A particular fall-inspired drink from Starbucks that holds a special place in my heart would have to be the Pumpkin Spice Latte. I love pumpkin spice and everything nice. I know what you're probably thinking right now..."How Basic". It's a beverage that holds a special place in my heart, not just for its taste but for the memories it evokes, transporting me back to the bygone days of 2014-2016. Ah, the "pinterest era" – a time when it was chic to indulge in Starbucks, a time when being "basic" was not just acceptable but celebrated. It was an era of innocence, where the only battles fought were over the last sip of a Pumpkin Spice Latte, not the divisive politics that now dominate our discourse. In those golden-hued autumns, we found solace in the warmth of our cups, not in the cold anonymity of social media. Each sip was a refuge from the judgmental gaze of the world, a moment of respite from the pressures of conformity. We didn't care what others thought of us; we reveled in our "basicness," finding joy in the simple pleasures of life. The Pumpkin Spice Latte became more than just a drink – it became a character in our fall narrative, a symbol of a time when life was less complicated, when happiness was found in the frothy swirls of cinnamon and nutmeg. It was a beacon of comfort in a world that seemed increasingly chaotic and uncertain. As I sip my Pumpkin Spice Latte today, I am reminded of those fleeting moments of bliss, of laughter shared with friends and the crisp crunch of fallen leaves underfoot. It's a taste of nostalgia, a reminder of a time when the world felt a little brighter, a little simpler. The Pumpkin Spice Latte isn't just a beverage; it's a time capsule, preserving the essence of a bygone era where all we cared about was Starbucks and coffin nails. With each sip, I'm transported back to a time when life was painted in shades of pumpkin orange and cinnamon brown. It's a reminder to cherish the moments of simplicity and to find joy in the small pleasures that make life beautiful. So yes, I love my Pumpkin Spice Latte, unabashedly and unapologetically. Because in a world that often feels overwhelming, it's the taste of simpler times, a reminder that sometimes, all we need is a little bit of warmth and sweetness to make everything feel right again.

My name is Kendree Gardner and I am 18 years old. I am a rising sophomore at Georgia Southern University. I have a major in Political Science and a minor in English. I am also on a pre-law track.Growing up as a black member of the LGBTQ+ community in the South, I've faced my fair share of challenges and discrimination. These experiences have ignited a passion within me to pursue a career in law, with a focus on civil rights advocacy. My ultimate goal is to become a civil rights attorney, specializing in defending marginalized communities, particularly black men who are unjustly incarcerated. My journey begins with my decision to pursue a career in law. I am currently in school, dedicating myself to acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to become a competent attorney. While the path to becoming a civil rights lawyer is rigorous, I am determined to overcome any obstacles in my way. Upon completing my education, my plan is to start my career as a public defender. Public defenders play a crucial role in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status, has access to competent legal representation. By working as a public defender, I will have the opportunity to directly impact the lives of those who are most vulnerable to the injustices of the criminal justice system. After gaining valuable experience as a public defender, I intend to return to my rural community in the South. Rural areas often lack adequate legal resources, leaving marginalized communities at a disadvantage when navigating the legal system. By returning to my hometown, I hope to fill this gap by providing legal aid and representation to those who need it most. My focus will be on serving marginalized communities, with a particular emphasis on black men who are disproportionately targeted and wrongfully incarcerated. The intersectionality of race, gender, and sexuality can compound the injustices faced by individuals within these communities, making it imperative to provide specialized support and advocacy. In addition to my work as an attorney, I am committed to advocating for systemic change. I will actively engage with local policymakers and community leaders to address the root causes of injustice and inequality. Through education, outreach, and legislative advocacy, I aim to create a more just and equitable society for all. In pursuing my dream of becoming a civil rights attorney, I am driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have been marginalized and oppressed. By dedicating myself to this cause, I hope to contribute to the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

Hello, my name is Kendree Gardner, and I am currently a student at Georgia Southern University. I am majoring in Political Science with a minor in English, and I am on a pre-law track. Additionally, I am proud to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community, identifying as a lesbian. My mother's is also a single parent and she is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Growing up and residing in South Georgia, where conservative values often prevail, has presented me with numerous challenges as a lesbian, especially being in an interracial relationship. The constant stares, slurs, and discrimination have been difficult to bear. Moreover, having a parent that is also a member of the community has only added to the hardships, as comments from teachers, students, and even family members have made it clear that not everyone is accepting of my family structure. My mother has recently found a partner. She has been through my family through thick and thin. She has been a blessing to me and my siblings with my father being largely absent from our lives. It's disheartening to see my stepmom referred to as my mom's "friend," diminishing the validity of our family unit that we worked so hard for. It is even more disheartening to know that this isn't just a problem my family faces, but a problem millions of LGBTQ families face. Despite these challenges, my experiences have fueled my determination to pursue a career in law, particularly in the realm of civil rights. I aspire to attend law school and become a civil rights attorney, advocating for justice and equality for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, race, or background. By working my way up, I hope to make a tangible difference in my rural community, whether through legal advocacy or potentially running for local political office. My ultimate goal is to create a safe and inclusive space where marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals like myself, feel valued and accepted. No one should have to endure the same hardships and discrimination that I have faced for the past 18 years. Through my career aspirations and activism, I aim to pave the way for a more equitable and compassionate society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive without fear of judgment or discrimination. Thank you for taking the time to learn about my experiences and aspirations. I am committed to making a positive impact and creating a brighter future for generations to come.

Hello, my name is Kendree Gardner, and I am currently a student at Georgia Southern University. I am majoring in Political Science with a minor in English, and I am on a pre-law track. Additionally, I am proud to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community, identifying as a lesbian. Growing up and residing in South Georgia, where conservative values often prevail, has presented me with numerous challenges as a lesbian, especially being in an interracial relationship. The constant stares, slurs, and discrimination have been difficult to bear. Moreover, having two moms has only added to the hardships, as comments from teachers, students, and even family members have made it clear that not everyone is accepting of my family structure. It's disheartening to see my stepmom referred to as my mom's "friend," diminishing the validity of our family unit. Despite these challenges, my experiences have fueled my determination to pursue a career in law, particularly in the realm of civil rights. I aspire to attend law school and become a civil rights attorney, advocating for justice and equality for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, race, or background. By working my way up, I hope to make a tangible difference in my rural community, whether through legal advocacy or potentially running for local political office. My ultimate goal is to create a safe and inclusive space where marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals like myself, feel valued and accepted. No one should have to endure the same hardships and discrimination that I have faced for the past 18 years. Through my career aspirations and activism, I aim to pave the way for a more equitable and compassionate society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive without fear of judgment or discrimination. I recently discovered that my campus is no longer offering on-campus housing to a large number of students due to an influx of new students. I am now in a positon where I am trying to figure out how I will afford to stay here and continue making a difference . Receiving the scholarship would alleviate financial burdens so that I can focus less on the stress of figuring out how to pay for school and housing, and more on helping and bettering my community and society at large. Thank you for taking the time to learn about my experiences and aspirations. I am committed to making a positive impact and creating a brighter future for generations to come.

Hello, my name is Kendree Gardner, and I am currently a student at Georgia Southern University. I am majoring in Political Science with a minor in English, and I am on a pre-law track. Additionally, I am proud to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community, identifying as a lesbian. Growing up and residing in South Georgia, where conservative values often prevail, has presented me with numerous challenges as a lesbian, especially being in an interracial relationship. The constant stares, slurs, and discrimination have been difficult to bear. Moreover, having two moms has only added to the hardships, as comments from teachers, students, and even family members have made it clear that not everyone is accepting of my family structure. It's disheartening to see my stepmom referred to as my mom's "friend," diminishing the validity of our family unit. During my last year of middle school, I was so tired and exhausted from the shame, embarrassment, and bullying I had endured. At the ripe age of 13, I found myself in a dark place which resulted in years of self-harm and suicidal ideations. Despite these challenges, my experiences have fueled my determination to pursue a career in law, particularly in the realm of civil rights. I aspire to attend law school and become a civil rights attorney, advocating for justice and equality for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, race, or background. By working my way up, I hope to make a tangible difference in my rural community, whether through legal advocacy or potentially running for local political office. My ultimate goal is to create a safe and inclusive space where marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals like myself, feel valued and accepted. No one should have to endure the same hardships and discrimination that I have faced for the past 18 years. Through my career aspirations and activism, I aim to pave the way for a more equitable and compassionate society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive without fear of judgment or discrimination. Thank you for taking the time to learn about my experiences and aspirations. I am committed to making a positive impact and creating a brighter future for generations to come.

Hello, my name is Kendree Gardner, and I am currently a freshman at Georgia Southern University. I am pursuing a major in Political Science with a minor in English, and I am on a pre-law track. My journey to this point has been marked by numerous challenges that have shaped me into the person I am today. Growing up, I faced the immense struggle of being raised in a single-parent household with an alcoholic mother and a father who was largely absent from my life. Additionally, I am a survivor of consecutive childhood sexual assault, an experience that has profoundly impacted my perspective and resilience. Despite the adversity I have faced, these challenges have not defined me; rather, they have fueled my determination to overcome obstacles and pursue my goals relentlessly. Each trial has taught me the importance of perseverance, empathy, and resilience, qualities that I believe are essential for success in both my personal and academic endeavors. Financially, my situation has been a struggle as well. Coming from a low-income household with a single parent and two younger siblings, my mother has worked tirelessly to provide for us. However, her efforts alone have not been sufficient to cover the costs of my education. As a result, I have been forced to confront the harsh reality of finding affordable off-campus housing, as my university no longer has available spots for on-campus accommodation beyond the first year. This scholarship would be instrumental in alleviating the financial strain I face. It would cover four months of my off-campus housing costs, allowing me the stability and security to focus on my studies without the constant worry of where I will live. Moreover, it would afford me the opportunity to save money from my work-study job, contributing to the remainder of my housing expenses and easing the burden on my family and I. Looking ahead, my ultimate goal is to attend law school and return to rural areas to advocate for marginalized communities. This scholarship would not only enable me to pursue my educational aspirations but also empower me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. Thank you for considering my application and taking the time to understand my circumstances. I sincerely hope that you will consider me for this scholarship opportunity, as it would be instrumental in shaping my future and allowing me to fulfill my potential.

Growing up in a low-income household with a single parent and two younger siblings, my educational journey has been marked by financial strain. The financial burden has increasingly affected my education, particularly as I face the imminent challenge of securing housing off-campus due to the unavailability of on-campus spots at our university. In addition to the financial struggles, my family has faced numerous hardships that have tested our resilience. From battling health issues without adequate resources to navigating systemic barriers that perpetuate cycles of poverty, each setback has only strengthened my resolve to break free from the constraints of our circumstances. Despite the countless obstacles and moments of despair, I remain steadfast in my pursuit of education and justice, driven by the unwavering belief that with the right support and opportunities, I can transcend the limitations imposed by my upbringing. A scholarship isn't just a means to an end; it's the lifeline that promises to rewrite the narrative of struggle and adversity, transforming it into one of triumph and hope. The prospect of a scholarship is not merely a beacon of hope; it's the lifeline that could help shape my future. With financial assistance, I'll be able to afford stable housing, alleviating the stress and uncertainty that currently sits over me. This stability will provide the necessary foundation for me to fully immerse myself in my studies, pursuing my passion for political science with undivided focus and dedication. My dream of becoming a lawyer isn't just a personal ambition; it's a commitment to serving my community and advocating for justice. Specifically, I aspire to specialize in civil rights law, driven by a desire to uplift marginalized communities and combat systemic injustices. With a scholarship enabling me to pursue higher education and ultimately attain a law degree, I'll have the resources and tools needed to finish out the next three years. As a civil rights attorney, I envision myself at the forefront of pivotal legal battles, tirelessly advocating for the rights and equality of all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic background, race, or ethnicity. By amplifying the voices of the marginalized and challenging institutional barriers, I aim to contribute to the construction of a more equitable and inclusive society. My journey from a low-income household to a position of influence and advocacy is a personal triumph and a testament to the transformative power of education and opportunity. With a scholarship paving the way, I am fulfilling my aspirations and forging a path toward a brighter, more just future for countless others who have been marginalized and overlooked.