My name is Lauren Jones, and I’m an incoming freshman at North Carolina Central University, where I will be majoring in Sports Management. From a young age, I’ve had a strong interest in sports—not just watching games, but understanding the work and strategy behind the scenes. As I learned more about the business side of sports, I discovered my passion for becoming a sports agent. I want to be someone who not only helps athletes succeed in their careers, but also supports them as individuals, making sure their voices are heard and their interests protected. What motivates me most is the desire to open doors for others, especially young Black women who, like me, are determined to thrive in spaces where we’ve historically been underrepresented. I’ve noticed the lack of diversity, especially in leadership roles in sports, and that pushes me to be part of the change. I want to show that we belong in boardrooms, in negotiations, and at the decision-making table. My goal is not just personal success, but to build a legacy that uplifts others. I want to mentor, inspire, and be a visible example of what’s possible when we chase our dreams fearlessly. Choosing to attend an HBCU was one of the most important decisions I’ve made. I was inspired by the legacy of Black excellence that HBCUs represent. These institutions have produced leaders, innovators, and history-makers, and I want to be part of that tradition. What drew me to North Carolina Central University specifically was its strong Sports Management program, sense of community, and commitment to empowering students both academically and culturally. I want to be in an environment where I feel supported and challenged—a place where I can grow into the best version of myself. At NCCU, I plan to get deeply involved on campus—whether through student organizations, internships, or community service. I want to take full advantage of every opportunity to learn, connect, and lead. I believe college is not just about earning a degree; it’s about discovering who you are, building lifelong relationships, and preparing to make an impact on the world. In the future, I see myself representing top athletes, especially those who may not have had someone to advocate for them before. I want to bring integrity, strength, and heart to the sports industry. With the foundation I’ll build at NCCU, I’m confident I can turn my passion into a powerful career—and use that success to uplift others every step of the way.

One of the personal achievements I am most proud of is successfully moving and adjusting to a new environment during my junior year of high school. Moving at such a crucial time in my academic career was one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced so far. Leaving behind the comfort of familiar friends, teachers, and routines was difficult, especially as I was preparing for important milestones like college applications and standardized tests. However, I chose to view this challenge as an opportunity for growth, and the experience taught me valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and perseverance. When I first moved, everything felt unfamiliar and overwhelming. I had to navigate a new school system, build new friendships, and adjust to different expectations, all while keeping up with my studies and extracurricular activities. At times, it was tempting to feel discouraged or isolated, but I reminded myself of my goals and the reasons why I wanted to succeed. I focused on staying positive and open-minded, which helped me gradually find my place in this new environment. This transition forced me to develop skills I didn’t realize I had—such as being proactive in reaching out to teachers for help, joining clubs to meet new people, and managing my time effectively to balance schoolwork with the emotional challenges of moving. I learned the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing change, even when it felt uncomfortable or uncertain. These skills have made me more confident and prepared to face future challenges, especially as I transition to college life. Moving during my junior year also deepened my empathy and understanding for others who experience change or uncertainty. I became more aware of how important support and community are during times of transition, which inspired me to be a source of encouragement for others facing similar struggles. This experience has shaped my commitment to building supportive environments, both personally and professionally. As I prepare to begin my college journey at North Carolina Central University, I know that the resilience and adaptability I gained from moving will help me thrive in new situations and take advantage of opportunities. This achievement has given me confidence that I can overcome obstacles and succeed no matter what challenges come my way. It has also strengthened my determination to pursue my goal of becoming a sports agent and making a positive impact, especially for young Black women, by showing them that change can be a catalyst for growth and success.

My name is Lauren Jones, and I’m an incoming freshman at North Carolina Central University, where I will be majoring in Sports Management. My passion for sports has always gone deeper than just watching games—I’ve been fascinated by the leadership, business, and behind-the-scenes work that keeps athletes and teams thriving. As I pursue a career as a sports agent, my ultimate goal is to use my education and influence to create positive change, especially for young Black women who want to lead in the sports and business industries. Through my educational career, I plan to gain the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to open doors that have long been closed to people who look like me. I want to use my platform to advocate for fair representation, equal opportunities, and ethical leadership in sports. I believe that by staying true to my values and remaining focused on service and impact, I can help shift the culture of the sports industry in a way that uplifts others, not just myself. My vision is to one day create an agency or mentorship program dedicated to supporting young athletes—particularly girls of color—by providing them with guidance, resources, and opportunities they may not otherwise have access to. What inspired this passion was not just my love for sports, but my work in the community. I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer with local youth organizations, where I helped mentor and guide children through summer camps and after-school programs. I’ve also supported events held by non-profits focused on youth development, where I learned how important positive role models and safe, enriching environments are to a child’s growth. These experiences taught me the power of giving back—and how much of a difference one person can make in a child’s life just by showing up, listening, and believing in them. Attending an HBCU like North Carolina Central University aligns perfectly with who I am and who I want to become. HBCUs have always been spaces of strength, pride, and excellence for the Black community. I chose NCCU because I wanted to be surrounded by a community that understands my journey, supports my vision, and will push me to reach my highest potential. I’m excited to build relationships, take on leadership roles, and stay committed to service throughout my college experience. Ultimately, I want my legacy to be one of impact, leadership, and empowerment. Through my education and my future career, I hope to inspire and open doors for generations to come.

My name is Lauren Jones, and I’m an incoming freshman at North Carolina Central University, where I will be majoring in Sports Management. From a young age, I’ve had a strong interest in sports—not just watching games, but understanding the work and strategy behind the scenes. As I learned more about the business side of sports, I discovered my passion for becoming a sports agent. I want to be someone who not only helps athletes succeed in their careers, but also supports them as individuals, making sure their voices are heard and their interests protected. What motivates me most is the desire to open doors for others, especially young Black women who, like me, are determined to thrive in spaces where we’ve historically been underrepresented. I’ve noticed the lack of diversity, especially in leadership roles in sports, and that pushes me to be part of the change. I want to show that we belong in boardrooms, in negotiations, and at the decision-making table. My goal is not just personal success, but to build a legacy that uplifts others. I want to mentor, inspire, and be a visible example of what’s possible when we chase our dreams fearlessly. Choosing to attend an HBCU was one of the most important decisions I’ve made. I was inspired by the legacy of Black excellence that HBCUs represent. These institutions have produced leaders, innovators, and history-makers, and I want to be part of that tradition. What drew me to North Carolina Central University specifically was its strong Sports Management program, sense of community, and commitment to empowering students both academically and culturally. I want to be in an environment where I feel supported and challenged—a place where I can grow into the best version of myself. At NCCU, I plan to get deeply involved on campus—whether through student organizations, internships, or community service. I want to take full advantage of every opportunity to learn, connect, and lead. I believe college is not just about earning a degree; it’s about discovering who you are, building lifelong relationships, and preparing to make an impact on the world. In the future, I see myself representing top athletes, especially those who may not have had someone to advocate for them before. I want to bring integrity, strength, and heart to the sports industry. With the foundation I’ll build at NCCU, I’m confident I can turn my passion into a powerful career—and use that success to uplift others every step of the way.