1. Hi, my name is Leila Braggs and my passion is children and their language development. I am currently a Communicative Sciences and Disorders major at Hampton University. Where I intend to further my education on the great impact that speech and language disorders have on minority children and their families. While also growing my leadership and communication skills. My passion for speech and language pathology is a result of my family's personal struggle. I know the extreme frustration that stems from not being able to communicate with your loved ones. My cousin deacon, who is 7 years old, was speech delayed and did not communicate verbally until he was 3. My other cousin Ronnie was diagnosed with autism and is currently nonverbal. Throughout his time with a speech pathologist decon was able to learn to communicate in numerous ways. From sign language to body language and signals, I saw the growth that his communication experienced after working with a specialist in the field. He went from not speaking to being the ultimate chatterbox It would be my dream to combine both my passion for children and their development with my education in communication disorders to become a part of the 4% of African American Speech-Language Pathologists. I know firsthand how encouraging it can be to see someone who looks like you when you're at your most vulnerable. It would be a great honor to be able to continue my education 2. When I started to do research into this field I found that it disproportionately impacted minority males. It almost doubles the possibility of a speech-related disorder. Talking with other family members and friends I found that a lot of them knew others with similar struggles. I noticed the conversation around speech delays and other disorders was negative and toxic. With my training, I plan to educate myself and others on the importance of speech resources in underprivileged and forgotten communities. Creating a nonprofit clinic that would travel to public schools around the country helping out and setting up more well-rounded and developed speech programs. In addition, I want to develop an app that could be used in anyone's home to further aid in speech and language practice. It is a privilege for most families to be able to see a speech-language pathologist but I want to make it more accessible for them and their families. As I have watched Deacon grow and develop, I have also observed how his IPad tablet is a tool that his mother often uses for maintaining his calm and capturing his attention. After witnessing how integral the tablet is to his learning and well-being, I had a brainstorm about someday utilizing computer games to assist with his speech and language development. In addition, the gaming industry appeals to a very diverse audience. I know that there is an opportunity in the field to make improvements in how autistic children learn to speak, communicate, and experience their social environments. Most importantly, access to assistance can be greatly improved through gaming. According to an internet article by Sam Daley, “The gaming industry is one of the most exciting industries in tech because of its importance to culture, entertainment and technological advancement. PC, console and mobile gaming companies are using the latest in tech to bring their games to the screens of more than three billion people.” Thus, the access that can be granted to special needs children is boundless. As a recipient of this scholarship, I would be able to better explore this vast field of study and innovation. I hope to someday change the way children with speech difficulties learn to communicate, especially those who are autistic. 3. During the early stages of the pandemic, my father was laid off from his job in the restaurant industry. Even though he had lots of experience, it took a full year for him to be re-hired. The loss of his salary was really hard for my parents. Our family had to be on a very strict budget and try to cut costs wherever we could. Some of the savings that we wanted to put toward my college costs had to be used for bills and other expenses. My Dad is working again and we are alright, but I know that his job loss had a negative impact on our family finances and our ability to pay for college. That is why being selected to receive this scholarship will be so important to me and my educational future.

Hi, my name is Leila Braggs and my passion is children and their language development. I am currently a Communicative Sciences and Disorders major at Hampton University. Where I intend to further my education on the great impact that speech and language disorders have on minority children and their families. While also growing my leadership and communication skills. My passion for speech and language pathology is a result of my family's struggle. I know the extreme frustration that stems from not being able to communicate with your loved ones. My cousin deacon, who is 7 years old, was speech delayed and did not communicate verbally until he was 3. My other cousin Ronnie was diagnosed with autism and is currently nonverbal. Throughout his time with a speech pathologist decon was able to learn to communicate in numerous ways. From sign language to body language and signals, I saw the growth that his communication experienced after working with a specialist in the field. He went from not speaking to being the ultimate chatterbox When I started to do research into this field I found that it disproportionately impacted minority males. It almost doubles the possibility of a speech-related disorder. Talking with other family members and friends I found that a lot of them knew others with similar struggles. I noticed the conversation around speech delays and other disorders was negative and toxic. With my training, I plan to educate myself and others on the importance of speech resources in underprivileged and forgotten communities. Creating a nonprofit clinic that would travel to public schools around the country helping out and setting up more well-rounded and developed speech programs. In addition, I want to develop an app that could be used in anyone's home to further aid in speech and language practice. It is a privilege for most families to be able to see a speech-language pathologist but I want to make it more accessible for them and their families. It would be my dream to combine both my passion for children and their development with my education in communication disorders to become a part of the 4% of African American Speech-Language Pathologists. I know firsthand how encouraging it can be to see someone who looks like you when you're at your most vulnerable. It would be a great honor to be able to continue my education with the help of this scholarship. Hearing stories like Christina's only inspires me more to never live for granted. Life is valuable and I want to use my passion and knowledge to help others maximize their potential.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Speech is power. Speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.” This quote sums up why I plan to enter the health sciences field by majoring in Speech Pathology and Audiology. After graduation for Hampton University, I will become dually certified in speech pathology and audiology, then gain employment in either a school system or hospital. My interest in the Technology Industry is directly connected to speech pathology aspirations, as it flows from my goal of working with a software developer to create a series of video games that can be used to assist children who are speech delayed and considered to be on the autism spectrum, while also having been diagnosed with some form of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This is a very specific sector of children with speech difficulties who benefit from the enhanced services that I would one day like to create. My cousin was speech delayed-from birth. He is also on the autism spectrum. He did not speak one word until he was three years old. He is now seven years old and has had regular sessions with his school’s speech teacher since he was a preschool student. Observing how he went from virtually no verbal communication to becoming a nonstop chatterbox has been my inspiration for becoming a speech pathologist. As I have watched Deacon grow and develop, I have also observed how his IPad tablet is a tool that his mother often uses for maintaining his calm and capturing his attention. After witnessing how integral the tablet is to his learning and well-being, I had a brainstorm about someday utilizing computer games to assist with his speech and language development. Yes, there are plenty of educational games and software out there, but none that I know of that are specifically designed for the special needs of autistic children with speech delay and/or impediments. I know that there is an opportunity in the field to make improvements in how autistic children learn to speak, communicate, and experience their social environments. Most importantly, access to assistance can be greatly improved through gaming. As a recipient of this scholarship, I would be able to better explore this vast field of study and innovation. I hope to someday change the way children with speech difficulties learn to communicate, especially those who are autistic.

I am currently a Communicative Sciences and Disorders major at Hampton University. Where I intend to further my education on the great impact that speech and language disorders have on minority children and their families. With this, I also want to study education inequality, equity, and lack of diversity in the Speech Pathology and Audiology professions. Knowing the issues will enable me to better find a solution and how that impacts minority males with speech and hearing disorders. My passion for speech and language pathology is a result of my family's struggle. I know the extreme frustration that stems from not being able to communicate with your loved ones. My cousin deacon, who is 7 years old, was speech delayed and did not communicate verbally until he was 3. My other cousin Ronnie was diagnosed with autism and is currently nonverbal. Throughout his time with a speech pathologist, Decon was able to learn to communicate in numerous ways. From sign language to body language and signals, I saw the growth that his communication experienced after working with a specialist in the field. He went from not speaking to being the ultimate chatterbox. When I started to do research into this field I found that it disproportionately impacted minority males. It almost doubles the possibility of a speech-related disorder. Talking with other family members and friends I found that a lot of them knew others with similar struggles. I noticed the conversation around speech delays and other disorders was negative and toxic. With my training, I plan to educate myself and others on the importance of speech resources in underprivileged and forgotten communities. Creating a nonprofit clinic that would travel to public schools around the country helping out and setting up more well-rounded and developed speech programs. In addition, I want to develop an app that could be used in anyone's home to further aid in speech and language practice. It is a privilege for most families to be able to see a speech-language pathologist but I want to make it more accessible for them and their families. It would be my dream to combine both my passion for children and their development with my education in communication disorders to become a part of the 4% of African American Speech-Language Pathologists. I know firsthand how encouraging it can be to see someone who looks like you when you're at your most vulnerable. It would be a great honor to be able to continue my education with the help of the Jeannine Schroeder Women in Public Service Memorial Scholarship.

Oprah Winfrey once said that “how you spend your time defines who you are.” During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, I was extremely lost and unmotivated. Through my volunteer work, I was able to reevaluate what was impornat to me. Volunteering changed my perspective and further grew my passion for helping others. I also learned that helping people made me feel better. During my senior year at Dutchtown High School, I served as the vice president of the DHS Chapter of the National Beta Club. Part of our membership requirement is to do community service. However, due to COVID-19, our group had not been able to do as many community service projects as usual. After much thought, I was able to problem solve and we were able to sponsor a coat drive because we could safely do this activity outside. The collected items were given to a nonprofit called, One Warm Coat. With this project, I was able to demonstrate my leadership abilities as one of the project coordinators. It was my responsibility set up the work schedule for the donation drop-off, secure protective gloves and masks for the volunteers, and work with the One Warm Coat staff. This service project was impactful to our community because it is very timely and necessary. It was impactful to my school because it brought awareness to the fact that there are people in our community that lack warm clothing and have food insecurity. It was impactful to me because I would be fully responsible for the event’s success or failure. I had to be organized, use my communication skills, and be able to keep our club members engaged and interested in the project. Outside of School, I am very active in Girl Scouting. I have been given many opportunities to show leadership through my involvement with this organization for over 13 years. Just before coming to college, I lead my Troop in hosting a crayon and coloring book drive for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) at their smaller location where I live in Stockbridge, Georgia. Though it may seem insignificant, this project was very needed. Because of the new COVID precautions, the Center’s crayon and coloring sheet supply had been depleted. Before COVID-19, these items were usually just left out on the tables in the CHOA lobby. However, with the COVID-related sanitation requirements in place, if anyone touched a crayon, it had to be given to that person or thrown away. By replenishing these coloring supplies, our driver made a significant difference. Even though it seems small, this was an example of crisis leadership. Seeing a problem, finding a way to solve it, then getting people to follow support your solution. I was able to show my Girl Scout sisters and our community how something as small as a crayon, could make an enormous impact by providing comfort to a child who may be sick or in pain. Growing up participating in activities like Girl Scouts, Beta Club, and other programs, I was always encouraged to consider how I could make a difference, and then take action as a leader. Through these programs, I have met many mentors and fellow students who further motivate me to continue my volunteering and leadership responsibilities.

It would be my dream to combine both my passion for children and their development with my education in communication disorders to become a part of the 4% of African American Speech-Language Pathologists. This scholarship will not only help me continue my education at Hampton University but also aid in the cost of attending research programs and networking experiences. Going to an HBCU allows me the opportunities that black people are traditionally not encouraged to partake in. I am surrounded by my black excellence every day. there is no other place on the planet where there will be this many highly educated, motivated, and brilliant young people. I know firsthand how encouraging it can be to see someone who looks like you when you're at your most vulnerable. That is why I chose to attend an HBCU. While it is challenging and rigorous it is also very rewarding and encouraging. With my training, I plan to educate myself and others on the importance of speech resources in underprivileged and forgotten communities. Creating a nonprofit clinic that would travel to public schools around the country helping out and setting up more well-rounded and developed speech programs. In addition, I want to develop an app that could be used in anyone's home to further aid in speech and language practice. It is a privilege for most families to be able to see a speech-language pathologist but I want to make it more accessible for them and their families.

Words I would use to describe myself are adaptable, passionate, and curious. These three attributes are what separates me from other people. To start, I am adaptable. You can put me in numerous different situations and I would be able to easily integrate myself into any team, work environment, or organization. I have many different interests and enjoy listening and conversing with others who do. Next is my passion, I am an extremely passionate person. Especially when it comes to children and their speech and language disorders. Lastly, is my curiosity. Ever since I was a child I was extremely curious. Always asking why and how. This is what drives me to research. I want to have as good of an understanding of my field as I possibly can. My passion above all other things is something that drove me to my current career path. I am an extremely passionate person. Especially when it comes to children and their speech and language disorders. My passion is what separates me from other individuals in my field. My passion for speech and language pathology is a result of my family's personal struggle. I know the extreme frustration that stems from not being able to communicate with your loved ones. My cousin Deacon, who is 7 years old, was speech delayed and did not communicate verbally until he was 3. My other cousin Ronnie was diagnosed with autism and is currently nonverbal. Throughout his time with a speech pathologist decon was able to learn to communicate in numerous ways. From sign language to body language and signals, I saw the growth that his communication experienced after working with a specialist in the field. He went from not speaking to being the ultimate chatterbox When I started to do research into this field I found that it disproportionately impacted minority males. It almost doubles the possibility of a speech-related disorder. Talking with other family members and friends I found that a lot of them knew others with similar struggles. I noticed the conversation around speech delays and other disorders was negative and toxic. It would be my dream to combine both my passion for children and their development with my education in communication disorders to become a part of the 4% of African American Speech-Language Pathologists. While also broadening my mind to the process that goes into research and development. I know firsthand how encouraging it can be to see someone who looks like you when you're at your most vulnerable. It would be a great honor to be able to continue my education and get a Masters's and Doctoral degree in Speech Pathology or other related studies to further my understanding in the correlation between cognitive development and communication disorders along with what role environment and genetics plays. With my training, I plan to educate myself and others on the importance of speech resources in underprivileged and forgotten communities. Creating a nonprofit clinic that would travel to public schools around the country helping out and setting up more well-rounded and developed speech programs. In addition, I want to develop an app that could be used in anyone's home to further aid in speech and language practice. It is a privilege for most families to be able to see a speech-language pathologist but I want to make it more accessible for them and their families.

My passion for speech and language pathology is a result of my family's personal struggle. I know the extreme frustration that stems from not being able to communicate with your loved ones. My cousin Deacon, who is 7 years old, was speech delayed and did not communicate verbally until he was 3. My other cousin Ronnie was diagnosed with autism and is currently nonverbal. Throughout his time with a speech pathologist decon was able to learn to communicate in numerous ways. From sign language to body language and signals, I saw the growth that his communication experienced after working with a specialist in the field. He went from not speaking to being the ultimate chatterbox When I started to do research into this field I found that it disproportionately impacted minority males. It almost doubles the possibility of a speech-related disorder. Talking with other family members and friends I found that a lot of them knew others with similar struggles. I noticed the conversation around speech delays and other disorders was negative and toxic. It would be my dream to combine both my passion for children and their development with my education in communication disorders to become a part of the 4% of African American Speech-Language Pathologists. While also broadening my mind to the process that goes into research and development. I know firsthand how encouraging it can be to see someone who looks like you when you're at your most vulnerable. It would be a great honor to be able to continue my education and get a Masters's and Doctoral degree in Speech Pathology or other related studies to further my understanding of the correlation between cognitive development and communication disorders along with what role environment and genetics plays. With my training, I plan to educate myself and others on the importance of speech resources in underprivileged and forgotten communities. Creating a nonprofit clinic that would travel to public schools around the country helping out and setting up more well-rounded and developed speech programs. In addition, I want to develop an app that could be used in anyone's home to further aid in speech and language practice. It is a privilege for most families to be able to see a speech-language pathologist but I want to make it more accessible for them and their families. Communication is a key component of development and interaction. Without communication, it could be hard to fully understand yourself and others. With this scholarship, it will help me continue my goal of attending a summer internship. This summer I hope to attend one or two summer research internships that have to do with neuroscience and cognitive development. Understanding the impact that neuroscience has on numerous fields of study will help me better diagnose and treat communication disorders. Attending a summer internship will not only give me research experience and career development but will give me an inside look into what is needed in my future career field. I would like to conduct research regarding specific environmental factors and neurological components that can impact the probability, severity, and type of communication disorders an individual might experience. Along with preventative measures one can take to improve their chances of overcoming a speech-related concern. Furthermore, Studying the nervous system will help in my understanding of bodily function, movement, and biology. Recognizing how things are supposed to function will help me diagnose when there is a problem and how to prevent issues in the future.