My goal is to become a licensed cosmetologist and build a beauty career that helps women feel confident while also creating opportunities for others in the future. Right now I am finishing cosmetology school in Simi Valley, California. I started school later in life while raising my daughter and balancing family responsibilities, so this journey has taught me discipline, patience, and how to keep going even when things are hard. My short-term goal is to pass my state board exam, gain salon experience, and continue growing my social media beauty page where I document my cosmetology journey. I already share hair, beauty, and lifestyle content online and I want to slowly build a loyal audience that trusts my work. I also plan to continue learning more about natural hair care, healthy hair, skincare, and beauty education. One of my biggest goals is to eventually open my own beauty business. I want to create a welcoming space where women feel comfortable, beautiful, and respected. Long term, I would love to open a cosmetology school in Malawi, where I am originally from. Many talented young women there already know how to braid and style hair but do not have access to professional beauty education or business training. I want to help change that one day. My plan is very detailed because I believe success comes from consistency and preparation. Every week I create schedules for studying, practicing services, building my portfolio, and applying for scholarships. I also use social media as part of my business plan because it helps me build connections and document my progress. After graduation, I plan to work in a salon to improve my skills, build clientele, and save money toward future business goals. Financially, scholarships are important for me because they help cover supplies, licensing costs, classes, transportation, and business-building expenses. My tuition was supported by family, but there are still many additional costs connected to starting a career in beauty. I also want to continue taking advanced classes and certifications after graduation. Another important part of my future plan is community impact. I started a small project called Umboni that focuses on helping women and families through support, encouragement, and practical help when possible. Beauty may seem simple to some people, but I believe confidence and self-care can truly change lives. I know my goals will take time, sacrifice, and hard work, but I am already taking the steps every day. This scholarship would help me continue building a future not only for myself and my daughter, but also for the women I hope to help in the future.

believe selflessness is not just about big moments, but about the small decisions we make every day to put others before ourselves, even when it is not easy. For me, selflessness has been a way of life shaped by my background, my family, and my experiences growing up in Malawi and now living in the United States. One of the biggest ways I show selflessness is through my work with women in my community. I am part of a monthly initiative where I listen to the stories of single mothers and help them find ways to survive and grow. Many of these women struggle to provide basic needs like food, shelter, and hygiene for their families. Instead of just feeling sorry, I take action. I help them come up with small business ideas, connect them to support, and sometimes raise funds for urgent needs. So far, I have helped over ten women, including one who was able to get housing support for a large family with nine children. Seeing their lives slowly change reminds me that even small help can make a big difference. Another example of selflessness in my life is how I support my own family, even when it stretches me financially and emotionally. Recently, I helped my sister travel so she could have a better opportunity and experience. It was not an easy decision because I am a student, not currently working, and I already have responsibilities as a mother and wife. I had to make sacrifices and commit to a long-term financial plan. But I chose to help because I believe in showing up for people, especially when they are in need. That decision taught me that selflessness sometimes means trusting that things will work out, even when you don’t have everything figured out. I also express selflessness through my career path in cosmetology. For me, beauty is not just about appearance it is about confidence, dignity, and healing. I have seen how something as simple as doing someone’s hair can help them feel seen, heard, and valued. As I train to become a licensed cosmetologist, I want to use my skills to uplift others, especially women who may not have access to professional services. In the future, I plan to open a cosmetology school in Malawi to train young women and give them a chance to build their own income and independence. My journey has not been perfect. There are times when I feel overwhelmed, tired, or unsure. But I keep going because I believe in the bigger picture. Selflessness, to me, is not about being perfect it is about choosing to care, to act, and to keep showing up for others even when it is hard. Through my actions, my sacrifices, and my goals, I strive to live a life that reflects compassion, resilience, and purpose.

I am passionate about pursuing cosmetology because I have seen how powerful beauty can be in changing how a person feels about themselves. For me, it is not just about doing hair or making someone look good. It is about confidence, healing, and helping people feel seen and valued. My journey into cosmetology did not come from one single moment. It grew over time through my life experiences and the people around me. I have always been interested in beauty, but when I started working more closely with women, especially in my community, I began to understand its deeper meaning. I realized that something as simple as doing someone’s hair can lift their spirit, give them confidence, and change how they show up in the world. I am especially inspired by the women I work with through my initiative, the Umboni Project, where I support single mothers in Malawi. Many of these women face difficult situations and do not always have access to self-care. Through my experience with them, I saw how important it is for women to feel good about themselves. Beauty became more than just a skill to me. It became a tool to empower others. I decided to pursue cosmetology professionally so I can turn this passion into a career and a purpose. I am about to graduate from cosmetology school, and throughout my training, I have been committed to learning, improving, and growing my skills every day. I take pride in my work, whether it is a simple blowout or learning new techniques, because I know every service I provide has an impact on someone’s confidence. What drives me the most is my vision for the future. After becoming licensed, I want to build a career in the beauty industry here in the United States while also creating opportunities in Malawi. My goal is to support and train women who already have talent in hair but lack professional education and resources. I want to help them build skills, confidence, and independence through beauty. This scholarship would not only support me financially as I complete my training, but it would also help me move closer to my bigger goal of using beauty as a way to empower others. I am a hard worker, I am dedicated, and I truly believe in what I am building. Cosmetology is not just my career choice, it is part of my purpose.

Sabrina Carpenter’s journey inspires me because she represents growth, resilience, and the courage to evolve while staying true to yourself. While I admire her talent and confidence, what resonates with me most is her ability to keep pushing forward and creating her own path. That is something I deeply relate to in my own life. As an immigrant and a first-generation student, my journey has not been easy. I come from Malawi, and after losing my father at a young age, I saw firsthand how difficult life can become for a single mother. My mom struggled to support us, and that experience shaped how I see strength, responsibility, and perseverance. It taught me early on that if I wanted a different future, I had to work for it and stay focused no matter what challenges came my way. Today, I am pursuing cosmetology, a path that allows me to use my creativity while making a direct impact on people’s lives. For me, beauty is not just about appearance it is about confidence and helping people feel seen and valued. I want to build a career where I can support myself and my family, while also creating opportunities for others. Beyond my career, I have already started taking action. Through my initiative, Umboni Circles, I connect with single mothers in Malawi, listen to their stories, and help support their needs. Recently, I used my own money to start a GoFundMe for one woman because I believe in taking action, even when resources are limited. These experiences have shown me that small steps can create meaningful change. Like Sabrina Carpenter, I am learning to grow, adapt, and stay true to who I am. My goal is not only to succeed for myself, but to use my journey to uplift others. I believe that with determination, faith, and hard work, I can turn my challenges into purpose and create a lasting impact in the lives of others.

I chose to pursue a career in cosmetology because I want to build a life where I can support myself while also helping others feel confident and seen. For me, cosmetology is not just about beauty it is about connection, self-expression, and the way someone feels when they look in the mirror and recognize their worth. My journey has not been easy. I grew up in Malawi and later moved to the United States, where I had to adapt to a completely new environment. After losing my father at a young age, I watched my mother carry the responsibility of raising our family alone. That experience shaped my understanding of resilience and hard work. It also showed me how important it is to have skills that can create stability and independence. I worked in hospitality, where I learned how to serve people, communicate effectively, and create positive experiences. While I valued that experience, I wanted something more personal something where I could work one-on-one with people and make a direct impact. Cosmetology gave me that path. It allows me to use my hands, my creativity, and my ability to connect with others in a meaningful way. Choosing a trade like cosmetology is important to me because it provides real opportunities for growth, financial independence, and entrepreneurship. I want to build a stable future for myself and my family, while also creating something that can grow into a business. My long-term goal is to open my own salon and eventually create opportunities for other women, especially those from underserved communities, to learn skills and become independent. I am also passionate about giving back. Through my initiative, Umboni Circles, I connect with single mothers in Malawi, listen to their stories, and help support their needs. Recently, I started a GoFundMe for one woman using my own money, not because I had a lot, but because I believed in taking action. These experiences continue to motivate me to build a career that is not only successful, but meaningful. Cosmetology is more than a career choice for me it is a path toward independence, purpose, and creating opportunities for others. Another reason I chose this path is because it gives me the ability to create immediate change in someone’s life. Whether it is a simple hairstyle or a full transformation, I have seen how small moments can shift how a person feels about themselves. That kind of impact is powerful to me. It reminds me that success is not only measured by income, but by the confidence and joy I help create in others every day. Cosmetology is more than a career choice for me it is a path toward independence, purpose, and creating opportunities for others.

immigrated to the United States from Malawi with a dream of building a better future, but the journey has not been easy. Starting over in a new country meant adapting to a different culture, navigating systems I did not fully understand, and learning how to stand on my own in ways I had never experienced before. Everything that once felt familiar was gone, and I had to rebuild my life step by step. Growing up, I experienced hardship early when my father passed away when I was 1years old. My mother became a single parent, and I witnessed firsthand the strength it takes to carry that responsibility. That experience shaped me deeply. It taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of pushing forward even when circumstances are difficult. When I came to the United States, I carried those lessons with me. I worked in hospitality, where I learned how to serve people, pay attention to detail, and create positive experiences. While this work helped me grow, I knew I wanted something more personal and impactful. That is what led me to pursue cosmetology. For me, cosmetology is not just about beauty it is about confidence, connection, and helping people feel seen. As an immigrant and a first-generation student, I understand how access to opportunity can change lives. That is why I started Umboni Circles, an initiative where I connect with single mothers in Malawi, listen to their stories, and help support their needs. Recently, I used my own money to start a GoFundMe for one woman, not because I had a lot, but because I believed in taking action. I have seen how small support can open doors for women who are working hard but lack resources. This scholarship would support me as I continue my education in cosmetology and work toward building a stable future for myself and my family. More importantly, it would allow me to continue growing my impact. My long-term goal is to create opportunities for women both in the United States and in Malawi to gain skills, build confidence, and become independent. My journey as an immigrant has shaped who I am today. It has taught me that new beginnings are not easy, but they are powerful. I am committed to turning my challenges into purpose and using my experience to create opportunities for others. Every step I take in my education is not just for me, but for the women I hope to help in the future. I want to be an example that no matter where you start, you can build something meaningful with determination, faith, and hard work.

Essay: Taylor Swift Performance The Taylor Swift performance that I find most moving is her live performance of “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” at the Eras Tour. What makes this performance powerful is not just the song itself, but the emotion, storytelling, and growth behind it. You can feel that it is not just music it is her telling her truth, owning her story, and allowing herself to be vulnerable in front of thousands of people. What stood out to me the most is how she turned something painful into something meaningful. The way she performs it, with so much emotion and control, shows strength. It reminds me that even difficult experiences can become something powerful if you choose to grow from them. That is something I relate to in my own life. Coming from a background where I have seen struggle especially watching my mother raise children on her own after my father passed away I understand what it means to carry pain but still keep moving forward. Like Taylor, I have learned that your story does not have to break you. Instead, it can shape you into someone stronger and more purposeful. Her performance also shows confidence. Standing on stage for ten minutes, telling a deeply personal story, takes courage. It reminds me of my own journey as I pursue cosmetology. I am learning to build confidence not only in my skills but also in who I am as a person. Just like Taylor expresses herself through music, I want to express myself through my work helping people feel confident, seen, and beautiful. Another reason this performance is meaningful to me is because it connects people. When she sings, the audience sings with her. Everyone feels understood in that moment. That is the kind of impact I want to have in my career. Whether it is through hairstyling or through the work I am doing with women in my community, I want people to feel seen, valued, and supported. Taylor Swift’s performance of “All Too Well” is more than just a song it is a reminder that vulnerability is strength, that growth comes from difficult moments, and that your story matters. That message inspires me to keep going, to keep building my future, and to use my own experiences to help others.

Essay: How I Am Addressing My Student Loan Debt As I pursue my education in cosmetology, I am very aware of the financial responsibility that comes with it. Even though part of my tuition has been supported by my family, I still face ongoing expenses for supplies, tools, and daily living. Because of this, I am taking a proactive and disciplined approach to managing and preventing future student loan debt. First, I am committed to minimizing debt as much as possible by actively applying for scholarships. I treat scholarship applications like a part-time job because I understand that every award I receive reduces the financial pressure on my future. I have already applied to multiple scholarships and continue to search for new opportunities daily. This mindset allows me to focus on solutions instead of feeling overwhelmed by the cost of education. In addition, I am building multiple income streams that align with my career goals. As a cosmetology student, I am documenting my journey on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. My goal is to grow an audience by sharing my progress, hairstyles, and lessons I learn in school. This not only helps me build confidence but also creates future opportunities for brand partnerships, sponsorships, and client growth. I see this as an investment in my future business rather than just content creation. I am also exploring practical income ideas that fit into my schedule, such as selling items online, participating in brand collaborations, and using my existing skills in hospitality and customer service. My past experience working in hotels taught me discipline, attention to detail, and how to create positive experiences for people. I am now using those same skills to build a career where I can earn consistently and independently. Another important part of my plan is financial discipline. I have started tracking my expenses, cutting unnecessary subscriptions, and focusing only on essential spending. I am also creating a budget that prioritizes savings and small debt payments so that I do not fall behind. Even small, consistent efforts matter over time, and I am committed to staying responsible with my finances. Looking ahead, my long-term goal is to build a stable cosmetology career that allows me to not only support myself but also give back to others. I want to specialize in natural hair care and eventually expand my work into education and mentorship, especially for women who lack access to opportunities. I believe that by building a strong, independent income, I will be able to manage any debt responsibly while also creating a meaningful impact. Overall, I am not waiting until I graduate to think about my finances. I am taking action now through scholarships, content creation, budgeting, and skill-building to ensure that I can move forward with confidence, stability, and purpose.

My Original Love Island Challenge: “The Truth Test” My original Love Island challenge is called “The Truth Test,” and it is designed to test emotional honesty, communication, and real compatibility between couples not just attraction. In this challenge, each couple is separated into two different villas for a short period of time. While separated, each islander is asked a series of deep, relationship-based questions about their partner. These questions go beyond the surface and focus on trust, feelings, and intentions. For example: Do you see a future with your partner outside the villa? What is something your partner does that bothers you but you haven’t said? What do you think your partner truly wants from this relationship? At the same time, their partner is asked to answer what they believe the other person said. This creates a powerful moment of reflection, where islanders must think about how well they truly understand each other. Once both sides have answered, everyone is brought back together for the reveal. The host reads the answers aloud, comparing what each person said versus what their partner expected. Points are awarded for honesty and accuracy, but the real impact is emotional. Some couples will feel stronger and more connected, while others may realize there are misunderstandings or unspoken issues. To add excitement, there is also a twist: islanders are given the option to change one answer after hearing their partner’s response but only if they admit they weren’t fully honest the first time. This encourages vulnerability and growth instead of punishment. The winning couple receives a special date outside the villa, while the couple with the weakest connection faces a difficult decision: either work through their issues honestly or risk being voted as the least compatible by the group. This challenge would bring something unique to Love Island because it focuses on emotional depth, not just drama. It allows viewers to see real conversations, real feelings, and real growth. It would create unforgettable moments, strengthen strong couples, and reveal the truth behind weaker ones making it both entertaining and meaningful.

When I was 13, my father passed away, and everything in my life changed. I watched my mother step into a role she was not fully prepared for, raising children on her own while carrying emotional and financial pressure. Seeing her struggle opened my eyes to how difficult it can be for single mothers. It also planted something in me a deep desire to help women who are going through similar situations. That experience stayed with me, and today it is the reason behind the work I have started. I created a project called Umboni Circles, where I connect with women, especially single mothers in Malawi, and give them a space to share their stories. I listen to what they are going through, what they need, and how they are trying to survive. These conversations are not just interviews they are moments of understanding and connection. Recently, I took it a step further by starting a GoFundMe campaign for one of the women I met. I used my own money to begin, not because I had a lot, but because I believed in taking action instead of waiting. Many of these women have strength and potential, but they lack resources and support. Sometimes, all it takes is one person to believe in them and help open a door. My goal is to continue growing this work while building my career in cosmetology. I want to create a life where I can support myself and my family, but also consistently give back. I believe my career will allow me to connect with people on a personal level, build confidence, and create opportunities for others. I am actively working toward this by studying, applying for scholarships, and continuing to support women through Umboni Circles. My vision is to create something bigger something that helps women become independent and build better lives for themselves and their children. Making an impact, for me, is not about waiting for the perfect moment. It is about starting with what I have and growing from there. In addition to financial support, I also believe emotional support and encouragement are just as important. When women feel heard and understood, it gives them strength to keep going. Through Umboni Circles, I am not only helping share their stories but also reminding them that they are not alone. I want to continue building a community where women can support each other, learn from one another, and grow together. Real impact comes from both practical help and human connection, and I want to be part of creating both.

My faith in God has been one of the most important foundations in my life. It has guided me through moments of uncertainty, stress, and growth. There have been times when I did not have clear answers about my future, finances, or direction, but my faith helped me stay grounded and continue moving forward. Instead of giving up, I learned to trust that God has a plan for my life, even when things feel difficult or unclear. One of the biggest ways my faith has helped me is by teaching me patience and resilience. I have learned that not everything happens immediately, and that growth takes time. Through prayer and reflection, I have been able to stay calm during challenging situations and make decisions with a clear mind. My faith reminds me to stay positive, to keep working hard, and to believe that my efforts will eventually lead to something meaningful. As a mother, my faith has also shaped how I approach life and responsibility. I want to be a strong example for my child, not only through my actions but also through my values. Faith has taught me the importance of kindness, discipline, and consistency. It pushes me to be better every day, even when I feel tired or overwhelmed. I believe that trusting God gives me strength to handle both my personal life and my goals. In my career, I believe my faith will continue to guide me in how I treat others and how I build my future. I am pursuing a career in cosmetology, where I will work closely with people and help them feel confident and valued. My faith will influence how I show up in that space with patience, respect, and care. I want my work to go beyond just providing a service; I want to create an experience where people feel uplifted and appreciated. In the long term, I hope to build something meaningful, possibly my own business, where I can create opportunities for others as well. My faith teaches me that success is not just about personal gain, but about helping others and making a positive impact. I want to use my skills to support women, especially those who may not have access to opportunities, and help them build confidence and independence. Overall, my faith is not just something I believe in it is something that shapes how I live, how I work, and how I treat others. It gives me direction, strength, and purpose, and I trust that it will continue to guide me as I grow in my career and in life.

Coming from a low-income background has taught me resilience in a very real way. I learned early that nothing is guaranteed, and if I wanted a better future, I had to stay focused and keep going even when things felt uncertain. There were moments where I had to make decisions carefully, manage limited resources, and stay strong not just for myself, but for my family. Those experiences shaped how I see challenges today not as something to fear, but something to work through. Being a mother has added even more meaning to my journey. It pushes me to stay disciplined, to keep showing up, and to build a stable future. I am currently in cosmetology school, working toward a career where I can be financially independent while doing something I genuinely enjoy. At the same time, I am actively applying for scholarships and looking for ways to support myself without giving up on my education. My life experiences have also shaped my desire to help others. I want to create a positive environment where people feel seen, valued, and confident. In the future, I hope to use my skills not only to build my own business but also to create opportunities for other women who come from similar backgrounds and may not have access to resources or training. Everything I am doing now studying, applying for scholarships, and staying consistent is part of a bigger goal. I am building a life where I can support my family, grow professionally, and give back to my community. My past has not held me back; it has prepared me to move forward with purpose.

I am currently a cosmetology student at Simi Institute, working toward building a career in the beauty and skilled trades industry. My passion goes far beyond styling hair it is rooted in helping people feel confident, valued, and empowered in their everyday lives. I believe that beauty is not just about appearance, but about how people see themselves, and I want to use my career to positively influence that perspective. My interest in cosmetology comes from my natural desire to serve others. With a background in hospitality and customer service, I have always been drawn to environments where I can connect with people and make them feel comfortable. Cosmetology allows me to combine creativity with meaningful human connection. It gives me the ability to create change in real time whether it is helping someone feel confident before an important event or simply giving them a moment of care in a busy life. What I am most passionate about is using my skills to uplift women, especially those who may not always feel seen or supported. Through my involvement with the Umboni Project, I have worked closely with women in need, listening to their stories and helping them find ways to improve their living conditions and become more independent. I have also served as a board member with Water Works since 2019, where I contributed to initiatives focused on improving access to essential resources. These experiences have shown me that true impact comes from consistency, compassion, and action. In the future, I plan to use my cosmetology career as a tool for empowerment. I want to specialize in natural hair care and create a safe, welcoming space for women to embrace their identity and beauty. Beyond working directly with clients, my long-term goal is to open a cosmetology school in Malawi. I want to provide young women with practical skills that can help them achieve financial independence and build stable lives for themselves and their families. I believe that the beauty industry has the power to do more than provide services it can create confidence, community, and opportunity. By combining my skills, my experiences, and my passion for helping others, I aim to make a lasting impact both locally and globally. This scholarship would support me in continuing my education and allow me to stay focused on developing my craft. More importantly, it would bring me closer to my goal of using my career to create opportunities for others. I am committed to growing, learning, and using my journey to inspire and uplift those around me.

I am currently a cosmetology student at Simi Institute, where I am completing my training and preparing to enter the beauty and skilled trades industry. My journey into cosmetology is more than a career choice it is a path rooted in purpose, creativity, and the desire to uplift others. I chose a trade because I value hands on work that allows me to directly impact people’s lives while building a stable and independent future. Growing up and through my life experiences, I have always been drawn to service-oriented work. With a background in hospitality, I learned the importance of making people feel seen, comfortable, and valued. Cosmetology naturally aligned with this passion. It allows me to combine creativity with technical skill, while also helping people feel confident in their appearance. I believe that confidence is powerful, and something as simple as hair care can transform how someone sees themselves. In addition to my studies, I have been actively involved in community-focused work. Through my involvement with the Umboni Project, I have helped support women and families by listening to their needs and assisting them in finding ways to improve their living conditions and become more independent. I have also served as a board member with Water Works since 2019, contributing to initiatives that focus on improving access to essential resources. These experiences have shaped my understanding of leadership, responsibility, and the importance of giving back to the community. My long-term goal is to become a licensed cosmetologist specializing in natural hair care, particularly for women with textured and curly hair. I want to create a safe and welcoming environment where clients feel understood and empowered. Beyond working behind the chair, I plan to build a larger vision. I aim to open a cosmetology school in Malawi, where I can train young women in practical, income-generating skills. Many women lack access to opportunities, and I want to be part of changing that by providing education that leads to independence and confidence. I am committed to working hard, continuing to learn, and using my skills to support both my family and my community. Skilled trades like cosmetology are essential because they provide real, tangible value. They allow individuals to create, serve, and build sustainable careers without relying solely on traditional academic paths. This scholarship would support me in continuing my education and focusing fully on developing my craft. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to achieving my goal of using my career to create opportunities for others. I am not only building a future for myself, but also preparing to make a lasting impact in the lives of others.