My first experience volunteering at Memorial Church of Christ’s Vacation Bible School showed me that service can be both enjoyable and life-changing. During that summer, I assisted in teaching the story of Noah’s Ark. The children created staffs to symbolize Noah’s while they discovered themed rooms with activities and learned about the connection between faith and creativity. Their excitement demonstrated to me that service extends past giving because it allows the development of experiences that promote growth and spark creativity and optimism. My church involvement continues to shape the way I serve my community. Through interactive and accessible teaching methods, I discovered that leadership requires leaders to understand the current situation of their followers. The same lesson directs my work at school and in the wider community. I maintain the significance of meaningful interactions in all my activities, including student event organization, mentoring, and community planning. Through my church activities, I learned about the importance of consistent service. Vacation Bible School required preparation as well as patience and teamwork. The experience showed me the power that develops when people join forces to create something more substantial than their separate efforts. I use the same collaborative spirit when I serve in my sorority and at school, and in my community. Most importantly, my church experiences have taught me that service is about planting seeds whose growth you may not always witness. At VBS, I could see the joy on the children’s faces as they learned, but I also knew that the lessons might reach them later in ways I could not imagine. That realization keeps me grounded in every area of my life. Whether I am mentoring a younger student, leading an event on campus, or volunteering in my community, I understand that small moments of encouragement can shape someone’s confidence or direction for years to come. As I continue serving, I hope to carry forward the legacy of faith, creativity, and community that Memorial Church of Christ instilled in me. My goal is to create spaces where others feel supported and empowered, just as I felt supported in my church family. Service, to me, is about more than a single act—it is a lifelong commitment to lifting others and providing growth opportunities. This scholarship will allow me to continue that commitment by providing the resources to pursue my education and expand my service efforts. With its support, I can strengthen the foundation I built through my church and translate it into larger platforms that empower students, creatives, and community members. The lessons I learned at Memorial Church of Christ taught me how service can change lives, and with this scholarship, I will be able to extend that impact to many more people.

My upbringing in Alief taught me early on that access determines one’s potential. My peers who possessed both great ideas and talent faced uphill battles because we lacked essential resources, mentorship, and exposure rather than a lack of drive. The early understanding I gained ignited my desire to connect creative potential with available opportunities. While studying at Texas Southern University’s Jesse H. Jones School of Business, I have discovered a community of peers who are constantly generating new ideas. Despite our community's abundant talent pool, many of us encounter systemic obstacles that create unnecessary difficulties for upward mobility. That’s why I chose to study business marketing: I study business marketing to understand the construction of brands and how storytelling and market influence work together. I plan to earn a master's degree in fashion marketing so that I can strengthen underrepresented voices by combining fashion with strategic storytelling. My understanding of leadership deepened while serving as membership chair for the American Marketing Association (AMA) at TSU. The chapter held multiple events during Fall 2025's AMA Week to create connections between students and industry experts and recruiters, as well as other beneficial resources. The guest speaker unexpectedly canceled their presentation at the last minute. The students had placed their trust in this opportunity. In just one hour we found a replacement speaker because I rapidly connected with our advisor and local contacts. The event didn’t just happen—it had impact. Leadership extends beyond planning because it requires maintaining composure under pressure and ensuring others gain meaningful insights. Being part of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. keeps me aware of the crucial role service plays alongside sisterhood, scholarship, and service. I continue to champion empowerment through organizing networking events and mentoring others following the path lit by previous trailblazers. My drive to create a supportive platform for Black creatives and entrepreneurs stems from these experiences. The space I imagine will deliver workshops on personal branding along with financial literacy, marketing strategy, and storytelling skills while remaining culturally relevant and driven by community needs. This platform will serve as a launchpad and support system that focuses on providing access to tools for people who traditionally lack access to them. I’ve encountered numerous talented individuals who need just one opportunity to make their mark. My mission is to close that gap. My professional journey goes beyond business—it’s about using strategy and creativity to foster community with care. With this scholarship I will advance my vision into actuality, which will develop opportunities for my personal growth and enable others to succeed.

To discover more about this world's fashion scene is my dream. To fulfill my desire, if I had the right equipment and finances, I would launch my own clothes company. One thing I want to be proud of is being able to generate your own revenue. After learning about fashion, I became inspired and driven to turn nothing into something. Upon my initial enrollment at Elsik High School, I was unsure of my goals or aspirations. I began to prioritize the ambitions of others over my own, which was challenging because I wasn't given all of the possibilities for my future. I made a pledge to myself that I would never incur debt, and I intend to honor that commitment. For me, high school was really different since I was the first black girl with bald hair who didn't feel self-conscious. My trip wasn't easy. Even though I attended tutoring and was intelligent, the atmosphere I was raised in didn't appear to support me. I wanted to satisfy my family as well as myself. I felt stable when I joined the speech and debate team since it was something I could manage. I was able to discuss problems and hear other people's viewpoints on social issues because to this. I was at my best throughout this activity. I haven't stopped loving this new community I found since then. Not long after I began my senior year of high school, I came to the realization that this was something I couldn't continue. I therefore made the decision not to attend college. Naturally, my family was not happy with this choice. Simply put, I didn't want to struggle financially and spend my entire life paying off debt. Growing up in a culture that already considers black people as inferior or undeserving is difficult enough for black people, particularly for black women. I wanted to defy the cliché and be unique. Since I started at Texas Southern University, a significant transformation has occurred in my life. Despite my ups and downs, I have to keep in mind that I am still me and that nothing can break or prevent me from reaching my objectives. My motivation for applying for this scholarship is to let people know who I am and what I stand for. The residents of Alief and the rest of the globe should see my aspirations. I will always be incredibly proud of myself, and I will never give up on my passion. Ram proud.