Empowerment to me is creating opportunities for those individuals who may be marginalized in some way through the help of others. Society loves to create labels, ranks, and positions but honestly as a kid growing up you honestly just try to make it through each day unscathed. growing up on Medicaid and getting free lunches every day made me feel different every day during lunch or at the doctor's office and now as I am preparing to go to college, and my remaining balance for my tuition is $24,000 a year after Pell Grants and Student Loans and honestly, I don’t know how I’m going to cover the cost without being crippled in debt. My past does not define my future, I’m already assuming leadership roles so I can be prepared to be a change maker. During my junior and senior year, I attended the Boces program for cosmetology and served on the leadership council, and I’m proud to say that I was inducted into the Honor Society. In addition to that, I obtained my certification for autism and sensory individuals and I am the only certified hairstylist within a three hour radius as a result of the certification I was awarded the 2024 Best and Brightest in central New York. Furthermore, I participated in varsity swimming and diving from 8th-12th grade and served a leadership position as captain. Our team was Section 3 Champions for several years and I even made it to States! The success of these leadership positions has propelled me into my field of study: Business. Maya Angelou said it best “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.” Did you know that the unemployment rate for special needs individuals is 7.5%, African Americans is 5.5% and the national average is 4.3%? I’m a woman of faith and I believe you need to have a servant heart like Jesus. Diversity and inclusion are two causes that I’m extremely passionate about because my brother was born with Down Syndrome and Autism. My career goal is to create an inclusive and accommodating salon, where individuals of all abilities can thrive. My mission and career goal is to influence positive change in the communities I serve. My journey toward furthering my education and creating meaningful contributions in Business and cosmetology fills me with hope. I believe in my ability to make a profound impact; however, I need to be on an even playing field as my peers to have a fighting chance. Growing up in a low income Medicaid, SSDI family, every penny matters. This scholarship would mean the world of difference for me. I was recently inducted into the Career and Technical Education Honor Society and also served on the Leadership Council. I want to have an inclusive salon that not only can provide haircuts to the clients but to employ the individuals as well. Getting my business degree and being in the leadership role is key to having my plan come to fruition, so I can be the one making the decision decisions on hiring staff.

I was six when my life as I knew it fell apart. Divorce changes you at the core. I had twin sisters who were only two years old and I suddenly took this unspoken leadership role in the family as my parents fought over custody, money, and everything in between. My sisters and I were caught in the middle and I was the one to shield them from it all. I know parents are supposed to do that, but honestly, they had their own agendas. So honestly, I gained my leadership skills sadly at a young age as I played mediator, conflict resolution specialist and therapist. My sisters listened to me more than my parents. Before the divorce, my dad had a stroke and after the divorce went into liver failure due to a rare liver disease affecting his portal vein. Shortly after the divorce my mother went to the hospital with the worst headache of her life and facial numbness and she was discharged. The next day she noticed that one pupil was larger plus the other symptoms so she went to a different hospital and they found bilateral carotid and vertebral dissections and a stroke. She went for emergency surgery and almost died due to a medical error. She is now permanently disabled. Two years later she was also diagnosed with breast cancer. With both parents disabled, there are many days we struggle to make ends meet. I have struggled with managing their medical issues between both homes and honestly some days my faith is the only thing getting me through the day. My determination and perseverance is a product of my faith. Without my faith during these times of suffering, I don’t know how I would have persevered. It took constant prayer and dedication. In hindsight, I wish I could have given myself the grace to be more of a child during the time of my parent's divorce. Looking back on this now, I wish I could have told myself that it wasn’t my role to parent my siblings; however, everything happens for a reason and I was formed as a result of everything I have endured. My story didn’t end there. My mother remarried and now I have a sweet little brother with Down Syndrome. He is the best brother ever! I am a more well-rounded individual simply by knowing him. He has also helped shape my passion for inclusivity which is incorporated into my future goals. I have been working at a salon for several years. This experience has sparked my passion for hairstyling and cosmetology. I am pursuing 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 was practical. Their medical and economic hardships have fueled my passion for success and made me resilient. This year I obtained my certification as a Sensory Safe and Autism Certified Hairstylist. Completing this certification was important because there weren't any certified hairstylists within a three-hour radius of my home and I have a younger brother with Down Syndrome and Autism who we had to restrain simply to get his haircut. I knew there was a better way to service these clients and now I am the only certified hairstylist in the area. When people think about getting involved in their communities, the most impactful ways is when they can identify a need and use their skills, talents and time to fill that void and serve their community. Luckily I was able to do that for the special needs and autism community, and my skills will carry with me wherever I go. I want others to learn that individuals with disabilities can thrive and function just in the same way as typical individuals. After high school, I plan on studying business. I am passionate about being an entrepreneur and opening an inclusive salon so I can hire special needs individuals. I'm confident that I can bring a unique perspective of inclusivity and diversity to my future at Rollins College, as I have already been admitted. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship as it would be life-changing for me to be able to afford college. Divorce never stops affecting me. Now that I’m getting ready to start college I asked my dad what he could afford and he said nothing… have your mom take me to court! Why am I caught in the middle. Why can’t he see the value of my education rather than the bitterness of the divorce. I believe that our paths usually end up brighter in some unique way when we face adversity. Maybe not the path we expected, but a learning path nonetheless.

I have realized that beauty goes far beyond superficial appearances. The love coming from my heart truly defines my inner beauty. I'm not sure if this is because I have a brother who was born with Down Syndrome, but he has shifted my thinking for the better in so many ways. I was always drawn to Cosmetology. While I worked as a salon receptionist one of the stylists (the Boces Cosmetology Teacher) encouraged me to pursue the program. She knew there was a waitlist, but she got me pushed through. Now, a year and a half later, I am at the top of my class in the Honor Society, and I sit on the Leadership Council. Being a part of the Cosmetology program was the best decision of my life! My next internship will be at the 315 salon, which specializes in wigs for cancer and alopecia patients. This internship hits home for me because my mother battled with Breast Cancer. Between my experiences with my brother and mom, 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. This past year I recognized that there weren't any certified hairstylists within a three-hour radius trained to give haircuts to individuals with sensory issues. So, I flew to Florida to attend the Premiere Hair Show and get the training and now I am the only certified stylist within a three-hour radius certified for Sensory Safe and Autism Haircuts. As a result of this give-back to the community, I received an award for the 2024 Best and Brightest in Central New York. I am passionate about my trade of cosmetology and making a difference in the lives of all individuals (including those with special needs). I want to have an inclusive salon that not only provides haircuts to clients but also employs them. This is not just my future plan; I have already started giving back to my community and forging my path! 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 WC&EJ Thornton Tools of the Trade Scholarship, this would mean the world to me, as I grew up the daughter of two disabled parents. 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.

Maya Angelou said it best “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.” Did you know that the unemployment rate for special needs individuals is 7.5%, African Americans is 5.5% and the national average is 4.3%? Society must break down those barriers, but it happens one employer at a time. Some people might not care about these statistics; however, when you are a minority and have a loved one with a disability you instantly become an advocate for inclusion. Diversity and inclusion are two causes that I’m extremely passionate about because of my family. My brother influenced me the most in life. He was born with Down Syndrome and Autism, and seeing life through his lens has shifted my perspective on what is important in life! My career goal is to create an inclusive and accommodating salon, where individuals of all abilities can thrive. My short-term goal of obtaining my cosmetology license is a small step toward my ultimate mission. I dream of attending college and pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business, and ultimately I want to own my salon and be able to hire individuals with disabilities. My mission and career goal is to influence positive change in the communities I serve. Can’t you see it? I want to break down those barriers for people like my brother. I am filled with inspiration, passion, and unwavering commitment. My journey toward furthering my education and creating meaningful contributions in Business and cosmetology fills me with hope. I believe in my ability to make a profound impact. I will be able to give them meaningful and fulfilling employment in a welcoming environment. It will be life-changing for those individuals! Growing up in a a low income Medicaid, SSDI family, every penny matters. This scholarship would mean the world of difference for me. I was recently inducted into the Career and Technical Education Honor Society and also served on the Leadership Council at my Trade School. My passion in school has also exuded into the community. This past year I received an award for the 2024 Best and Brightest in Central New York. I received this partly because of academics, citizenship and also because of my positive impact on my community. As an older sister of someone with severe sensory needs, I recognized that there weren't any certified hairstylists within a three-hour radius who were trained to give haircuts to individuals with sensory issues. So, I flew to Florida to get the training and now I am the only certified stylist within a three-hour radius who is certified for Sensory Safe and Autism Haircuts. As a result of this, I am able to service 11 counties and fulfill a need to the community because of my passion and dedication to Cosmetology and helping those with disabilities. I am passionate in my trade of Cosmetology to make a difference in the lives of all individuals (including special needs). I want to have an inclusive salon that not only can provide haircuts to the clients but to employ the individuals as well. This is not just my future plan...I have already started giving back to my community and forging my path! Thank you for considering me as a recipient for the Chris Ford Scholarship.

Maya Angelou said it best “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.” Did you know that the unemployment rate for special needs individuals is 65%, compared to the national average of 4.3%? Society must break down those barriers, but it happens one employer at a time. Some people might not care about these statistics; however, when you have a loved one with a disability you instantly become an advocate for inclusion. Diversity and inclusion are two causes that I’m extremely passionate about because of my family. My brother influenced me the most in life. He was born with Down Syndrome and Autism, and seeing life through his lens has shifted my perspective on what is important in life! My career goal is to create an inclusive and accommodating salon, where individuals of all abilities can thrive. My short-term goal of obtaining my cosmetology license is a small step toward my ultimate mission. I dream of attending college and pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business, and ultimately I want to own my salon and be able to hire individuals with disabilities. My mission and career goal is to influence positive change in the communities I serve. Can’t you see it? I want to break down those barriers for people like my brother. I am filled with inspiration, passion, and unwavering commitment. My journey toward furthering my education and creating meaningful contributions in Business and cosmetology fills me with hope. I believe in my ability to make a profound impact. I will be able to give them meaningful and fulfilling employment in a welcoming environment. It will be life-changing for those individuals! Growing up in a a low income Medicaid, SSDI family, every penny matters. This scholarship would mean the world of difference for me. I was recently inducted into the Career and Technical Education Honor Society and also served on the Leadership Council at my Trade School. My passion in school has also exuded into the community. This past year I received an award for the 2024 Best and Brightest in Central New York. I received this partly because of academics, citizenship and also because of my positive impact on my community. As an older sister of someone with severe sensory needs, I recognized that there weren't any certified hairstylists within a three-hour radius who were trained to give haircuts to individuals with sensory issues. So, I flew to Florida to get the training and now I am the only certified stylist within a three-hour radius who is certified for Sensory Safe and Autism Haircuts. As a result of this, I am able to service 11 counties and fulfill a need to the community because of my passion and dedication to Cosmetology and helping those with disabilities. I am passionate in my trade of Cosmetology to make a difference in the lives of all individuals (including special needs). I want to have an inclusive salon that not only can provide haircuts to the clients but to employ the individuals as well. This is not just my future plan...I have already started giving back to my community and forging my path!

Financial education should be something that's taught in every high school. Access to this education is vital for life skill development. However, growing up with a learning disability from a low-income family, I attended our Boces program for Cosmetology and financial education was not a part of the curriculum. However, my parents did try to teach me to work for what I want most, and I am currently making payments for my used car to pay it off. I have set a budget and make monthly payments. I have had to learn about the cost of insurance, cost of registration, cost of gas and upkeep for the vehicle. They have me complete financial education courses to earn cash as an incentive through our Go Henry App. There are articles on saving, earning, spending, taxes, avoiding scams, savings goals, investing, borrowing and many more. It's a simple way to explain financial topics and get rewarded at the same time. My personal initiative is driven by overcoming adversity in my life. I am fueled with an entrepreneurial mindset and want to own a practice and employ individuals with disabilities to close the gap on unemployment rate gap between the disabled and typical individuals. Maya Angelou said it best “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.” Did you know that the unemployment rate for special needs individuals is 65%, compared to the national average of 4.3%? Society needs to break down those barriers, but honestly, it happens one employer at a time. Some people might not care about these statistics; however, when you have a loved one with a disability you instantly become an advocate for inclusion. Diversity and inclusion are two causes that I’m extremely passionate about because of my family. Both of my parents have had strokes and my mother has had bilateral carotid and vertebral dissections. My career goal is to create an inclusive and accommodating salon, where individuals of all abilities can thrive. My short-term goal of obtaining my cosmetology license is a small step toward my ultimate mission. I dream of attending High Point obtaining my Bachelor's Degree in Business and ultimately be able to hire individuals with disabilities. Having a strong understanding of finance is crucial to my overall success. My mission and career goal is to influence positive change in the communities I serve by employing individuals of all abilities and having a thriving business that is financially secure.

In 2018 my mother had a stroke and then two years later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. As the oldest daughter in the family, I was the one to help her with her breast drains and dressings. I was her shoulder to cry on when she was depressed. I hosted a pink swim meet with our swim team and we raised $1,495 for the American Cancer Society. I decorated the house with pink ribbons and pink balloons to cheer up my mom during treatment. I went to get a matching pink manicure with my mom before she went for surgery. I coordinated a food train with the ladies from her bible study. My father is also in liver failure as a result of a blockage to his portal vein. He is currently awaiting a liver transplant and is constantly in and out of the hospital. He has faced death in the ICU. It has been a five-year battle and it is a terminal condition. Having a younger brother with Down Syndrome who requires extensive care allowed me the opportunity to participate in much of his care. He would be in and out of the hospital for many reasons and I was by his side. I can remember he was in NICU for several days after he was born due to his condition and we were all worried. Then for years after, I sat with the Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists as they provided therapy in the home to help him learn to walk and talk. Maya Angelou once said it best “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” Cancer helped to carve my path in life, but it was a culmination of several things that compounded. I have an empathetic soul. Honestly, I believe God prepared me for my life's path in Nursing by giving me all of my life experiences. It has shown me the good, the bad, and the ugly! I have worried about my parents dying at a young age, and I am empowered by their fight and strength through faith! Nursing is so much more than the medical piece. It is about giving hope, creating connections, and seeing people better themselves. I want to be a part of that, and I am passionate about helping others just as the nurses helped my Mother, Father, and Brother. I want to provide compassionate care and improve patient outcomes.

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.