Adversity has been a constant presence in my life, but the most challenging one I have faced is the financial burden that comes with pursuing a college education. As a sophomore in college, financial stress is not something I can separate from my academic experience it influences the choices I make, the pressure I carry, and the responsibility I feel to succeed. Paying for college has never been simple for me. I am constantly aware of tuition costs, fees, books, housing, and everyday expenses, and the weight of those responsibilities often feels overwhelming. There have been moments where financial stress made it difficult to fully focus on my studies, not because I lacked motivation, but because I was carrying the fear of what would happen if I could not afford to continue. Watching others move through college with fewer financial worries sometimes made me feel behind or isolated, as if I had to work twice as hard just to stay afloat. I overcame this adversity by developing resilience and accountability early on. Instead of allowing financial stress to discourage me, I became more disciplined and intentional with my decisions. I learned how to budget, prioritize my needs over my wants, and seek out opportunities that could support my education, including scholarships, work opportunities, and academic planning. I also learned how to advocate for myself asking questions, reaching out for resources, and taking initiative rather than waiting for help to come to me. This adversity has shaped me into a more focused and grounded individual. It has taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of long-term thinking. Knowing that my education requires sacrifice has pushed me to take my academics more seriously and remain committed to my goals, even during moments of exhaustion or doubt. Financial challenges have also strengthened my sense of independence and responsibility, reminding me that every opportunity I earn is something I must protect and build upon. To anyone facing similar circumstances, my advice is to not let financial hardship define your worth or limit your vision. It is okay to feel overwhelmed, but it is important to remember that your situation does not determine your potential. Seek support, stay disciplined, and give yourself grace during difficult moments. Adversity can feel heavy, but it also has the power to shape you into someone resilient, determined, and capable of creating a better future for yourself .

Giving back and uplifting others has always felt like a shared responsibility rather than an individual choice. Growing up and attending college in Atlanta has shown me how powerful community can be when people support one another, especially in spaces where access to education, resources, and opportunity is not equal. After college, I plan to make my community and the world around me better by using my education in business marketing and my interest in public relations to promote causes that benefit people and the environment. I am currently studying business marketing, a field that focuses on understanding people, communication, and how ideas move through society. I am particularly interested in public relations because it allows businesses and organizations to connect authentically with their communities. I believe that ethical marketing and responsible communication can be used to educate, inspire, and create positive change, especially when applied to issues like environmental sustainability, community development, and social responsibility. At present, I try to make a difference through everyday actions and conversations. I am passionate about environmental awareness and encourage recycling and sustainable habits among my peers. Living in an urban area like Atlanta has made me more aware of how environmental issues can directly impact communities, especially those that are already underserved. While my actions may seem small, I believe that collective effort begins with individual responsibility, and I strive to model that mindset in my daily life. After college, I hope to work in marketing or public relations with organizations that prioritize social good. I want to help nonprofits, community initiatives, and socially responsible businesses communicate their missions more effectively so they can reach wider audiences and create lasting impact. Whether it is promoting environmental initiatives, supporting local programs, or helping organizations share resources with the communities they serve, I want my career to be rooted in purpose as well as professionalism. In addition to my career goals, I plan to remain actively involved in my community through volunteering and outreach. I am especially interested in working with programs focused on environmental clean-up, education, and youth engagement in Atlanta. Long term, I hope to mentor students who may be navigating college as first-generation or financially challenged students, helping them see that higher education and community involvement can go hand in hand. Making the world a better place does not always require one large action; it requires consistency, empathy, and a willingness to contribute to something greater than oneself. Through my education in business marketing, my interest in public relations, and my commitment to service, I plan to uplift my community and advocate for responsible, inclusive progress. The mission of Trees for Tuition reflects the values I strive to live by, and I hope to one day pass forward the support I receive to others working toward their dreams.

As a first-generation college student attending Clark Atlanta University, I carry not just my own dreams, but the hopes of my family and the legacy of those who paved the way before me. That sense of purpose motivates everything I do from my studies in business marketing to the way I see my future unfolding. I chose to major in business marketing because I believe financial literacy and strong communication are powerful tools for change. Growing up, I became aware of how much financial knowledge is missing in many communities especially among young people and in Black households. It’s not a lack of ambition that holds people back, but often a lack of access to the right information. That understanding pushed me to want to be a resource to learn as much as I can and share it. My interest in financial literacy led me to real estate. I see ownership as one of the most important keys to closing the wealth gap. Property isn’t just about money it’s about stability, legacy, and having something to pass down. One of my biggest goals is to help people in my community understand the power of ownership. I’ve already started small talking with my niece about saving and the value of money because I know change begins with what we teach at home. I’m also deeply interested in public relations. I believe that image, messaging, and branding can shape how people see themselves and how the world sees them. Whether it’s a company, a movement, or a personal brand, how a story is told matters. I want to use my voice and creativity to help organizations especially those focused on education and empowerment—reach more people and create meaningful impact. My journey hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve learned that challenges can either break you or build you. I choose to let them build me. At Clark Atlanta, I’m not just studying to earn a degree I’m preparing to give back. One day, I hope to return as an alum who mentors students, shares knowledge, and opens doors for others like me. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of college, but it would also help fuel my mission: to create a more informed, empowered, and equitable world through business, real estate, and storytelling. I'm committed to using my education to uplift others, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to share what drives me.

In the future, I want to build a career that mixes public relations and real estate because I believe both fields can help people tell their stories and create stability in their lives. I want to work with Black-owned businesses to help them share their message and connect with their communities in real ways. At the same time, I want to help my family and others in my community learn about ownership and financial freedom things many of us don’t get taught growing up. My goal is more than just personal success; it’s about opening doors for others and creating lasting opportunities. Being Black means carrying strength and pride through generations of struggle, while still pushing to be seen and respected in a world that often overlooks us. It means knowing I am part of a community that lifts each other up and fights for progress, no matter the challenges. I chose to go to an HBCU because I wanted to be around people who truly understand me. I wanted to see success stories that look like me and come from backgrounds like mine. At Clark Atlanta University, I feel supported and inspired every day. Being here reminds me that where I come from matters and that I have the power to make a difference not just for myself, but for others who will come after me.

I plan to use my education to create more opportunities and access for Black people in the business world, especially in the areas of public relations and real estate. As a Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing at Clark Atlanta University, I’ve been learning not only about strategy and communication but also about how powerful it is to be informed, confident, and in control of your own narrative. My goal is to take what I’ve learned and use it to make sure more Black voices are heard, respected, and invested in. Public relations is one of the areas where I see the most potential for change. I want to work with Black-owned businesses, creatives, and entrepreneurs to help them tell their stories in ways that are powerful, authentic, and true to who they are. So many times, our stories are either ignored or shaped by people who don’t fully understand our experiences. I want to change that. I believe that by helping more Black professionals build strong brands and connect with the right audiences, we can help them grow and create lasting success. At the same time, I am passionate about real estate. Ownership is one of the most important tools we have to close the wealth gap and build a stable future. I plan to use my education to become financially informed and invest in real estate not just for myself, but for my family and eventually others in my community. I want to teach people about ownership, credit, savings, and property investment. Many of us come from families where this kind of knowledge wasn’t passed down. I want to help change that cycle. I was raised by a single mother who worked hard to support me, and I’ve seen how difficult it can be to move forward without the right resources or opportunities. That’s one of the reasons I take education and business so seriously. I want to be in a position where I can give back, create real change, and help others avoid certain struggles while breaking cycles. In the future, I hope to be someone who not only succeeds in business but also helps open doors for others. Whether it’s through mentorship, education, or community investment, I want to build a better path for Black people to thrive and take ownership of their futures. I want to be a person people look up to and know that they can rely on.

After I graduate with my degree in Business Marketing, I plan to continue my education by getting my real estate license. I’ve always known that education doesn’t stop at graduation especially for someone like me, who comes from a hardworking single-mother household and dreams of building something bigger for her family. My goal is to open a real estate business with my family. I want us to work together, support each other, and build something that can last for generations. Real estate is a field I’ve become more and more passionate about over time not just because of the financial opportunity, but because it represents ownership, growth, and freedom. Owning property and understanding how to buy, sell, and invest are powerful tools, especially for Black families who have often been left out of those spaces. I want to help change that, starting with my own. Studying Business Marketing gives me the foundation I need, but continuing my education by getting my license and diving deeper into the real estate industry will give me the full picture. I want to learn how to market properties, build client relationships, and run a successful business. I see myself using everything I’ve learned to help others not just my family, but also people in my community who may not know where to start. Being a Black woman in business means a lot to me. We bring important perspectives and creativity to industries that often overlook us. I believe diversity isn’t just good for business it’s necessary. We need more people who look like me in leadership and ownership roles so younger girls can see what’s possible. I want to be one of those examples. Giving back is something I’ve always had in my heart. Once I’m in a position to do so, I want to donate to charities that help under-resourced communities, especially in education and housing. I’ve seen how much just a little help can mean, and I want to be able to offer that kind of support one day. Attending an HBCU has helped shape my vision even more. I chose to go out of state because I wanted to be in an environment where I felt seen and surrounded by people with similar goals and experiences. It hasn’t been easy I work to help with expenses and support my mom, who is disabled and on a low income. But I push through because I believe in what I’m doing and where I’m going. Success to me is being able to take care of my family, enjoy life, and not feel stuck in survival mode. It means having choices the choice to travel, to give back, to build something meaningful, and to live with peace. This scholarship would help me take the next step without carrying the weight of more financial stress. It would give me the space to focus on building my future and turning these dreams into reality. I’ve already made it this far with hard work, faith, and my mom’s love and with your support, I know I can go even further.

My mental health journey has been a long and rocky road that started back in 2020. That was my freshman year of high school, and everything felt like it hit all at once new environment, a global pandemic, and a shift to online learning that didn’t really feel like school. The lack of structure and connection left me feeling depressed and unmotivated. It was hard to find a reason to care about school or anything else during that time. Everyday felt the same causing me to lose sight of my goals. When we returned to in-person learning, I realized I was still stuck in that slump even though things were "back to normal". It wasn’t easy, but things started to shift for me once I began surrounding myself with positive, ambitious people. Building healthy relationships helped me slowly change my mindset. I started seeing what was possible for me, not just what I was struggling with. By the end of sophomore year, I made the decision to turn things around. I challenged myself by taking AP classes my junior year and working hard to fix my GPA. I wasn’t just trying to catch up academically I was also rebuilding confidence and ambition. I started thinking seriously about my future and what I wanted out of my life. I began setting personal goals again and felt motivated for the first time in awhile. When it came time to choose a college, I knew I wanted a place that aligned with the growth I had made. I chose Clark Atlanta University because I saw a community that I knew I would flourish in. Now, I’m studying business with a concentration in marketing and I’m looking into picking up a minor in psychology, I’m aiming to go into public relations. I want to help shape meaningful stories and connect with people on a real level. My own experience with mental health taught me how important it is to feel seen, heard, and understood. That’s something I want to bring into my career creating messages and platforms that genuinely connect with others. Overall, my struggles with mental health didn’t just change me they shaped me. They influenced how I build relationships, how I see myself, and how I approach my future. I’ve learned to value growth, resilience, and the power of connection, and now I can carry those values with me in everything I do.

My education and career goals are to attend Clark University Atlanta, It is there that I am determined to earn my degree in Business. I am focused and determined to acquire information and financial assistance that will aid me on my path to accomplishing my dream. I believe hard work and ambition is very much needed to overcome obstacles and those are two of the many verbs that I can use to describe myself. I have used this time, during my high school educational career, seeking my purpose and studying to allow myself the tools to obtain all opportunities that will assist me in my journey to success. It has been an adventure discovering which path that would next be taken in my life. After going to several on college tours, I decided upon Clark Atlanta University. I applied and at my satisfaction, I was accepted. In order have a chance at being successful in my goals to attend college, I've been working part time for the past two years to save for this opportunity. I continued to research and make the time to do my due deligence to further my future educational needs and the endless possiblities of how I can begin my journey. It is my hope to further earn and obtain the needed to tools for my future success in realizing my goals. My family has been supportive in my dreams, goal and desires but financially there is a limit to how far they can be of assistance. I live in a single parent household and my mother is disabled. This scholarship would help me reach my goal of attending Clark University Atlanta by lessening the financial burden of tuition. Im willing and able to continue to work to support of my dreams, but to be honest, its not enough income to support as of now. If it was an obtion for me to be employed 40 hours a week and finish high school, I would opt in, without a doubt. It is opportunities such as this that inspires me to continue to have hope and the belief that there is a way to make the goals you set for yourself to come into fruition. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for this scholorship. I think it is both generous and kind that organization as yourself provide an avenue to assist in financial assistance during this process of moving into the next chapter of your life.