LeBron James is an interesting player, though Kobe Bryant will always be the number one player in my heart. Kobe inspires all of us, especially those of melanin, to never let where we come from stop us from reaching where we can go. He is a true embodiment of the American Dream—doing things his own way and not just preaching that to others. I am a fan of LeBron James because, unlike most players, he didn’t rely solely on his basketball career as his only source of income. Instead, he allowed himself to grow in financial literacy, becoming one of the league’s only billionaires, further adding to his repertoire of accomplishments. He shows that we can achieve anything in this matrix of a world and that we are a force to be reckoned with when we truly allow ourselves to be. In this era, I believe LeBron James is the greatest of all time. However, overall, Kobe will always be the one to outshine the ranks. Unlike James, Kobe stayed true to himself and exuded a silent confidence that radiated and outshined the rest. With Vanessa by his side, he allowed his daughters to be molded into what they wanted to be and carry into this world, rather than trying to make them into mini versions of himself. That said, LeBron James is a force that will never be stopped on this planet, and there’s no need to stop him. But for now and evermore, Kobe Bryant shall always reign supreme. Amen!

Throughout my journey, I've cultivated a deep-seated commitment to supporting others in realizing their full potential. This evolution has been shaped by various experiences, reflections, and deliberate actions that have molded my skills and solidified my purpose and passion for uplifting those around me. My journey towards becoming a catalyst for others' growth began with a profound realization: the immense value of empathy and understanding in fostering personal development. I embarked on a quest to cultivate these qualities, seeking opportunities to listen intently, empathize sincerely, and understand deeply. Whether through formal education, personal relationships, or professional experiences, I made a conscious effort to hone my ability to connect with others on a profound level. As I delved deeper into the realm of personal development, I recognized the significance of continuous learning and growth. I immersed myself in a diverse array of disciplines, from psychology and coaching to leadership and communication. Each new insight and skill I acquired fueled my passion for helping others unlock their potential, motivating me to delve even further into the intricacies of human behavior and development. But knowledge alone wasn't enough. I realized that to truly make a difference, I needed to translate my understanding into action. Thus began my journey of empowerment, where I sought to equip others with the tools and resources they needed to thrive. Whether through mentorship, coaching, or simply lending a listening ear, I made it my mission to support others in their journey towards self-discovery and growth. Over time, I refined my approach, drawing from a diverse toolkit of strategies and techniques tailored to each individual's unique needs and circumstances. I learned to adapt my methods to different personalities, learning styles, and challenges, recognizing that there's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to personal development. Moreover, I discovered the transformative power of community and collaboration. I sought out opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who shared my passion for personal growth and collective upliftment. Together, we created spaces where people could come together to learn, grow, and support one another on their respective journeys. But perhaps the most profound realization on my journey was the reciprocity of growth. As I dedicated myself to helping others be their best, I found that I, too, was continually evolving and expanding my own potential. Every interaction, every challenge, and every moment of connection served as an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Today, my purpose and passion for helping others be their best burns brighter than ever. Whether through my work, my relationships, or my contributions to the community, I remain steadfast in my commitment to empowering others to unlock their full potential and live their most fulfilling lives. And as I continue on this journey of growth and service, I am reminded time and time again of the profound impact that we can have on one another when we choose to uplift and support one another.

Creating a legacy in the future is not merely about leaving a mark but about making a meaningful and lasting impact that extends beyond oneself. As I envision my path forward, I am committed to building a legacy rooted in empowerment, innovation, and social responsibility. Central to my vision is the establishment of a purpose-driven business that not only thrives financially but also serves as a catalyst for positive change in society. I aspire to create a business that embodies my values and addresses pressing societal challenges while fostering innovation and sustainability. One area that I am passionate about is education. I envision establishing a business that provides innovative and accessible educational solutions to learners of all ages and backgrounds. Whether through online platforms, interactive learning experiences, or community-based programs, I aim to democratize access to education and empower individuals to reach their full potential. In addition to education, I am drawn to the intersection of technology and social impact. I envision creating a business that harnesses the power of technology to address critical social and environmental issues, such as healthcare access, environmental sustainability, and social justice. Whether through developing innovative healthcare solutions, leveraging data analytics for social good, or promoting renewable energy initiatives, I see immense potential to drive positive change through technology-driven entrepreneurship. Furthermore, I am passionate about fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within my future business. I believe that diverse perspectives and inclusive practices are not only essential for driving innovation but also for creating a more equitable and just society. As such, I am committed to building a business that prioritizes diversity and inclusion at all levels, from hiring practices to product development and community engagement. Beyond the realm of business, I seek to shine my light through acts of service, advocacy, and leadership. Whether volunteering in my local community, advocating for social justice causes, or mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, I strive to make a positive difference wherever I go. Moreover, I believe in leading by example and embodying the values and principles that I espouse. Whether it's practicing empathy and compassion in my interactions with others, demonstrating integrity and transparency in my business dealings, or advocating for ethical and sustainable practices, I aim to be a beacon of light in everything I do. Ultimately, my vision for creating a legacy in the future is one that embraces innovation, social impact, and ethical leadership. By building a purpose-driven business, fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, and shining my light through acts of service and advocacy, I aspire to leave a lasting legacy that positively impacts individuals, communities, and the world at large.

My personal experience with digital accessibility has profoundly shaped my academic and career aspirations, serving as both a driving force and a guiding principle in my journey. Growing up with a family member who has a visual impairment, I witnessed firsthand the challenges they faced in accessing digital content and navigating online platforms. Simple tasks like reading an article or filling out forms online often posed significant barriers, requiring extensive assistance or alternative accommodations. These experiences sparked my interest in digital accessibility and ignited a passion for ensuring equal access to information and technology for all individuals, regardless of ability. In pursuing my academic goals, my experience with digital accessibility has influenced my choice of studies and research interests. I am drawn to fields such as computer science, human-computer interaction, and assistive technology, where I can explore innovative solutions to enhance digital accessibility and inclusivity. Through coursework, projects, and internships, I have delved into topics such as web accessibility standards, assistive technologies, and user-centered design principles, gaining valuable knowledge and practical skills in creating accessible digital experiences. My academic pursuits are not merely academic; they are driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. I am committed to leveraging technology to break down barriers and empower people to fully participate in the digital world. Whether it's developing accessible websites, designing inclusive user interfaces, or advocating for policy changes, I see my education as a means to effect positive change and promote social equity. In addition to shaping my academic trajectory, my experience with digital accessibility has also influenced my career goals. I aspire to pursue a career where I can continue to champion accessibility and drive innovation in the tech industry. Whether working as a software engineer, UX designer, accessibility consultant, or advocate, I aim to integrate accessibility principles into every aspect of my work, from product development to user experience design. Moreover, I see myself playing a role in raising awareness and promoting best practices in digital accessibility within organizations and communities. By advocating for inclusive design practices and providing training and resources, I hope to foster a culture of accessibility and empower others to prioritize accessibility in their own work. Ultimately, my personal experience with digital accessibility has instilled in me a deep sense of purpose and responsibility. It has shown me the transformative power of technology to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and the importance of ensuring that technology is accessible to all. As I continue on my academic and career journey, I am committed to advancing the cause of digital accessibility and creating a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape for everyone.

I am a person driven by a firm belief in personal empowerment and the transformative power of self-awareness. From a young age, I faced adversity, including surviving a hurricane and the loss of my grandmother before I turned three. These early challenges instilled in me a resilience that has guided me through life's trials. Despite facing obstacles, including three suicide attempts and grappling with a sense of worthlessness, I emerged with a newfound understanding: I am the architect of my own reality. Rejecting the limitations imposed by others, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and forgiveness, both for myself and those who had wronged me. My educational journey reflects this ethos of perseverance and self-betterment. I attended three colleges, each playing a pivotal role in my personal growth. At the second, I confronted my past and learned to forgive, paving the way for a mindset shift from mere survival to genuine flourishing. Now, as a student at Columbia University, I am pursuing a dual degree in mechanical engineering and philosophy, with a minor in biomedical engineering. My academic pursuits are not merely for personal gain but serve a larger purpose: to equip myself with the knowledge and skills needed to effect meaningful change in the world. My mission extends beyond the confines of academia; it is rooted in uplifting others and helping them realize their innate potential. I understand the transformative impact of words and seek to empower individuals to transcend victimhood and embrace their inherent power to shape their realities. This scholarship represents more than just financial support for my education; it is validation of my journey and a testament to the belief that with determination and resilience, anything is possible. With this assistance, I will continue my studies with renewed vigor, knowing that each milestone brings me closer to my goal of revolutionizing the world through empowerment and self-discovery. In the words of Socrates, "know thyself" holds the key to unlocking the greatest power and love within us. I am committed to sharing this message with others, guiding them towards a future defined not by limitations but by boundless potential. With gratitude for this opportunity, I pledge to honor the faith placed in me by using my education to serve others and create a world where every individual recognizes their worth and embraces their ability to enact positive change.

The individual who has profoundly influenced my life is Billy Carson. He instilled in me the belief in self-empowerment and the capacity for personal transformation. Growing up, Billy faced adversity within his own family, navigating through abuse and hardship. Despite these challenges, he emerged as a truth-seeker, embodying resilience and a relentless pursuit of betterment. Billy's journey began with humble origins, working at a Miami newspaper at the age of twelve to support his family. His determination led him to excel, becoming the top seller by the age of thirteen. His early experiences taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of taking control of one's destiny. Throughout his life, Billy encountered setbacks, including periods of homelessness and toxic relationships. Yet, he approached each obstacle as an opportunity for growth. His experiences fueled his compassion, leading him to assist others during times of crisis, such as Hurricane Ian in 2022. One pivotal moment that shaped my perspective was an encounter with law enforcement when our family car was towed without cause. Despite initial apprehension, the officers displayed empathy and kindness, ensuring our safety and providing assistance. This experience challenged my preconceptions and taught me the importance of seeing beyond stereotypes. Billy's influence extends beyond individual encounters; it encompasses a philosophy of love and understanding. As an African American, he transcends racial divides, emphasizing compassion over hatred. His example inspired me to reject cynicism and embrace empathy, recognizing the humanity in every individual. In considering how Billy's teachings apply to a career in law enforcement, I am reminded of the transformative power of love and empathy. In a profession often tainted by negative perceptions, cultivating compassion can bridge divides and foster trust within communities. Reflecting on my own journey, I am committed to embodying these qualities in my interactions with others. One tangible manifestation of this commitment is my initiative, "it'sokaytobeu." This nonprofit seeks to promote self-love and acceptance, providing individuals with the tools to embrace their uniqueness unapologetically. By fostering a culture of compassion and understanding, I aim to address the underlying societal issues that contribute to mistrust and division. In conclusion, Billy Carson's impact on my life transcends mere inspiration; it shapes my worldview and informs my actions. His example of resilience, compassion, and selflessness serves as a guiding light, empowering me to make a meaningful difference in my community. As I embark on a career in law enforcement, I am guided by his teachings, committed to overcoming adversity with empathy and love.

Over the winter break, I found myself and the things I want to achieve. It all started with a vision, then turned into a future I want to give the world. My vision fights the social issue of giving up when the going gets tough, but it also molds the dreamers of our world to put their daydreams into reality and fight for them. It is called ECOSB, and it stands for Expand, Construct, Open, Start, and Break. My future is to expand the efforts of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) across all college campuses, starting with my own college. Next, I will continue constructing the bio-exoskeleton I am working on to detect and eradicate unknown viruses. Furthermore, I will open doors for African Americans and other minorities, showing them we are enough. I shall start my sexual empowerment coaching business because I have helped those who once felt broken. Finally, I will break many people out of their comfort zones by first getting out of mine. These five pillars enable me to embody the traits given above. Expanding DEIA efforts on my campus allowed me to be the first student to ever hold an officer position in the diversity department after numerous conversations with staff on the issue's importance. Also, I have been able to discuss with leaders of minority groups on campus to partner with them to discuss ways of integrating more minorities in positions on campus that allow for more representation of all people to be seen, so others no longer have to feel tolerated but they can feel appreciated. The bio-exoskeleton I seek to create requires a lot of understanding of biomechanics and medical enigmas that plague our world today. Sometimes, I doubt what I see for the future is possible. However, if I see it, I can believe it, and when I do that, I change my words to I'm possible. Being a sexuality empowerment coach expanded me. I learned to share my love with others and truly trust people. Most of all, I stopped hiding behind the mirror of fear and sought vulnerability. I realized the more I embraced togetherness, the more others were inspired to be vulnerable and grow from their sexual shame. I learned partnership and love are two things one can never regret. Opening more doors for other African Americans and breaking individuals out of their comfort zones drive me. I do it when I am given a task because I know my actions benefit more than one person. Focus and determination do not come easy for a lot of people. Still, when you have a future as strong as mine, you stay motivated every day, even when you don't want to do the job. No matter what day or how I feel, I always put in work that fuels my vision because I have learned that it is not all about me. I am an African American mechanical engineer with a biomedical systems concentration. The major chose me, and I am grateful because it helped me find myself. I found my energy in the program by studying body mechanics. I am a problem solver, and this major enables me to combine my interests in helping others and the medical field to produce innovations such as my current bio-exoskeleton that will cure incurable diseases. My vision, degree program, and definition of leadership keep that spark alive. After all, I won't stop until I see my vision through because I know it will benefit many people.

Over the winter break, I found myself and the things I want to achieve. It all started with a vision, then turned into a future I want to give the world. It is called ECOSB, and it stands for Expand, Construct, Open, Start, and Break. My future is to expand the efforts of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) across all college campuses, starting with my own college. Next, I will continue constructing the bio-exoskeleton I am working on to detect and eradicate unknown viruses. Furthermore, I will open doors for African Americans and other minorities, showing them we are enough. I shall start my sexual empowerment coaching business because I have helped those who once felt broken. Finally, I will break many people out of their comfort zones by first getting out of mine. These five pillars enable me to embody the traits given above. Expanding DEIA efforts on my campus allowed me to be the first student to ever hold an officer position in the diversity department after numerous conversations with staff on the issue's importance. Also, I have been able to discuss with leaders of minority groups on campus to partner with them to discuss ways of integrating more minorities in positions on campus that allow for more representation of all people to be seen, so others no longer have to feel tolerated but they can feel appreciated. The bio-exoskeleton I seek to create requires a lot of understanding of biomechanics and medical enigmas that plague our world today. Sometimes, I doubt what I see for the future is possible. However, if I see it, I can believe it, and when I do that, I change my words to I'm possible. Being a sexuality empowerment coach expanded me. I learned to share my love with others and truly trust people. Most of all, I stopped hiding behind the mirror of fear and sought vulnerability. I realized the more I embraced togetherness, the more others were inspired to be vulnerable and grow from their sexual shame. I learned partnership and love are two things one can never regret. Opening more doors for other African Americans and breaking individuals out of their comfort zones drive me. I do it when I am given a task because I know my actions benefit more than one person. Focus and determination do not come easy for a lot of people. Still, when you have a future as strong as mine, you stay motivated every day, even when you don't want to do the job. No matter what day or how I feel, I always put in work that fuels my vision because I have learned that it is not all about me. I am a mechanical engineer with a biomedical systems concentration. The major chose me, and I am grateful because it helped me find myself. I found my energy in the program by studying body mechanics. I am a problem solver, and this major enables me to combine my interests in helping others and the medical field to produce innovations such as my current bio-exoskeleton that will cure incurable diseases. Leadership looks like a human who has faced a lot in life but does not give up. Leadership seeks help when it's needed. Leadership is going against the grain and staying true to oneself because there is no such thing as this quality without that. My vision, degree program, and definition of leadership keep that spark alive. After all, I won't stop until I see my vision through because I know it will benefit many people.

My school announced it was shutting down, and I was at Disney World with my family and 99 other high school students. It was December 2019 when I got the call from a Disney Employee that I was chosen out of many to be a Disney Dreamer and be a part of the Disney Dreamers Class of 2020. I was shaken because I did not even know what it was or entailed, but I knew it was significant. My mentor, who told me about the Dreamers, advised me to apply, and let us say she was ecstatic to hear about it. The employee told me that the event would occur in March 2020, when many people did not know what would happen worldwide and schools shut down. The day of the event was terrific, as it lasted four days and three nights, all expenses paid, and guess what – I got to take my whole family with me. The moment was very sentimental because my parents always talked about taking my brother and me to Disney Land in California. Now, we as a family can experience the world (Disney style). It was a brand-new experience for all of us. It got even better when some Disney executives asked another Dreamer and me to be Grand Marshalls in the Dreamers Disney Parade. It was magic that whole day, but the night would bring great travesty when the announcers decided to cancel the remaining events of the Academy due to COVID-19. However, what is excellent about receiving bad news in Disney because then you can make your own magic happen. That is precisely what we, as high school students, did during our remaining days. We explored all of Disney World, shared our talents and advice with one another, and even created a podcast and videos showcasing our experience. Nobody left empty-handed. The organizers decided to give everyone an internship where we could learn more about our majors without competing for one like the previous classes of Dreamers had to go through. So, what turned about to be a curse actually became our blessing. A day in high school, I may have missed out on the classroom (though they sent an email about the school closing and gave me an excused absence). Still, I will never forget the time I had the experience of being a Disney Dreamer in Disney World with my family, all expenses paid.

I finally have a purpose in life because I gave up thinking about myself, which is something I will never forget. Those words right there are what I inspire in everyone I meet. So many people in our world seek things that are beneficial for themselves or will only give them short-term pleasure. I know that fact because that person used to be me. I had a minimal purpose in life. I coasted through college just making A’s without having a definite future of how I wanted to give back to the world. Now, I can happily say I do, and it is something that energizes me daily because I know I am fighting and building a future for all of us. It all started over the first week of Christmas break, and I knew my payment deadline was coming soon. So, what did I do? I nervously set up a GoFundMe page and told donors why they should donate to my fund. Then, I changed after reading everything I wrote and realized that there were students worse than me in my situation with over 5-6 digits in student loan debt. So, I changed my story to fundraise money for them. However, something inside me said to me I needed to re-think life. And with that decision, I changed. Again. I took the whole day of Christmas to find the purpose of everything I wanted to do. I had a notebook, a pencil, and many life questions. At that moment, I found ECOSB, and my life was never the same. ECOSB stands for Expand, Construct, Open, Start, and Break. It ultimately shows people the power of fighting for others instead of themselves. It gave me everything I wanted to do for the world through my gifts and made me hopeful as a college student and a person. I knew I had to get my message out. So I called my local television stations, radio stations, and other media broadcast to aid me in vocalizing this dream for others to hear. However, I don’t stop there. I share the message with my friends and family and request them to do the same because this dream is not my effort but our effort. I wish I could say that is all, but it is not. I re-made that GoFundME page, which is currently still running and generating a lot of people looking at it. It is called “What Can We Do With $100,000?” It states everything I want to give, and giving has never felt so rewarding internally. With this scholarship, I will continue to expand the efforts of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility across my campus. I will construct the bio-exoskeleton to detect and eradicate unknown viruses that the regular autoimmune system cannot defend against. Open doors for other minorities of all kinds, showing them that we are more than societal standards and have nothing to prove to anyone. Our existence in the classroom and workforce is proof enough. Also, I shall start my sexual empowerment coaching business as I have helped many people who once felt broken and scared in this area. Finally, with this scholarship, I will break many people out of their comfort zones by continually inspiring others to go after their dreams without regrets.

Change needs to happen, and I am not about to sit around and wait for someone to do it. This winter break, I found my future vision that I want to give back to the world. The difference one can make in the lives of so many through their actions gives me the drive and energy to help others in the best way I can in my community. However, what is community? Is it the people of the same color or sexual orientation or who come from the same neighborhood as us? No. To me, the community is people who inhabit this world, living and growing with each other. My first inspiration came from my parents, who made a difference in my life by teaching me that my life is not defined by my skin color but by my heart color. If I have a dream, I ought to run with it and let no man, woman, or person stop it from becoming a reality. My next inspiration came from a woman who saw greatness in me when I did not know where to go next. She brought me up as if I were her own son and reminded me of the power behind the characteristics of love and service to others. However, the most inspiration I get for helping my community comes from the authors I read. People like John C. Maxwell and Alice Walker help me along my day when I am down and wake me from depression, reminding me that I have a mission to uphold. I cannot allow myself to drown in self-hate or doubt. These servitude inspirations remind me of who I am as a person and what I can do for the people around me. As mentioned, this winter break, I found my purpose and future vision that I want to give to the world that would benefit all of us. I thought it was crazy at first, but I came to realize that every world-changing idea sounds crazy at first. ECOSB is the cornerstone of it all, as the acronym means Expand, Construct, Open, Start, and Break. It ultimately shows people the power of fighting for others instead of themselves. To display this vision, I call my local television stations, radio stations, and other media broadcast to aid me in vocalizing this dream for others to hear. Also, I made a GoFundME page named: What Can We Do With $100,000, sponsoring the vision I set that can benefit everyone. However, I don’t stop there. I share the message with my friends and family and request them to do the same because this dream is not my effort but our effort. I wish I could say that is all, but it is not. I started a club on campus based on student wellness when I saw my university did not place that aspect of human life first. I spread the word on campus and inspired others to share their feelings and stories to evoke campus change. Nevertheless, this is only the beginning, as I have much work ahead. But you know what? I AM READY. I have a team that helps me every day to make sure the word gets heard, but most of all, I have a passion and belief to help my community, the world we live in, that keeps me going every day.

She placed her arm over me to save my life, but it took hers. Was it her time? Why did she save me? What could I have offered that would have made her save me? "Where I go you cannot go." Those were her last words of June 2004, as she fed me my last meal with her, Red Beans and Rice. I was only two and a half at the time, and I wish I knew her well. I wanted to know her more, but she knew me the most. She told me indirectly to my mother that "you have the best mother in the world." I miss her, but she gave me life again. She was riding in the front seat with my mother when a woman came from the side and made the car flip. I could not describe the situation because I was so young, but sometimes I see her with me, loving me, protecting me, and saving me from the dangers of death. She had love in her heart and was a martyr for Christ. She was gifted beyond compare, and I am the only family member that shares her trait of being left-handed. I miss her somedays, especially when her birthday and grandparents day comes around. I love her because she saved my life through sacrificing hers. I love her because she was more than a grandmother to me; she was my teacher. I may not have known her much, but the many stories I hear about her tell me she lived a life that was fulfilling and selfless. She was a teacher, mother, grandmother, friend, daughter, musician, choir member, and more. She never complained and balanced it all well while being a single mother raising my mother. I remember the bravery she showed one time when my mother told the famous story of how grandmother told a clerk in a store that she could shop anywhere she pleased after white shoppers and cashiers stared at her constantly as she gathered her items. Grandmother was brave, but she did everything with love. I miss her, but she gave me love. She reminded me to do the same as I aspire towards my goals. Love was something I almost lost after never learning my individual power, but everytime I open my Bible or recount those stories of her legacy, I see love. I embody love. Thanks to her, I learned to never let my blackness define me as a degenerate, but use and explore every part of myself to inspire others to have more love towards themselves and to never give up on their dreams. Currently, I aspire to become a mechanical engineer and an actor who breaks color barriers in the industry through the many plans I have set forth and if it was not for grandmother saving me, covering me with her hands, showing me and my mother (all of whom she encountered also) with love, I would never learn to "fight" for what I believe is right and go after what I want in life.

Our mind is the most powerful thing gifted to us on this planet, and it is our job to use it wisely to help others grow, succeed and see through us that all things are possible. Growing up, I used my imagination despite the many remarks I would get growing up. I saw how my friends detached from their creative, imaginative sides when they grew up, and as many times I tried to leave that side of me, it never left me. I was always enthused by drawing and writing, owning my first journal at nine after watching “Diary of a Mad Black Woman.” In the journal, I indirectly learned cathartic writing, as I would place my feelings of that day and my basketball games as having an outlet where I could hear myself. I never knew the power of the mind until I started using it to help me through the darkest times of my life when I thought of ending it all because I could not faces my shadows or see the faces of my family members every time we moved. However, even through the darkness, the light always shines. I once again indirectly started using my imagination to dream of ways to lighten the heavy clouds my parents faced bringing up my brother and me in Georgia. I decided to not focus on the bad but show my love to my family by decorating the house and encouraging everyone throughout their day. This attitude and festive spirit lasted for 17 years. At that age, I received my first tennis racket after 11 years of swinging backhand and forehand with a hanger, as I did not dare to ask my parents to place me in tennis lessons then. That was the thing about my imagination, my creative side. The more I encouraged it, shutting out those who told me to grow up and wanted me to fit into their social role, the more I grew in myself. I started to embody the person I wanted to become, and I liked that feeling and attitude for others to enjoy. Currently, I am a junior in college. Though I attend a university with few African Americans or women, my life has taught me that adversity is my best friend and the greatest gift that births imagination. Because of the lack of diversity and ongoing mental health issues on campus, I decided to form a club named Abstract Voices. This club allows college students to express themselves creatively to gain self-confidence and presentation skills that last a lifetime. To help more with the lack of diversity, I decided to work on my campus’s Diversity and Inclusion office while forming my team of officers composed of women of color that are not only more than capable of their respective positions but always are dependable. I was asked what do I value most in myself and why? As the story speaks for itself, I love my creativity the most because it was a part of myself that saved me from almost ending my life and gave birth to an array of ideas that allowed me to help others every day. This quality will always be in my life journey to aid and remind me of the child who never gave up and the dreamer who never stopped encouraging others to be their authentic selves. They say a mind is a terrible thing to waste, and I am glad I finally learned how to use it to help myself and others.

Roses are sometimes red and Violets are sometimes blue, Boys are sometimes cute and girls are too. Some say my passions are demonic and deserve a label, However, my heart says that my fantasies are stable. Some need words to feel included and simple, I need none for I pop every word like a pimple. Who knows where life will lead for these passions are new, Who knows, it might paint the world a different color hue? Many see by sight with their hair in the air, But I stand guard of the winds that pair. Love is everlasting when it is sweet and true, But what is love when her heart is down in hue? Some say life with some saying death, I say life with no strife and to live out every breath. For now, some roses are red and some are blue. Some guys are cute and some girls are too. Love is infinite kind and bold, But living by a label, Now that game is old.

There is no family like mine. When I was fourteen, my family and I moved out of our home, hoping to reach the one place where we knew our freedom lived: Washington State. Unfortunately, that dream did not come true. Before I was born, my grandmother and mother shocked our family by becoming the first to transition from Baptist to Catholic. My grandmother, mother, and all the women in our family always stood their ground no matter the circumstance. I was hoping you would not count the men of my family out either. When my father became tired of his contractor job, he put himself through school. He graduated from Chattahoochee technical institute to advance being a lead truck driver, where he finds a lot of his happiness on the outside road and shares knowledge with me when we are driving. When my grandfather met my grandmother in Louisiana, the two moved north to Michigan, where my mother was born. Yes, reflecting on the strength of my family story through extraordinary times is great, but they have paved the way for greatness through our worst times. When my grandfather passed away in an accident, my grandmother had to make the bold move of fortifying life as a single parent while moving back to her hometown, where she left her legacy as a teacher, mother, musician, and singer for everyone never to forget. In 2004, before Hurricane Katrina, my grandmother died in a car accident, leaving my mother alone. However, she was never alone, as my spiritual background comes from the family hardships faced in the past. She, too, had to face life and fight hard as an African American single parent before marrying my father in 2009. I cannot say that life is easy today for me being an African American male, but my family's spirit lives within me. Children in middle school used to call me out of my name, sometimes indirectly, thinking it would not hurt me. Because I used to be very quiet, I felt like nobody heard me. I owned my first journal at age ten after watching Diary of a Mad Black Woman with my mother. Like Helen, I was killing off an old part of myself to gain the strength to forgive the bullies that tormented me. Little did I know, I was healing through writing like my mother and grandmother had to go through their creative arts. Through this practice, I saw that art in any form is a healing practice that evokes empathy with others unable to express their troubles. I stood up for my happiness at seventeen when I boldly chose to follow my heart and pursue a career in mechanical engineering. I also stood up for my peace by following my spirit and engaging in entrepreneurial roles to own a business that helps people express their intimate feelings and become more intuitive in their choices. However, I never got to where I am alone. Still, my family story has taught me it does not matter the demographic of any person; trials and tribulations will come, but when they do, you must fight your way through them and pray your way out of them, knowing that when you fight for something you believe in, you trail blaze a path for many to follow and many to heal from their pain.

Sex is a taboo subject. Nobody talks about it. Nobody likes to point the finger at themselves when trekking a path many find fearful. Nobody. Nobody. Nobody. Oh, finally, there is someone that will walk eight when everyone walks left. Who will be the one to fight for the rights of others? Churches say it is a sin. Our society still holds a mindset that never talks about real issues. Social media portrays it as a glamorous life or, in reality, that everything and everyone is okay. However, that is not reality. People are dying in many countries because nobody can face the fact that our world is not alright. My art is not through painting, drawing, or even acting (though I will be one of the greats someday). My art is communication. Yes, I have a voice that sometimes I do not use because I would instead not cause disruption. I use excuses like I am black, so they will not hear. I say that I must be weaker than them because of these attractions. Oh, and the best one of them all: Because I have a highly sexed nature, they will never believe in the "freak." Nobody likes to be honest because who would want other people in their lives. I know I would not have that in the past. However, now, who cares? The question stands on how I will use my art as a positive impact. Well, for starters, I will cut the excuses out and be more honest with others, even if it kills me because I would rather die fighting for the truth than lying my way through life. Next, I will use that voice of mine to talk more on the issues concerning sexuality and collaborate with a group of like-minded individuals who seek the exact change in our world because I cannot do it alone. Still, I am willing to stand by myself if I have to. From there, I will fight for a sex week and a sexual health organization at my university to raise awareness and provide information to other students on campus. Yes, the journey will be challenging at times, but I am the type never to give up because, just like art in all its forms, you may kill its flesh, but you can never stop the fighting spirit.

Asking questions is the way we learn. Exploring is our way of finding the truth. However, not everyone likes it when you are different and explore various parts of life unknown to them. I never understood much about our world and its inner workings until fifth grade. Until then, I treated everyone the same and hung out with everyone, regardless of anything they believed in or who they were. Fifth grade was an interesting grade level. It was the first time the administration implemented that grade level on a middle school curriculum with midterms and finals to add to the experience. It was the time I learned that with more responsibility comes more struggles. It was never the work that was difficult for me, as my curiosity elevated me up the academic ladder wish it did the same socially. I never fit in, no matter how hard I tried. People often thought I was gay because I would have friends of both genders, but I hung around my female friends more. Nobody ever asked me the reason for this because if they did, they would have known there was a guy who was scared to discuss his feelings, so he became their friend instead. That moment taught me people assume an identity through their sight instead of asking questions to see the light. My peers often taunted me by calling me out by my name. Even one person who I thought was my friend came up to my face during a field trip asking, "Do you know what a fag is?" After asking the question, he walked away snickering. I always shrugged it off, all of it. I had learned to drown my troubles with my work at an early age because academics became my comfort zone. At the time, academics were a strong force in my life because after achieving the top student award for the first time in fourth grade, I held to learning to dear life. You cannot bottle your feelings because the only person you hurt is yourself. That was a lesson that became my life story. I grew up Catholic and almost lost my relationship with God. I had to learn to separate messages from people to find my voice. Who was I? Who am I? Two questions led me to end my internalized and outward homophobia. Finding my voice was difficult because I felt someone else controlled my life. In my sophomore year of college, I decided to explore my sexuality to discover the truth behind myself and others I was taught to see as an abomination before God. I learned that gay people are people too who deserve the same respect as I do as an African American. By talking to various men of all sexualities, I found society provides scripts for living a "normal" life. Any other behavior outside the normal is a social identity created to put us all in squares. Before exploring, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my education in mechanical engineering. Honestly, I hated serving other people for a long time because I held in my hurt, but I gained a new sense of purpose after talking with many people who kept their pain on the inside. Through all these transformative life events, I decided to dedicate my degree to forming two types of businesses. One business helps African American youth thrive in financial literacy and independent sports (ex: tennis). The other will help people suffering from religious trauma and repression know that they are not broken, and more than society tells them.

By the time you read this essay, you will have heard many aspiring candidates tell you about their influences and how they want to use their gifts to change the world. Also, they might even throw in a factor that makes them different from everyone else in this crazy world. However, differences do not come in the experiences one has been through alone. Nobody ever discusses the differences in pain and how pain can inspire one from the depths of depression to a masterpiece that people see. People look at their loved ones doing well, but nobody knows the pain a person bears on the inside. The tongue's power can speak life or death, but the power of inspiration can express all the history that a person once left for the world to see. So, when people ask me who is my biggest influence in life, I kindly reply nobody because there is over one person in many facets of my life that has helped me become the African American creative I am today. If it had not been for Josephine Baker, Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe, Alvin Ailey, Audra Lorde, and Willi Ninja, I would have never learned the power of sexuality. If not for them, I would have never grasped the gift of sexuality in bringing people together beyond its physical act, letting my works speak for me. Then, there is Billi Holiday, Ma Rainey, Janelle Monet, Victoria Monet, Prince, Michael & Janet Jackson, and Chris Brown. They allowed me to see that being yourself is a needed trait in our world because nobody on this planet can replace what you offer. Finally, Granville T. Woods, Authur Ashe, and Althea Gibson taught me the most crucial lesson in my career: I may fall many times, but I will rise again and not stop until I have achieved what I have believed. I choose to apply all their teachings to go where I am not wanted in life because there, I know I will make the greatest change. Only time will tell of the many things I will achieve, but I know I am a dreamer. I am a mechanical engineer. I am a drawer, and I love it all, but that is not all of me. I seek to own a sex coaching business to help people (specifically BIPOC and underrepresented communities) communicate their intimate feelings and know their worth. It sounds crazy, I know. But that is art. It is crazy at first, but it is so amazing to see the results one individual made to express themselves. My artistic abilities lie in human liberation, as I believe everyone deserves the right to express themselves whichever way they choose. As an African American male, I never go where I am wanted but go where needed. As that is my current project, I seek to change the tropes seen on television by graduation for younger African American youth to know their personality is more than a screen. Like Bishop T.D. Jakes said, "It takes courage to be different." It does, and like Myles, that is who I am: courageous. It takes courage to make art that beautiful because most cannot understand the feeling or detail behind it. It takes courage to stand firm in your dream. It takes courage to be yourself. It takes courage, but that is how I survive both artistically and spiritually. So by the time you read this essay, you will have read many aspiring candidates; however, I go on the road uncharted with a spirit ready to make a difference courageously.