1) Attribute I Embody the Most: "Be a Continual Learner" As a passionate student in the Master of Arts program at St. John's University, I wholeheartedly embody the attribute of being a continual learner. I approach each new class, reading, and writing assignment as an opportunity to expand my understanding and refine my skills. Whether it’s analyzing complex texts, exploring diverse literary voices, or embracing innovative writing styles, I am constantly seeking new perspectives that challenge my thinking. Outside the classroom, I dedicate time to reading widely across genres, attending literary events, and engaging in discussions about contemporary issues. I also seek out mentorship from experienced writers and academics, valuing their insights and experiences as essential to my growth. I believe that every interaction is an opportunity to learn, and I strive to approach life with an open mind and a willingness to absorb new information. Furthermore, I actively seek out feedback on my writing, viewing constructive criticism as a vital part of my development. This mindset not only enhances my skills but also fosters resilience, as I learn to embrace challenges as stepping stones toward improvement. Ultimately, my commitment to being a continual learner shapes my identity and fuels my aspirations. I am determined to contribute meaningfully to the literary world while inspiring others to value education and personal growth. Through this dedication, I aim to exemplify Black excellence and uplift my community by sharing the knowledge I acquire along my journey. 2) Attribute for Improvement: "Dare to Take Calculated Risks" While I strive for excellence in various aspects of my life, I recognize that my greatest area for improvement lies in daring to take calculated risks. However, I understand that taking risks is essential for personal and professional growth, particularly in competitive fields. To improve in this area, I will identify opportunities where I can step outside my comfort zone, such as submitting my work to literary journals more often, participating in conferences held by institutions, and meeting up with professors during the time of there office hours. Setting a goal to submit at least two pieces each semester will encourage me to share my work and face the vulnerability that comes with it. Additionally, I will cultivate a support network that encourages risk-taking, as surrounding myself with individuals who value growth will inspire me to pursue opportunities I might otherwise shy away from. In conclusion, I am committed to daring to take calculated risks as a means of fostering personal growth and embracing new opportunities. Through goal-setting, mentorship, and a positive mindset, I will challenge myself to step beyond my comfort zone, ultimately contributing to my journey of Black excellence and inspiring others to do the same.

If I were to curate my ideal bookshelf inspired by #BookTok recommendations, it would be a mix of contemporary literary hits, timeless classics, and emotional reads that have taken the platform by storm. 1. "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid This novel, with its dazzling Old Hollywood glamour and complex portrayal of love, identity, and ambition, has been a major topic of discussion within the #BookTok community. It’s celebrated for its compelling narrative and the strong emotional connection it fosters with readers. The story of Evelyn Hugo's rise to fame, as well as the hidden truths of her seven marriages, invites readers to rethink fame, sacrifice, and the meaning of true love. 2. "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas This fantasy series is a cornerstone of #BookTok's fantasy-loving crowd. With its intricate world-building, swoon-worthy romances, and characters who leap off the page, Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses has become an obsession for readers. The series blends high stakes, magic, and sensuality in a way that has sparked passionate discourse and fan theories across the platform. 3. "It Ends with Us" by Colleen Hoover Colleen Hoover's "It Ends with Us" has been a massive hit on #BookTok, praised for its raw and honest portrayal of love, domestic abuse, and personal growth. Hoover’s ability to write emotional and relatable characters has made this book a must-read, and many readers have credited it with opening up important conversations about difficult relationships and the strength it takes to break free. This novel’s impact on #BookTok cannot be overstated; it has created a space for readers to discuss topics that are often silenced, and its influence has led many to explore more contemporary romance novels with depth and meaning. The impact of these titles on #BookTok has been profound. They've created vibrant online discussions, emotional reflections, and a strong sense of community among readers. These books often tackle important themes—love, identity, trauma, and empowerment—and #BookTok provides a space where readers can share their thoughts, experiences, and interpretations with others who’ve been similarly affected by the stories. Through TikTok videos, creators share their emotional reactions, insightful reviews, and personal connections to these books, sparking curiosity and encouraging new readers to pick them up. Whether through tear-jerking romances or thrilling adventures, these books represent the power of storytelling and the collective experience of readers finding solace, excitement, and community in the written word.

My name is Kiara Mapp, and I’m a 22-year-old graduate student from Queens, NY. As a first-generation college student and the youngest in my family, I’ve always been driven by a deep desire to break barriers and set new standards for myself. I attended SUNY Plattsburgh for my undergraduate studies in English Writing Arts and English Literature and am now pursuing my Master’s degree in English at St. John’s University. My love for literature and writing has always been at the core of who I am, guiding me throughout my academic and personal life. Holding myself accountable has been a key factor in my success. Growing up without a family legacy of higher education meant that I had to take full responsibility for my academic journey. From applying to colleges to navigating the complexities of financial aid and ensuring I stayed on top of my studies, I learned early on that accountability wasn’t just about meeting deadlines but about staying committed to my long-term goals, even when faced with obstacles. I hold myself accountable by setting clear goals and consistently tracking my progress. Whether it’s completing a writing assignment, preparing for exams, or submitting applications for scholarships, I make it a point to break down tasks into manageable steps. This approach has helped me stay organized and avoid feeling overwhelmed. I also prioritize time management, using tools like calendars and to-do lists to ensure I stay on track and meet my deadlines. Another important aspect of accountability for me is self-reflection. I regularly assess my progress, evaluate what’s working, and make adjustments when needed. If I encounter setbacks, I take time to reflect on what went wrong, what I can learn from the experience, and how I can improve moving forward. This mindset has helped me overcome challenges and stay focused on my academic and personal growth. Accountability has also been vital in maintaining my dedication to writing and publishing. I set personal deadlines for completing drafts, submitting work to journals, and pursuing new opportunities to improve my craft. Even when it’s difficult to balance schoolwork and personal writing projects, I hold myself accountable to my goals by pushing through and ensuring that I make time for what matters most to me. This commitment to accountability has been a driving force in my success. It has helped me graduate with honors from SUNY Plattsburgh, secure a place in the English M.A. program at St. John’s University, and publish some of my work. Most importantly, it has instilled in me the confidence that I can achieve whatever I set my mind to as long as I remain accountable to myself and my dreams.

Growing up as a first-generation student, education has always represented opportunity and possibility. As the youngest and only girl in my immediate family, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by those without a formal education, and I knew early on that I wanted a different path for myself. Higher education is not just about earning a degree for me; it’s about expanding my mind, gaining independence, and paving the way for a future where I can contribute meaningfully to society. I chose to pursue higher education because I believe that knowledge opens doors to endless possibilities, whether through personal growth, career opportunities, or the ability to effect change in my community. From a young age, I was drawn to literature and writing. Pursuing higher education in English was a natural choice, as it allowed me to dive deeper into my passions and hone my skills as both a writer and a thinker. My decision to continue my education at the graduate level stems from my desire to push myself even further, to challenge my perspectives, and to contribute to the literary world. Ultimately, I see higher education as a vehicle for achieving not only personal fulfillment but also as a stepping stone to a career where I can make a lasting impact through my work. As a first-generation student, preparing for college was a journey marked by determination and self-advocacy. From researching colleges to understanding the financial aid process, I knew that I had to be proactive to make my dreams of higher education a reality. One of the key ways I prepared for college was by immersing myself in my academics throughout high school. I made it a priority to excel in my classes, knowing that strong grades would help me get into the colleges I aspired to attend. I also took advantage of the resources available to me, such as speaking with guidance counselors, attending college fairs, and researching scholarship opportunities. Lastly, I prepared for the emotional and social transition to college by embracing the idea of being the first in my family to take this path. I understood that while the journey would not always be easy, it was one that I was fully capable of navigating. I entered college with the mindset that I belonged in these academic spaces, and that my hard work and perseverance had earned me a place there. Additionally, I worked hard to achieve high grades in my courses, particularly in writing-intensive classes, which helped demonstrate my readiness for the rigors of graduate-level work. I also sought out opportunities to publish my writing and present my work in academic settings, knowing that this experience would not only bolster my application but also prepare me for the demands of graduate studies. The application process itself required a great deal of preparation. I spent time researching different graduate programs, looking for ones that aligned with my academic interests and professional goals. This meant reviewing program curricula, faculty research, and student support services to ensure that I was applying to schools that would help me thrive academically and personally. I understood that graduate school would be more demanding than my undergraduate experience, but I also recognized that it was a space where I could fully immerse myself in my passion for English. These efforts have enabled me to successfully navigate this new chapter of my academic journey, and I am excited to continue pursuing my passion for literature and writing at the graduate level.

My name is Kiara Mapp and I am a 22-year-old first-generation college student from Queens, NY. Ive completed my undergraduate studies at SUNY Plattsburgh, where I double majored in English Writing Arts and English Literature. Currently, I am pursuing my Master’s degree in English at St. John’s University. My journey as a student has been driven by a deep love for reading and writing especially as I'm determined to grow as both a scholar and a writer. Literacy has been instrumental in both my personal growth and academic achievements. As an undergraduate student double majoring in English Writing Arts and English Literature, literacy allowed me to analyze texts critically, engage with diverse narratives, and develop my voice as a writer. Through reading, I have gained insight into the complexities of the human experience, which in turn informs my own writing. My journey as a writer has extended beyond the classroom. I’ve had the privilege of publishing some of my work, which has given me a taste of what it’s like to share my ideas with college students. The experience of seeing my words in print has been incredibly rewarding and has reinforced my determination to continue publishing in the future. I dream of one day becoming an established author, where my work can resonate with others and contribute to important conversations about identity, culture, and the human condition. Picture books played a formative role in my early years, sparking my imagination and fostering a lifelong love of storytelling. As a child, I would lose myself in the vivid illustrations and simple yet profound narratives that picture books offered. They taught me early on creativity and the power of storytelling to convey complex emotions in an accessible way. Those experiences inspired me to craft stories of my own, and I began writing as a means of processing the world around me. Even now, I reflect on how picture books instilled in me an appreciation for visual and narrative harmony. They taught me that stories can be told in more than one way and that every image or sentence has the power to evoke deep emotional responses. This understanding influences my approach to writing today, as I strive to create work that resonates both intellectually and emotionally with readers. I hope to one day create my picture book, blending my love for language with the captivating power of visual storytelling. My ultimate goal is to continue growing as a writer and to publish work that speaks to the complexities of life, identity, and human connection. I am passionate about creating stories that explore the nuances of lived experiences, stories that challenge, inspire, and provoke thought. Whether through poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction, I also aim to contribute to the literary world in a way that brings fresh perspectives and allows readers to feel seen and understood. This award would help me focus on my craft without the overwhelming pressure of financial constraints. It would allow me to invest more time in writing, refining my work, and pursuing opportunities for publication. With this support, I could further immerse myself in the literary community, attending workshops, submitting work to journals, and potentially working on a manuscript for a future book. Ultimately, this scholarship would empower me to pursue my passion for writing with greater confidence and focus, bringing me one step closer to realizing my dream of becoming a published author.

Living the life of my dreams is one where I find fulfillment in my work, balance in my personal life, and the ability to give back to my community. In my dream life, I am a leader in the social work field, making tangible differences in the lives of individuals who need guidance and support, specifically the elderly and the disabled. Having experienced firsthand the power of social services and the importance of community care, I aim to work as a program director or advocate, ensuring that underrepresented populations have access to the resources they need to thrive. My work would focus on supporting vulnerable communities, especially women, by providing them with durable medical equipment, benefits and entitlements, and resources for economic independence. The organizations I lead would be innovative and compassionate, driven by a mission to empower others to overcome adversity. While my professional life would be meaningful and impactful, my personal life would be equally fulfilling. In this dream life, I have found a balance between work and self-care, prioritizing my mental and physical well-being. I would have the time and space to nurture my creativity, continuing to write and explore new ways to express myself. Writing has always been a way for me to process my thoughts and experiences, and in my dream life, I have the freedom to publish books, essays, or articles that share my perspective and inspire others. My creative work would be a reflection of my personal journey, one that showcases resilience, empowerment, and the beauty of the human experience. Education and lifelong learning are critical components of my dream life. I believe that knowledge is a gateway to freedom, and I would never stop seeking out opportunities to grow. Whether it be through formal education, traveling, or learning new skills, I would always be pushing myself to expand my horizons. I imagine myself participating in workshops, attending conferences, or even teaching others — continuing the cycle of education and empowerment. This commitment to growth would not only benefit me but also the people I serve, as I would bring new ideas and perspectives into my work. Financial stability is also a key aspect of my dream life. I see myself free from the burdens of taking out loans, with the ability to live comfortably while also being able to give back. This financial freedom would also afford me the ability to travel, explore different cultures, and gain new experiences that would enrich my life and my work. Ultimately, the life of my dreams is one where I live with purpose and intention. It is a life where I am constantly evolving, helping others, and finding joy in the journey. It is a life that reflects my values — one where social justice, creativity, love, and learning are at the forefront. While the path to this dream life is not without its challenges, I am confident that through hard work, perseverance, and the support of opportunities like this scholarship, I will get there.