My name is Lily, and I have been working at a salon for several years. This experience has sparked my love for hairstyling and cosmetology. I contributed to my community this past year when I flew down to Florida to obtain my certification as a Sensory Safe and Autism Certified Hairstylist. This was a big expense for me to fly down, hotel expenses, and time to complete the day-long training. I am currently in the Cosmetology program at Oneida Herkimer Madison Boces. Completing this certification was important, because there weren't any certified hairstylist within a three hour radius and I have a younger brother with Down Syndrome and Autism who we had to restrain to get his haircut before I had the training. I knew there was a better way to care for these individuals in my community and now I am the only certified hairstylist in the area. As soon as I graduate, I will be able to service this community in the right way I decided to pursue this passion through our Boces program while obtaining my high school diploma. Given the financial challenges my family faces due to my parents' disabilities, pursuing a trade school education seemed like the most practical choice for me. Both my mom and dad have had strokes, and their medical hardships have fueled my ambition and drive to succeed. My stepdad's encouragement, who himself attended a trade school for welding, has been instrumental in shaping my career path. My parents can't afford for me to go to college since they don't work and they are disabled and my younger brother is severely disabled. We have a family of six and I am the oldest child, I sometimes feel this heavy burden but this scholarship will help me pay for tuition at Ole Miss. I want to go and I have a passion and desire to be an entrepreneur open an inclusive salon and hire special needs individuals (including my brother). I want to carve a new path and break down community barriers. After graduating, I want to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Business and Entrepreneurship at Ole Miss. I have already been admitted!! What excites me most about cosmetology is the opportunity to redefine beauty standards, especially for individuals with unique traits. The unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities is 65%, compared to the national average of 4.3%. Having a brother with multiple disabilities and volunteering in the community with many individuals, I know we need more opportunities for these individuals to be trained and work in the community. Having a family member Down Syndrome has impacted how I want the world to improve services for him, and I have realized that I need to be the one to do it. My ultimate goal is to: - own a salon employ individuals with special needs - train the employees how to cut hair for special needs individuals This business will impact the world because it will employ people who need jobs and will allow individuals to get haircuts in a safe, friendly manner. I’ve learned that being an entrepreneur is about being passionate and driven. I want to be an entrepreneur to make this world a better place for all individuals with disabilities. I'm confident that I will be successful because my brother's employment and success depends on it, and he is the most important person in my life. Thank you for considering me for the Bright Lite Scholarship and if I am chosen I will use it to enhance my career and have a positive impact on the world.

To be given that one chance to live out my dream would mean everything to me. My dream is to change the world and make a positive change for what is right. Sometimes we feel like small changes don't do much but they truly are impactful. I am currently getting my degree in cosmetology. My goal is to transform society's view of beauty. This is inspired because I have a brother with Down Syndrome and Autism. I aspire to create an inclusive and accommodating salon where individuals of all abilities can thrive. Did you know that the unemployment rate for individuals with special needs is 65%, compared to the general unemployment rate of 4.3%. This is unacceptable. My personal experiences have ignited a fire within me, compelling me to advocate for more training and job opportunities for those with disabilities. With proper on-the-job training, these employees can work and thrive in the community and I am passionate about owning a salon that employs these individuals and provides top-notch training. By redefining the standard of beauty and embracing one's unique traits, I aim to bring about a transformative change in the world. My short-term goals, from graduating high school to obtaining a cosmetology license, are stepping stones toward my ultimate mission. I dream of attending college and pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business, all in pursuit of making a significant impact in the cosmetology industry. With the strength and resilience of my parents flowing through my veins, I am confident in my ability to overcome any obstacles that come my way. The beauty within me is deep-rooted, and I am determined to show the world the limitless beauty that resides within us all. Being an up-stander to me means crashing down the stereotypes about perceptions of who can work in a salon, who can be employed etc... I also plan on training my employees to be able to give sensory safe cuts for autism clients. This is an 8hr training program and I am a certified stylist. I am passionate about serving the special needs community. Thank you for considering me as a recipient of the One Chance Scholarship. I am filled with inspiration, passion, and unwavering commitment. My journey toward furthering my education and making meaningful contributions in Business and cosmetology fills me with hope and excitement. I believe in my ability to make a profound impact. I am grateful for the opportunity to showcase the beauty unfolding as I embark on this incredible path toward my future goals of transforming the beauty industry.

The story of Amber Lark is nothing short of remarkable. Her ability to support health and wellness and make a difference in the world is inspiring. Similarly, it reminds me of my story in so many ways. I have realized that beauty goes far beyond superficial appearances. The love coming from my heart truly defines my inner beauty. I know I have limited time on Earth, I no longer count the years until beauty fades, but instead embrace each moment. My mother battled breast and ovarian cancer. I witnessed the profound beauty within her eyes. Stripped of her hair and ravaged by illness, she embodied a beauty that surpassed society's shallow definitions. In her hospital beds, her strength and determination shine brighter than ever, reminding me of the power of fighting fiercely and rising again. These experiences have shaped my ambition and drive to succeed. I am currently getting my degree in cosmetology, and my next internship will be at the 315 salon, which specializes in wigs for cancer and alopecia patients. My vision for the beauty industry is nothing short of remarkable. My goal is to transform society's view of beauty. I aspire to create an inclusive and accommodating salon where individuals of all abilities can thrive. My personal experiences have ignited a fire within me, compelling me to advocate for more training and job opportunities for those with disabilities. By redefining the standard of beauty and embracing one's unique traits, I aim to bring about a transformative change in the world. My short-term goals, from graduating high school to obtaining a cosmetology license, are stepping stones toward my ultimate mission. I dream of attending college and pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business, all in pursuit of making a significant impact in the cosmetology industry. With the strength and resilience of my parents flowing through my veins, I am confident in my ability to overcome any obstacles that come my way. The beauty within me is deep-rooted, and I am determined to show the world the limitless beauty that resides within us all. Thank you for considering me for the recipient of the Mrs. Amber Lark Memorial Scholarship. I am filled with inspiration, passion, and unwavering commitment. My journey toward furthering my education and making meaningful contributions in Business and cosmetology fills me with hope and excitement. I believe in my ability to make a profound impact. I am grateful for the opportunity to showcase the beauty unfolding as I embark on this incredible path toward my future goals of transforming the beauty industry.

My parents divorced when I was young and both my mother and father are legally disabled after having suffered strokes and beating cancer. When I turned sixteen my mom and stepdad gave me a hand-me-down car that I appreciated so much because to me it meant freedom. On the day I turned sixteen I was so excited! When I went for my license the examiner hopped in my car and I forgot my seatbelt. After that, I had a panic attack during the remainder of the test. Obviously I failed. I think she even called me dangerous. One week later I took it again and hit a curb and if you’re guessing… I failed again. So I figured it’s important to never give up. I paid for one on one driving lessons and then took it for a third time. I drove up for my test and it was the same examiner that called me dangerous just a few weeks before; however, this time I passed! That old car gave me freedom and taught me perseverance, drive and ambition that are life lessons that are able to carry me through. Not everyone will be able to have the freedom to drive like I’m able to do so. I think of my younger brother Grant who has Autism and Down Syndrome and I wonder if he will ever be able to drive a car but I hope that I can help him learn so that he has the same freedom and experience like his peers. Guaranteed, I might not be the best one to give driving lessons, but there’s nobody better than a big sister to have your back and help you succeed. The impact of a car can mean so much to a child. It’s that pivotal time for growth.