Success can be quantified using a range of measured statistics, whether that be materialistic, physical, mental, or spiritual factors, but to me, success is an abstract overview of things overall. It's when I make goals and plans to achieve these goals that challenge me to do a little more each day that are most rewarding when I finally accomplish whatever goals I set. Whether that be getting a little further in my school work when I have free time so that I can put my all into football practice, or taking the extra duties in community service outings so that the project gets completed then and not later. I strive to make the most out of every single experience to prepare myself for life after high school. Since before the pandemic, I wasn’t always the best at school and my grades often reflected my small efforts, but after the pandemic everything changed. I no longer had the easy access to communicate with my teachers and classmates, I once had to just pass classes. I no longer could receive in person instruction and participate in hands-on demonstrations as interactive learning is my greatest strength. I no longer had the opportunity to meet up with my teammates and run plays or practice for the big game, there were no more activities involved in what I was led to believe would be the greatest times of my teenage years. Instead, I was forced to continue school through non-permanent settings where instructions would change locations online, we communicated through google docs, and there wasn’t a space for one-on-one debriefings whenever I wasn’t understanding the material. Just like that I felt as if my future had come to a standstill and losing the time where I’m supposed to finish out my development left me feeling a loss. It wasn’t until my grades began slipping and I came close to being placed on academic probation that I realized sometimes life operates in the same manner. Unexpectedly, everything could change and I could either complain about it or take the opportunity and grow, knowing that everything doesn’t happen in a linear fashion. With help from my parents, I was able to obtain a tutor in Math and English that offered one-on-one sessions where I could focus and dedicate time to re-learning the basics even if it was embarrassing that I’d fallen behind. In the absence of full scale practice sessions, I outlined a routine, contacted my coach for confirmation in safety undertaking exercises on my own, and maintained a work-out regime that allowed me to stay fit. After a few months, I started to feel that I could accomplish anything once my grades improved drastically and the workouts became easy. Knowing that just a bit of extra work had really started turning things around, I realized this outlook could also help with what I wanted to succeed at in this world. Not only would this opportunity ease the financial strain of being able to attend college, it would allow me the freedom to focus on further developing my knowledge in health and wellness in hopes of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. I intend to help future and current athletes in being able to take ownership of their health journeys to prevent future injuries and have speedy recoveries. As a person who has been injured and needed surgery to correct the issue, there are things about the human body I wish I had been more privy to prior to playing sports at the competitive level. I know that the path ahead of me after graduation will be challenging and may not go exactly the way I intend, but with the support of my family, community, and the belief that I can achieve anything I set my mind to, I will not only be determined to see things through, but complete my undergraduate degree with the ambition of pursuing my master’s shortly after. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Greetings! I am Khaleb Tarique Smith. I am submitting my application for the Reverend A. Martin scholarship in hopes of attending the University of Arkansas at Monticello. I am a 17-year-old senior at Camden Fairview High School. I have a passion for playing football, fishing, camping, and spending time with the family. I am a student athlete who believes in giving my best effort, helping others, living by faith and loving the life God has given me. I keep my mind and body strong by participating in healthy and positive activities that keep me safe and out of trouble. In short, I am just a country. boy striving to live my dreams and make my family proud. My life’s purpose is simple. It is to show gratitude for all my blessings. Always try to see the best in all situations even when situations are tough. Everything and everyone in life can teach you something. My end goal is to stay positive, grant myself a little grace, when needed and continue to always give my best effort. My goal is to always believe in myself and my abilities. It is my plan to major in Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning). Receiving this scholarship will provide me an opportunity to take ownership in the process of creating and executing a plan to fund my academic goals. As a student- athlete, I am interested in learning more about strength and conditioning, coaching, and health wellness; thus, being prepared to help future athletes prevent injuries and a speedy recovery. I believe an education in Exercise Science is a perfect fit for my personality and this educational path will enhance my knowledge about the body, physicality and eating well. My desire is to educate my family and community on ways to improve their overall wellbeing through making healthy lifestyle changes. In achieving these goals, my first action step is to put God first, seek his will and direction for my life, and do my best to live an obedient lifestyle. Secondly, I will be intentional on keeping people in my circle who have integrity and ethical standards, who choose to build others up. Thirdly, I will seek mentors who have successfully achieved the goals I want to attain and learn what it takes to be successful in my field. Finally, I know that whatever it is I want to accomplish, it is up to me to show up and do the work!