When most people define success, they often speak of acquiring wealth, material possessions, or achieving financial abundance. However, I believe that success encompasses far more than mere material gain; it extends to the pursuit of personal passions and the realization of individual goals. Success is deeply personal, resonating with me in the achievement of financial stability while giving back to the community that shaped my upbringing. As a first-generation girl who grew up in the streets of Canarsie, success means breaking the cycle of scarcity and becoming a beacon of hope for others like me. It's not just about personal gain but also about uplifting the collective spirit and contributing to the betterment of the community that has molded my character. Growing up in Canarsie, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and obstacles that many individuals in my community faced. Despite the adversity, there was a sense of resilience and community that instilled in me the importance of giving back and supporting others. My mom, who immigrated to America when she was 17 and worked tirelessly to provide for our family, taught me the value of hard work and perseverance, laying the foundation for my own aspirations and ambitions. As I embarked on my journey toward success, I was determined to not only achieve personal fulfillment but also to make a positive impact on those around me. Volunteering at local churches and working at community centers allowed me to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and gain a deeper understanding of the issues facing our community. These experiences reinforced my commitment to service and fueled my passion for creating meaningful change. Moreover, success, to me, manifests itself in the dream of living in a mini cottage in the middle of the woods. It may seem simple, but it symbolizes my desire for a tranquil and fulfilling life, disconnected from the hustle and bustle of everyday existence. It embodies the longing for simplicity, serenity, and a deep connection with nature—a testament to the belief that I hold that success is not solely defined by material wealth but by the richness of experiences and a sense of contentment. When I reflect on my definition of success, I am reminded of the importance of balance and fulfillment in all aspects of life. Coming from New York City, where the fast-paced lifestyle is the norm, I've learned the value of slowing down and taking a breath. Sucess involves finding harmony between personal fulfillment and making a meaningful impact on society. Despite society's tendency to prioritize material wealth and external markers of success, I believe that genuine fulfillment stems from a deeper sense of purpose and contribution to the greater good. In conclusion, success is a journey that transcends conventional definitions. It is the realization of personal goals, giving back to one's community, and the pursuit of unconventional dreams. This opportunity will help me toward these aspirations, demonstrating that success is not confined to a singular trajectory but embraces the diversity of individual stories. I carry with me the belief that success is not only attainable but also deeply rewarding when grounded in authenticity, compassion, and a commitment to making the world a better place for all.

As a child, my aunt introduced me to a mesmerizing world- a world brimming with ideas, passionate arguments, and the pulsating heartbeat of democracy. Little did I realize that those evenings and mornings spent immersed in Presidental debates, global conferences, and insightful reports made by ABC news would serve as the catalyst for my passion in politics. In the moments when I wasn’t glued to the T.V screen, I found a love for books and reading the daily New York Time newspapers. You may wonder why a child would be watching presidential debates, global conferences, and the news as any source of entertainment and the truth is- I was forced! My mom would leave me in the hands of my 70-year-old aunt who only watched the news, Matlock, or Murder She Wrote. From time to time, I catch myself reciting lines from Jessica Fletcher and cursing my aunt for the old soul she created. Regardless of my aunt’s questionable choices in entertainment, it is she who I must thank for my passion for law and politics. When I was younger, I wanted to be an author. I have a profound love of literature and books, and I loved to write, so the career came naturally to me. And of course, after all the political indoctrination that my aunt made me endure, I wanted to become a lawyer. I held onto that dream until my junior year of high school when I realized that I could merge my two passions into one. Public Relations was introduced to me at a job fair. Initially, I was reluctant to learn more about it. I had set it up in my mind that I wanted to be a big-time lawyer in New York City just like Jessica Pearson in Suits. I knew pursuing politics and law was no easy task, and becoming a lawyer would be a process, but PR opened a new perspective for me. As I delved into learning more about PR, I discovered its dynamic nature and the crucial role it plays in shaping public perception, and the influence that I could have on people. So, while my initial aspiration was to emulate Jessica Pearson in the legal world, I realized that I could become Kya Wells in the world of Public Relations. My love for Politics and Journalism has indefinitely shaped my character through the years, fostering qualities of advocacy and effective communication skills that I now recognize as invaluable assets in the field of public relations. The tenacity developed through navigating the intricate landscapes of politics and the relentless pursuit of truth in journalism have equipped me with a mindset that thrives in the face of challenges – a mindset that seamlessly aligns with the dynamic nature of PR. To achieve my dream of becoming a public relation specialist, I chose the route of going to a 2-year community college then transferring to a 4-year university. The 4-year university that I am aiming for is the University of Southern California, which has a tuition of 90,000 a year. And though I chose the community college route, community college isn’t the most affordable either. With the help of this scholarship, I could put this forth paying the rest of my community college tuition off and start saving for USC.

A big part of my motivation for finishing has come from my mother. My mother was not able to finish her college education due to not having enough financial support. My mother immigrated from Barbados on her own at 17 years old and without any support from her family members. My mom did not have a support system when she was growing up, she ensured that my sister and I would never suffer hardships. Nevertheless, being a single mom going through hardships was inevitable. My mom persevered through these hardships and encouraged me to stay focused on school. My mom was strict when it came to school. My mom was the type of parent to make her worksheets for us to complete during the summertime on top of the stack of summer packets that my school required. She was also the type of mom who restricted TV and screen time. I remember dreading summer break because I knew it would be more like a summer boot camp. The endless worksheets and the limited screen time made me a better student and improved my focus in school. Many first-generation kids can agree that there is this subconscious pressure to be the “best” to impress our parents. Mom never put any pressure on us to be the best. Her only expectations for my sister & me were for us to do* our best. One thing that my mom would say to me when I was younger was “I don’t want you to be anything like me, I want you to be better.” When I was younger, I did not understand why she would say this. I admired my mom, and she was the only source of inspiration that I had. However, as I have gotten older, I have come to understand that my mom wanted us to achieve everything she had not. She wanted us to further our educations and pursue career paths that we would enjoy. As a result of my mother’s sacrifices to ensure that I had the best education, I made it my goal to complete college. Currently, I am enrolled in community college at Essex County College. One of the primary reasons I chose community college was because it was cheaper. I knew that if I were to attend a 4-year college neither my mother nor I could pay my tuition. Regardless of the financial struggles, I am determined to finish college and get my associate's and bachelor’s degrees in these next three years so that the years of my mother’s hard work do not go to waste. Though my mom was my biggest motivator, I do not want to disregard the village of women who helped raise me alongside my mother. I cannot finish my essay without acknowledging my beautiful aunts and godmothers who supported my mom & me throughout my childhood. I am grateful for the unconditional love and care that these women provided. They taught me valuable lessons, such as the importance of family, the importance of being independent, and the importance of being kind. I am forever in their debt of their love.

“The roots of education are better, but the fruit is sweet" - Aristotle. As all students can acknowledge, school is not fun; the acquiring of knowledge and education can be challenging, stressful, and sometimes so draining that you have to tell your teacher that your “internet wasn’t working” so that you can get an extra day to finish your week old assignment. However, despite all of the obstacles faced in school, the outcome or reward of gaining education and knowledge is valuable and gratifying. As a first-generation West-Indian American, I can assure you that I know first-hand how important education is and how far education can take you. I cannot tell you how many times I heard my mom say that “School comes before anything else”. As my mother is from Barbados, she immigrated here at the age of 17, on her own, and even though she finished her high school education, her financial circumstances made it difficult for her to attend college. To honor my mother and the sacrifices she made to ensure that I had the best education, I made it my goal as a child to complete college. Currently, I attend community college at Essex County College. One of the primary reasons I chose community college was because it was cheaper. I knew that if I was to attend a 4-year college, neither my mother nor I would be able to pay my tuition. And as I look at the 80,000 dollar tuition my peers have to pay, I couldn't be happier with my decision. However, while my tuition may be cheap compared to many others, it is still a struggle. I pay my tuition out of my own pockets due to not having parental support or financial aid. I do not have any issues with my tuition coming out of my pocket because my education is my responsibility. Nevertheless, working while being a student is difficult. And often, I find myself unable to balance my work and school life due to my long hours at work which makes it impossible to study and stay on track. And if we all know anything about America’s economy, even 25-30 hour shifts aren’t enough to pay our bills. As a result of the possibility of winning this scholarship, my remaining college time will be paid off, as well as granting me the ability to focus on my studies so that I can further my education. One of the goals that I have set for myself is to get accepted into the University of Southern California. With this scholarship, I can work towards my goal and gain the necessary qualifications to attend USC. I believe that this scholarship will help me build a strong foundation for my future to pursue my dreams. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Velez for providing this opportunity for students of color who want to further their education. As a first-generation student from a low-income family, this scholarship gives us something to look forward to. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay. I am confident this scholarship will help me reach my educational goals and be a better student. Thank you for considering my application.

The study of other cultures and nations tell us that we are interested in finding similarities and differences between our own culture and other cultures. By studying other cultures, We can compare and contrast different cultural practices, beliefs, and values. We also gain a new perspective on our own cultural beliefs, biases, and assumptions. This self-reflection allows us to question cultural norms and helps promotes tolerance and empathy toward other cultures. Additionally, People who study other cultures and nations can expand their perspectives on the world. When exploring other cultures & nations we can broaden our views and challenge our perceived notions about the rest of the world. Furthermore, We can appreciate the diversity of the world when we actively seek out the study of other cultures and nations. Students like me who are interested in the study of international business/communication are eager to understand and appreciate cultural diversity in an increasingly interconnected world. Studying other cultures helps us acknowledge the value of different perspectives, traditions, and practices. It fosters a sense of inclusivity and a new respect for people from various backgrounds. Global exploration offers the united states many benefits. One major benefit that goes unspoken is: Economic opportunities When people study abroad, they can engage with other nations which undoubtedly, opens up avenues for investment, trade, and more economic opportunities. Global exploration allows the United States to emerging markets, beneficial business relations, and promote overall economic growth. In addition to Economic opportunities, another benefit is the diplomatic and political insights into the rest of the world. The United States' diplomatic capabilities improve when studying other cultures and nations. This knowledge enables effective communication, negotiation, and collaboration on global issues. Another benefit of Global exploration is intellectual and scientific progress. Global explorations aid the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and innovations. By integrating with researchers and scholars from around the world, the United States can contribute and benefit from advancements in various fields, including, science, technology, and medicine. Moreover, National security and global stability are significant to studying abroad. With the insight of other cultures, their histories, and geopolitical dynamics; we can identify the essentialism for national security. Global exploration helps the united states identify potential threats, build stable alliances, and engage in international dialogue and cooperation. In summary, the study of other cultures and nations helps us understand ourselves better, promotes cultural humility, and encourages an appreciation for diversity. Global exploration offers the United States economic, diplomatic, intellectual, and security advantages, enabling the nation to thrive in an interconnected world.