"Beep" was the last sound my mother heard from the electrocardiogram machine on the day I was born. After that sound, everything from her perspective went silent. The only thing she could remember was the comforting sound of her infant screaming and crying in her face when she awoke. Everyone felt relieved knowing that both she and I were safe. Little did they know, my journey began on the day I was born. Although I am healthy and here today, life had other plans for me in the womb. I developed an in-utero stroke, which resulted in a disability called hemiparesis, making my left-side dominant and causing weakness on the entire right side of my body. My disability has presented many challenges throughout my life. Medical professionals said I wouldn't walk with a strong gait or keep up physically or cognitively with my peers, but they were wrong. Despite these setbacks, my disability has also been the source of my strength. Growing up, dance was always my greatest passion. I aspired to perform on Broadway and even attend Juilliard University to further my career as a dancer. I started dance classes at the age of three, and from that day on, I never wanted to stop. I was always excited to attend dance class as a young girl, and I loved being on stage. The feeling I experienced on stage, the compliments on my outstanding stage presence, and the sheer happiness it brought me made me smile from ear to ear when I danced. However, things took a sudden turn in middle school when my passion for dance began to wane. I attended Bak Middle School of the Arts, a performing arts school where I majored in dance. Dance became more serious, with a strong emphasis on technique. Due to my right-side weakness, pointing my right foot, straightening my right leg, and executing clean lines and motions were challenging. I was placed in the lowest dance level, which significantly impacted my confidence. I yearned to look and dance like the other girls, no matter how hard I practiced. At that point, I gave up. I knew my right-side weakness wouldn't improve, and I concluded that dance was not for me. I told my mom that I didn't want to dance anymore, and I quit. I transformed from a little girl with an unwavering passion for dance to a teenager who had lost all desire and passion for it, feeling inadequate due to my right-side struggles and the strict technical requirements of the art. Despite the physical challenges that dance presented, I found a new outlet in cheerleading during high school. I didn't make the cheer team in my freshman year, which initially left me feeling defeated and brought back the negative feelings I experienced in dance. However, I was determined not to be deterred. In my sophomore year, I tried out again, and I made the varsity cheer team. Cheerleading provided a refreshing experience because I didn't have to meet the same standards as the other girls, and I didn't have to compete to out-dance anyone for a top spot. Everyone worked together as a team, and that's what I loved about cheerleading!

Greetings! I am Kennedy Rowe a first year business administration scholar born in The Bronx New York. I attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee Florida. Pursuing higher education has alway been a dream of mine, but the financial burden associated with it can sometimes be the reason most people choose not attend a university for four years. This scholarship represents more than just monetary support; its an opportunity to achieve my academic careers and goals without the constant worry of financial issues. In the future, I dream to own my own hair business in different parts of the world, inspiring many young girls like myself to do the same. Since I was a little girl, doing hair has always been a passion of mine and something I have always been very good at. After college, I plan to attend cosmetology school to better my craft in doing hair. I have always been told I portray "boss like" qualities and that one day owning something of my own would be very fitting for me. Although I know owning a business is not easy, I'm ready to take on any challenges that come with it because it is something I am very determined and passionate about. Moving on, practically my whole life I have been a dancer so completing community service has always been pretty easy for me. I would preform my dance routines for nursing homes, marches for children with disabilities, and so on. Volunteering for children with disabilities can be a incredibly rewarding experience. It involves lots of support and companionship, helping with educational activities and sometimes assisting with physical therapy exercises. In my case, dancing for them was to try and inspire them to become more active and entertain them. By engaging in these activities our goal was to help them gain confidence and social skills. This type of community service not only benefited the children, but it benefited us in forming a deeper understanding and appreciation for the the diversity of human experiences. To conclude, the process of applying to this scholarship has already contributed to my personal growth. It had encouraged me to reflect on my goals, assess my strengths and weaknesses, and articulate my aspirations. These skills are essential for my overall development and will serve me well beyond my academic pursuits. This scholarship is not just a financial aid; it's a way to a brighter future. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and giving back to the community in the future!