Education has always played an invaluable role in my life journey. As a young girl growing up in Harlem during turbulent times, I witnessed firsthand how lack of access to education severely limited opportunities for many in my community. It was clear to me even then that education holds the key to unlocking one’s potential. This realization has only been reinforced throughout my own academic and professional pursuits. After completing my undergraduate degree, I embarked on a path of lifelong learning that has already yielded tremendous rewards. My previous education empowered me to start my own successful business, providing stability for my family while allowing me the flexibility to focus entirely on parenting my son during critical phases of his development. The proceeds from my enterprise now enable me to attend graduate school on a full-time basis. Pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration and Information Technology Management at this stage is particularly meaningful. It will allow me to advance the skills that underpin my enterprise, opening new doors to better support my family for years to come. More importantly, it will set an example for my son of the impact an education can have. Growing up without a strong father figure, it is imperative that I demonstrate how dedication to learning can achieve great things both personally and professionally. The life and legacy of Augustus L. Harper inspire me deeply in this endeavor. Like Mr. Harper, education was my vehicle for escaping poverty and achieving success against immense odds. After completing multiple degrees himself, including an undergraduate degree and an MBA, he spent his career empowering others through teaching and leadership roles, recognizing education’s transformative power from his own experience. As the President of the National Association of Black Accountants, he broke barriers and paved the way for generations to follow. Mr. Harper’s story epitomizes how education can move one from humble beginnings to helping entire communities through service, advocacy and mentorship. This is a path I hope to follow. By growing my business acumen, I aim to give back through job creation and philanthropic initiatives in neighborhoods like my own. Most of all, I want to exemplify for my son that with determination and hard work, any dream is achievable. Just as education lifted Mr. Harper from poverty to prominence, it has unlocked my potential and will continue guiding me towards positively impacting others. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to further my studies through this scholarship, to honor Mr. Harper’s legacy and bring me one step closer to paying it forward.