The summer before I attended college, I interned at the City of Columbia Public Relations Department. To say the summer changed my life would be an understatement. I fell in love with Public Relations through the elements of writing, public speaking, and creative design. The week after college started, I made one of the biggest decisions of my academic career: I changed my major from Biology to Mass Communications. Now a senior at Claflin University and a four-year intern with the City of Columbia, I aspire to become a crisis communications professional and eventually establish my own Public Relations and Marketing firm. My passion for communications extends beyond my career choice. I want to use my platform to advocate for communities where voices are overlooked. As an older sister to someone with nonverbal autism, I have seen firsthand the importance of representation. Being a caregiver is not for the faint of heart; it requires sacrifice, commitment, and unconditional love. My brother has taught me that having a voice does not always mean being able to speak, and that those who cannot communicate still deserve to be heard. My experiences at Claflin University and with the City of Columbia have given me the skills to start acting. I hope to build a career where I can collaborate with creative brands and influencers to encourage them to use their platforms for advocacy. Women, people with disabilities, and other marginalized communities deserve greater visibility and representation. Ultimately, I hope to become a Public Relations director and create change and purpose. The How She Works Scholarship for Women’s Education would help me continue pursuing these goals as I prepare to attend graduate school to study Strategic Communication Management. I believe women have always had brilliant ideas; sometimes, they simply need the resources to bring those ideas to life. Changing my major taught me that the path we imagine for ourselves isn't always the path that's taken. From biology to a field where I can combine my personal creativity, passion for people, and communication background, the unexpected change gave me the lesson of trusting myself. I hope to one day become a mentor to young women who are still discovering their voices. My career will reflect more than success; it will reflect purpose. Whether I am helping a small business find its voice, supporting a message, or assisting with a crisis, I want my work to remind others that their experience and story are valued. The support of this scholarship would be one step closer to becoming the advocate I aspire to be.

When I was thirteen, I was diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety. With the thralls of my parents on-off again marriage and my younger brother’s journey with nonverbal autism, isolating myself was my pastime. I loved being by myself, talking to myself, and doing what I loved to do without my peers. It wasn’t until I saw my mom try in the therapist’s waiting room that I realized: Me being alone made me happy, but others sad. My journey with depression and anxiety followed me through high school as I became Sophomore Class, Junior Class, and soon after Student Body President. I thrived. I loved being social. I loved being at the top of my class and the Speaker at graduation. It wasn’t until college that I crashed. My first semester to be exact. I wasn’t sure if it was the 20-pound weight loss or the never leaving the dorm room that alerted my mother first. By March 2024, I was a online student until the following fall. This small synopsis of my story is just a drop of water in a river of my mental health journey. There have been periods oin my life when anxiety made me question why I was in the room I was standing in and if I was worthy. As a senior preparing for graduation, I feel the pressure to have every step of my life planned. PR Career. Husband. Kids. Maybe a dog or two. It fits like a rotation in my head like the Lord’s Prayer. I have to achieve it or I am nothing. Through faith and my mom’s constant guidance, I’ve practiced the way I approach my relationships and mindset. I have become my intentional about the people I allow in my life and more aware of finding time of me. Everyone is carrying an invisible weight no limited to grief, sadness, or anxiety. Mental health has taught me the power of grace. Extending and establishing grace within myself and my loved ones. As my beloved professor and Soror says, “It could take everything a person has just for them to show up in the morning.” My mental health jounral has also influenced my aspirations. I want to build a career in public relations and strategic communication where I can use storytelling and communication to make communities feel heard. I’m specifically passionate about advocacy, as a caregiver to my teenage autistic brother. It’s important to me personally and professional to create a space for communities who are marginalized and need resources. As I move toward graduation and soon graduate school where I plan to study Strategic Communication Management, I know there will be more expectations and worries. But I no longer see my river as something that could overflow. I see it as a waterfall: still powerful, sometimes unpredictable, but capable of creating something admirable. Mental health, managing my own and learning of others’ stories has made me more compassionate, intentional and aware of the woman I strive to become. My worth is not measure by my success or a timeline, but because I showed up today. I will continue to.

As the daughter and granddaughter of public school educators, I grew up understanding that hard work was not optional; it was expected. When allowed before my junior year to enroll in AP Language and Composition, I chose the challenge. Having taken honors courses since sixth grade, I wanted to push myself while expanding my love for reading and writing. The course built mt critical thinking skills and taught me how to analyze literature and rhetoric. The next year, I decided to take four Dual Enrollment courses (English 101, 102, Public Speaking, and Sociology 101) while in high school. This included commuting to the mall and back to school to continue my high school courses, which required time management. These classes introduced me to college-level expectations early on. I learned to seek answers independently and take personal ownership of my education. By the time I arrived at Claflin University, I felt prepared to handle the rigor of college coursework. Today, those lessons are reflected in my 3.95 GPA and my commitment to academic excellence. These experiences also taught me the importance of kindness. Many of my classes depended on collaboration and group discussions. Getting into the routine of hearing different perspectives, I learned that success is about helping others reach success, not just relishing in your own. I currently mentor young girls through Black Girls Clubhouse, serve my community through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and support others by asking what they need from me. I have learned that service and sisterhood require intentionality, empathy, and a desire to give back without expecting anything in return. My goal is to use public relations as a tool to help others raise their voice. While education has always been valued in my family, finances have still shaped my path to higher education. Claflin University was not my first choice HBCU; however, it offered the financial support that makes earning my degree possible. Raised by a single mother who also cares for my nonverbal sibling with special needs, I have witnessed the sacrifices my mom made for me to thrive in every room I step into. From working summer school to staying up until 3 am looking over my college applications, my mom is the epitome of grace and support. Throughout college, I have worked during each school term and summer to help cover expenses while maintaining a 3.95 GPA. This summer, I am balancing a public relations internship and a part-time retail position while also saving for graduate school. Receiving this scholarship would help alleviate the financial burden of college tuition and allow me to remain committed to serving others and pursuing my undergrad and master’s degrees.

When I read The Bluest Eye at eighteen, I was struck by how Pecola Breedlove internalized the ugliness around her as a flaw in herself. She was introduced to the ugliness of the world and came to believe that she was the ugly one. Her heartbreaking story forced me to reckon with the messages young Black girls and women receive about beauty and worth since birth. The automatic assumption that we are subjected to second place in girlhood, motherhood, and womanhood. It creates an invisible fence trapping us from reaching our dreams and opportunities as Black women. I’ve felt the fear of climbing over that fence only to be met with chances that have shaped me into the confident woman I am today. Morrison’s writing the story in the eyes of a young Black girl makes the reality even more damning. Now in 2026, we are met with prejudiced suspicions, generalizations, and emotional policing. At 18, it challenged me to think about my own impact as a young public relations professional to create brands and messages that excite and uplifts black women of all ages. My own experiences with feeling pressure to change my appearance or interests to fit into a box motivate me to believe that women deserve messages that affirm their individuality. James Baldwin’s If Beale Street Could Talk offered a different take on the Black experience. Now at the age of 21, I decided to read this novel in part because I fell in love with Baldwin’s prose in Go Tell It On The Mountain. Through young Tish’s perspective, Baldwin centers a love story in the face of injustice. While Fonny was punished by the legal system for a crime he did not commit, Tish and their families do not forget his humanity. As an eldest daughter, I connected deeply with the protective love and instincts of her mother and sister, Sharon and Ernestine. The beauty of the community is that it is not passive; it’s ever-changing and willing to mold into the support one needs in a time of despair. My family throughout my college matriculation has been my backbone and place of refuge. Baldwin’s poignant portrayal of two distinct families created a transformation in how Tish viewed the world as she was about to welcome her unborn child. These novels are one of many that have shaped the impact I will make on the world. Through mentorship and advocacy, I want to work with Black and brown communities - especially Black girls to recognize their value before media defines it for them. Through my career, sorority, and personal life journey, I plan to continue being a teacher and a scholar. I will strive to create an environment for young Black girls and other communities to feel safe and secure in their thinking and beliefs. As does life, Morrison and Baldwin showed me that stories reveal painful truths, but can blossom into the change we would like to see.

When I was sixteen, my faith became less about routine and more about survival. My younger brother, Bryan, who was twelve at the time, was suddenly hospitalized. No one knew what was wrong. Because Bryan is nonverbal and autistic, he couldn’t explain what he was feeling or where he hurt, which made the situation even more frightening for my parents. My parents spent long nights at the hospital with him. During my Dad's work breaks, my mom would quickly come home to shower and grab clothes to leave with. While they searched for answers, I stayed home alone. For the first time, I truly understood how heavy uncertainty could feel. Those nights were some of the loneliest I remember. I was still a teenager—emotional and overwhelmed —while worried for my brother. I love Bryan immensely, but at the time, I felt isolated. Growing up, I was used to Bryan needing more attention, and I never resented him for it. Still, I was in the process of becoming my own person, learning who I was, and navigating my own emotions. Doing that while being physically separated from my parents made the experience despondent. The house felt too quiet, and my thoughts felt impossibly loud. What carried me through that season was not only personal prayer, but the way my faith was reflected through the actions of others. My church family and close friends showed up in ways I never expected. They took me to school when my parents couldn’t. They brought meals so I wouldn’t have to worry about feeding myself. They checked in on me consistently, not just to ask about Bryan’s condition, but to make sure I was okay too. Even now, thinking about those small but meaningful gestures still brings me to tears. One of the most powerful moments during that time was witnessing prayer circles formed specifically for Bryan. These were the people who watched my mom grow up, my parents marry, and their family begin to grow. People who loved our family gathered together, speaking his name in prayer and believing in his healing even when doctors did not yet have clear answers. Seeing that kind of faith in action reminded me that belief is not passive—it is lived out through presence and pure love. In those moments, I felt a renewed sense of hope, even when the situation felt completely out of my control. This experience challenged my faith because it forced me to confront emotions I didn’t think I was allowed to feel—anger, fear, and loneliness. I was raised to never question and simply trust in Him. But in seasons when someone you love is in trouble, how can you simply let go? I questioned why this was happening to Bryan and why I felt so alone. Over time, I realized that faith does not mean avoidance. Instead, it means trusting that God is present even when life feels unfair and painful. It means leaning on a community that reflects God’s love when your own strength begins to falter. By the time Bryan returned home, I had changed. I understood faith less as a set of rituals and more as something communal, active, and deeply personal. That season taught me that relying on faith does not always look like having all the answers. Sometimes, it looks like allowing yourself to accept love from others and trusting that God is at work even in moments of fear and uncertainty.

One of the most important moments I had to use my voice was when I had to advocate for my brother, who is nonverbal and has autism. About a month ago, his usual mode of transportation was unexpectedly canceled, and he needed to get to school on time. After speaking with my mom, who was already at work, I got him dressed and into the car. Because of his needs and current safety concerns, he couldn’t navigate the school alone, and he had to pass through security. The school receptionist insisted that he be taken into the front of the school first and then driven to the back where his teacher could meet him. Throughout our childhood, my brother Bryan hasn't anyways been to most accepting to changes. He's a routine person and if one thing is off, his mood changes. I knew that if I didn’t step in, he might be denied entry or face unnecessary stress and confusion. As we approached the security checkpoint, the security detail explained I had to let go of his hand. Blinking back tears and frustration, I relented. Seeing my brother look scared and alone as wands went over my body pulled a deep, protective instinct out of me. For as long as he’s been alive, I’ve wanted to shield him from the everyday hurts and harshness of the world. In that moment, I was angry and wanted to take him back home, but seeing his face light up when he saw his classroom removed all of that fear and frustration. Watching him love school made me feel proud and happy as a big sister, and it reinforced the importance of advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves. I took a deep breath and calmly explained his situation to the school security, advocating for his needs and insisting that he be allowed in safely. At first, I felt nervous and frustrated, unsure if my voice would carry the weight needed to protect him. But as I spoke with persistence, I realized the power of advocacy and how confidence, paired with empathy, can influence outcomes. Not only did my brother get to school safely and on time, but I also learned that communication is about more than just words—it is about composure and creating understanding. This experience shaped my understanding of leadership and confidence. I realized that using your voice effectively sometimes means remaining patient and trusting that your message matters. It taught me that advocating for others requires not just speaking, but listening, observing, and responding thoughtfully. I also discovered that my voice can be a tool for empowerment—not only for myself but for those who cannot advocate for themselves. In the future, I hope to continue using this skill through public relations and advocacy work. I want to create campaigns that elevate marginalized communities, support the disability community, and educate the public. I also plan to mentor young Black students, helping them recognize their voices and empowering them to use them effectively. Speaking up for Bryan throughout my life has shown me the impact of advocacy and given me confidence in my ability to speak, lead, and create change. It reinforced that when we use our voices for others, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives and in the community.

"If you want to fly, you have to give up the things that weigh you down." – Toni Morrison Ever since high school, I knew I wanted to attend an HBCU. I was drawn to the sense of family, the celebration of Black excellence, and the opportunity to learn in a space where my identity would be affirmed. Claflin University was the perfect fit—both academically and geographically. I love that as a liberal arts institution, I can explore courses like Civil Rights and Intro to the Black Church alongside my major, giving me a well-rounded perspective on history, culture, and social responsibility. My journey to public relations began the summer before college, when I interned at the City of Columbia Public Relations, Media, and Marketing Department. That experience changed everything. I realized how much I loved storytelling and advocacy, which led me to switch my major from Biology to Mass Communications. I discovered that through public relations, I could combine creativity with purpose—shaping messages that educate, inspire, and amplify voices that are often overlooked. Service has always been central to my life. As a child, I began volunteering at my great aunt’s church, helping with programs and events that supported our community. In high school, I expanded my service through the nonprofit Black Girls Clubhouse, where I spent weekends mentoring Black girls in grades one through five. These experiences taught me the importance of guidance and leadership. They sparked my lifelong commitment to using my time, skills, and energy to lift others up, especially young black girls. They inspired my goal of continuing to mentor young Black students as I pursue my career. My personal experiences also fuel my passion for advocacy. My brother, Bryan, who lives with nonverbal autism, has shaped my understanding of resilience, empathy, and the need for equitable representation. Through a public relations career, I want to help companies use their platforms to educate the public, encourage marginalized voices, and advocate for the disability community. I hope to craft campaigns for brands that highlight kindness, equity, and awareness—ensuring that all individuals are celebrated and seen. Being Black means resilience, creativity, and pride. It means showing up for your community and letting your individuality shine. As a spring 2025 initiate of the Gamma Chi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., I have deepened my love for service while learning the importance of consistency and purpose toward progress. Advocacy is not always easy, but it is always worth it. Financial independence is equally important to me because it allows me to support my family and create a sustainable impact. I want to provide for my brother as he transitions into young adulthood, retire my mother, who has been a dedicated educator for over thirty years, and ensure that the sacrifices my family has made are honored. Financial peace would allow me to focus on building a career that aligns with my values while investing in the communities I care about. My long-term goal is to combine public relations with entrepreneurship by founding my own nonprofit organization. I want to create opportunities for Black women and other BIPOC professionals who are seeking spaces to work creatively and meaningfully. Through this organization, I hope to provide mentorship, training, and employment while promoting social impact initiatives, particularly in the areas of education, disability advocacy, and community empowerment. Attending Claflin University has given me the foundation, perspective, and "Claflin Confidence" to turn these aspirations into reality. Through my education, sorority involvement, and professional experiences, I am learning how to uplift those around me. My dream is to become a Public Relations Director who uses strategic communication and narrative storytelling to shine a light on communities that are often overlooked, while also building generational wealth, mentorship pipelines, and philanthropic impact for those who need it most.

Financial peace is important to me because it allows for clarity, intention, and long-term planning rather than decisions driven by immediate financial pressure. Growing up in a single-parent household, I witnessed firsthand how carefully finances had to be managed. My mother, an educator of over thirty years, raised two children on one income while also caring for my sibling who is nonverbal with autism. Although education was always emphasized in our home, financial stress was a constant reality, shaping how I experienced young adult life and approached opportunities. As a college student, financial pressure continues to influence my choices. I pursue internships not only for professional development, but also to ensure I have the financial resources needed at the start of each semester. Income from internships helps cover essential expenses such as textbooks, academic supplies, and personal costs such as groceries that extend beyond tuition. While these experiences are valuable, balancing work and academics out of necessity can be overwhelming. Financial peace would allow me to choose internships based solely on alignment with my career goals, mentorship opportunities, and growth potential rather than financial survival. If I had no financial stressors today, I would make more intentional decisions regarding how many degrees I want to pursue and where I am willing to travel for communication-related opportunities. I plan on attaining my Master's in Strategic Communication after my undergraduate degree. I would invest more of my current income into certifications and professional training in social media strategy and public relations, strengthening my skill set without hesitation. These investments would allow me to remain competitive and innovative in a constantly evolving field. Even now, I plan to pursue multiple sources of income that satisfy both my creative and financial needs, including teaching introductory communication courses, event planning, public relations and branding work, and mood board–based brand development for small companies. Financial peace would allow these roles to be chosen strategically for growth, flexibility, and long-term impact rather than out of necessity alone. Looking toward my future, financial peace would empower me to invest with purpose. I would invest more confidently in stocks to build long-term stability and generational security. Additionally, financial stability would allow me to invest in my future children and support philanthropic causes that are meaningful to me, particularly initiatives related to autism and sickle cell disease—communities that are deeply personal to my life experiences. My childhood taught me that financial stress is not just a burden, but a force that influences opportunity, stability, and well-being. Financial peace represents freedom—the freedom to learn, grow, give, and plan without constraint. It would allow me to honor my mother’s sacrifices while building a future defined by intention, service, and lasting impact.

The person who has had the biggest impact on my life is my mom—who is also my best friend. She is the one who taught me how to read and write, instilling in me a lifelong love of literacy and learning. From as early as I can remember, she nurtured my curiosity, encouraged my ambitions, and celebrated my accomplishments, big and small. She makes me laugh harder than anyone else, and those moments of joy have always reminded me that strength and resilience can coexist with lightheartedness and humor. Her influence reaches far beyond academics. My mom’s strength and perseverance became even more evident during her divorce and as a single mother raising two children, including my brother, Bryan, who is nonverbal and has autism. She balanced the responsibilities of work, home, and advocacy for my brother with unwavering dedication. Watching her navigate these challenges taught me the meaning of resilience, patience, and unconditional love. Her example inspired my commitment to mentorship and advocacy, as I have witnessed firsthand how determination and care can transform lives. Her strength is also reflected in her compassion and service to others. In 2020, her best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer, and my mom stood beside her through treatment and recovery. In tribute, we began walking in the annual breast cancer walk in Augusta, Georgia. This tradition has become a meaningful way for us to honor resilience, celebrate survivors, and give back to the community—a living example of the values she embodies. Her guidance has shaped not only my personal growth but also my goals. Following her example, I joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, embracing leadership, sisterhood, and community service. She showed me that service is a responsibility, that advocacy is powerful, and that laughter is a form of resilience. Beyond her lessons in literacy and ethics, she has taught me emotional intelligence, compassion, and the courage to face life’s challenges with integrity and optimism. Her influence also extends to my professional aspirations. Inspired by her example, I have pursued roles that allow me to mentor, advocate, and communicate purposefully—from serving as Lead Mentor for Black Girls Clubhouse to working in public relations, where I aim to elevate underrepresented voices and promote Black-owned brands. Every initiative I take on, every story I tell, is informed by her lessons: to lead with purpose, to uplift those around me. Ultimately, my mom has shown me that strength is not the absence of struggle, but the ability to persevere with grace and love. Her guidance, humor, and unwavering dedication have shaped the person I am today and continue to inspire the person I strive to become. Through her, I have learned the power of literacy, advocacy, and laughter, and I hope to carry her legacy forward in both my personal and professional life.

Literacy has been a guiding force in my life since I was a child. My mother, a dedicated teacher since 2002, was the one who taught me how to read and write, and I learned to read by the age of three. From that moment, books became my constant companions, offering both knowledge and comfort. Literacy has opened doors to imagination, self-expression, and understanding; it has equipped me to navigate challenges and communicate effectively, both academically and personally. The ability to read and write has not only shaped my education but also strengthened my relationships, allowing me to connect deeply with others through storytelling and conversation. Picture books, in particular, have held a special place in my life. Even as a young child, I was captivated by their illustrations and narratives. They taught me to observe, empathize, and imagine perspectives beyond my own. The combination of words and images helped me make sense of the world and develop a love for storytelling that has never waned. This love for literacy and storytelling has influenced my life goals profoundly. My ultimate dream is to work in communications and public relations while also creating my own picture book based on my experience as a big sister to my brother, Bryan, who is nonverbal and has autism. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the sacrifices, challenges, and immense love involved in caring for a disabled sibling. Our parents’ divorce and our subsequent move to another state further highlighted the resilience and adaptability required in our family. Through these experiences, I realized the power of narrative in shaping understanding, empathy, and advocacy. I have also applied my love of storytelling to creative writing projects. In 2024, I wrote a mock script for Abbott Elementary for the Television Academy writing competition. This experience allowed me to practice translating real-life observation and humor into engaging dialogue and character development, reinforcing my skills in narrative structure, pacing, and communication. The process reminded me that storytelling—whether in a picture book, script, or public relations campaign—requires empathy and an understanding of the audience. Creating a picture book about my journey with Bryan is more than a personal project—it is a mission to educate, inspire, and support families navigating similar experiences. I hope to offer children and caregivers a resource that normalizes disability, celebrates sibling relationships, and demonstrates that love and understanding can flourish even in difficult circumstances. Literacy, particularly through picture books, provides the perfect medium to communicate this message in a way that is accessible, heartfelt, and enduring. Receiving this award would support my endeavors by helping me pursue both my educational and creative goals. It would provide resources and recognition to continue honing my skills in communication and storytelling while working toward producing a picture book and exploring other creative projects that positively impact communities. Literacy has been a lifelong gift, and I am committed to using it to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, families, and communities who need these stories most.

Service has been a constant presence in my life, shaping who I am long before I understood it as “community engagement.” I was introduced to service through my great aunt and uncle, who own and lead a church. From a young age, I watched them open their doors to anyone in need—feeding the hungry, clothing families during winter months, and offering support without judgment. Growing up in that environment taught me that service is not performative or seasonal; it is a responsibility rooted in compassion, faith, and consistency. Those early lessons followed me into my own acts of service. I have volunteered in homeless shelters serving food, participated in clothing drives to support community members during colder months, and consistently sought opportunities to give back. However, my understanding of servitude deepened even further through my family. My brother has special needs, and advocating for him has shown me how easily vulnerable individuals can be overlooked. Being his sister taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of speaking up for those who may not always have the opportunity or platform to do so themselves. One of the most meaningful ways I have made a positive impact in my community is through my role as Lead Mentor with Black Girls Clubhouse, where I have completed 121 hours of service. In this role, I mentor young Black girls through academic support, leadership discussions, and confidence-building activities. Many of the girls I work with are navigating environments where they may not always feel seen, heard, or affirmed. I make it a priority to create a space where they feel safe to express themselves, ask questions, and envision futures that reflect their full potential. One moment that stands out to me was leading a discussion focused on self-esteem and identity. Several of the girls shared insecurities about their appearance, intelligence, and sense of belonging. Through open conversation, encouragement, and shared experiences, I watched their confidence begin to grow. Seeing them leave that space standing taller, speaking more boldly, and supporting one another reminded me why servitude matters. Impact does not always come from grand gestures—it often comes from consistency, presence, and care. Service is deeply personal to me because it reflects my upbringing, my family, and my values. Whether I am mentoring young girls, advocating for my brother, or serving my community, I lead with empathy and purpose. I am committed to continuing this work throughout my life, using my voice, skills, and compassion to uplift those around me and create lasting, positive change.

Every time I type a story or script, I picture myself hitting the keys on a piano to create a melody. My song begins in Columbia, South Carolina. Being the daughter of a public school teacher, reading and storytelling was a given. My mother raised me and my autistic nonverbal brother on her own with my brother needing 24/7 care. I learned that sometimes when things are hard, you really need something funny. So I would watch other kids and parents at my brother’s therapy appointments and make hypotheticals as to what they were doing that day. It was funny as well as a way to cope with my atypical life. In addition to making up stories in my head, watching shows on television has been both an inspiration and an outlet for me in life. Being introverted and having a tendency to overanalyze, I love comedy shows that are carefree and silly. Shows like Atypical and Abbott Elementary speak to me personally because of my mother’s teaching and my brother’s disability. For just thirty or sixty minutes, I wasn’t reminded of my teenage struggles. In junior year of high school, I decided to turn my knack for making up stories into storytelling for television. I started by writing scripts and short stories. Now as an HBCU student, I write everyday, including a current script about young black women on the road to success in the media industry. There’s something cathartic about forming a story. And if you have an atypical life like mine there's someone out there who will understand and relate. With this opportunity, I hope to learn how to write powerful and effective stories. I hope to build bonds with television greats and creators. Everyone has a story to be told. Writing is the first step.

Ever since high school, I knew I wanted to go to an HBCU. I loved the aspect of family and black excellence, and Claflin University was the perfect option, both academically and geographically. I love being at a liberal arts school where I can take courses like Civil Rights and Intro to the Black Church alongside my major. The summer before I attended college, I interned at the City of Columbia Public Relations, Media, and Marketing Department, and it changed everything. I switched my major from Biology to Mass Communications after realizing how much I love storytelling and advocacy. My brother Bryan, who lives with a disability, has deeply influenced my passion for activism and advocacy. Through a Public Relations career, I want to help companies use their platforms to educate the public and encourage marginalized voices, especially the disability community. I hope to work alongside brands to create campaigns that showcase kindness, equity, and awareness. Being black means being resilient, creative, and proud. It’s showing up for your community and letting your individuality shine bright. As Corresponding Secretary for the Gamma Chi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., I’ve learned how important it is to stay consistent and have purpose toward progress. I understand advocacy isn’t easy, but it is always worth it. My dream is to become a Public Relations Director who uplifts, empowers, and promotes communities who need it most. Those who live with disabilities should be celebrated and seen, just like anyone else.

When my mother, an elementary school teacher, taught me how to read and write, I learned the power of education. Growing up with a single mother and a brother with special needs taught me the value of independence, empathy, and communication. These lessons shaped my passion for learning, leading, and most importantly—advocating for others. Growing up, I always prioritized my school work and extracurricular activities. College has been a time for me to explore my career options and find something that I can both learn from and love. I’ve utilized leadership skills from my high school career and Public Relations internship at the City of Columbia as a guide throughout my education. I dream of becoming a Public Relations director, using my platform to partner with well-known companies and amplify the voices of disabled and other marginalized groups. I hope to advocate and encourage other creative companies or persons to use their platform to help those who can’t speak for themselves. Having a brother with special needs, I understand the importance of communication. I also know what it is like to be independent from a young age. I’ve always been passionate when it comes to advocacy for those who can’t protect or communicate for themselves. Those who have disorders, disabilities, or diseases deserve the same rights as anyone else in society. It’s important to comprehend that our abilities of talking, walking, and having good health are also reasons why we should be grateful and serve others. Service has always been an integral part of my family values. I have been raised to be grateful for what I have been blessed to have and to do what I can to help others that are not as blessed as me. My grandmother opened her home to neighbors, church members, and coworkers who may have needed a warm meal or a compassionate ear. As a family, we gathered canned goods, and clothing to donate to shelters. I learned from a young age that helping others doesn't just benefit the people you help; it also makes my heart feel amazing. Service fulfills something deeply meaningful to me. I have learned that serving isn’t just giving tangible things. I can serve others with my time, talents, and leadership. As a volunteer and Lead Peer Mentor with The Black Girls Clubhouse, I enjoy being a mentor to young girls. My goal is to encourage these young girls to set goals, work hard, and accomplish their dreams. I share my experiences as a leader in school (Corresponding Secretary of the Gamma Chi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, Second Vice President of P.L.U.S. Positive, and member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, and Girls Trek).

Serving others has always been an integral part of my family values. I have been raised to be grateful for what I have been blessed to have and to do what I can to help others that are not as blessed as me. My grandmother opened her home to neighbors, church members, and coworkers who may have needed a warm meal or a compassionate ear. As a family, we gathered canned goods, and clothing to donate to shelters. I learned from a young age that helping others doesn't just benefit the people you help; it also makes my heart feel amazing. For about three years, I’ve served as Lead Mentor for the nonprofit Black Girls Clubhouse Incorporated. My initiative is to encourage these young girls to set goals, work hard, and accomplish their dreams. I feel that mentorship is powerful to make an impact in someone’s life. I understand how it feels to be a sibling and caregiver to someone with a disability. I understand the struggles of growing pains as a black girl. I have empathy for those who are so young but have adult tasks placed on their shoulders. My goal is to continue to be a guide and role model to those who have similar circumstances through being a Public Relations professional. I plan to assist nonprofits and businesses whose main goal is to serve communities in need. I plan to continue to volunteer with food banks and mentor young people in my adult life.

I feel that my life truly started when I moved to South Carolina from Georgia. After my brother was diagnosed with non-verbal autism, my mother raised me and my autistic nonverbal brother on her own with my brother needing 24/7 care. I held resentment towards my brother and mom for a while. Around this time, I had to help my mother with tasks while she worked double shifts. This included giving my brother his medicine, putting him to bed, and even feeding him. I believe these tasks connected me more to my brother and made me a protector. It wasn’t until my teenage years that I understood that I had to persevere and be an advocate for my brother. My mother tends to my brother while being a full-time school teacher. I’ve grown to admire my mother for providing for my brother and I even today. I also used giving back to the community and church as an outlet. I served in community activities such as Girl Scouts and Delta GEMS. I also served as President of Bluff Road United Methodist Church Youth at Bluff Road United Methodist Church for two years. In college, I hope to continue in leadership roles and community service. For about three years, I’ve served as Lead Mentor for the nonprofit Black Girls Clubhouse Incorporated and Publicity Chair for two clubs on campus. My goal is to encourage these young girls to set goals, work hard, and accomplish their dreams. I feel that mentorship is powerful to make an impact in someone’s life. I understand how it feels to be a sibling and caregiver to someone with a disability. I have empathy for those who are so young but have adult tasks placed on their shoulders. My goal is to continue to be a guide and role model to those who have similar circumstances through being a Public Relations professional. My faith has been the one stable source in my life that I continuously rely on. It has lifted me and given peace to my life. Even though my life has been atypical, I thank God every day for my circumstances. I’m grateful to be able to give back to my community and for the chance of college even though I am a single mother. As I matriculate through college, I plan to apply God’s lessons that he’s taught me in every season of my life.

I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety my freshman year of college. This wasn’t a complete shock to me as I was crossing a major milestone in my life and moving away from home. However, my diagnoses made it a tougher challenge to branch out in college. I would overthink assignments and even change my major multiple times before settling on one. I struggled staying on campus and stayed dependent on phone calls home to feel relaxed. I also had a rooming situation that made it difficult to find a sense of self and privacy. My weight fluctuated throughout the year which led to multiple doctors visits. After speaking with my parents and physician, I ended up moving back home after my Fall semester freshman year. Returning back to campus my Sophomore year inspired me to begin therapy. I had my apprehensions of venting and expressing my issues to someone I wasn’t familiar with. Now, I feel it’s easier to speak to someone who specializes in women’s mental health. Therapy is a step that I will continue well into my womanhood. My diagnosis even inspired me to commit to a Psychology minor. During my second semester, I took a Mental Health course. The class opened my eyes to the complexities of mental health and how it can affect your everyday life. One thing we learned is to stay in tune with nature. In psychology, when a person has a fear or difficulty with a new thing, it’s best to start small and build their way up. I started going on small walks around a park track or around the block of my neighborhood. I wouldn’t listen to music or a podcast, instead I listened to natural sound. It made me feel grounded in a fascinating way. Last week, I ran 5 miles with my mother, making it almost a year of running. I find peace also in writing scripts, graphic design, as well as reading. In the African American community, mental health is something that isn't talked about openly. Whenever a child or even an adult goes to talk about how they've been feeling to an elder, they are always greeted with the same response: "Go pray about it." While prayer is a big part of my life, it took me a while to understand my feelings and how not to immediately rationalize them. I would immediately cry it out and then continue with my day like I still did not have pent-up emotions stuck inside. In school, there are so many expectations put on children daily, big and small. When you are part of a minority both gender and race-wise, the expectations begin to stack up and you immediately feel that you aren't doing your best. I find myself still feeling this way. As a young black woman, I always try to support the action of seeking mental health in BIPOC and young people communities. Mental health is a topic that is just now picking up traction in news cycles and schools worldwide. I hope to continue finding ways to advocate for mental health as well as checking in internally with myself. College has been a journey that I will always remember because of my strength and courage to seek help.

My parents separated when I was seven years old. That summer day in 2012 changed everything. From then on, my mom became my sole provider, moving us from Georgia to South Carolina. This was also around the time we found out my younger brother has severe nonverbal autism. Being a second grader, I didn’t understand the complexity of the situation and the stress my mother went through. I held resentment towards my brother and mom for a while after the move. I felt that my life was uprooted and would never amount to the happiness I had in Georgia. It wasn’t until my teenage years when I understood that I had to persevere and be an advocate for my brother. Around this time, I had to help my mother with tasks while she worked double shifts. This included giving my brother his medicine, putting him to bed, and even feeding him. I believe these tasks connected me more to my brother and made me a protector. Now, I have the utmost respect and gratitude for my mom who continues to show up for my brother and I every day. I feel that mentorship is powerful to make an impact in someone’s life. For about five years, I have been a mentor for young black girls through the nonprofit organization Black Girls Clubhouse. I understand how it feels to be a sibling and caregiver to someone with a disability. I have empathy for those who are so young but have adult tasks placed on their shoulders. My goal is to continue to be a guide and role model to those who have similar circumstances through being a Public Relations professional.

When I was elected as Student Body President, the first question that I asked myself was what I could do for my school and the people in it. I talked to past Student Body Presidents and teachers about their experience and what they think the school needed. I have learned that serving isn’t just giving tangible things. I can serve others with my time and my talents. I have been blessed to be able to excel academically and in leadership positions in and out of school. I started volunteering with The Black Girls Clubhouse last summer. I enjoyed being a mentor to young girls and wanted to continue to encourage these young girls to set goals, work hard, and accomplish their dreams. I share my experiences as a leader in high school (NJROTC Cadet Lieutenant, Student Body President, and National Honor Society Parliamentarian), community activities (Girls Scouts, Delta GEMS, Youth Choir, President of Bluff Road United Methodist Church Youth), and advice in hopes to inspire them to be their best selves. The summer before I attended college, I interned at the City of Columbia Public Relations, Media, and Marketing Department. For the longest time, I always wanted to be a surgeon. However, I fell in love with Public Relations and later changed my major to Mass Communications. I feel that with public relations, I can help different companies and brands raise awareness on several issues that the general public may not be educated about or may experience. Social justice issues like women’s rights, police brutality, and the Gender Pay Gap are discussions that could promote change if marketed the right way. I feel that when the audience can relate, they are more likely to engage. I hope to advocate and encourage other creative companies or persons to use their platform to help those who can’t speak for themselves. I’ve always been passionate when it comes to advocacy for those who can’t protect or communicate for themselves. Using the skills that I’ve learned in leadership positions like Student Government, I know that I have to be persistent with this goal in order to see progress. I understand that it will not be easy but it will be worth it. Those who have disorders, disabilities, or diseases deserve the same rights as anyone else in society. It’s important to understand that our abilities of talking, walking, and having good health are also reasons why we should be grateful and serve others. I dream of becoming a Public Relations director to use my platform to advocate and commerce with different well-known companies so that women, the disabled, and other marginalized groups can have a voice.

Ever since high school, I knew I wanted to go to an HBCU. I started getting the exposure through field trips and different representatives visiting. I loved the aspect of family and black excellence. When I started my college application process, I knew that I wanted to stay near home but not to close. I also wanted to go to a school that wasn’t huge in size so it could still have a “home” feeling to it. Claflin University was the perfect option, in both academics and geography. I love being at a liberal arts school where I can take my classes for my major as well be exposed to other areas of expertise. I know that at no other place would be able to take classes titled "Civil Rights and Black Nationalism" or "The Introduction to the Black Church". At an HBCU, there is a feeling of familiarity and fellowship. It's a feeling of knowing you're seen and welcomed. Words cannot express the pride I feel knowing that every professor that I have has a Doctoral Degree and looks like me. I have created connections and mentorships this past year with elders and young people just a few years older than me. At Claflin, they have the phrase "Claflin Confidence". It's the confidence to go out into the world after matriculation knowing your history and making a legacy as a Claflin Alum. While I'm only a Sophomore, I feel that my HBCU gives me confidence everyday to be great.

People often believe that the older a book is, the less meaning it has. The worst part about it is that people often stop reading because they believe this to be true. While some books may go out of style, Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird and Angie Thomas’ The Hate U Give will outlive us not just in the classroom but in society. The main device that Harper Lee perfectly uses is perspective. In society today, everything is about perspective. Between a political debate at the dinner table or explaining to your grandparent why she can not say some things that were “acceptable” 30 years ago, today, everything is about perspective. In To Kill A Mockingbird, the main perspective comes from Scout, a young girl who lives in Maycomb, Alabama. As the book continues, we see her “innocent but tough” demeanor at first turn into an “insightful yet just” approach to life. Because the setting of the book is in the Southern 1930s, we don’t have to question how their community was. However, we never question Scout and her family’s beliefs, especially her father Atticus, a lawyer whose neighbors grow to hate when he agrees to represent a black man accused of raping a white woman. From the perspective of Scout, we see children at her and her brother’s school call her father words that to this day sting. As the audience, we understand why Scout becomes upset as this but depending on our backgrounds, we can deeply analyze how it pertains to today. I read The Hate U Give my Freshman year of high school. During this time, COVID-19 was on the rise and the killing of George Floyd had just happened. It was a confusing and scary time for people all over the country. The use of flashbacks in The Hate U Give resonated with me as a young black woman. While I haven’t personally lost a loved one to gun violence, I felt the protagonist’s pain from the pages. It made me angry how black people couldn’t seem to live an everyday life without the fear of being stereotyped or brutalized by the police. Comparing this to To Kill A Mockingbird, we see two black men being killed in the hands of authority. One is wrongly accused of a serious crime toward a white woman while the other is simply pulled over by the police. They were both innocent. These novels have shaped the way I view the world. As young adults, we are still growing accustomed to how ruthless the world truly is. People do not try and spare your feelings simply because you’re a woman or your ethnicity. As a black woman, I hope to stop the narrative politics and news put on black people. The belief that we are too ignorant, ugly, and undeserving of the same opportunities as our white counterparts has been around for too long. I believe young people like myself are not too innocent to not see the world for what it really is. To Kill A Mockingbird is a reminder of all these things. The book explains a hard lesson: innocence from our childhood simply doesn’t apply to the real world. The Hate U Give is an ignition for change. Some people hate simply because of race, age, or gender. Then some people will fight tooth and nail for a person despite all these things. What we can do as young people is not continue the cycle and learn about people before considering or having a permanent idea of how something is.

Zendaya is a multifaceted celebrity and icon that I’ve known since Shake It Up on Disney Channel. She’s an amazing actress recently starring in Challengers in a leading role. She’s known worldwide for her music career as well as her acting. As a longtime fan, I admire her fashion sense the most. As of 2023, Hollywood entered an age of “Method Dressing”, movie stars dressing to the theme of their premiering movie. From Margot Robbie dressing for Barbie to Jenna Ortega for Wednesday, method dressing is a genius way to market both films as well as fashion brands. As a Public Relations/Marketing major, I love how clever Zendaya uses her fashions to put emphasis on her projects, making brands and fans even more excited. Dressing for the red carpet isn’t anything new for Zendaya having starred in her own show on Disney Channel at the age of 13. This was also the time that she started a longtime collaboration with stylist Law Roach. Working with A-Listers such as Lizzo and Anne Hathaway, the newly retired stylist is now Zendaya’s full-time personal stylist. Some of his styles include both the 2018 and 2019 Met Gala looks where Zendaya wore a Joan of Arc dress as well as the Cinderella-esque dress. In my opinion, I feel that Zendaya and Law Roach perfectly choose outfits that are visually appealing as well as stick to the theme of her project. Law Roach found it important to elevate black celebrities such as Zendaya when picking talent to represent and work for. According to Law Roach interviewed by The Cut, “We cannot elevate and expand without the Black talent. I was able to do it because one, the way I work, I think, is different.” In one of her first attempts at method dressing, Zendaya wore a Moschino Butterfly Dress in 2017 for the movie The Greatest Showman. One of her most famous is her outfits worn when in both Spider-Man: Homecoming as well as Spider-Man: No Way Home. One that stuck out to me was the Valentino lace beige dress worn to the Spider-Man: No Way Home premiere in Los Angeles. The dress was laced with black spider web embroidery and black Louboutin heels. Her makeup and hair only complements her sleek and themed look. Not only did she dress for spiders, she wore a Green Valentino suit accented with a purple undershirt hinting to the infamous Spiderman villain the Green Goblin on the Graham Norton show. Now as Zendaya has just finished her press tour for Challengers, a tennis themed film, Law Roach styled all of her looks on her worldwide press tour. Using colors like white and the yellow-green tennis colors, Law Roach beautifully curated looks for press. I admired her Marc Jacobs green-white checkered mini-dress, accompanied with white pointed heels and a white headband, seen at Wimbledon in Paris, France. Recently, Zendaya wore a Carolina Herrera black and white striped gown inspired by Serena and Venus Williams’ iconic photo in Vogue’s issue in 1998. Now more than ever, fashion is a space to be both a creative and an artist in your own right. Zendaya does this flawlessly and always models looks never seen before. While I love her acting and singing careers, I feel that her fashions will never go out of style and this is only the beginning.

“I heard what your brother has is a disease”. That’s what someone told me when I was nine years old. A family member in fact. I think about that blatantly ignorant comment almost every single day. Not because it hurt me. More so because it was unprovoked. And more so, this person didn’t even know my brother for more than just a few weeks of meeting him. My brother Bryan has severe autism, meaning that he cannot verbally talk. Autism is a disorder that changes the brain and how it processes socialization and communication in an individual. And for the longest time, I never understood it. While there is plenty of awareness and marketing on other diseases or disorders, autism is still a disability that the general public doesn’t have as much knowledge about. The summer before I attended college, I interned at the City of Columbia Public Relations, Media, and Marketing Department. For the longest time, I always wanted to be a surgeon. However, I fell in love with Public Relations and later changed my major to Mass Communications. I feel that with public relations, I can help different companies and brands raise awareness on several disabilities/disorders that the general public may not be educated about or may experience like me with Bryan. I feel that when the audience can relate, they are more likely to engage. Bryan has inspired and encouraged many of my dreams in life. He is my drive to keep going and be his voice. I hope to advocate and encourage other creative companies or persons to use their platform to help those who can’t speak for themselves. I’ve always been passionate when it comes to advocacy for those who can’t protect or communicate for themselves. I have learned that having the ability to speak one’s mind is powerful. Having a personal connection with this, I hold this value near to my heart. When I hear or see someone who is alone or looks to need assistance, I step up. Using the skills that I’ve learned in leadership positions like Student Government, I know that I have to be persistent with this goal in order to see progress. I understand that it will not be easy, but it will be worth it. Those who have disorders, disabilities, or diseases deserve the same rights as anyone else in society. It’s important to understand that our abilities of talking, walking, and having good health are also reasons why we should be grateful and serve others. I dream of becoming a Public Relations director to use my platform to advocate and commerce with different well-known companies so the disabled and other marginalized groups can have a voice.

The past three years have been hard for most American families. My family is no different. My parents separated in 2021. Leaving my mother to raise my younger brother and me as a single parent. My younger brother is a particular challenge because he is severely Autistic. I watch my mom tussle with him in the morning to get him dressed on days when he’s not very cooperative. She drops him off and then heads to her job as an elementary school teacher. After work, she takes him to his different therapy appointments: speech, occupational therapy, and ABA therapy. She never complains despite being tired and emotionally drained. Despite, she still supports me and encourages me to excel academically, and in all my extracurricular activities. She encourages me to pursue my dreams and not to let obstacles deter me, even the financial burden of paying for college. I have worked hard in high school to stand out as a student so that I would qualify for scholarships and tuition would not be a major concern. There seems to be more need than money available. I hope that my application demonstrates my worthiness of this scholarship.

Despite the many challenges my family has faced, my mother always reminds me that we have been placed here to serve God and others. Since I was in middle school, I have been participating in community service initiatives with my aunt. We gave out school supplies, toiletries, and dinner meals downtown to the homeless. I was exposed to how people struggled in the community and realized how blessed I was. It made me realize how important it was to give back to those who do not have a lot. I have been blessed to excel academically and in leadership positions in and out of school. I started volunteering with The Black Girls Clubhouse, this summer. I enjoy being a mentor to young girls. My goal is to encourage these young girls to set goals, work hard, and accomplish their dreams. I share my experiences as a leader in school (NJROTC Cadet Lieutenant, Student Body President, and National Honor Society Parliamentarian), community activities (Girls Scouts, Delta GEMS, Youth Choir, President of Bluff Road United Methodist Church Youth), and advice in hopes to inspire them to be their best selves. I also want to have a positive impact on younger girls. I feel that I have set a standard for myself that could inspire young girls to work hard and achieve their goals. I have built friendships with girls who are a few years younger than me as well. I make sure to spend time with them and talk to them about anything that they want to talk about. I want to be the person they can come to if they have a problem or just want to talk. It’s important to encourage these young girls so that one day, they can mentor someone as well. I started volunteering with White Oak Baptist Church’s Homeless Outreach when I was about 10 years old with my mother. My mother had been active in community service and wanted me to do more to help make my community a better place. I started by packing toiletry bags for the adults to hand out on their Saturday mission trips to downtown Columbia and Good Samaritan House in Winnsboro. Eventually, I began to go with the adults and hand out lunches or bags, I was terrified at first because I thought all homeless people were crazy or drug users. But, I was so wrong. After my first mission, I was moved by how grateful the people were for such small donations. Many people we met shared their stories with us and asked us to pray for them. I was moved by their graciousness and humility. I realized that I had made a judgment based on images I had seen on TV. So many of these people had just fallen on hard times and had no one to help them get back on their feet. I see that homeless can affect anyone; not just “bad” people. I want to continue to do more to find solutions for the homeless in my local community and eventually the world. I desire to make a positive impact in my community, and I have done that throughout my high school career. I have grown as a student and as a person. I am passionate about helping others and advocating for those who cannot always advocate for themselves. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus on my academic success while continuing to contribute to my community.

The past three years have been hard for most American families. My family is no different. My parents separated in 2021. Leaving my mother to raise my younger brother and me as a single parent. My younger brother is a particular challenge because he is severely Autistic. I watch my mom tussle with him in the morning to get him dressed on days when he’s not very cooperative. She drops him off and then heads to her job as an elementary school teacher. After work, she takes him to his different therapy appointments: speech, occupational therapy, and ABA therapy. She never complains despite being tired and emotionally drained. In all that she does to help my brother to overcome his disability, she still supports me and encourages me to excel academically, and in all my extracurricular activities. She encourages me to pursue my dreams and not to let obstacles deter me, even the financial burden of paying for college. I have worked hard in high school to stand out as a student so that I would qualify for merit scholarships and college tuition would not be a major concern. But the COVID pandemic has changed the lives and finances of so many families. There seems to be more need than money available. I hope that my application demonstrates my worthiness of this scholarship. I believe in the Hyacinth Malcolm Memorial Scholarship because I want to receive all the education I can to be successful in life. I have many interests and want to make sure that I can explore all my options before I choose a final career. My mother is an elementary school teacher who has always taught me that education is one of the main things that you need in life to be successful. She taught me how to read and write at a young age. I even started school early at the age of three. Growing up, I always prioritized my school work and extracurricular activities. I enjoy learning new things and asking questions. High school only expanded my love for learning. From AP Language and Composition to US History, I loved making projects and helping my classmates in class. College will be a time for me to pick a career that I will not only learn from but love. My one goal in life is to provide for my family and friends who have sacrificed and provided for me. The scholarship money would have such an impact as it isn’t about money, it’s about having resources outside of high school that can help me succeed and become a functioning person in American society.