I've been talking to my Youtube channel (my mirror) for as long as I can remember until I finally turned it into reality. Growing up in a single-parent, low-income household in the streets of Milwaukee, Wisconsin has shaped not only who I am but also the direction of my career goals. Watching my mother carry the weight of providing for us on her own taught me two things at the same time: that life demands resilience, and that resilience means more than just surviving—it means pushing forward with intention. My mom made sure she did everything in her power to give me the best of the best no matter what our financial situation was. Living with limited resources compared to my peers didn’t crush my ambitions; instead, it expanded them. It made me want a life where I could provide stability for my future family and create opportunities for others who come from similar backgrounds. Most of my life I've been a minority in the schools I've attended. Because of that and my upbringing in general, I’ve always been drawn to careers that allow me to use my creativity and voice to make an impact. My interest in sports journalism and marketing comes from the belief that representation matters—not just on the field, but in the people who tell the stories. Growing up, I didn’t see many young black girls around me, let alone in sports media, and that absence motivated me. I want to be the person I didn’t see: someone who breaks barriers and shows other girls that they belong in these spaces too. My background also pushed me toward entrepreneurship. When you grow up watching your parent stretch every dollar, you learn to be resourceful and independent. Starting my clothing brand and other businesses from my adolescence were more than creative hobbies; they were steps toward financial freedom. I learned how to market, pitch, plan, and build something from scratch—skills that translate directly into sports marketing and media. Beyond career goals, my experiences taught me compassion. I know what it feels like to need support you can’t always ask for, or to work twice as hard for things that come easier to others. That’s why I want my work—whether through media, business, or community programs—to uplift people who feel unseen. I want to build platforms where young creators, students, and athletes can be recognized for their effort and potential, not just their circumstances. Growing up without financial privilege didn’t limit my dreams; it sharpened them. It made me want to pursue a career where I can rewrite the narrative for myself and others. My journey has taught me that success isn’t about where you start—it’s about what you choose to create from it. And I plan to create something meaningful.

There was a time in my life when everything felt like it was falling apart. I had just started high school, and life at home wasn’t easy. My family was struggling financially, and I often felt like I had to grow up faster than I wanted to. On top of that, I was trying to balance school, helping out at home, and figuring out who I was. I remember feeling like no matter how hard I tried, things just weren’t getting better. That’s when I had to lean on my faith more than ever before. I grew up being taught that faith wasn’t just about praying when you wanted something—it was about trusting that God had a plan, even when it didn’t make sense. But honestly, during that time, trusting wasn’t easy. I was frustrated. I questioned why I had to go through so much at such a young age. Still, every night, I prayed. I asked God to give me strength, to help me stay focused, and to remind me that there was a purpose in the struggle. One moment that really tested me was when my grades started slipping. I had always been a good student, but with everything going on, I couldn’t focus. Teachers started noticing, and I could tell people were doubting me. That hurt, but instead of giving up, I decided to change how I saw the situation. I started praying every morning before school, asking God to guide my day and calm my mind. I began journaling Bible verses that reminded me to keep faith, like Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Slowly, my mindset shifted. Instead of focusing on what was going wrong, I started focusing on what I could control and trusting that God would handle the rest. Things didn’t change overnight, but they did change. I began to feel peace even when everything wasn’t perfect. My grades improved, I got involved in my mentoring group, and I found confidence in myself again. I learned that faith doesn’t remove challenges—it gives you the strength to face them. Looking back, I’m grateful for that season of my life because it shaped me into who I am today. It taught me how to keep going when I don’t see results right away and how to trust that God’s timing is always right. Now, whenever I face something hard—whether it’s school, personal issues, or uncertainty about the future—I remind myself of that time. I’ve seen what faith can do, and I know it’s what will continue to guide me through life. Faith taught me perseverance, patience, and purpose. It showed me that obstacles aren’t there to stop me; they’re there to strengthen me. No matter what path I take next, I’ll always carry that lesson with me—because once you’ve learned how to lean on faith, you realize you’re never truly alone in the fight.

Growing up, I learned that success doesn’t always start with having every resource but instead it starts with having determination, faith, and a willingness to work hard no matter the circumstances. Like many young people, I’ve faced challenges that could have discouraged me, but instead, they fueled me. Financial limitations and the pressure of balancing school, leadership, and personal responsibilities have pushed me to become more disciplined, focused, and resourceful. I’ve learned that even when opportunities aren’t handed to you, they can be created through persistence and purpose. Throughout high school, I’ve worked hard to build a strong academic foundation while dedicating myself to serving others. Many of the young women I work with remind me of myself—ambitious, but sometimes unsure if the world will give them a fair chance. Seeing them grow has taught me that leadership isn’t about being in charge; it’s about making sure others rise with you. Beyond school, I mentor children from low-income families at a local daycare and volunteer at food banks. Service has grounded me in gratitude and reminded me that giving back is one of the most powerful ways to create change. At times, managing academics, leadership roles, and financial challenges has felt overwhelming. There have been moments where I questioned whether all the effort would truly pay off. But my faith and family have kept me strong. My mom has always instilled in me the belief that where you start does not define where you finish. She's shown me that resilience isn’t just about surviving because it’s about thriving in spite of difficulties. I’ve taken that to heart and applied it to everything I do. My dream is to study Marketing or Communications and pursue a career in sports marketing. I’m drawn to the creativity and connection that marketing offers, and I want to use my skills to build bridges between people, brands, and communities. I also want to represent young women who look like me in spaces where our voices are still underrepresented. This grant would not only make college more accessible financially, but it would also serve as an investment in my future—a vote of confidence that hard work, character, and determination matter. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds deserve opportunities like this because potential isn’t limited by circumstance. We know what it means to sacrifice, to work twice as hard, and to keep believing when the odds seem stacked against us. When given a chance, we don’t take it for granted—we use it to create better futures for ourselves and for those who come after us. This scholarship would allow me to continue striving toward my goals, serve my community on a larger scale, and carry forward the belief that with faith, perseverance, and heart, anything is possible.

Serving others has always been more than something I do—it’s who I am. From a young age, I was taught that the true measure of a person is not what they accomplish for themselves, but what they contribute to others. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that service is an act of love, and leadership means using your voice and actions to lift others higher. As president of a girls’ mentoring group in Durham, North Carolina, I’ve worked to create a safe, empowering space for young women to grow in confidence, self-worth, and leadership. I guide discussions about everything from academic goals to mental health and self-image, and each time one of the girls opens up or reaches a breakthrough, I’m reminded why I do what I do. Outside of school, I mentor children from low-income families at a local daycare. Whether it’s helping with homework, reading stories, or just being someone who listens, I’ve learned that consistency and compassion can mean the world to a child. I also volunteer at local food banks, where I’ve seen firsthand how kindness can bridge divides and restore hope. What motivates me most is knowing that small acts of service can create ripples far beyond what I can see. These experiences have not only shaped my character but given me a sense of purpose that grounds me in everything I do. While serving others gives my life purpose, joy gives it color. For me, joy comes from connection, creativity, and gratitude. I find joy in creating digital content, running my own small business, and using those platforms to inspire and uplift others. Entrepreneurship has taught me patience, discipline, and the beauty of sharing my authentic voice with the world. But my deepest joy comes from my family. Some of my favorite memories are made around the dinner table, laughing until our sides hurt, or spending weekends together watching sports and cheering like we’re right there in the stands. My family reminds me that joy isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. It’s found in laughter after long days, in gratitude for simple moments, and in the people who make life brighter just by being part of it. As I look toward the future, I’m excited to continue growing academically, personally, and spiritually. I plan to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to study Marketing or Communications, with the goal of pursuing a career in sports marketing. I want to merge my creativity and business mindset with my love for sports and people, finding ways to tell stories that inspire connection and community. Spiritually, I hope to keep leading with faith and humility. Personally, I want to live a life that reflects integrity, compassion, and gratitude. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial challenges of college but would also allow me to continue embodying the values of Ed and Aline Patane—service, kindness, family, and joy. To the children and family of Ed and Aline Patane, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Even though I never knew them, I feel the depth of their love and generosity through this opportunity. Their legacy reminds me that a life lived in service is a life that never truly ends. I promise to honor their memory by continuing to serve, to lead with heart, and to use every gift I’ve been given to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

When I first moved to North Carolina in seventh grade, I faced one of the most difficult experiences of my life. Shortly after moving during covid, I was sexually assaulted. At the age of 12, I barely understood how to process what had happened, but what hurt even more was that when I tried to speak up, no one believed me. Instead of receiving comfort and protection, I felt silenced, dismissed, and left to carry the weight of something no child should have to bear. For a long time, I believed that moment had taken away my voice, my strength, and even a part of my future. Depression quickly followed. Each day felt like a battle I was losing, and I began to see myself only through the lens of what had happened to me. I thought my trauma defined me, and I allowed that belief to strip away my confidence and joy. Yet even in those dark moments, a quiet resilience was forming inside me. I did not recognize it at the time, but surviving was proof of strength. Slowly, I began to understand that while I could not change my past, I could choose how I carried it into my future. What others did not see was that beneath my silence, I was building determination. Inside, I was beginning to commit myself to healing, to rise above my pain, and to proving (to myself and eventually to others) that I was more than my trauma. Healing has not been a single, defining accomplishment. It has been an ongoing process of growth, self-reflection, and courage. Along the way, I have learned to set boundaries, to trust my instincts, and to extend compassion both to others and to myself. Perhaps most importantly, I discovered that being honest about struggles does not signal weakness. It demonstrates strength, authenticity, and the willingness to connect. This realization has transformed the way I lead and serve others. Because I know what it feels like to be silenced, I prioritize listening to people who may feel overlooked or dismissed. Because I know the weight of carrying pain in secret, I strive to create spaces where others feel safe sharing their stories. And because I know the uncertainty of doubting one’s worth, I am intentional about affirming and uplifting those around me. As president of my girls’ mentoring group, these lessons shape my leadership every day. When I work with younger girls, I often see pieces of my seventh-grade self in them. The uncertainty, the fear of not being understood, the longing to be seen. I remind them that their voices matter, that their stories deserve to be heard, and that no one can define their identity for them. I lead with empathy because I know pain, but I also lead with hope because I have seen growth. I no longer view my past solely as a source of suffering. Instead, I see it as the catalyst that strengthened me and helped me discover who I truly am. My trauma does not define me or my resilience, my strength, and my commitment to uplifting others do. Today, I know I am far more capable than I once believed, and I use that strength to ensure those around me never feel as silenced or invisible as I once did.

Throughout my life, I have always believed that education is more than just a personal achievement; it is a pathway to creating meaningful change. My educational journey is not only about reaching my own goals but also about paving the way for others, especially young women who may not see themselves represented in certain spaces. I plan to use my education to make a positive impact on the world by uplifting others, breaking barriers in the sports industry, and continuing my service to my community. My most meaningful experience with service has come from my role as the president of a nonprofit girls’ mentoring group for ages 13 to 18. This group is centered around community engagement, leadership development, and service. In this role, I have worked directly with young girls to help them build confidence, set goals, and understand the value of giving back. We host community business and career fairs that connect youth with professionals in various industries. These events provide exposure to opportunities many young girls do not get to see every day, and I take pride in helping to create these bridges. Additionally, we volunteer for local homeless shelters, providing meals, support, and encouragement to those in need. These experiences have taught me that service is not just about giving, it is about listening, learning, and leading with compassion. Being part of this nonprofit has also shaped my vision for how I want to use my education. I have witnessed firsthand how representation matters, how seeing someone who looks like you in a position of leadership can spark belief and ambition. This is one of the driving forces behind my decision to pursue a major in sports marketing. Sports is an industry with massive cultural influence, but it remains underrepresented by women, especially women of color, in leadership and business roles. My goal is to enter this field as not just a professional, but as a representative for young girls who aspire to pursue careers in spaces where they are often overlooked. When I start my studies in sports marketing, I plan to learn the skills necessary to create platforms, campaigns, and opportunities that highlight diverse voices in sports. Representation in marketing has the power to shift perspectives, challenge stereotypes, and inspire entire communities. By combining my passion for service with my career goals, I hope to develop initiatives that connect underserved youth with resources, mentorship, and career opportunities in the sports industry. In this way, my education will become a tool not only for my own growth but for the empowerment of others. As a minority student (being one of the few black students, let alone female students, in my predominately white high school) , I understand the weight and responsibility of representation. I do not take lightly the idea that my success can open doors for others. By excelling academically and professionally, I hope to demonstrate to young women in my community that they, too, belong in spaces where they may not see many role models. I want to use my story, combined with my education, to break cycles of doubt and encourage the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers. In the end, my educational career will not just be about earning a degree. It will be about applying what I have learned to create opportunities, provide representation, and inspire change. Whether through mentoring, community service, or breaking barriers in sports marketing, I plan to leave a legacy that proves education is most powerful when it is used to uplift others.