A Setback for a Major Comeback “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV). During my sophomore year, I faced a major setback when I hyperextended my right knee while playing basketball. This injury affected me mentally because I couldn’t play the sport that I fell in love with since the age of four. I missed half of my season, and because of that, I didn’t have enough games played that year to be considered for specific awards. While battling my injury, I was instructed to attend physical therapy. However, while attending physical therapy, I was told that after 6 weeks, I would be released to play. After my 6 weeks were up, I still wasn’t cleared by my physician to come back. Hearing that news took a toll on my mental health, and I started to feel depressed. I remember crying in the car while leaving the doctor’s office, soaking up the unfortunate news I had just received. Not being able to help my team on the court hurt me more than ever, but I knew I still had to be their number one supporter, even if that meant cheering them on from the bench. I became a student of the game as I watched from the bench with a brand-new perspective, even when I couldn’t play. Coming to practice wasn’t easy either, as I watched my coaches and teammates make significant adjustments to the team because their starting point guard wasn’t able to contribute. It was like a puzzle slowly coming together. This injury forced me to grow in areas that I didn’t know I needed to. I learned how to work out properly, I started eating healthier, and I also prayed more. I began to understand the importance of balance- both physically and mentally. I knew I had to be patient with my status, and I knew that talking to God was what I needed. I realized that God put me in a position to be at one of my lowest points, so that I could come back stronger. It reminded me that setbacks are part of the journey. Moreover, the journey back to my team, coupled with my resilience of the game, made this comeback story worth all my heart and hustle.

Growing up in a low-income household, the value of hard work and resourcefulness was learned at a very early age. My mom and dad have always shared with me how expensive college can be, and I don’t want to feel like a burden to them by adding extra expenses to the ones they already have. My mom has made every effort to pay off the debt she accumulated during her college years, although it still takes a toll on her. Unfortunately, my dad had to drop out of school after two years of college because his family could no longer afford it. As a student, I have maintained a strong academic background, and I’m currently ranked within the top 17% of my senior class with a 4.5 GPA. I’m a member of the National Beta Club, Honors Society, National Society of High Scholars, and Buddy Club. I’ve also been recognized for my outstanding academic achievement and leadership contributions to my school and community from USC Aiken, Lander University, Erskine College, and USC Upstate. Within my community, I have been honored to speak to young athletes and discuss the importance of maintaining good grades, discipline, good character, humility, time management, and accountability while playing sports. I’m a member of the women’s varsity basketball team for North Augusta High School, in which I play a significant leadership role, have won several awards, and have won two South Carolina State Championships. I will use my education to make a significant impact as I plan to attend a 4-year university and major in Sports Medicine. By awarding me this scholarship, you will lessen my financial burden, which will grant me the opportunity to concentrate on my education. I’m a hard-working and dedicated student, committed to achieving my dreams. With the assistance of this scholarship, I will be able to attend college and pursue a degree in Sports Medicine. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. I see this as an investment in my future, one that will allow me to grow in intangible ways and return my skill sets to my community. If selected, I will continue to strive to become a valuable contributor, using this scholarship as a stepping stone to achieve my educational goals. I would also love to continue to remain active in my community and educate athletes on how to stay health and physically fit.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV). During my sophomore year, I faced a major setback when I hyperextended my right knee while playing basketball. This injury affected me mentally because I couldn’t play the sport that I fell in love with since the age of four. I missed half of my season, and because of that, I didn’t have enough games played that year to be considered for specific awards. While battling my injury, I was instructed to attend physical therapy. However, while attending physical therapy, I was told that after 6 weeks, I would be released to play. After my 6 weeks were up, I still wasn’t cleared by my physician to come back. Hearing that news took a toll on my mental health, and I started to feel depressed. I remember crying in the car while leaving the doctor’s office, soaking up the unfortunate news I had just received. Not being able to help my team on the court hurt me more than ever, but I knew I still had to be their number one supporter, even if that meant cheering them on from the bench. I cheered them on with the same heart I once brought to the game. Coming to practice wasn’t easy either, as I watched my coaches and teammates make significant adjustments to the team because their starting point guard wasn’t able to contribute. It was like a puzzle slowly coming together, knowing you are the piece that is needed to accelerate the success of the team. After this experience, I learned how to work out properly, I started eating healthier, and I also prayed more. I knew I had to be patient with my status, and I knew that talking to God was what I needed. A quote that helped me out during my tough times was “God gives His toughest battles to his strongest soldiers”. I realized that God put me in a position to be at one of my lowest points, so that I could come back stronger. Nothing could have prepared me for this injury, but the following year, as a junior, I worked extra hard, and with the help of my teammates, we won the South Carolina 4A State Championship. Moreover, the journey back to my team, coupled with my resilience and reignition of the game, made this comeback story worth all my heart and hustle.