Quality over Quantity! One of the most valuable lessons I learned about finances came from a Bible story about Jesus feeding a multitude of people with just two fish and five loaves of bread. Despite it not being enough to feed everyone, Jesus blessed the food and broke it up, distributing it to his disciples who then handed it out to the crowd. Miraculously, everyone was fed, including the women and children, and there were leftovers. The story teaches us to appreciate the quality of what we have and to be thankful for it, rather than focusing on what we lack. Being grateful for what we possess allows us to see its true value and use it wisely. We should not become reckless with our spending, even when we feel like we don't have enough. Instead, we should think carefully about how we allocate our finances, breaking them down into smaller pieces so that we can address all of our bills and obligations. This way, we can take care of more and avoid falling behind. I personally found this lesson to be incredibly effective in managing my own finances. As a Christian believer, I was initially skeptical of the story, but after applying its teachings, I have seen firsthand the benefits of quality over quantity. Regardless of one's religious beliefs, this message is still relevant and useful for anyone looking to improve their financial situation. The first lesson about finances is to thank God for what you have. If you don't acknowledge God showing appreciation for what you got, you may not see the true value in what you possess. This causes you to mishandle and misuse. Jesus gave thanks instead of complaining. When you are thankful, you actually take notice of what you have and its quality, rather than dwelling on what you don't have. Instead of feeding one man, Jesus fed over 5000 because he appreciated the quality. There will always seem to be a sense of not enough. Because it doesn't look like you have enough, doesn't mean become reckless. Your spending of money should still be thought out even within shortages. I take this lesson very seriously as I continue to learn more about the world and, admittedly, stumble along the way. There are moments when I find myself uncertain of my identity and the goals I wish to achieve. However, the lessons I learn in Sunday School and the values instilled in me serve to improve me both spiritually and financially. The world offers a multitude of lessons, and it is essential to seek help and consider the advice given to us. Throughout my freshman year of college, there were many instances where I found myself in need of financial assistance. College is an expensive endeavor, especially when attending a top-tier university to receive a quality education. While my parents were able to provide some support, I felt compelled to contribute towards the cost of my education. During this first year, I learned that I didn't necessarily need a large sum of money every week; rather, I needed to appreciate and utilize my funds wisely. Recognizing that my parents couldn't simply send me money whenever I requested it, I had to be more mindful of my spending habits. I had to consider whether a purchase was truly necessary or if it would be wiser to save my funds for a more important expense. By valuing my money, I became more conscientious of how I spent it. Financial literacy is a dream that any child can aspire to. Its value extends far beyond mere monetary gains. Possessing a solid understanding of financial literacy is immensely valuable. It grants us independence and enables us to explore the opportunities the world has to offer. As I mentioned earlier, the quality of our financial decisions often reflects the quality of our lives and the experiences available to us. By detaching ourselves from the love of money, we can derive greater enjoyment from life and ensure our moral integrity. This is yet another reason why I cherish this advice. It represents discipline and humility—two qualities that serve as stepping stones on the path to becoming the individual I aspire to be. My vision is to become a successful black woman who experiences minimal financial struggles. However, achieving this goal necessitates prioritizing self-awareness and personal growth. Disregarding these vital aspects would impede my progress. Hence, I wholeheartedly recognize the significance of financial literacy and the positive impact it can have on my journey. In conclusion, I wrote a similar essay last year and the same remains -financial literacy holds immense importance. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions, attain stability, and work towards their long-term goals. It fosters independence, protects us from financial pitfalls, and promotes economic participation. By placing value on financial education, we lay the groundwork for a prosperous and secure future, enabling us to lead fulfilling lives while positively influencing those around us. Quality over Quantity.

Growing up born and raised in the dangerous streets of Baltimore, Maryland, I’m one young beautiful black female that refuses to let my city environment regulate the demise of my future. I’m a STEM high school graduate c/o 2022 with a Baltimore Polytechnic Institute diploma determined to prove doubters wrong. Completing my freshman year of college at North Carolina A&T, I am even more determined to stick with my future goals and desires. All girls in Baltimore are not making babies, selling drugs, or selling their bodies. I am a saved Godfearing lover of Jesus Christ. We’ve been discouraged to believe that street life would be our only future, I beg to differ. I’m a young black female desiring to stop the decline of degrees awarded to girls who look like me. While there may be a few of us interested in this field having a love for STEM, I want to be a part of the change to make math and science more appealing to my demographic. I am passionate about receiving my education and in desperate need of this scholarship because I’ve seen what it takes to overcome obstacles to pursue this career and I’m preparing myself to fit the mold. I’m braced to hear the no’s until I get to the yes! I see the professors; I see the current employers and none of them bear a resemblance to me. As a black female desiring to be a Civil Engineer in a predominately white male sector, I already get the vibe I do not belong here, but here I am anyway! I’m doing this because I love engineering, math, and science. I’m doing this because I know there is some little girl growing up in some place like Baltimore City who needs to see me succeed to give her the hope and push to know she can do it too! Surviving my first year of college away from home and family I had to quickly learn if I want to succeed, I MUST put in the work, stay focused, be determined, and achieve what I set out to achieve without excuses. That's what caused me to run for Miss North Campus and win as a freshman. I had a desire, stuck with it, and accomplished it by serving in the community. I learned I can if I try. This scholarship will help me achieve my degree in Engineering at North Carolina A&T using my skills to help build/rebuild safer environments by designing/erecting buildings in historically marginalized communities. Therefore, my passion for education is strong. I don’t want to forget where I came from, and I want to give back. I’ve shown my commitment by staying the course as a freshman not playing, qualifying me for employment opportunities to complete my goals and desires in public service. I want to build bridges, buildings, and establishments that will help better communities and make a better experience for the less fortunate. Education is not free, there’s a huge cost. That’s why I’m writing this essay. My parents cannot afford to pay what it cost out of pocket. My passion for receiving an education comes from knowing the cost, and the lengths my parents went to make sure I have a chance. Faithful to ministry as a Pastor my parents lead in outreach giving back to the less fortunate in Baltimore but don’t make enough to cover tuition like financial aid believes. This scholarship benefits me by paying what my parents cannot. I know you will not be disappointed in choosing me as the recipient. I will not let you down!

Growing up born and raised in the dangerous streets of Baltimore, Maryland, I’m one young beautiful black female that refuses to let my city environment regulate the demise of my future. I’m a STEM high school graduate c/o 2022 with a Baltimore Polytechnic Institute diploma determined to prove doubters wrong. Completing my freshman year of college at North Carolina A&T, I am even more determined to stick with my future goals and desires. All girls in Baltimore are not making babies, selling drugs, or selling their bodies. I am a saved Godfearing lover of Jesus Christ. We’ve been discouraged to believe that street life would be our only future, I beg to differ. I’m a young black female desiring to stop the decline of degrees awarded to girls who look like me. While there may be a few of us interested in this field having a love for STEM, I want to be a part of the change to make math and science more appealing to my demographic. My mother moved from Rochester, New York here to Baltimore running from a domestic abusive boyfriend - my older brother’s dad. Marrying my father and giving birth to me and the rest of my siblings she has been determined not to allow her trauma to be repeated with us. It has been over 20 years since she lived in NY, but the impact on all of us has been apparent. There are triggers and certain settings we do not engage in because we know how they will impact her. This has taught me to pay attention to the signs in relationships because abuse is not just damaging to those in the relationship, but it has long-lasting effects on others as well. I am passionate about receiving my education and in desperate need of this scholarship because I’ve seen what it takes to overcome obstacles to pursue this career and I’m preparing myself to fit the mold. I’m braced to hear the no’s until I get to the yes! I see the professors; I see the current employers and none of them bear a resemblance to me. As a black female desiring to be a Civil Engineer in a predominately white male sector, I already get the vibe I do not belong here, but here I am anyway! I’m doing this because I love engineering, math, and science. I’m doing this because I know some little girl is growing up in some place like Baltimore City who needs to see me succeed to give her the hope and push to know she can do it too despite where she may be right now. This scholarship will help me achieve my degree in Engineering at North Carolina A&T using my skills to help build/rebuild safer environments by designing/erecting buildings in historically marginalized communities. I want to build bridges, buildings, and establishments that will help better communities and make a better experience for the less fortunate including abused women and the people that abuse has impacted. Yes, there are plenty of programs out there that make people aware of the abuse and provide counseling to families, but I want to build the buildings to house these programs and resources. Faithful to ministry as a Pastor my parents lead in outreach giving back to the less fortunate in Baltimore. This scholarship benefits me by paying what my parents cannot and will allow me to go back and build to help serve those in need after graduation. I know you will not be disappointed in choosing me as the recipient. I will not let you down!

Growing up born and raised in the dangerous streets of Baltimore, Maryland, I’m one young beautiful black female that refuses to let my city environment regulate a demise for my future. I’m a STEM high school graduate c/o 2022 with a Baltimore Polytechnic Institute diploma determined to prove doubters wrong. Completing my freshman year of college at North Carolina A&T, I am even more determined to stick with my future goals and desires. All girls in Baltimore are not making babies, selling drugs, or selling their bodies. I am a saved Godfearing lover of Jesus Christ. We’ve been discouraged to believe that street life would be our only future, I beg to differ. I’m a young black female desiring to stop the decline of degrees awarded to girls who look like me. While there may be a few of us interested in this field having a love for STEM, I want to be a part of the change to make math and science more appealing to my demographic. I’ve seen what it takes to overcome obstacles to pursue this career and I’m preparing myself to fit the mold. I’m braced to hear the no’s until I get to the yes! I see the professors; I see the current employers and none of them bear a resemblance to me. As a black female desiring to be a Civil Engineer in a predominately white male sector, I already get the vibe I do not belong here, but here I am anyway! I’m doing this because I love engineering, math, and science. I’m doing this because I know there is some little girl growing up in some place like Baltimore City who needs to see me succeed to give her the hope and push to know she can do it too! The effects of COVID almost took me out educationally in 2019. It was a struggle to pass classes while family members are dying, and at one point my family was staying in a hotel due to a fire also, but I survived it! Proving I have what it takes to overcome the unexpected and achieve what I set my mind to. That’s what motivates me. Surviving my first year of college away from home and family I had to quickly learn that if I want to succeed, I MUST put in the work, stay focused, be determined, and achieve what I set out to achieve without excuse. That's what caused me to run for Miss North Campus and win as a Freshman. No one knew me, but I had a desire, stuck with it and accomplished it. I learned I can, if I try. My future life entails me completing my degree in Engineering at North Carolina A&T and using my skills to help build/rebuild safer environments by designing/erecting buildings in historically marginalized communities. I don’t want to forget where I came from, I want to give back showing we can help ourselves if we put our minds to it. I will do this by staying the course qualifying me for employment opportunities to complete my goals and desires. I want to succeed in my career to develop additional scholarships to help girls like me in the future. My parents are faithful to ministry as a Pastor & First Lady. They lead in outreach giving back to the less fortunate in Baltimore, but don’t make enough to cover tuition like financial aid believes. This scholarship benefits me by paying what my parents cannot. I know you will not be disappointed in choosing me as the recipient. I will not let you down!

I have decided to pursue a degree in Engineering, and I would like to primarily focus on Civil Engineering. I aspire to have a prosperous career in STEM specifically in the engineering field because I love how flexible it is. It is an obvious fact that not a lot of black women are involved in that field, and I am a young black female desiring to stop the decline of degrees awarded to girls who look like me. While there may be a few of us that are interested in this field and have a love for STEM, I want to be a part of the change to make math and science more appealing to my demographic. I have seen what it takes to be able to pursue this career and I am preparing myself to fit the mold. I love to be hands on and I know that my degree and future career will make an impact to the world. I want to focus on building in the less established communities and produce a change there that is much needed. Coming from one of the top STEM high schools Baltimore Polytechnic to being accepted to North Carolina A&T, I feel I am on a great track to meet my goals. I’ve seen what it takes to overcome obstacles to pursue this career and I’m preparing myself to fit the mold. I’m braced to hear the no’s until I get to the yes! I see the professors; I see the current employers and none of them bear resemblance to me. A black female desiring to be a Civil Engineer in a predominately white male sector, I already get the vibe I do not belong here, but here I am anyway! I’m doing this because I love engineering, math, and science. I’m doing this because I know there is some little girl growing up in some place like Baltimore city who needs to see me succeed to give her the hope and push to know she can do it too! I plan to make a positive impact on the world by using my skills to help build/rebuild safer environments by designing/erecting buildings in historically marginalized communities as a Civil Engineer. I don’t want to forget where I came from, and I want to give back showing we can help ourselves if we put our minds to it. I am committed and will do this by staying the course qualifying me for employment opportunities to complete my goals and desires in public service. I want to build bridges, buildings, and establishments that will help better communities and make a better experience for the less fortunate. I do need financial assistance to complete my goals, and I know this scholarship will help me cover my financial responsibilities. I am up for the challenge and appreciate the opportunity.

Growing up born and raised in the dangerous streets of Baltimore, Maryland, I’m one young beautiful black female that refuses to let my city environment regulate a demise for my future. I’m a STEM high school student graduating c/o 2022 with a Baltimore Polytechnic Institute diploma determined to prove doubters wrong. All girls in Baltimore are not making babies, selling drugs, or selling our bodies. I am a saved Godfearing lover of Jesus Christ. Even being discouraged to believe that street life would be our only future, I beg to differ. Yes, this is why I am passionate about receiving my education. I’m a young black female desiring to stop the decline of degrees awarded to girls who look like me. While there may be a few of us interested in this field having a love for STEM, I want to be a part of the change to make math and science more appealing to my demographic. I am passionate about receiving my education and completing my degree in Engineering at North Carolina A&T because I’ve seen what it takes to overcome obstacles to pursue this career and I’m preparing myself to fit the mold. I’m braced to hear the no’s until I get to the yes! I see the professors; I see the current employers and none of them bear resemblance to me. A black female desiring to be a Civil Engineer in a predominately white male sector, I already get the vibe I do not belong here, but here I am anyway! I’m doing this because I love engineering, math, and science. I’m doing this because I know there is some little girl growing up in some place like Baltimore city who needs to see me succeed to give her the hope and push to know she can do it too! So I have surrounded myself at an HBCU to keep reminding ME of who I am and what I can do – no better place than NCA&T! I plan to use my degree to help build/rebuild safer environments by designing/erecting buildings in historically marginalized communities. Building hospitals or medical centers in areas they are needed would allow me to use my degree to impact many minorities. I don’t want to forget where I came from, and I want to give back showing we can help ourselves if we put our minds to it. I am committed to staying the course qualifying me for employment opportunities to complete my goals and desires in public service. I want to build bridges, buildings, and establishments that will help better communities and make a better experience for the less fortunate. This scholarship would assist in covering my tuition. Having the financial backing and support of this scholarship would be just another encouragement for me that makes me even more determined to reach my goal and impact not just my future, but others as well.

Growing up in the dangerous city of Baltimore, I have seen how the roads have changed to accommodate cyclers. Watching the shift and change to give those that ride bikes a lane in a city like Baltimore made a lot of sense. Here in Baltimore many people do not have a drivers license. It is not needed because the traffic to get from one place to another in a vehicle is always congested due to the large amount of people that live here. Public transportation is another option, but still have the same slowdown in traffic. Those that ride a bike can easily get from point A to point B without all the hassle of vehicle traffic. Parking is a major issue in this city, so accommodating bikers is needed. Putting more focus on the cyclers would help people to respect the bike lanes more. I have decided to pursue a degree in Engineering, primarily focusing on Civil Engineering. I aspire to have a prosperous career in STEM specifically in the engineering field because I love how flexible it is. It is an obvious fact that not a lot of black women are involved in that field, and I am a young black female desiring to stop the decline of degrees awarded to girls who look like me. While there may be a few of us that are interested in this field and have a love for STEM, I want to be a part of the change to make math and science more appealing to my demographic. I have seen what it takes to be able to pursue this career and I am preparing myself to fit the mold. I love to be hands on and I know that my degree and future career will make an impact to the world. I want to focus on building in the less established communities and produce a change there that is much needed including more changes for bike lanes. My future life entails me completing my degree in Engineering at North Carolina A&T and using my skills to help build/rebuild safer environments by designing/erecting buildings in historically marginalized communities. I don’t want to forget where I came from, and I want to give back showing we can help ourselves if we put our minds to it. I will do this by staying the course qualifying me for employment opportunities to complete my goals and desires. Building, designing, and bettering my community is my destiny, and I will accomplish this with the help of this scholarship assisting to cover the financial need for my college degree.

Growing up born and raised in the dangerous streets of Baltimore, Maryland, I’m one young beautiful black female that refuses to let my city environment regulate a demise for my future. I’m a STEM high school student graduating c/o 2022 with a Baltimore Polytechnic Institute diploma determined to prove doubters wrong. All girls in Baltimore are not making babies, selling drugs, or selling our bodies. I am a saved Godfearing lover of Jesus Christ. I adamantly refuse to believe, nor will I be discouraged into believing that street life would be my only future, I beg to differ. Yes, hence why I am passionate about receiving my education because I know my education will make an impact in the world. I’m a young black female desiring to stop the decline of degrees awarded to girls who look like me. While there may be a few of us interested in this field having a love for STEM, I want to be a part of the change to make math and science more appealing to my demographic. I am passionate about receiving my education because I’ve seen what it takes to overcome obstacles to pursue this career and I’m preparing myself to fit the mold. I am braced to hear the no’s until I get to the yes! I see the professors; I see the current employers and none of them bear resemblance to me. A black female desiring to be a Civil Engineer in a predominately white male sector, I already get the vibe I do not belong here, but here I am anyway! I’m doing this because I love engineering, math, and science. I’m doing this because I know there is some little girl growing up in some place like Baltimore city who needs to see me succeed to give her the hope and push to know she can do it too! This is how I will make a positive impact on the world through my engineering career. I plan to leave a path for those coming behind me to follow. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my engineering career starting with being awarded this scholarship showing these little girls that we can be chose, selected, and supported to excel and achieve greatness. I am making an impact on the world as I plan to complete my degree in Engineering at North Carolina A&T and use my skills to help build/rebuild safer environments by designing/erecting buildings in historically marginalized communities. Hence why my passion for education and my desire to make an impact on the world is so strong. I don’t want to forget where I came from, and I want to give back showing we can help ourselves if we put our minds to it. I am committed and will do this by staying the course qualifying me for employment opportunities to complete my goals and desires in public service. I want to build bridges, buildings, and establishments that will help better communities and make a better experience for the less fortunate. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my engineering career by succeeding in my career to give me a means to develop additional scholarships to help girls like me in the future. As I receive my education, I realize it is not just for me, but also for those coming up behind me. There have been many before me that has been my encouragement, and me getting an education will position me to be an encouragement to the next. Thank you for considering me!

Growing up born and raised in the dangerous streets of Baltimore, Maryland, I’m one young beautiful black female that refuses to let my city environment regulate a demise for my future. I’m a STEM high school student graduating c/o 2022 with a Baltimore Polytechnic Institute diploma determined to prove doubters wrong. All girls in Baltimore are not street walkers, I am a saved Godfearing lover of Jesus Christ. This is why I am passionate about engineering. I’m a young black female desiring to stop the decline of degrees awarded to girls who look like me. While there may be a few of us interested in this field having a love for STEM, I want to be a part of the change to make math and science more appealing to my demographic. I'm passionate about engineering because I’ve seen what it takes to overcome obstacles to pursue this career. I’m preparing myself to fit the mold. I’m braced to hear the no’s until I get to the yes! I see the professors; I see the current employers and none of them bear resemblance to me. A black female desiring to be a Civil Engineer in a predominately white male sector, I get the vibe I don't belong, but I'm here anyway! I’m passionate because I love engineering, math, and science. I’m passionate and doing this because I know there's a little girl growing up in some place like Baltimore city who needs to see me succeed giving her the hope and push to know she can do it too! Completing my degree in Engineering at North Carolina A&T, demonstrates my passion for engineering to help build/rebuild safer environments by designing/erecting buildings in historically marginalized communities. My passion is so strong because I don’t want to forget where I came from, and I want to give back. I'm committed to complete my goals and desires in public service. I want to build bridges, buildings, and establishments that will help better communities and make a better experience for the less fortunate. I want to succeed in my career to develop additional scholarships to help girls like me in the future. As I receive my education, I realize it is not just for me, but also for those coming up behind me. There's been many before me that's been my encouragement, and my engineering passion positions me to be an encouragement to the next.

Growing up in Baltimore, Maryland the only pet we had was a cat. My mother being afraid of cats, we are only able to have the cat in one area of the house. We needed the cat to keep mice away, otherwise my mom would be even more afraid. Since we had a cat, we could never get a dog. My mom being so unhappy with the cat vowed to never have any other animals living in her home. So, you asked the question, why do I love dogs? I have an older brother who graduated from high school, moved on to college and is now working and living on his own. Living by himself in his own place, he got himself a dog. The dog's name is Rufus. Then he got another dog named Stella, then he got two more Venus and Mars. They became his family, and since they were his family, they became mine as well. My nieces and nephews are the best. My big brother brings them over and they get great job coming to "grandma's house". You see my brother said he would never have any children, and the closest my mother will ever get to grand children from him are his dogs. While she vowed to never have any other animals living in her home, the looks on her "grand-dogs" faces when she attempted to reject their presence softened her heart. It was like love at first sight. They jumped right up on her and loved on her, and she could not do anything, but love them back. They were after all - her grands. I love dogs because they bring an excitement to the family like none other. They understand human ways and emotions which amazes me. For them to know my mom was not fond of them, they showed her what she would be missing if she passed up the opportunity to love them. They knew she was skeptical and was able to change her thoughts about them. Now that my mother has grown to love and care for her grand-dogs the tone is different in the house. My mom is constantly calling my brother and asking him where he is and when is he bringing the dogs over. When she goes out, she is constantly getting doggie treats for them to keep at our house for when they "visit". She is so concerned about the dogs most of the time, she doesn't even inquire about how my brother is doing. LOL. These dogs have impacted my life by changing my mom's attitude regarding pets. She will now consider having a dog and her grand-dogs will have a play mate when they come over. She has gotten them Christmas stockings to hang over the fireplace for the holidays. After all these years, she has finally agreed. Mom doesn't confine them to one area of the house. We can laugh and pay and enjoy them without worry. The dogs have made our family closer as they are the babies of the family now. Since their admittance to the family, it has gotten my mom's focus off my three siblings and I all the time, now she stays concerned about them. This gives me freedom from stressing my mom out about getting me to college and paying for college. That is why I am writing this essay to cover the rest of my tuition bill as she is happily embracing her grand-dogs in peace for a change. My nieces and nephews have truly impacted my life in a positive way.

Growing up born and raised in the dangerous streets of Baltimore, Maryland, I’m one young beautiful black female that refuses to let my city environment regulate a demise for my future. I’m a STEM high school student graduating c/o 2022 with a Baltimore Polytechnic Institute diploma determined to prove doubters wrong. All girls in Baltimore are not making babies, selling drugs, or selling our bodies. I am a saved Godfearing lover of Jesus Christ. Even being discouraged to believe that street life would be our only future, I beg to differ. Yes this is why I am passionate about receiving my education. I’m a young black female desiring to stop the decline of degrees awarded to girls who look like me. While there may be a few of us interested in this field having a love for STEM, I want to be a part of the change to make math and science more appealing to my demographic. I am passionate about receiving my education because I’ve seen what it takes to overcome obstacles to pursue this career and I’m preparing myself to fit the mold. I’m braced to hear the no’s until I get to the yes! I see the professors; I see the current employers and none of them bear resemblance to me. A black female desiring to be a Civil Engineer in a predominately white male sector, I already get the vibe I do not belong here, but here I am anyway! I’m doing this because I love engineering, math, and science. I’m doing this because I know there is some little girl growing up in some place like Baltimore city who needs to see me succeed to give her the hope and push to know she can do it too! I plan to complete my degree in Engineering at North Carolina A&T and use my skills to help build/rebuild safer environments by designing/erecting buildings in historically marginalized communities. This is why my passion for education is so strong. I don’t want to forget where I came from, and I want to give back showing we can help ourselves if we put our minds to it. I am committed and will do this by staying the course qualifying me for employment opportunities to complete my goals and desires in public service. I want to build bridges, buildings, and establishments that will help better communities and make a better experience for the less fortunate. I want to succeed in my career to develop additional scholarships to help girls like me in the future. As I receive my education, I realize it is not just for me, but also for those coming up behind me. There have been many before me that has been my encouragement, and me getting an education position me to be an encouragement to the next. Education is not free, there is a huge cost. That is why I am writing this essay. My parents cannot afford to pay what it cost out of pocket. My passion about receiving an education comes from also from knowing how much it cost, and the lengths my parents went to making sure I have a chance. My passion will not dwindle down because I am more serious now than I have ever been before about accomplishing get my college degree. I pray my passion is felt and understood, as this scholarship will truly be a blessing and help to keep my passion flowing. I know you will not be disappointed in choosing me as the recipient. I will not let you down!

I believe the biggest problem facing the world right now is SIN. There's so much sin in the world, it has taken on and brought down many people. Sin is defined as an act of offence against God by despising his persons and Christian biblical law, and by injuring others. Because of sin, there is so much hatred in the world. Because of sin, there is jealousy. Because of sin, there is murder. Because of sin, there is abuse, adultery, sickness and so much more that would injure others. The world doesn’t seem to care anymore. There's so much greed and pride. So much negativity and so much doom and gloom. Because of sin, suicide rates have climbed, divorce rates on are the rise. Families have been destroyed and there is no peace. We can work on this problem and develop a more reliable environment by promoting and becoming more virtuous. Virtue is behavior showing high moral standards. If the morals are high, evil would not be so prevalent. If morals were higher the last thing that would come to our mind, is bringing harm to one another. School shootings would cease. Crime on the streets and in the home would decrease. People would not be hated simply because of their skin color. Sin is like a plague that won't stop until everything in its path is destroyed. What we can do is with our virtue, promote virtuous things – good things. We can show more love, we can be more compassionate. Through the love of Jesus, the world can be saved. Racism, and all other evil will be banished because being virtuous will work against sin. Turning from evil and having a sound mind to do good causes you to think deep and bold. Stand for what’s is right.

MAKE EDUCATION FREE!!! Listening to my parents discuss how they’re going to pay for my first year of college is hard. Eavesdropping, it is discouraging hearing their desperation to make sure tuition is paid. At times I want to just say never mind after realizing the hardship and financial bind they may be placed in by allowing me to go to college. It’s not because we didn’t plan, it’s not because I didn’t do well in high school. It’s not because I’ve chosen a private expensive college or university. Education should simply be FREE! Free education makes it better for future generations not having us feel guilty about desiring college education at the expense of putting ourselves or our parents in debt. The fear of financial ruin because of student loans continues to discourage future generations from pursuing better education. If it were free, more would desire to go to school to better their lives. We see the financial condition of our parents and want better but feel getting an education is too much of a great expense. We get the loans, go in debt, and then once finished, it’s not guaranteed that we will get a job to cover paying off the loan. So, the cycle continues. By the time our children are ready to go to school we are in financial ruins from trying to pay off school debt while maintaining a family, because education is not free. Now in the same condition as our parents and because the prices continue to get higher, we’re actually in worse condition. Education would be better for future generations helping us move into financial stability. If education were free, we would be more focused on our education rather than focused on how we are going to cover the costs of our textbooks. We are so desperate to get an education we destroy our credit. We lower our FICA scores, and we don’t qualify for anything with a low interest rate dismantling any opportunity to have future financial stability legally. The expected family contribution calculations are so far off that financial aid is not aiding everyone in need. “Financial need” is defined as the difference between what it costs you to attend school and what you and your family can afford to pay. Parents who were able to stabilize finances are made to believe we can afford more school expenses than we actually can. I went to school did the best I could, made good grades, but because my parents make more money than what the federal government feels they should, I don’t qualify for financial aid. How does that make sense? The determination estimates of how much aid we need is wrong and should be altogether eliminated making education FREE! We all do not go to school on an athletic scholarship. Even being intelligent don't all get the academic scholarships either. My parents need help funding my education. If it weren’t for organizations like BOLD our struggle would be even worse.

Quality over Quantity! Best advice and lesson learned to teach finances to me came straight from the Bible in bible class! Jesus was with a multitude of people who became hungry, and they had nothing to eat. A little boy had 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread. That was NOT enough to feed 5000 men which did not including women and children. Jesus took the 2 fish and 5 loaves and blessed it, then broke it up giving it to his disciples to hand out. The 2 fish and 5 loaves fed everyone including the women and children, and there were leftovers. The first lesson about finances is to thank God for what you have. If you don't acknowledge God showing appreciation for what you got, you may not see the true value in what you possess. This causes you to mishandle and misuse. Jesus gave thanks instead of complaining. When you are thankful, you actually take notice to what you have and its quality, rather than dwelling on what you don't have. Instead of feeding one man, Jesus fed over 5000 because he appreciated the quality. There will always seem to be a sense of not enough. Because it doesn't look like you have enough, doesn't mean become reckless. Your spending of money should still be thought out even within shortages. When you are thankful and thinking you can be wise. Jesus broke the food up into smaller pieces and fed many. When you break down your finances you can take care of more. You will know how to address all rather than some of your bills so you won't get behind. It's not about how much you have, it is about what you do with what you have. Quantity over Quality.

Growing up born and raised in the dangerous streets of Baltimore, Maryland, I’m one young beautiful black female that refuses to let my city environment regulate a demise for my future. Graduating from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute I'm determined to prove doubters wrong. All girls in Baltimore are not making babies, selling drugs, or selling our bodies. I am a saved Godfearing lover of Jesus Christ. It may not be many of us having a love for STEM, but I want part in the change to make math and science more appealing to my demographic. It is my desire to show other little girls that even in this male dominated world, we can still achieve our goals and dreams. I am studying to be a civil engineer which is a predominately white male field. I hope to be that mentor to help other little girls see my forward progression is an open pathway for their future. I'm an avid volunteer in my community promoting change for the better. As a pastor's daughter I didn't have a choice in the matter of helping people, but I love every minute of it and thankful my parents raised me this way. Mentoring other young girls and showing them how to give to those in need leads me to believe I am making a positive impact to the world. I promote love instead of hate mentoring these young girls to do the same. I appreciate my parents more and more each time we go out and give food to the homeless - it could have been me! My mom purchases clothing and toys for families each year for Christmas while we volunteer with Toys for Tots. What a refreshing feeling when I see those children's eyes light up seeing the toys we bring to them.

Growing up born and raised in the dangerous streets of Baltimore, Maryland, I’m one young beautiful black female that refuses to let my city environment regulate a demise for my future. Graduating from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute I'm determined to prove doubters wrong. All girls in Baltimore are not making babies, selling drugs, or selling our bodies. I am a saved Godfearing lover of Jesus Christ. It may not be many of us having a love for STEM, I want part in the change to make math and science more appealing to my demographic. I'm an avid volunteer in my community promoting change for the better. My parents are faithful to ministry as a Pastor & First Lady. As the pastor's daughter I didn't have a choice in the matter of helping people, but I love every minute of it and thankful my parents raised me this way. I appreciate my parents more and more each time we go out and give food to the homeless - it could have been me! My mom purchases clothing and toys for families each year for Christmas while we volunteer with Toys for Tots. What a refreshing feeling when I see those children's eyes light up seeing the toys we bring to them. My parents have instilled in me the importance to continue taking care of our own communities and changing the narrative that is out there stating we don't care about ourselves. We care!!! I get my giving, caring, and generosity spirit from my parents. They lead in outreach giving back to the less fortunate in Baltimore. As we provide and help meet the needs for the homeless, we directly help with crime prevention in Baltimore city.

Growing up born and raised in the dangerous streets of Baltimore, Maryland, I’m one young beautiful black female that refuses to let my city environment regulate a demise for my future. I’m a STEM high school student graduating c/o 2022 with a Baltimore Polytechnic Institute diploma determined to prove doubters wrong. All girls in Baltimore are not making babies, selling drugs, or selling our bodies. I am a saved Godfearing lover of Jesus Christ. Even being discouraged to believe that street life would be our only future, I beg to differ. Yes. I’m a young black female desiring to stop the decline of degrees awarded to girls who look like me. While there may be a few of us interested in this field having a love for STEM, I want to be a part of the change to make math and science more appealing to my demographic. I’ve seen what it takes to overcome obstacles to pursue this career and I’m preparing myself to fit the mold. I’m braced to hear the no’s until I get to the yes! I see the professors; I see the current employers and none of them bear resemblance to me. A black female desiring to be a Civil Engineer in a predominately white male sector, I already get the vibe I do not belong here, but here I am anyway! I’m doing this because I love engineering, math, and science. I’m doing this because I know there is some little girl growing up in some place like Baltimore city who needs to see me succeed to give her the hope and push to know she can do it too! The effects of COVID almost took me out educationally in 2019. It was a struggle to pass classes while family members are dying, and at one point my family was staying in a hotel due to a fire also, but I survived it! Proving I have what it takes to overcome the unexpected and achieve what I set my mind to. That’s what motivates me. My future life entails me completing my degree in Engineering at North Carolina A&T and using my skills to help build/rebuild safer environments by designing/erecting buildings in historically marginalized communities. I don’t want to forget where I came from, and I want to give back showing we can help ourselves if we put our minds to it. I am committed and will do this by staying the course qualifying me for employment opportunities to complete my goals and desires in public service. I want to build bridges, buildings, and establishments that will help better communities and make a better experience for the less fortunate. I want to succeed in my career to develop additional scholarships to help girls like me in the future. My parents are faithful to ministry as a Pastor & First Lady. As the pastor's daughter I didn't have a choice in the matter of helping people, but I love every minute of it and thankful my parents raised me this way. I appreciate my parents more and more each time we go out and give food to the homeless - it could have been me! My mom purchases clothing and toys for families each year for Christmas while we volunteer with Toys for Tots. What a refreshing feeling when I see those children's eyes light up seeing the toys we bring to them. My parents have instilled in me the importance to continue taking care of our own communities and changing the narrative that is out there stating we don't care about ourselves. We care!!! I get my giving, caring, and generosity spirit from my parents. They lead in outreach giving back to the less fortunate in Baltimore, but don’t make enough to cover tuition like financial aid believes. My parents worked hard to give me a better life having better jobs, but in having a decent job, the system is set up where we receive no financial help to keep bettering ourselves. We don't qualify for any grants or free money to go to school. This is discouraging at times, but I have chosen to use this experience to motivate me to do better. I want to in the future create more scholarships for young black girls who may not get a full ride, but has what it takes to succeed and just need some financial support. I want them to keep appreciating their parents for coming out of poverty and lets take it to the next step - free education!! This scholarship benefits me by paying what my parents cannot. I know you will not be disappointed in choosing me as the recipient. I will not let you down!

Growing up born and raised in the dangerous streets of Baltimore, Maryland, I’m one young beautiful black female that refuses to let my city environment regulate a demise for my future. Graduating from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute I'm determined to prove doubters wrong. All girls in Baltimore are not making babies, selling drugs, or selling our bodies. I am a saved Godfearing lover of Jesus Christ. It may not be many of us having a love for STEM, I want part in the change to make math and science more appealing to my demographic. It must be done at an HBCU! I’ve seen what it takes to overcome obstacles pursuing this career. I’m preparing myself to fit the mold. I’m braced to hear the no’s until I get to the yes! I see the professors; I see the current employers and none of them bear resemblance to me. A black female desiring to be a Civil Engineer in a predominately white male sector, I already get the vibe I do not belong here, but here I am anyway! Being at an HBCU will give me more confidence that I can and will achieve what I have set out to do. My future life entails me completing my degree in Engineering at North Carolina A&T and using my skills to help build/rebuild safer environments by designing/erecting buildings in historically marginalized communities. Not forgetting where I came from and giving back showing we can help ourselves if we put our minds to it, is my goal. I want to build bridges, buildings, and establishments bettering communities everywhere. An HBCU helps me to explore, embrace, appreciate, and learn more about my value and my blackness. I know you will not be disappointed in choosing me as the recipient. I will not let you down!

Growing up born and raised in the dangerous streets of Baltimore, Maryland, I’m one young beautiful black female that refuses to let my city environment regulate a demise for my future. I’m a STEM high school student graduating c/o 2022 with a Baltimore Polytechnic Institute diploma determined to prove doubters wrong. All girls in Baltimore are not making babies, selling drugs, or selling our bodies. I am a saved Godfearing lover of Jesus Christ. Even being discouraged to believe that street life would be our only future, I beg to differ. Yes. I’m a young black female desiring to stop the decline of degrees awarded to girls who look like me. While there may be a few of us interested in this field having a love for STEM, I want to be a part of the change to make math and science more appealing to my demographic. I’ve seen what it takes to overcome obstacles to pursue this career and I’m preparing myself to fit the mold. I’m braced to hear the no’s until I get to the yes! I see the professors; I see the current employers and none of them bear resemblance to me. A black female desiring to be a Civil Engineer in a predominately white male sector, I already get the vibe I do not belong here, but here I am anyway! I’m doing this because I love engineering, math, and science. I’m doing this because I know there is some little girl growing up in some place like Baltimore city who needs to see me succeed to give her the hope and push to know she can do it too! The effects of COVID almost took me out educationally in 2019. It was a struggle to pass classes while family members are dying, and at one point my family was staying in a hotel due to a fire also, but I survived it! Proving I have what it takes to overcome the unexpected and achieve what I set my mind to. That’s what motivates me. My future life entails me completing my degree in Engineering at North Carolina A&T and using my skills to help build/rebuild safer environments by designing/erecting buildings in historically marginalized communities. I don’t want to forget where I came from, and I want to give back showing we can help ourselves if we put our minds to it. I am committed and will do this by staying the course qualifying me for employment opportunities to complete my goals and desires in public service. I want to build bridges, buildings, and establishments that will help better communities and make a better experience for the less fortunate. I want to succeed in my career to develop additional scholarships to help girls like me in the future. My parents are faithful to ministry as a Pastor & First Lady. They lead in outreach giving back to the less fortunate in Baltimore, but don’t make enough to cover tuition like financial aid believes. This scholarship benefits me by paying what my parents cannot. I know you will not be disappointed in choosing me as the recipient. I will not let you down! I am a young black female STEM student and lover of Math and Science who is in need of financial assistance to make my STEM dreams and goals come true. It is my desire to become a Civil Engineer.