In November of 2021, I experienced a loss that changed my life in ways I did not fully understand at the time. My cousin, who I had lived with for most of my life and considered a sister, passed away. Her death was not just a moment of grief—it was a turning point that affected my daily life, my mindset, and my motivation. After she passed, I struggled deeply with my emotions. School no longer felt important to me, and I began to withdraw from everything around me. My attendance dropped, I lost interest in socializing, and I found it difficult to find purpose in my everyday routine. I did not want to go to school, I did not want to be around people, and I often felt disconnected from everything I once cared about. For a while, I stayed in that place of isolation. However, everything began to shift when I started opening up to my grandmother. She was someone who understood both my pain and my responsibility. Talking to her helped me realize that although I could not change what had happened, I could choose how I responded to it. She reminded me that my cousin would have wanted me to keep going, to stay focused, and to build a future for myself. That conversation became a turning point in my life. From that moment forward, I began to slowly take back control of my life. I started focusing more on school again and pushing myself to attend even when I did not feel motivated. I realized that my cousin’s memory could either hold me back in sadness or push me forward with purpose. I chose to let it push me forward. Instead of allowing grief to define me, I began using it as a reason to strive harder and set goals for myself that honored her memory. This experience taught me resilience in a way I had never understood before. It showed me that setbacks can either stop you or strengthen you, depending on how you respond. Losing my cousin could have permanently derailed my future, but instead it became the reason I started taking my education more seriously. It pushed me to want more for myself and to build a life that reflects the love and sacrifices of the people I care about. Today, I carry her memory with me in everything I do. My motivation is not only for myself, but also for her and my grandmother, who never gave up on me even when I was struggling the most. This challenge taught me that even in the darkest moments, there is still a path forward if you choose to take it.

My long-term goal is to build a stable and successful career in the field of criminal justice. I want to become someone who can work in law enforcement or a related justice position where I can serve my community, maintain structure, and contribute to safety and fairness. This goal is not only about having a job, but about creating a future where I am independent, financially stable, and able to give back to the family that supported me, especially my grandmother who raised me and my cousins. My plan to reach this goal begins with continuing my education after high school. I am currently working toward completing college-level coursework through dual enrollment, and my next step is to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice at Albany Technical College. This program will provide the foundational knowledge I need in areas such as law enforcement procedures, criminal law, corrections, and ethics. After completing my associate degree, I plan to either enter the workforce in an entry-level criminal justice position or transfer to a four-year university if I decide to further specialize in the field. To reach these goals, I understand that I will need several resources. First, financial resources are essential. Tuition, textbooks, transportation, uniforms, and school supplies will all require funding. Even at a technical college, estimated costs for tuition and fees can range from approximately $2,000 to $4,000 per year depending on credit hours and program requirements. Books and materials may add another $500 to $1,000 annually. Transportation costs will also be necessary since commuting to campus and possibly internships will require reliable transportation and fuel expenses. To manage these costs, I plan to apply for scholarships, including local community scholarships, college-based awards, and state financial aid programs. I also plan to apply for the HOPE Scholarship or similar Georgia state aid programs if eligible, along with FAFSA assistance to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. In addition, I will look for part-time employment or paid internships in criminal justice-related fields, such as security or administrative support roles, to help cover personal expenses and gain experience at the same time. Time management is another important factor in my plan. I expect my associate degree to take approximately two years if I attend full-time. During this time, I will balance schoolwork, possible employment, and internship opportunities carefully to ensure I stay on track academically. I also plan to take summer courses when available to accelerate progress and gain additional experience. I have also considered alternative paths to success. If law enforcement becomes competitive or delayed, I am open to related careers such as probation services, corrections, juvenile justice, or court administration. All of these areas would still allow me to build experience in the criminal justice system while working toward long-term advancement. Overall, my goal is not only to complete my education but to use it as a foundation for long-term stability and service. With careful planning, financial support through scholarships, and dedication to my education and training, I am confident I can achieve my career goals and build a future I can be proud of.

Growing up, I have lived with my grandmother for my entire life. While many people think of a single-parent household as just one child being raised by one parent, my experience has been more complex. My grandmother has not only raised me, but also my three cousins at the same time. Despite the responsibility of taking care of multiple children, she never turned us away. She stepped into a role she did not have to take on, and she chose to provide for us with love, discipline, and consistency. Living in this type of home has shaped my perspective on life and my future. I witnessed my grandmother sacrifice her personal time, comfort, and sometimes her own needs to make sure we were cared for. There were moments when things were financially difficult and stressful, but she still found a way to provide food, shelter, and stability. Watching her every day taught me what resilience truly means. It is not about having a perfect life, but about continuing to push forward even when things are hard. This experience has had a major influence on my character. It has made me more responsible, more aware of struggle, and more motivated to succeed. I learned early that nothing in life is simply handed to you—you have to work for it. My grandmother’s strength showed me that even when life is overwhelming, you still have to show up and do what needs to be done for the people who depend on you. Because of everything she has done, my goals for the future are deeply personal. I am not only striving for success for myself, but also for her. She did not have to take on the responsibility of raising me and my cousins, but she chose to anyway, without expecting anything in return. That choice motivates me every day. I want to succeed in a way that honors her sacrifices and shows her that her efforts were not wasted. This experience has also influenced my career aspirations. It has pushed me toward pursuing a career in criminal justice, where I can build stability, independence, and purpose. I want to work in a field where I can make a difference, maintain structure in my life, and create opportunities to support my family in the future. My upbringing has taught me the importance of discipline, responsibility, and dedication—qualities that align closely with my career goals. Overall, growing up in a household led by my grandmother has shaped not only who I am, but also who I am becoming. Her strength is the foundation of my motivation, and everything I pursue is driven by the desire to make her proud and build a better future for both of us.

If I could start a business with my deceased sibling, it would be a community youth center combined with a clothing and creative space called something like “Tianna’s Way.” This business would not just be about making money, but about creating a safe place for kids and teens to grow, express themselves, and stay on the right path. I would build it in honor of my cousin, Tianna Glover, who was not my sister by blood but was truly my sister by love, actions, and the bond we shared growing up. Tianna and I have been together for as long as I can remember. Since I was one year old and she was four, we lived with our grandmother together. We grew up in the same house, shared the same space, and experienced life side by side. Even though she was two and a half years older than me, we did everything together. She was more than a cousin—she was my best friend, my protector, and my other half. We understood each other in a way that didn’t need explaining. When she was around, I always felt like I had someone in my corner no matter what. Losing her at the age of 15 in a car accident caused by a drunk driver changed my life forever. Since that day, nothing has felt the same. It felt like a piece of my identity was taken away, because she was such a huge part of who I was growing up. The pain of her loss is something I still carry with me every day, and it has shaped the way I see life, people, and time. It made me realize how quickly everything can change, and how important it is to live with purpose. If I could build a business with her, I would want it to reflect everything she loved and everything I wish she had more of in life. A youth center would give kids a safe space after school, somewhere they can stay away from negative influences, get help with school, and be surrounded by positive support. The clothing and creative side of the business would allow young people to express themselves through fashion, art, and music. Tianna loved being around people and bringing energy into any room, so I know she would want a space that feels alive, welcoming, and full of creativity. This business would also focus on raising awareness about drunk driving and its consequences. Her story is one that should not be forgotten, and I would want her name to stand for change and impact. I would want people to walk into that space and feel her presence through the love, safety, and opportunity it provides. It would be a place built on healing, growth, and unity. Starting this business with her in mind would be my way of keeping her legacy alive. Even though she is no longer physically here, everything I do is still connected to her memory.

Going to college, to me, means more than just continuing my education it represents growth, independence, and the opportunity to build the future I’ve always envisioned for myself. It is a chance to step into a new chapter of life where I can challenge myself academically, develop as a person, and gain the knowledge and experiences needed to succeed in my career. College is not just about earning a degree; it is about discovering who I am, what I stand for, and how I can make a meaningful impact in the world. My journey has already begun through my dual enrollment experience in Criminal Justice at Albany Technical College, where I completed my certificate and earned all 15 college credits. That experience showed me that I am capable of handling college-level work while still in high school, and it pushed me to become more disciplined, focused, and responsible. Because of this, I see college as a continuation of the hard work and determination I have already developed. It means staying committed to my goals, managing my time wisely, and continuing to push myself beyond my comfort zone even when things get difficult. What I am trying to accomplish goes far beyond simply graduating. I plan to pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice and build a career where I can serve and protect my community. I want to be part of something bigger than myself, working in a field that promotes fairness, accountability, and safety. Whether I choose law enforcement or another path within the justice system, my goal is to make a positive difference in people’s lives. This goal is deeply personal to me, especially after losing my cousin in November 2021. Her case remains unresolved, and that experience has strengthened my passion for justice and my desire to be part of a system that truly supports and protects people. In addition to my career goals, I am also working to build a stable and successful future for myself. I want to create opportunities that allow me to grow and succeed while also being in a position to give back to my community. I hope to inspire others, especially young students who may face challenges, to stay focused and take advantage of opportunities that can help them move forward. I want to show that with determination and effort, it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. Overall, going to college means investing in myself and my future. It is about growth, purpose, resilience, and determination. I am not only working toward a degree, but toward becoming a stronger, more capable individual who can make a lasting impact. College is the foundation that will help me turn my goals into reality and create a future that reflects both my ambitions and my values.

Major: Criminal Justice | Schools: Fort Valley State / Kennesaw State At the age of nine, my understanding of safety and justice changed forever. I was caught in the middle of a shootout in Florida and forced to hide to survive. That moment left me deeply traumatized and ultimately led my family to relocate to Georgia in search of safety and stability. While no child should have to experience such fear, that event became the beginning of my desire to understand the justice system and protect others from similar harm. In the years that followed, my family faced additional hardship when I lost my cousin to a drunk driver. Losing someone I loved to a preventable act reinforced my belief that accountability, law, and public service matter. These experiences shaped my perspective early and pushed me to ask difficult questions: How can laws protect communities? How can justice prevent loss rather than simply respond to it? Those questions are what led me to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice. During this period, my family experienced multiple losses in a short amount of time, including the deaths of close relatives due to preventable circumstances and health complications. As a result, I struggled emotionally and began missing school while trying to process repeated grief. Despite this disruption, I remained committed to my education and worked to regain my academic focus. Maintaining a GPA between 3.3 and 3.6 reflects not only my academic ability, but my determination to persevere through hardsh I plan to attend Fort Valley State University or Kennesaw State University, where I can continue developing the critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and leadership skills necessary for a career in law. My long-term goal is to become a lawyer or serve in the United States Air Force, using my education to uphold justice, discipline, and service to others. Whether advocating for individuals through the legal system or serving my country, I want my career to stand for protection, integrity, and accountability. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden of college and allow me to fully focus on my academic and professional goals. More importantly, it would affirm that perseverance through adversity is recognized and valued. I am committed to using my education to give back to my community, advocate for justice, and help create safer environments for others. My past does not define me, but it motivates me. Through education, service, and dedication, I intend to transform my experiences into purpose and become a leader who stands for justice, fairness, and change.

Keyshauna sims - Major: Criminal Justice | Schools: Fort Valley State / Kennesaw State/ clark atlanta / famu At the age of nine, my understanding of safety and justice changed forever. I was caught in the middle of a shootout in Florida and forced to hide to survive. That moment left me deeply traumatized and ultimately led my family to relocate to Georgia in search of safety and stability. While no child should have to experience such fear, that event became the beginning of my desire to understand the justice system and protect others from similar harm. In the years that followed, my family faced additional hardship when I lost my cousin to a drunk driver. Losing someone I loved to a preventable act reinforced my belief that accountability, law, and public service matter. These experiences shaped my perspective early and pushed me to ask difficult questions: How can laws protect communities? How can justice prevent loss rather than simply respond to it? Those questions are what led me to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice. During this period, my family experienced multiple losses in a short amount of time, including the deaths of close relatives due to preventable circumstances and health complications. As a result, I struggled emotionally and began missing school while trying to process repeated grief. Despite this disruption, I remained committed to my education and worked to regain my academic focus. Maintaining a GPA between 3.3 and 3.6 reflects not only my academic ability, but my determination to persevere through hardsh I plan to attend Fort Valley State University or Kennesaw State University, where I can continue developing the critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and leadership skills necessary for a career in law. My long-term goal is to become a lawyer or serve in the United States Air Force, using my education to uphold justice, discipline, and service to others. Whether advocating for individuals through the legal system or serving my country, I want my career to stand for protection, integrity, and accountability. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden of college and allow me to fully focus on my academic and professional goals. More importantly, it would affirm that perseverance through adversity is recognized and valued. I am committed to using my education to give back to my community, advocate for justice, and help create safer environments for others. My past does not define me, but it motivates me. Through education, service, and dedication, I intend to transform my experiences into purpose and become a leader who stands for justice, fairness, and change.