"The easiest thing to be in the world is you. The most difficult thing to be is what other people want you to be. Don't let them put you in that position." Leo Buscaglia. My name is LeGe Watts, and I am a graduating senior of Warren Easton Charter High School, representing the distinguished Class of 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. I am deeply engaged in numerous extracurricular activities that our school offers. As a member of the Elegant Eaglette Dance Team, I've honed my skills in grace, precision, and teamwork, contributing to our collective achievements on and off the field. My commitment to academic excellence has led me to be recognized as a member of the AP Scholars program, and National Honor Society, where I abide by the values of scholarship, leadership, service, and character in all aspects of my life. During my high school years, I have actively engaged in serving my community, accumulating over 300+ hours of volunteer service across various organizations. Through my internships with institutions such as the City of New Orleans, Youth Force Nola, The Links Incorporated Crescent City Chapter, The Blood Center of New Orleans, Generation Hope New Orleans, and numerous others, I have gained hands-on experience and insight into diverse fields. These opportunities have not only broadened my understanding of civic responsibility but have also allowed me to contribute to initiatives aimed at enriching the lives of others within my community. I am eagerly anticipating the transition to college, where I look forward to immersing myself in an environment filled with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. I will be attending Louisiana State University this upcoming Fall on a Pre-Law degree track. However, I will not forget the state my home city is in. As I witnessed the consequences of gun violence in my neighborhood growing up in New Orleans my desire to advocate for reform strengthened. I want to create a more supportive and rehabilitative approach for young people involved in the justice system, rather than simply locking them up without addressing the underlying issues they face in today's world. Providing opportunities like paid internships, mentorship, life coaches, and access to therapy can help break the cycle of mass incarceration and give them a chance at a better future. It's crucial to consider the systemic factors that contribute to disproportionate representation of minority communities when crafting policies. I intend to work to develop initiatives to provide sexual health education and disease prevention services for teenagers in New Orleans. Instead of normalizing teen pregnancy with the exception of incest, and any kind of unwanted sex let's initiate free condoms in schools, free birth control, and mandatory sexual education courses for all teenagers. Enforcing these initiatives will give a chance for teenagers who may be unable to buy sexual protection an opportunity too. Conversing with health organizations to design and promote health projects is crucial because African Americans are affected more by illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, all of which connect to poor nutrition, also most common in low-income communities. My leadership is grounded in empathy and a commitment to positive change for all minority citizens. Winning the Eddie L. Smith Sr. Memorial Scholarship will allow me a step further to accomplish all the great plans I have in store for the African American community. With this scholarship, access to additional tools and mentorship opportunities will help me achieve my professional objectives. Destined to make the most of this chance and make a positive difference, I look toward the future and all the possibilities that await me.