinking of all the possible ways to find a solution. A career in computer science allows me to solve problems and produce creative experiences; I can generate ideas to solve user-specific problems, design and develop possible solutions and execute the ideas. Computer science allows me to bring an idea to fruition. My goal is to work in computer program development. The programs I create will be developed for better system processes and reliable technology for safeguarding client or patient information for corporations or healthcare industries to use. Technology evolves all the time, and it is important to create programs with safeguards to protect information and for the consumer to know the business has processes in place to protect information from being shared. In my career, I want to be part of the solution in developing programs that benefit all; this will be completed through coding and applications created by me. Computer science is my future. The biggest challenge I face is securing enough funds to cover my costs for college. I have been accepted into my school of choice, Norfolk State University - which is one of the best computer science programs in the nation. I need to ensure there is enough money for me to attend and I do not want to worry about funding, thus the reason I am applying for this scholarship. Being awarded the scholarship will be used toward my schooling and help me to achieve my dreams of helping low-income students to be able to use free computer labs and assist with the hospital when it comes to expanding technology. the world will continue to grow and with the growth, I am looking to be apart of all that comes my way. This will only be possible if I have the funding to continue my educational growth. this scholarship will be the start of many more to come.

My passion is computer science. Computer science is a continually growing field and with computers becoming involved in almost every aspect of our lives it should remain so for the foreseeable future. I took STEM classes at an early age and gravitated to technology, understanding, and building computer codes to create programs. In my final year of high school, I am taking Honors computer science and have completed all required computer science courses to graduate. I am choosing to major in computer science because writing code is a valuable skill to have, and I enjoy the challenge of working through various problems and thinking of all the possible ways to find a solution. A career in computer science allows me to solve problems and produce creative experiences; I can generate ideas to solve user-specific problems, design and develop possible solutions and execute the ideas. Computer science allows me to bring an idea to fruition. My goal is to work in computer program development. The programs I create will be developed for better system processes and reliable technology for safeguarding client or patient information for corporations or healthcare industries to use. Technology evolves all the time, and it is important to create programs with safeguards to protect information and for the consumer to know the business has processes in place to protect information from being shared. In my career, I want to be part of the solution in developing programs that benefit all; this will be completed through coding and applications created by me. Computer science is my future. The biggest challenge I face is securing enough funds to cover my costs for college. I have been accepted into my school of choice, Norfolk State University - which is one of the best computer science programs in the nation. I need to ensure there is enough money for me to attend and I do not want to worry about funding, thus the reason I am applying for this scholarship. Being awarded the scholarship will be used toward my schooling and help me to achieve my dreams

My passion is computer science. I have always enjoyed working with computers and building programs. Computer science is a continually growing field, and with computers becoming involved in almost every aspect of our lives, it should remain so for the foreseeable future. I took STEM classes at an early age and gravitated to technology, understanding, and building computer codes to create programs. In my final year of high school, I am taking Honors computer science and have completed all required computer science courses to graduate. I am choosing to major in computer science because writing code is a valuable skill, and I enjoy the challenge of working through various problems and thinking of all possible solutions. A career in computer science allows me to solve problems and produce creative experiences; I can generate ideas to solve user-specific issues, design and develop possible solutions and execute the ideas. Computer science allows me to bring an idea to fruition. My goal is to work in computer program development. The programs I create will be developed for better system processes and reliable technology for safeguarding client or patient information for corporations or healthcare industries. Technology evolves all the time, and it is essential to create programs with safeguards to protect data and for the consumer to know the business has processes in place to protect information from being shared. In my career, I want to be part of the solution in developing programs that benefit all; this will be completed through coding and my applications. Computer science is my future. The biggest challenge will come when it's time to secure enough funds to cover my costs for college. I have been accepted into my school of choice, Norfolk State University - one of the best computer science programs in the nation. However, I need to ensure there is enough money for me to attend, and I do not want to worry about funding, thus the reason I am applying for this scholarship. Being awarded the scholarship will be used toward my schooling and help me achieve my dreams of helping the next generation by building programs and software technologies for the low-income population. All this will take for me to get the proper tools and education to build on and learn as much as possible to pass on my knowledge to the next generation. Coming from a low-come single parent, I am all aware of the hardship and struggles of getting funds to get the well-deserved education one want. My goal will always be to give back to the future.

My experience as a child of a single mother has proven to be a blessing. To have the love, support, and perseverance that my mother provides have guided my life and taught me valuable life lessons. Life lesson #1: A setback is a setup for something bigger and better. No one plans to be a single parent, let alone take full responsibility for raising and providing for a child by oneself. My mother had no other choice but to care, support, and provide for me when my father was not there to parent. My mother had to – and still – sacrifice herself, time, money, and energy to make sure I was taken care of by the best standards. My mother works three jobs to support me, and she does this with contentment, knowing her work is toward the bigger picture of my success with going to a secondary school and pursuing my dreams and career. Her time and self are sacrifices she makes, including support and doing her best to be present for my events and extracurricular activities. It was not ideal to be a single parent, but my mother makes the best of the situation, and surprisingly what could have been a challenging situation has brought many blessings our way. Life lesson #2: Tough times don't last, but tough people do. Some hard times were growing up being raised by a single mother that I can look back on now and think that hardship didn't destroy me mentally or physically, and I am more vital for coming over it as an example for others in knowing you can make it. Accountability is an attribute my mother has cultivated in me. Being responsible for myself and my actions show a person's true character, especially when faced with complex and brutal consequences. My mother took accountability for her actions, resulting in her having to redeem herself by serving time. During her time of redemption, she learned from her mistakes, grew closer in her faith and trust in the Lord, and had the self-motivation and determination to come out of this time a more robust, better person – a thriver and survivor. In this period of growth, she became an example to me and others that she mentors, using her voice to let others know there is light at the end of the tunnel. My mother's past has taught me to do better and be better, and as a parent, my mother has set the goal and the standard of how I should move in this life. Because of my mother's past, I know I can persevere as a great person. Life lesson #3: Have faith and trust it will work out for good. Through it all, my mother has instilled in me to have faith and trust in the Lord. The adversities my mother has overcome would not have been accomplished without her trust and confidence in the Lord. My mother's faith has guided her through the most challenging times of her life, and the Lod has continued to bless her spiritually and physically. The adversity a person faces builds character; the struggle is hard but beautiful. I have learned so much about myself through my mother, and I am grateful for her being my parent. I will continue building on what my mother instilled in me. I plan on studying Computer Science and engineering and helping low-income families by proving free computer labs. I was given all the tools needed to push forward and give back. Coming from a single parent didn't criple me, but made me stronger.

Everyone needs a place to call home. It could be the house you live in, the school you attend, the church you pray at, or even the local park in your neighborhood. Everyone has somewhere to call home, or so I thought. My name is Kammi Taylor a rising scholar entering high school, I was looking for a loving and welcoming environment. I wanted my high school experience to be the best and desired to have amazing friendships and supportive teachers. I wanted a school environment that was going to help me if I made mistakes and not judge me. Thurgood Marshall Academy does not have the loving home that I thought it was going to be. When I started my junior year, I assumed that it would be as great as my previous school year, but I was wrong. I got involved in a situation with another student and I am still judged because of it. I assumed that the staff members of the school would help me because it was built on such strong family values. Instead of being supported, I was ridiculed and judged by everyone. I understand that I made a mistake, but that should not have limited the support I got. The other student in the situation faced no judgment or consequence, that student was never treated as badly as I was. Being bullied by a large majority of the faculty and students of TMA was not easy to deal with. The bullying got so bad that the school threatened to kick me out. I was never allowed to forget the mistake I made because I was always reminded of it by everyone. As a result of all that I faced, my grades began to slip. I stopped caring about trying to get A’s and settled for C’s, letting the pain of something stupid affect every part of my life. As my grades dropped, my behavior got worse. I made even more mistakes and got into more trouble. I was trapped in the box that the school put me in and I let one thing define me that entire school year. I had suffered from depression and decided that I wanted to stop living. After several conversations with my mom and cheer coach, I made a promise to myself that I was going to keep fighting and live my life to the fullest. During my Senior year, I turned my life around. I joined a senior level 6 all-star cheer team to help me be social with a variety of personalities and began to focus on my grades. By doing so, I was able to raise my GPA. I began to build a relationship. I was able to confide in my friends, my school dean, my cheer coach, and the school’s director of teaching for support. Eventually, most students no longer cared about what happened, but the faculty still did. I still get judged by those who work there but I no longer care. I was learning from my mistakes and growing into the person I wanted to be. I made sure I was going to get my life together no matter who stayed in my way. After all this, I still hope for a place to call home. TMA claimed to be a supportive and welcoming environment and it proved not to be. A home is supposed to make you feel safe and secure. I have always lacked that kind of place. I’m still looking for a place to call home. I hope the next school is the place I can call home

My experience as a child of a single mother has proven to be a blessing. To have the love, support, and perseverance that my mother provides have guided my life and taught me valuable life lessons. Life lesson #1: A setback is a setup for something bigger and better. No one plans to be a single parent, let alone take full responsibility for raising and providing for a child by oneself. My mother had no other choice but to care, support, and provide for me when my father was not there to parent. My mother had to – and still – sacrifice herself, time, money, and energy to make sure I was taken care of by the best standards. My mother works two jobs to support us, and she does this with contentment, knowing her work is toward the bigger picture of my success with going to a secondary school and pursuing my dreams and career. Her time and self are sacrifices she makes, including support and doing her best to be present for my events and extracurricular activities. Albeit it was not ideal to be a single parent, my mother makes the best of the situation, and surprisingly what could have been a challenging situation has brought many blessings our way. Life lesson #2: Tough times don't last, but tough people do. Some hard times were growing up being raised by a single mother that I can look back on now and think that hardship didn't destroy me mentally or physically, and I am more vital for coming over it as an example for others in knowing you can make it. Accountability is an attribute my mother has cultivated in me. Being responsible for myself and my actions show a person's true character, especially when faced with complex and brutal consequences. My mother took accountability for her actions, resulting in her having to redeem herself by serving time. During her time of redemption, she learned from her mistakes, grew closer in her faith and trust in the Lord, and had the self-motivation and determination to come out of this time a more robust, better person – a thriver and survivor. In this period of growth, she understood her assignment to become an example to me and others that she mentors, using her voice to let others know there is light at the end of the tunnel and to keep striving for better. My mother's past has taught me to do better and be better, and as a parent, my mother has set the goal and the standard of how I should move in this life. I lean on my mother for support and love. Because of my mother's past, I know I can persevere, work through tough times, and come out on the other side and conquer. Life lesson #3: Have faith and trust it will work out for good. Through it all, my mother has instilled in me to have faith and trust in the Lord. The adversities my mother has overcome would not have been accomplished without her trust and confidence in the Lord. My mother's faith has guided her through the most challenging times of her life, and the Lod has continued to bless her spiritually and physically. The adversity a person faces builds character; the struggle is hard but beautiful. I have learned so much about myself through my mother, and I am grateful for her being my parent. My mother's determination, perseverance, love, and tenacity have shaped my life and made me appreciate, accept, and overcome the challenges I face.

Everyone needs a place to call home. It could be the house you live in, the school you attend, the church you pray at, or even the local park in your neighborhood. Everyone has somewhere to call home, or so I thought. When entering high school, I was looking for a loving and welcoming environment. I wanted my high school experience to be the best and desired to have amazing friendships and supportive teachers. I wanted a school environment that was going to help me if I made mistakes and not judge me. Thurgood Marshall Academy does not have the loving home that I thought it was going to be. When I started my junior year, I assumed that it would be as great as my previous school year, but I was wrong. I got involved in a situation with another student and I am still judged because of it. I assumed that the staff members of the school would help me because it was built on such strong family values. Instead of being supported, I was ridiculed and judged by everyone. I understand that I made a mistake, but that should not have limited the support I got. The other student in the situation faced no judgment or consequence, that student was never treated as badly as I was. Being bullied by a large majority of the faculty and students of TMA was not easy to deal with. The bullying got so bad that the school threatened to kick me out. I was never allowed to forget the mistake I made because I was always reminded of it by everyone. As a result of all that I faced, my grades began to slip. I stopped caring about trying to get A’s and settled for C’s, letting the pain of something stupid affect every part of my life. As my grades dropped, my behavior got worse. I made even more mistakes and got into more trouble. I was trapped in the box that the school put me in and I let one thing define me that entire school year. I had suffered from depression and decided that I wanted to stop living. After several conversations with my mom and cheer coach, I made a promise to myself that I was going to keep fighting and live my life to the fullest. During my Senior year, I turned my life around. I joined a senior level 6 all-star cheer team to help me be social with a variety of personalities and began to focus on my grades. By doing so, I was able to raise my GPA. I began to build a relationship. I was able to confide in my friends, my school dean, my cheer coach, and the school’s director of teaching for support. Eventually, most students no longer cared about what happened, but the faculty still did. I still get judged by those who work there but I no longer care. I was learning from my mistakes and growing into the person I wanted to be. I made sure I was going to get my life together no matter who stayed in my way. After all this, I still hope for a place to call home. TMA claimed to be a supportive and welcoming environment and it proved not to be. A home is supposed to make you feel safe and secure. I have always lacked that kind of place. I’m still looking for a place to call home. I hope the next school is the place I can call home

I love you; I don't know when or why, but I do, and I knew eventually you would too; at least, that's what I told myself I would do. Words coming from a broken heart! But, growing up in a single-parent household with no hope for a tomorrow, just a better today! I share these thoughts, feelings, and experiences with listening hearts, not ears! As an adolescent, I learned early in life that nothing was promised or given; you work hard and earn what you want out of life! I watched my mother through watered windows (eyes) every morning, struggling to get out of bed to start another day full of obstacles and unforeseen paths! I had to do my part. The school grounds were my escape from the inescapable reality of my life. I kept what I earned: the knowledge of schooling and what it taught me! Coming from a proud mother and devoted caregiver, she did everything she could to protect my six older siblings and me to ensure a better tomorrow, knowing that only education could give us that! I embraced my education because I knew that once I obtained it, no one or thing could ever take this from me! It was all mine, and mines alone, to do my will! My will, yes, and I intended to learn as much as possible and be good at learning whatever came my way! I strived for perfection in an imperfect world! But this, too, had a price that I could not pay or even asked to be paid, not coming from a broken home and struggling single mother. Remember, you keep what you earn was my motivation, and so has this thesis. I want to achieve it! I want to be the rose that grew from the crack in the concrete, not just the same sad story of giving me a chance! Without knowledge and wisdom, I have nothing. My Mom, a single parent, provided me with the tools to continue learning; it will help me as I continue my journey. As I get closer to graduation and prepare for life after high school, I contemplate asking my Mom about college, mainly "money," but I see her struggling with so much. So I decided to research scholarships with the help of my guidance counselor at school, and I found your scholarship. I will not feel sorry for myself. On the contrary, I have decided to be a part of the solution and write. This is my first essay, but it will not be my last. I am willing to do anything to assist my single mother with obtaining scholarship money to pursue my continuing education in Computer Science and Engineering program at Norfolk State University. My strong supportive mother has always taught me that every path in life is a learning one; keep learning. Let my words pay for the opportunity to be loved! My education is love!

As I continue my journey of higher education, I find myself at a pivotal time in my life where I must choose between graduating from high school and getting a job or finding resources that will aid in my quest for higher education. Let me give some background on who I am and why I am applying for this scholarship. I am 17 years old, my mother's only child but my father's third child. My Mom is, unfortunately, the cliché of the black household, A single Mom raising her child with the financial responsibilities of a one-parent household. It didn't start like that. We were a happy family of 3. But that soon ended when my Dad lost his job due to covid and became very ill; he was hospitalized for three weeks due to irregular heartbeats. I saw his life gradually leaving him. My Mom took on two full-time jobs to keep up with all the household's financial responsibilities, bills, private gymnastics lessons, and cheering. As I look at my life now after covid, this scholarship could be a way of lightening the financial burden on my Mom when it comes to paying bills at home and paying tuition for my college education. It saddens me to reveal that my Dad is no longer living with us, so it's just my Mom and myself. He still isn't working, so the financial weight is on my Mom. She is currently working two full-time jobs and one part-time job on the weekends to provide for our household. It's hard for me to see my Mom work so hard to keep me active in a sport I love, which is cheering, and my Mom has done her best to keep me in the sport I have been doing most of my life. During my college seminar class, when I am asked about college, I get depressed and sad. I have been accepted to a few schools but need the finances to attend. I would love to continue cheering at the college level, but the schools I am interested in do not offer scholarships for cheer; they are not considered a sport. If I cannot get any scholarship money after graduation from high school, this year will be the last of my educational journey and life as a cheerleader. As I get closer to graduation and prepare for life after high school, I contemplate asking my Mom about college, mainly "money," but I see her struggling with so much. So I decided to research scholarships with the help of my guidance counselor at school, and I found your scholarship. I decided to advocate for myself on behalf of my family. I don't want to blame covid, but it's hard sometimes. It set an already struggling family back ten years. But I will not feel sorry for myself. On the contrary, I have decided to be a part of the solution and write. This is my first essay, but it will not be my last. I am an aspiring cheerleader that would love to continue her education so I can bring the light back in my daddy's eyes and ease some of the financial burdens from my Mom. Because of my Dad's economic issues, I am determined to study Computer Science and Engineering at Norfolk State University. Therefore, I was accepted into the program. I need this scholarship, and if given the opportunity, I will achieve my goals and continue my education. A cheerleader destined for greatness while getting an education at a higher level. It starts with a willingness to be great!

The life of a competitive cheerleader is a sport that requires constant dedication and a lot of hard work. Dedication is a fundamental reason for my success with cheer, and it has been embedded in me since I was a little girl. It all started with me tumbling in my living room day and night. My mother finally took me to a tumbling gym, and not only was I able to tumble at the gym, but I also displayed skills that allowed me to join the cheer team that practiced in the gym. Then, at age three, I started cheering with Crimson Heat Embers, a competitive cheer team in Prince George’s County, Maryland. I flourished on that team for six years until I joined the Marlboro Competitive Cheer team. Both cheer teams allowed me to grow tremendously as an athlete. I was on 2-3 teams simultaneously due to my skill level. Although I loved competitive cheer, it required a lot and left me with little time for anything else. I spent five days a week at practice and one of those days was devoted to private tumbling lessons. My life revolved around cheer so much, taking me away from family time at home, fun events with friends, and other non-cheer-related activities. My mom worked three jobs to keep me in the sport I loved dearly. Being on an all-star team meant she had to sacrifice to spend money on uniforms, tumbling sessions, travel, etc. Despite all those things, she did what she felt had to be done to ensure I was happy. I will always love her so much for that. She could have said no at any time, but that did not happen. All was great in my cheer world until the pandemic happened. During the shutdown, I became severely depressed and gained over 100 lbs. By the time the world was returning to normal and cheer started up, I was out of shape and had lost confidence. It felt like my world was crashing down on me. Thankfully my mom and my cheer coach were able to help me get back on track, starting with my confidence. I worked on getting in shape, and the tumbling skills I thought I lost were all coming back. Ultimately, I was able to connect with my team once again. My teammates were more like sisters, and they helped me grow in cheer and other parts of my life. The greatest blessing was that I could slowly discover myself again after such an unprecedented and unwelcoming time. During my last year of cheer, I decided to take a leadership role as an assistant coach. In this role, I got the opportunity to help younger cheerleaders develop their skills and improve their technique. This leadership role was pivotal because it allowed me to pay it forward to others with my time, dedication, and talent. My cheer experience has given me confidence, great friendships, amazing opportunities, and the chance to grow as a person. I am thankful to have gained so much from being in this sport. Despite the challenges that have come my way, I prevailed and became the astonishing person I am today.

Everyone needs a place to call home. It could be the house you live in, the school you attend, the church you pray at, or even the local park in your neighborhood. Everyone has somewhere to call home, or so I thought. When entering high school, I was looking for a loving and welcoming environment. I wanted my high school experience to be the best and desired to have amazing friendships and supportive teachers. I wanted a school environment that was going to help me if I made mistakes and not judge me. Thurgood Marshall Academy does not have the loving home that I thought it was going to be. When I started my junior year, I assumed that it would be as great as my previous school year, but I was wrong. I got involved in a situation with another student and I am still judged because of it. I assumed that the staff members of the school would help me because it was built on such strong family values. Instead of being supported, I was ridiculed and judged by everyone. I understand that I made a mistake, but that should not have limited the support I got. The other student in the situation faced no judgment or consequence, that student was never treated as badly as I was. Being bullied by a large majority of the faculty and students of TMA was not easy to deal with. The bullying got so bad that the school threatened to kick me out. I was never allowed to forget the mistake I made because I was always reminded of it by everyone. As a result of all that I faced, my grades began to slip. I stopped caring about trying to get A’s and settled for C’s, letting the pain of something stupid affect every part of my life. As my grades dropped, my behavior got worse. I made even more mistakes and got into more trouble. I was trapped in the box that the school put me in and I let one thing define me that entire school year. I had suffered from depression and decided that I wanted to stop living. After several conversations with my mom and cheer coach, I made a promise to myself that I was going to keep fighting and live my life to the fullest. During my Senior year, I turned my life around. I joined a senior level 6 all-star cheer team to help me be social with a variety of personalities and began to focus on my grades. By doing so, I was able to raise my GPA. I began to build a relationship. I was able to confide in my friends, my school dean, my cheer coach, and the school’s director of teaching for support. Eventually, most students no longer cared about what happened, but the faculty still did. I still get judged by those who work there but I no longer care. I was learning from my mistakes and growing into the person I wanted to be. I made sure I was going to get my life together no matter who stayed in my way. After all this, I still hope for a place to call home. TMA claimed to be a supportive and welcoming environment and it proved not to be. A home is supposed to make you feel safe and secure. I have always lacked that kind of place. I’m still looking for a place to call home. I hope the next school is the place I can call home