“The movie that has had the biggest impact on my life is *The Notebook”. While a lot of people see it as just a sad love story, I see it as a movie about fighting for what you really want, even when everything around you tries to pull you in a different direction. Allie’s persistence—her courage to follow her heart and not settle really inspired me and changed the way I look at my own goals and dreams. In the movie, Allie and Noah come from two completely different worlds. Allie’s family is wealthy and has strict expectations for her future, while Noah comes from a simple, hardworking background. Their relationship is full of ups and downs, and they’re constantly pushed apart by people who think they know what’s best for Allie. But what made the biggest impact on me is that Allie doesn’t give up. Even when she’s confused, overwhelmed, or scared of disappointing people, she still tries to figure out what she truly wants. Watching her struggle to choose between the life others planned for her and the life she actually wanted made me think about my own experiences. As a high school student, I also feel pressure whether it’s about my future career, college choices, or just trying to make everyone around me happy. Sometimes it feels easier to take the safe route instead of taking risks for what I really want. But Allie’s persistence showed me that it’s okay to choose your own path, even if it doesn’t make sense to everyone else. One moment that stuck with me is when Allie finally admits she’s unhappy living a life that doesn’t feel like hers. She takes control and chooses the love and future she truly wants with Noah. That scene taught me that fighting for something meaningful can lead you to the life you deserve. Her bravery showed me that it’s okay to say “this is what I want,” even if it’s scary or uncertain. “The Notebook” also taught me that anything worth having whether it’s love, success, or personal goals takes effort and patience. Allie and Noah’s relationship isn’t perfect, but they kept trying because it mattered to them. That message reminds me to keep pushing toward my own goals, even when things get difficult or stressful. This movie inspired me to go after what I want in my own life. It made me believe that I shouldn’t let fear, expectations, or obstacles stop me from chasing my dreams. Allie’s persistence helped me realize that staying true to yourself is one of the most powerful things you can do. “The Notebook” may be a love story, but to me, it’s also a story about courage and that’s something I’ll carry with me as I move forward.

Being a first-generation college student means stepping into a future that no one in my family has ever had the chance to pursue. It means breaking cycles, rewriting expectations, and carrying the hopes of the people who raised me. As a student preparing to attend an HBCU, I see this journey as more than earning a degree it’s about embracing a legacy of strength, community, and excellence that has shaped generations before me, even if they never had access to higher education themselves. Growing up, I watched my family work hard just to keep things together. Opportunities didn’t always come easy, and money was often tight, but I learned early that determination can take you further than circumstance. Balancing school responsibilities with part-time work taught me discipline, and navigating everything on my own college applications, financial aid, scholarships taught me resilience. There were moments when the process felt overwhelming, especially when my FAFSA results came back lower than expected. I felt discouraged knowing the cost of attending my dream school, Norfolk State University, might be out of reach. But instead of giving up, I pushed harder, searched for every resource I could find, and reminded myself why I started this journey in the first place. My dream is to study Business and Marketing so I can one day run my own beauty company one that uplifts young women and helps them feel powerful in their natural beauty. Growing up, confidence didn’t always come easy for me, especially when it came to my hair and self-image. My struggles became my motivation to create something that would give other young girls the support I wished I had. That vision drives me every day. I want to build a business that not only thrives financially, but also empowers and educates the community around it. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to making that dream real. It would ease the heavy financial pressure on my family and allow me to focus on my education instead of worrying about how I’m going to afford the next semester. It would give me the freedom to participate fully in campus life joining clubs, networking, and seeking internships that will prepare me for my future. Most importantly, it would be a reminder that people believe in my potential, even when the odds feel stacked against me. I am not perfect, but I am determined. I am driven by the desire to make my family proud, to represent my community, and to show other first-generation students that their dreams matter even when money, fear, or uncertainty try to convince them otherwise. With this scholarship, I can continue my journey with confidence, knowing that every challenge I’ve faced has only strengthened my purpose. I am ready to take the next step, not just for myself, but for everyone who will come after me.

I’ve spent most of my life struggling with my hair. I never knew how to care for it, how to style it, or even how to embrace it as it was. Those struggles left me feeling self-conscious and less confident, especially in social situations. Simple things, like going to school events or taking photos, felt uncomfortable because I didn’t feel like myself. But over time, I realized these experiences were shaping a bigger dream one where I could help other young women feel confident and empowered, both inside and out. That dream became Kosmo Galore. An already established vegan and cruelty free cosmetic business. My goal isn’t just to open a beauty shop it’s to create a safe space where girls can learn to take care of themselves, gain confidence, and express their individuality. I want my clients to walk out not only looking great but feeling proud of who they are. Teaching tips, tricks, and self-care techniques is part of this mission, but it’s more than that: it’s about giving young women a place where they feel supported and seen. Earning a business degree is the next step toward making Kosmo Galore a reality. I want to learn how to manage and grow my business responsibly so it can have a lasting impact on my community. From marketing to financial planning, every skill I gain will help me ensure that my shop is more than just a place to get your hair done it will be a place where girls can build confidence and discover their own strengths. What motivates me most is the chance to inspire others. I know what it feels like to doubt yourself, to feel unsure about your appearance, and to lack guidance. I want to change that for other young women. By sharing my experience and offering practical tools, I hope to create a community where girls feel empowered to be themselves. Kosmo Galore is more than a business it’s my way of making a difference. It represents confidence, creativity, and opportunity. With my business degree and my passion for beauty, I’m ready to turn this dream into a space where young women can grow, learn, and shine, just as I once wished I could. With this scholarship I hope to expand on my dream and make it possible for myself and let others know they can achieve this as well. Kosmo Galore will make a big change to the cosmetic industry.