My dedication to both academic excellence and community service is why I believe I am deserving of this scholarship. I have consistently maintained high grades while balancing extracurricular activities and volunteering. This balance demonstrates my ability to excel in any situation while leaving a positive impact on those around me. I am currently pursuing a major in cybersecurity with a minor in criminal justice. Growing up in Jamaica, I witnessed firsthand how people were scammed and how many criminal cases, such as murder and treason, did not receive proper justice. These experiences fueled my desire to create change by putting others above myself. My goal is to become a police officer and eventually join the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), where I can contribute to national security by combating cyber threats and preventing crimes. Ultimately, I hope to open my own cybersecurity firm to provide top-notch solutions to businesses, helping to create a safer digital world. Receiving this scholarship would be a critical step in achieving my dreams, providing financial support that allows me to focus on my studies and build the skills needed for my future career. My commitment to community service is equally strong. I regularly volunteer at events, assisting with online learning programs and creating engaging activities for younger students, often incorporating online safety tips. These experiences reinforce my belief in the power of service and motivate me to continue working toward a better society. The scholarship would not only support my education but also enable me to contribute more through volunteering and outreach programs. One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had was volunteering with Hope South Florida and the Agape Love Valentine’s breakfast for the homeless. This event allowed me to connect directly with individuals and witness how a simple act of kindness can make a significant difference. I remember writing my favorite motivational quote, “When it rains, look for the rainbows; when it’s dark, look for the stars,” on a breakfast box. Seeing the smile on the recipient’s face was heartwarming and a reminder of how sharing hope can uplift someone’s spirit. During this event, I met Anna, a woman who lost her job and home after a car accident. Hearing her story opened my eyes to the struggles faced by the homeless and reinforced my commitment to service. I connected Anna with my father, who now meets her every Sunday to provide meals. This small act of kindness embodies Rotary International’s motto, “Service Above Self,” and demonstrated to me how one gesture can create a ripple effect of hope and support. Despite financial challenges and uncertainty about how I would afford college, I remain steadfast in my pursuit of education and personal growth. Receiving this scholarship would alleviate financial burdens and empower me to focus on my career aspirations. More importantly, it would enable me to continue making a meaningful impact in my community and beyond. Through education, service, and resilience, I am determined to contribute to a safer, more compassionate world. Thank you for considering my application.

Volunteering with Hope South Florida and the Agape Love Valentine’s breakfast, catering to the homeless, has left the greatest impact on me as it allowed me to directly connect with individuals and witness the huge difference a simple act of kindness can make. I remember writing my favorite motivational quote on a breakfast box which said, “When it rains, look for the rainbows, and when it’s dark, look for the stars.” Seeing the smile of an individual who read this quote warmed my heart. This quote has brought me through the roughest times in my life and has kept me going. This experience showed me how much we, who have the necessities or even a roof over our heads, take it for granted. We complain about the slightest issue, not considering how many people wish they had even a quarter of what we are blessed with. It also opened my eyes to the simple struggles faced in my community, which motivated me to volunteer every year, as long as I can. I vividly remember a conversation with Anna, one of the individuals I met during the breakfast. She shared, “Sometimes people ask me how I got here or why can’t I just get a job.” Anna became bedridden after a car accident and lost her job, which led to a chain reaction. Before she knew it, she was without a home, just her and her two kids out on the street with no support. Hearing her story firsthand made me realize how a single life event can unravel stability and how quickly circumstances can change. It was a reminder that homelessness is not a choice but often a result of unforeseen hardships. This volunteering opportunity perfectly embodies Rotary International’s motto, “Service Above Self.” By dedicating my time and effort to serve these individuals, I prioritized their needs above my own. I got Anna’s contact information, and she now meets my father every Sunday at the swap shop, where he provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the day. This small act of support created a ripple effect, showing me that change begins with individual action. It was a humbling experience that taught me the value of selflessness and the importance of giving back. Moving forward, I hope to see this event inspire more community involvement and awareness. I would love for local businesses and organizations to collaborate in creating programs that offer not only meals but also resources for job training, mental health support, and housing assistance. I believe that by providing holistic support, we can empower individuals to regain stability and independence. Additionally, educational workshops in schools about empathy and service could cultivate a culture of kindness from a young age. Ultimately, my experience with the Agape Love Valentine’s breakfast reaffirmed my belief that even the smallest acts of love can ignite hope. It inspired me to continue finding ways to serve and uplift my community, ensuring that no one feels invisible or forgotten. By extending compassion and understanding, we can create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.

In college my primary major is cybersecurity along with a minor in criminal justice. Growing up in Jamaica I've seen how persons have gotten scammed and how many cases of murder, treason, or any other criminal offense have gone wrong. I’d hate to be a victim of any of the above and my case goes unsolved due to prejudice or a lack of interest. Therefore I am motivated to make a change by putting others above myself. After finishing college, I intend on becoming a police officer working my way up to join the Federal bureau agency. With this job I can stop crimes, and contribute to national security, combatting cyber threats. Ultimately the goal is to gain adequate experience to open my own cybersecurity firm, providing top-notch solutions to other businesses or individuals who feel at risk. My favorite song is ‘Crooked Smile’ by J Cole. Crooked Smile is a song encouraging females to embrace their insecurities. Outside all the flaws in my personality and other physical differences separating me from what society deems beautiful, I do have a gap, and it has been my greatest insecurity in life. This song helped me to overcome the insecurities of my “crooked smile”. My favorite verse of this song is the first as it speaks about the imperfections of my teeth. “They tell me I should fix my grill 'cause I got money now I ain't gon' sit around and front like I ain't thought about it. A perfect smile is more appealing, but it's funny how My thing is crooked-look at how far I done got without it!” the verse says. I’ve always hid my smile because I didn’t feel pretty with my gap being this big. I felt inferior to others with perfect teeth, whether of size rationale spacing or alignment. My parents have always offered to get me braces so money was never the issue of closing my gap, I’ve always thought about taking up the offer. Taking up the offer meant I would be able to smile as much as I wanted without feeling inferior to anyone. The perfect smile is deemed to be pure white teeth without chips or gaps, the veneer look. In life I've achieved everything with the bright smile on my face with the not so like-able gap in my mouth. I’ve found solace in the empowering lyrics of "Crooked Smile," which encouraged me of embracing my flaws and being proud of who I am. The song reminds me that society's standards of beauty are often unrealistic, and that true beauty lies within one's authenticity and self-acceptance. Listening to Crooked smile I’ve always felt a surge of confidence and self-assurance. It served as a constant reminder that I was enough just as I was, and that my smile, no matter how crooked, was a reflection of my unique personality and inner strength. On a deeper level than just my gap as I went through life, facing its ups and downs, "Crooked Smile" continued to be my go-to song. It became a source of inspiration, reminding me to stay true to myself and to never let society's expectations dim my light. "Crooked Smile" became more than just a piece of music to me. It became a symbol of self-acceptance, empowerment, and the beauty that lies within embracing one's imperfections. Through the power of music, I Kelsy Richardson found strength and confidence, and my crooked smile became a reflection of my unique and beautiful soul.

Why do I think being a Homicide Detective is the best career path I was asked by a teacher after sharing career goals. I felt as if I was doubted because I was a female entering a male dominated field. I live by the word “resilience”. Merriam-Webster, n.d.) “an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change”. In my sophomore year, the separation of my parents and moving to a new country to start a new life started to take a drastic toll on my life. On February 9, 2023, I had an unforgettable experience.I attended school and cried all day, not knowing why or what had happened. Chloe comforted me during school, but it felt useless after I had returned home. The sadness all came back, and I felt like drowning. "If I don't come to school tomorrow, I love you and I appreciate you soo freaking much. I never had anyone to actually take the time out and be there for me like you did, and I value that so much. I love you sleep tight," was the text message Chloe received at 7:58 pm from me. I turned my phone off and proceeded to read a book. Not too long after I had heard knocks on my door, I saw my father, entering with two police officers. I was questioned about self-harm and before I knew it, I had spent 3 days in the Fort Lauderdale Behavioral Center.was a life-altering experience and since that day l've changed for the better. Seeing other young females who have gone through way more than I have, showed me that life is worth it. To me, resilience is picking myself up after failing or an outcome that wasn’t in my favor, stepping out of my comfort zone to be a better person and I will definitely be able to do this in with my career choice. My intended major in college is Criminology. Many people pick careers for monetary purposes, and I fear to be one. I want to be in a job that makes me happy, and I have a true passion for it. Growing up in Jamaica innocent lives were taken and cases went cold. This has fueled my passion and determination to be apart of the solution, working from within the system to make a positive change. I would hate for my loved ones' cases to run cold because of the lack of resources or workers. Families are left without answers and grieve for a lifetime which aches my heart. I always enjoyed watching series like NCIS, CSI, and Law and Order or getting the thrill of solving problems by analyzing evidence and coming to conclusions. With this great passion and skill set I think becoming a Homicide Detective and helping families to get answers will be the right fit for me. with the mindset of wanting to make the world a better place. In hopes of making a change my impact can extend beyond traditional policing. I will advocate for community-based programs that focus on education, youth engagement, and conflict resolution. By working collaboratively with local organizations, schools, and residents, I can help create a safer, more supportive environment. Ultimately, my commitment to law enforcement is not just about enforcing the law but also about empowering her community and fostering a sense of hope and possibility for the future.

Why do I think being a Homicide Detective is the best career path I was asked by a teacher after sharing career goals. I felt as if I was doubted because I was a female entering a male dominated field. I live by the word “resilience”. Merriam-Webster, n.d.) “an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change”. In my sophomore year, the separation of my parents and moving to a new country to start a new life started to take a drastic toll on my life. On February 9, 2023, I had an unforgettable experience.I attended school and cried all day, not knowing why or what had happened. Chloe comforted me during school, but it felt useless after I had returned home. The sadness all came back, and I felt like drowning. "If I don't come to school tomorrow, I love you and I appreciate you soo freaking much. I never had anyone to actually take the time out and be there for me like you did, and I value that so much. I love you sleep tight," was the text message Chloe received at 7:58 pm from me. I turned my phone off and proceeded to read a book. Not too long after I had heard knocks on my door, I saw my father, entering with two police officers. I was questioned about self-harm and before I knew it, I had spent 3 days in the Fort Lauderdale Behavioral Center.was a life-altering experience and since that day l've changed for the better. Seeing other young females who have gone through way more than I have, showed me that life is worth it. To me, resilience is picking myself up after failing or an outcome that wasn’t in my favor, stepping out of my comfort zone to be a better person and I will definitely be able to do this in with my career choice. My intended major in college is Criminology. Many people pick careers for monetary purposes, and I fear to be one. I want to be in a job that makes me happy, and I have a true passion for it. Growing up in Jamaica innocent lives were taken and cases went cold. This has fueled my passion and determination to be apart of the solution, working from within the system to make a positive change. I would hate for my loved ones' cases to run cold because of the lack of resources or workers. Families are left without answers and grieve for a lifetime which aches my heart. I always enjoyed watching series like NCIS, CSI, and Law and Order or getting the thrill of solving problems by analyzing evidence and coming to conclusions. With this great passion and skill set I think becoming a Homicide Detective and helping families to get answers will be the right fit for me. with the mindset of wanting to make the world a better place. In hopes of making a change my impact can extend beyond traditional policing. I will advocate for community-based programs that focus on education, youth engagement, and conflict resolution. By working collaboratively with local organizations, schools, and residents, I can help create a safer, more supportive environment. Ultimately, my commitment to law enforcement is not just about enforcing the law but also about empowering her community and fostering a sense of hope and possibility for the future.

Just keep swimming. I'm a water baby by heart, but the quote mentioned in "Finding Nemo" and my all-time favorite book "It Starts with Us" means much more to me. I've always been the bubbly girl with a smile on her face but, life hit me and hit hard I've never had a stable home until now. At the tender age of 6, I moved from living with my mother in Jamaica to living with my father in Florida. I later moved back to Jamaica to live with my mother at age 10 then back to Florida at age 13. I've been going to therapy which never worked so I turned to journaling as a coping method. My sadness spiraled into self-harm and many different suicidal In my sophomore year, the separation of my parents and moving to a new country to start a new life started to take a drastic toll on my life. On February 9, 2023, I had an unforgettable experience.I attended school and cried all day, not knowing why or what had happened. Chloe comforted me during school, but it felt useless after I had returned home. The sadness all came back, and I felt like drowning. "If I don't come to school tomorrow, I love you and I appreciate you soo freaking much. I never had anyone to actually take the time out and be there for me like you did, and I value that so much. I love you sleep tight," was the text message Chloe received at 7:58 pm from me. I turned my phone off and proceeded to read a book. Not too long after I had heard knocks on my door, I saw my father, entering with two police officers. I was questioned about self-harm and before I knew it, I had spent 3 days in the Fort Lauderdale Behavioral Center. This was a life-altering experience and since that day l've changed for the better. Seeing other young females who have gone through way more than I have, showed me that life is worth it. The past one and a half years have been filled with smiles and making memorable memories. I've learned to overcome my sad phases and found love in writing again. To help others to keep swimming l've volunteered for the past 2 years during my summer breaks answering calls on the suicide prevention hotline. I've started the 'Just Keep Swimming' club at my school for grades 9-12 students who feel as if they're drowning. I've felt at peace and even happier that one quote and one experience has changed my life and is now creating an impact in my school community. I aim to start a non-profit organization for suicide prevention and suicide survivors in the future. My desired major in college is Criminal Justice. As a starter, I'd love to be a School Resource Officer to keep teenagers safe while allowing them to know they have a safe place, and that life is worth swimming for. I also wish to become a Federal Agent with the hope of going back to my birthplace. Watching the news, I've seen how many cases have gone cold or simply not solved, leading to the outcome of victims' families and friends stopping swimming with the belief life isn't worth it. I aspire to make a change in a world filled with crime. I also believe in second chances and many individuals aren't given a second chance of swimming after drowning.

My name is Kelsy Richardson, a proud senior at Dillard High School. My aspiration of becoming a Federal Bureau Detective has motivated me to do all things with remembering the word ‘resilience’. As I attend college in the fall of 2025, I will study criminology or criminal justice. As an advocate of the rights of others but also wanting to make a great change in our world today my career goal is to become a Federal Bureau Detective as stated previously. Being able to change a narrative and working towards justice for others will be my main priority. My love for series like NCIS, CSI, or Law and Order has pushed me to pursue this career as I have seen how victims, survivors, families and the world can be affected by issues. These shows have also showed me how many females are in this field which motivates me to strive for something different. Being a black female in a male dominated work field will open the field for diversity. However, along with that came my own experiences that have driven my passion to create a safer world in my birth country; Jamaica. I’ve always found mystery intriguing and being able to solve a puzzle using evidence to conclude, At the age of 13 while living in Jamaica I lost a close family friend to gun violence. There was no proper investigation which allowed the case to run cold leaving my family and I with no answers. I have also watched the news and bared witness to how many cases have gone unsolved due to the lack of resources and workers. I've never had a stable home until now. At the tender age of 6, I moved from living with my mother in Jamaica to living with my father in Florida. I later moved back to Jamaica to live with my mother at age 10 then back to Florida at age 13. I've been going to therapy which never worked so I turned to journaling as a coping method. My sadness spiraled into self-harm and many different suicide attempts. In my sophomore year, the separation of my parents and moving to a new country to start a new life started to take a drastic toll on my life. On February 9, 2023, I had an unforgettable experience. This journey of creating a better world has already started for me. I was taught to enjoy and appreciate life after a season of depression and being in the Fort Lauderdale Behavorial Center. After my visit to help others to appreciate life I’ve volunteered for the past 2 years during my summer breaks answering calls on the suicide prevention hotline. Finally, “life it comes in waves and it’s full of highs and lows” is a quote from the song ‘Change’ by Louis Knight. I’ve had my fair share of downs and by no means will allow little stumbling stones to stop me from reaching my goals. I expect to face many obstacles, however, separation anxiety is at peak. Being away from family will strike memories of childhood days. To help me overcome this challenging time I have started my preparation already. I take weekends and minor holidays away from my family to be able to train myself to do without the presence constantly. I will also continue journaling each day to express my feelings. As stated before, my core word is resilience. I am a resilient student and will continue to be resilient in all things.

From a young age, science has been one of my favorite subjects. As a student, I enjoy learning new facts, reading, and watching things come to fruition. I get the adrenaline rush of hearing about how to prove theories and the different ways to justify these, which leads to one of the many reasons for wanting a future career in the investigation field. My dream job would be to become a United States agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I’ve always watched the news in Jamaica and seen how the crime increases as time passes as no one cares to take this seriously. Many lives are lost mainly young women and children who have been kidnapped and later had their lives taken adding to other petty crimes. Not many of these crimes get solved and if they are solved it takes an unreasonable number of years to do so. Due to the lack of people of my race or gender working in this field, I have always had a passion for it. I would be delighted and proud to represent black women in America who face different types of issues and go unnoticed or treated as minor things. I believe in equal opportunity and fair treatment, and I believe that solving crime and creating a less prejudiced environment for my race would be a lifelong commitment I am willing to make. I strive to make a difference in any room I step in and working this job would be a great opportunity to make changes. My passion in criminology and forensic science stems from the allowance of being able to seek justice and make a meaningful impact on society. The thrill of solving crimes, the intellectual challenge of analyzing evidence, and the desire to contribute to a safer community are common motivations. A career in this field offers the chance to explore the complexities of human behavior, apply scientific methodologies, and play a crucial role in the criminal justice system. The satisfaction derived from knowing that one’s efforts can bring closure to victims, hold perpetrators accountable, and contribute to the overall safety of a community is a driving force behind this passion. A career in criminology and forensic science also offers diversity in roles and responsibilities. Whether working in a crime lab, analyzing evidence on the field, or conducting research to understand criminal patterns, professionals in this field have the opportunity to specialize and make a unique impact. The dynamic nature of the work keeps individuals engaged, as no two cases are exactly alike, and each presents a new set of challenges. In conclusion, I am passionate about criminology and forensic science because these fields offer a captivating blend of unraveling mysteries, seeking justice, and contributing to the safety of society. The intellectual challenges, diverse career opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact make a career in this field exciting and rewarding for those who are drawn to the intricacies of crime investigation.

"Hands up." the Caucasian male officer yelled at the trembling woman with her kids. At the tender age of just 14, I had to witness an innocent black woman along with her kids be held at gunpoint by male officers in broad daylight. It broke me, seeing how helpless I was and she was suffering from fright for not only her but her kids. She didn't know what would happen next, whether she would die before her children, would her kids die trying to save their mother, or would they all die because of unfair and harsh officers? The crowd stood in shock, some yelling, some recording. My name is Kelsy Richardson a 16-year-old. I enjoy reading and writing descriptive stories. I find peace in nature specifically water. I enjoy late-night walks on the beach by myself or listening to music. I volunteer whenever I can and I have been a strong advocate for gender equality and helping our community be better together. I believe in the quote "Each one can reach one". Growing up in Jamaica I've seen violence in a variety such as; domestic violence, psychological abuse, physical abuse, sexual assault, verbal abuse, gender abuse, child abuse, police brutality and the list goes on. In many instances, justice is never served for the victims and if served it takes a long period. During this period victims face various issues such as depression, fear, anxiety and many more. When I do finish college and I am working in the desired field I hope to make a change for not only females but young adults of both genders making my black community whole. I would love to promote equality and empower colored folks to use their voices when they are wronged. Young adults don't always grow up in a stable home which leads to different negative outcomes and the adolescent gets caught up in the wrong crowd. I would love to mentor and be an outstanding role model working in the law enforcement field allowing adolescents to be vulnerable. Support isn't the highest in the colored community. Many don't believe there is genuine help and some are scared to be vulnerable and ask for help. It's in my interest to start support groups for multiple different causes. I want to create a safe environment for victims who need help on their recovery and healing journey. Not only that but a safe space for engaging with others without feeling helpless and having after-effects take over. Making others feel safe, prioritizing the mental health of victims and ensuring guilty convicts are given the punishment they deserve are my ultimate goals in the future. I wish to achieve each with the help of other workers and believing in myself.