We live in a society that focuses on numbers: money and statistics. When abused, these numbers create false narratives detrimental to progression. The National Center for Education Statistics states that 16% of low-income college students graduate from college. College is declared a necessity in society. However, many students like myself are unable to afford higher education without any assistance. While money should not determine the level of education a person can seek, it is the reality of our economy. My name is Lindsey Adams. At 14, I enrolled at the Academy Of Health Sciences located at Prince George's Community College. I completed the Middle College academic program and earned my high school diploma and Associate degree by the age of 18. I am currently a senior biology student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. I have aspirations of becoming an in-patient pharmacist and actively working to decrease the cost of medications. As an out-of-state student, my tuition is relatively high. The average of expenses I have encountered is approximately $26,000 per academic school year. Despite financial hardships, my grade point average has never dropped below 3.6. I am a Federal Pell Grant recipient, however, it only covers the cost of housing. My mother is a single mom who has devoted her life to providing for my brother and me mentally, physically, and emotionally. Yet, financial burdens have taken a toll on her mental and physical health. I am an older child and want to set a good example for my sibling. I have worked to pay for the cost of my education, but it is only enough to cover the bare necessities. As a result, I have missed out on internship opportunities. Financial assistance will allow me to focus solely on optimizing the amount of knowledge possible to be successful. I would be able to accept unpaid internships in my desired field to gain experience without worrying about how my tuition will be paid. I will be able to devote my time to helping people in my community. Children, especially minority children, must be exposed to the plethora of careers that STEM has to offer. Representation is essential. Financial assistance will allow me to demonstrate the flexibility and complexity of the scientific world. Work ethic combined with adequate resources leads to success. One person's efforts can affect the lives of many people. This funding will open academic doors that I once viewed as prohibited.

My name is Lindsey Adams and I’m a senior biology student at North Carolina A&T State University. At 14, I enrolled at the Academy Of Health Sciences located at Prince George's Community College, completing the Middle College academic program, and earned my high school diploma and Associate degree by 18. With aspirations of becoming a pharmacist, I will create a scholarship that will aid students who wish to attend college. Education is an investment. It takes time, but with the right connections and perseverance, a person can become successful. Along with establishing a scholarship, I will develop a mentoring program that will assist students with their college application, selection, and completion processes. This can be frustrating for students applying for the first time. This stress can become overwhelming and discouraging. My program would alleviate stress and motivate students. I would pair mentors and mentees based on their career aspirations and personality. I want to establish lifelong relationships that benefit both parties. It also creates a significant networking opportunity that allows students to study with peers that share the same academic goals. By working with people who have the same upbringing, students will feel encouraged to work harder and support others as opposed to feeling defeated. It will stimulate high self-esteem and confidence in their capabilities. As an African-American woman, a double minority, I can attest to the effects of studying with people who believe in your abilities and how it affects performance. I have earned the Chancellor’s Award twice and the Dean’s Award every semester since I have enrolled. Several key components will come together to create the vision: Preparation for college, access to college, persistence and success in college, and graduation. The United States of America is synonymous with diversity. To acknowledge diversity, it is imperative to recognize the individual attributes that advance our society. Factors along the dimensions of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and financial status must be considered. These components are all key ingredients to the American stew pot: a melting pot. In a melting pot, various ingredients are combined to form one flavor. For example, America has many cultures and combined we form one society. In a bouillabaisse, however, the different ingredients combine, yet each can still be tasted. The different components still coexist in the pot while maintaining their identity. The United States has an abundance of dimensions which together diversify the country, but unlike a bouillabaisse, some of these flavors are neglected. The National Center for Education Statistics states that 16% of low-income college students graduate from college. It does not express why these students are unable to complete school. We declare college a necessity in society. However, many students cannot afford higher education with no assistance. While money should not determine the level of education a person can seek, it is the reality of our economy. I will highlight a way to shine past the barriers society has implemented. I will balance the elements of the stew pot; creating a bouillabaisse.

My name is Lindsey Adams and I’m a senior biology student at North Carolina A&T State University. At 14, I enrolled at the Academy Of Health Sciences located at Prince George's Community College, completing the Middle College academic program, and earned my high school diploma and Associate degree by 18. With aspirations of becoming a pharmacist, I will create a scholarship that will aid students who wish to attend college. Education is an investment. It takes time, but with the right connections and perseverance, a person can become successful. Along with establishing a scholarship, I will develop a mentoring program that will assist students with their college application, selection, and completion processes. This can be frustrating for students applying for the first time. This stress can become overwhelming and discouraging. My program would alleviate stress and motivate students. I would pair mentors and mentees based on their career aspirations and personality. I want to establish lifelong relationships that benefit both parties. It also creates a significant networking opportunity that allows students to study with peers that share the same academic goals. By working with people who have the same upbringing, students will feel encouraged to work harder and support others as opposed to feeling defeated. It will stimulate high self-esteem and confidence in their capabilities. As an African-American woman, a double minority, I can attest to the effects of studying with people who believe in your abilities and how it affects performance. I have earned the Chancellor’s Award twice and the Dean’s Award every semester since I have enrolled. Several key components will come together to create the vision: Preparation for college, access to college, persistence and success in college, and graduation. The United States of America is synonymous with diversity. To acknowledge diversity, it is imperative to recognize the individual attributes that advance our society. Factors along the dimensions of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and financial status must be considered. These components are all key ingredients to the American stew pot: a melting pot. In a melting pot, various ingredients are combined to form one flavor. For example, America has many cultures and combined we form one society. In a bouillabaisse, however, the different ingredients combine, yet each can still be tasted. The different components still coexist in the pot while maintaining their identity. The United States has an abundance of dimensions which together diversify the country, but unlike a bouillabaisse, some of these flavors are neglected. The National Center for Education Statistics states that 16% of low-income college students graduate from college. It does not express why these students are unable to complete school. We declare college a necessity in society. However, many students cannot afford higher education with no assistance. While money should not determine the level of education a person can seek, it is the reality of our economy. I will highlight a way to shine past the barriers society has implemented. I will balance the elements of the stew pot; creating a bouillabaisse.

My name is Lindsey Adams and I’m a junior biology student at North Carolina A&T State University. At 14, I enrolled at the Academy Of Health Sciences located at Prince George's Community College, completed the Middle College academic program, and earned my high school diploma and Associate degree by 18. With aspirations of becoming a pharmacist, I will create a scholarship that will aid students who wish to attend college. Education is an investment. It takes time, but with the right connections and perseverance, a person can become successful. Along with establishing a scholarship, I will develop a mentoring program that will assist students with their college application, selection, and completion processes. This can be frustrating for students applying for the first time. This stress can become overwhelming and discouraging. My program would alleviate stress and motivate students. I would pair mentors and mentees based on their career aspirations and personality. I want to establish lifelong relationships that benefit both parties. It also creates a significant networking opportunity that allows students to study with peers that share the same academic goals. By working with people who have the same upbringing, students will feel encouraged to work harder and support others as opposed to feeling defeated. It will stimulate high self-esteem and confidence in their capabilities. As an African-American woman, a double minority, I can attest to the effects of studying with people who believe in your abilities and how it affects performance. I have earned the Chancellor’s Award twice and the Dean’s Award every semester since I have enrolled. Several key components will come together to create the vision: Preparation for college, access to college, persistence and success in college, and graduation. The United States of America is synonymous with diversity. To acknowledge diversity, it is imperative to recognize the individual attributes that advance our society. Factors along the dimensions of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and financial status must be considered. These components are all key ingredients to the American stew pot: a melting pot. In a melting pot, various ingredients are combined to form one flavor. For example, America has many cultures, and combined we form one society. In a bouillabaisse, however, the different ingredients combine, yet each can still be tasted. The different components still coexist in the pot while maintaining their identity. The United States has an abundance of dimensions that together diversify the country, but unlike a bouillabaisse, some of these flavors are neglected. The National Center for Education Statistics states that 16% of low-income college students graduate from college. It does not express why these students are unable to complete school. We declare college a necessity in society. However, many students cannot afford higher education with no assistance. While money should not determine the level of education a person can seek, it is the reality of our economy. I will highlight a way to shine past the barriers society has implemented. I will balance the elements of the stew pot; creating a bouillabaisse.

The United States of America is synonymous with diversity. To acknowledge diversity, it is imperative to recognize the individual attributes that advance our society. Factors along the dimensions of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and financial status must be considered. These components are all key ingredients to the American stew pot: a melting pot. In a melting pot, it combines various ingredients to form one flavor. For example, America has many cultures and combined we form one society. In a bouillabaisse, however, the different ingredients combine, yet each can still be tasted. The different components still coexist in the pot while maintaining their identity. The United States has an abundance of dimensions which together diversify the country, but unlike a bouillabaisse, some of these flavors are overwhelmingly neglected. We live in a society that focuses on numbers: money and statistics. However, when abused, these numbers create false narratives toxic to progression. The National Center for Education Statistics states that 16% of low-income college students graduate from college. College is declared a necessity in society. However, many students are unable to afford higher education with no assistance. While money should not determine the level of education a person can seek, it is the reality of our economy. After completing college and becoming stable in my career, I will create a scholarship that will aid students coming from low-income households who wish to attend college. Education is an investment. Along with establishing a scholarship, I will develop a mentoring program that will assist students with their college application, selection, and completion processes. Several key components will come together to produce the vision: Preparation for college, access to college, persistence and success in college, and graduation. This can frustrate students applying for the first time. It is also extremely difficult for first-generation students. This stress can become discouraging. My mentorship program would alleviate stress and provide motivation for students. I would pair mentors and mentees based on their career aspirations and personality. It is my goal to establish lifelong relationships that benefit both parties. I also want to establish research opportunities for students. Internships create a significant networking opportunity that allows students to study with peers with similar academic goals. By working with people who have the same background, students will feel encouraged to work harder and support others as opposed to feeling defeated. It will stimulate high self-esteem and confidence in their capabilities. As an African-American woman, a double minority, I can attest to the effects of studying with people who share the same upbringing and how it affects performance. I will balance the elements of the stew pot. I want to shine past the barriers of the American dream.

The United States of America is synonymous with diversity. To acknowledge diversity, it is imperative to recognize the individual attributes that advance our society. Factors along the dimensions of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and financial status must be considered. These components are all key ingredients to the American stew pot: a melting pot. In a melting pot, it combines various ingredients to form one flavor. For example, America has many cultures and combined we form one society. In a bouillabaisse, however, the different ingredients combine, yet each can still be tasted. The different components still coexist in the pot while maintaining their identity. The United States has an abundance of dimensions which together diversify the country, but unlike a bouillabaisse, some of these flavors are overwhelmingly neglected. We live in a society that focuses on numbers: money and statistics. However, when abused, these numbers create false narratives toxic to progression. The National Center for Education Statistics states that 16% of low-income college students graduate from college. College is declared a necessity in society. However, many students are unable to afford higher education with no assistance. While money should not determine the level of education a person can seek, it is the reality of our economy. After completing college and becoming stable in my career, I will create a scholarship that will aid students coming from low-income households who wish to attend college. Education is an investment. Along with establishing a scholarship, I will develop a mentoring program that will assist students with their college application, selection, and completion processes. Several key components will come together to produce the vision: Preparation for college, access to college, persistence and success in college, and graduation. This can frustrate students applying for the first time. It is also extremely difficult for first-generation students. This stress can become discouraging. My mentorship program would alleviate stress and provide motivation for students. I would pair mentors and mentees based on their career aspirations and personality. It is my goal to establish lifelong relationships that benefit both parties. I also want to establish research opportunities for students. Internships create a significant networking opportunity that allows students to study with peers with similar academic goals. By working with people who have the same background, students will feel encouraged to work harder and support others as opposed to feeling defeated. It will stimulate high self-esteem and confidence in their capabilities. As an African-American woman, a double minority, I can attest to the effects of studying with people who share the same upbringing and how it affects performance. I will balance the elements of the stew pot. I want to shine past the barriers of the American dream.

"College Daze" by Dj Lyric - I Gotta Find Peace Of Mind - Lauryn Hill - Rise and Shine - J.Cole - Cranes In The Sky - Solange - Sum 2 Prove - Lil Baby - Get it Again - Shy Glizzy - Window Seat - Erykah Badu

Reevaluate how you react when you feel disrespected.

We live in a society that focuses on numbers: money and statistics. When abused, these numbers create false narratives detrimental to progression. The National Center for Education Statistics states that 16% of low-income college students graduate from college. College is declared a necessity in society. However, many students like myself are unable to afford higher education without any assistance. While money should not determine the level of education a person can seek, it is the reality of our economy. My name is Lindsey Adams. At 14, I enrolled at the Academy Of Health Sciences located at Prince George's Community College. I completed the Middle College academic program and earned my high school diploma and Associate degree by the age of 18. I am currently a senior biology student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. I have aspirations of becoming an in-patient pharmacist and actively working to decrease the cost of medications. As an out-of-state student, my tuition is relatively high. The average of expenses I have encountered is approximately $26,000 per academic school year. Despite financial hardships, my grade point average has never dropped below a 3.6. I am a Federal Pell Grant recipient, however, it only covers the cost of housing. My mother is a single mom who has devoted her life to providing for my brother and me mentally, physically, and emotionally. Yet, financial burdens have taken a toll on her mental and physical health. I am an older child and want to set a good example for my sibling. I have worked to pay for the cost of my education, but it is only enough to cover the bare necessities. As a result, I have missed out on internship opportunities. Financial assistance will allow me to focus solely on optimizing the amount of knowledge possible to be successful. I would be able to accept unpaid internships in my desired field to gain experience without worrying about how my tuition will be paid. I will be able to devote my time to helping people in my community. Children, especially minority children, must be exposed to the plethora of careers that STEM has to offer. Representation is essential. Financial assistance will allow me to demonstrate the flexibility and complexity of the scientific world. Work ethic combined with adequate resources leads to success. One person's efforts can affect the lives of many people. This funding will open academic doors that I once viewed as prohibited.

The United States of America is synonymous with diversity. It is a delicacy of infused cultures. To acknowledge diversity, it is imperative to recognize the individual attributes that advance our society. Factors along the dimensions of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and financial status must be taken into consideration. These components are all key ingredients to the American stew pot: a melting pot. In a melting pot, various ingredients are combined to form one flavor. For example, America has many cultures and combined we form one society. In a bouillabaisse, however, the different ingredients combine, yet each can still be tasted. The different components still coexist in the pot while maintaining their identity. The United States has an abundance of dimensions which together diversify the country, but unlike a bouillabaisse, some of these flavors are overwhelmingly neglected. We live in a society that focuses on numbers: money and statistics. However, when abused, these numbers create false narratives that are toxic to progression. The National Center for Education Statistics states that 16% of low-income college students graduate from college. It fails to express why these students are unable to complete school. College is declared a necessity in society. However, many students are unable to afford higher education with no assistance. While money should not determine the level of education a person can seek, it is the reality of our economy. After completing college and becoming stable in my career, I will create a scholarship that will aid students coming from low-income households who wish to attend college. Education is an investment. It takes time, but with the right connections and perseverance, a person can become successful. Along with establishing a scholarship, I will develop a mentoring program that will assist students with their college application, selection, and completion processes. Several key components will come together to produce the vision: Preparation for college, access to college, persistence, success in college, and graduation. This can be frustrating for students applying for the first time. It is also extremely difficult for first-generation students. This stress can become overwhelming and discouraging. My mentorship program would alleviate stress and motivate students. I would pair mentors and mentees based on their career aspirations and personality. I want to establish lifelong relationships that benefit both parties. It also creates a significant networking opportunity that allows students to study with peers that share the same academic goals. By working with people who have the same upbringing, students will feel encouraged to work harder and support others as opposed to feeling defeated. It will stimulate high self-esteem and confidence in their capabilities. As an African-American woman, a double minority, I can attest to the effects of studying with people who share the same upbringing and how it affects performance. I will highlight a way to shine past the barriers society has implemented. I will balance the elements of the stew pot; creating a bouillabaisse.

The United States of America is synonymous with diversity. It is a delicacy of infused cultures. To acknowledge diversity, it is imperative to recognize the individual attributes that advance our society. Factors along the dimensions of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and financial status must be taken into consideration. These components are all key ingredients to the American stew pot: a melting pot. In a melting pot, various ingredients are combined to form one flavor. For example, America has many cultures and combined we form one society. In a bouillabaisse, however, the different ingredients combine, yet each can still be tasted. The different components still coexist in the pot while maintaining their identity. The United States has an abundance of dimensions which together diversify the country, but unlike a bouillabaisse, some of these flavors are overwhelmingly neglected. We live in a society that focuses on numbers: money and statistics. However, when abused, these numbers create false narratives that are toxic to progression. The National Center for Education Statistics states that 16% of low-income college students graduate from college. It fails to express why these students are unable to complete school. College is declared a necessity in society. However, many students are unable to afford higher education with no assistance. While money should not determine the level of education a person can seek, it is the reality of our economy. After completing college and becoming stable in my career, I will create a scholarship that will aid students coming from low-income households who wish to attend college. Education is an investment. It takes time, but with the right connections and perseverance, a person can become successful. Along with establishing a scholarship, I will develop a mentoring program that will assist students with their college application, selection, and completion processes. Several key components will come together to produce the vision: Preparation for college, access to college, persistence, success in college, and graduation. This can be frustrating for students applying for the first time. It is also extremely difficult for first-generation students. This stress can become overwhelming and discouraging. My mentorship program would alleviate stress and motivate students. I would pair mentors and mentees based on their career aspirations and personality. I want to establish lifelong relationships that benefit both parties. It also creates a significant networking opportunity that allows students to study with peers that share the same academic goals. By working with people who have the same upbringing, students will feel encouraged to work harder and support others as opposed to feeling defeated. It will stimulate high self-esteem and confidence in their capabilities. As an African-American woman, a double minority, I can attest to the effects of studying with people who share the same upbringing and how it affects performance. I will highlight a way to shine past the barriers society has implemented. I will balance the elements of the stew pot; creating a bouillabaisse.

The way you digest the food your environment feeds you determines whether or not you will starve. Many people, specifically the African-American community, have been malnourished by those placed in charge: mentally, physically, financially, and emotionally. It is my goal to make sure everyone is well-fed. The United States of America is synonymous with diversity. It is a delicacy of infused cultures. To acknowledge diversity, it is imperative to recognize the individual attributes that advance our society. Factors along the dimensions of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and financial status must be taken into consideration. These components are all key ingredients to the American stew pot: a melting pot. In a melting pot, various ingredients are combined to form one flavor. For example, America has many cultures and combined we form one society. In a bouillabaisse, however, the different ingredients combine, yet each can still be tasted. The different components still coexist in the pot while maintaining their identity. The United States has an abundance of dimensions which together diversify the country, but unlike a bouillabaisse, some of these flavors are overwhelmingly neglected. We live in a society that focuses on numbers: money and statistics. However, when abused, these numbers create false narratives that are toxic to progression. The National Center for Education Statistics states that 16% of low-income college students graduate from college. It fails to express why these students are unable to complete school. College is declared a necessity in society. However, many students are unable to afford higher education with no assistance. While money should not determine the level of education a person can seek, it is the reality of our economy. After completing college and becoming stable in my career, I will create a scholarship that will aid students coming from low-income households who wish to attend college. Education is an investment. It takes time, but with the right connections and perseverance, a person can become successful. Along with establishing a scholarship, I will develop a mentoring program that will assist students with their college application, selection, and completion processes. Several key components will come together to produce the vision: Preparation for college, access to college, persistence, success in college, and graduation. This can be frustrating for students applying for the first time. It is also extremely difficult for first-generation students. This stress can become overwhelming and discouraging. My mentorship program would alleviate stress and motivate students. I would pair mentors and mentees based on their career aspirations and personality. I want to establish lifelong relationships that benefit both parties. It also creates a significant networking opportunity that allows students to study with peers that share the same academic goals. By working with people who have the same upbringing, students will feel encouraged to work harder and support others as opposed to feeling defeated. It will stimulate high self-esteem and confidence in their capabilities. As an African-American woman, a double minority, I can attest to the effects of studying with people who share the same upbringing and how it affects performance. I will highlight a way to shine past the barriers society has implemented. I will balance the elements of the stew pot; creating a bouillabaisse.

The United States of America is synonymous with diversity. It is a delicacy of infused cultures. To acknowledge diversity, it is imperative to recognize the individual attributes that advance our society. Factors along the dimensions of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and financial status must be taken into consideration. These components are all key ingredients to the American stew pot: a melting pot. In a melting pot, various ingredients are combined to form one flavor. For example, America has many cultures, and combined we form one society. In a bouillabaisse, however, the different ingredients combine, yet each can still be tasted. The different components still coexist in the pot while maintaining their identity. The United States has an abundance of dimensions that together diversify the country, but unlike a bouillabaisse, some of these flavors are overwhelmingly neglected. We live in a society that focuses on numbers: money and statistics. However, when abused, these numbers create false narratives that are toxic to progression. The National Center for Education Statistics states that 16% of low-income college students graduate from college. It fails to express why these students are unable to complete school. College is declared a necessity in society. However, many students are unable to afford higher education with no assistance. While money should not determine the level of education a person can seek, it is the reality of our economy. After completing college and becoming stable in my career, I will create a scholarship that will aid students coming from low-income households who wish to attend college. Education is an investment. It takes time, but with the right connections and perseverance, a person can become successful. Along with establishing a scholarship, I will develop a mentoring program that will assist students with their college application, selection, and completion processes. Several key components will come together to produce the vision: Preparation for college, access to college, persistence, and success in college, and graduation. This can be frustrating for students applying for the first time. It is also extremely difficult for first-generation students. This stress can become overwhelming and discouraging. My mentorship program would alleviate stress and motivate students. I would pair mentors and mentees based on their career aspirations and personality. I want to establish lifelong relationships that benefit both parties. It also creates a significant networking opportunity that allows students to study with peers that share the same academic goals. By working with people who have the same upbringing, students will feel encouraged to work harder and support others as opposed to feeling defeated. It will stimulate high self-esteem and confidence in their capabilities. As an African-American woman, a double minority, I can attest to the effects of studying with people who share the same upbringing and how it affects performance. I will highlight a way to shine past the barriers society has implemented. I will balance the elements of the stew pot; creating a bouillabaisse. The way you digest the food your environment feeds you determines whether or not you will starve. Many people, specifically the African-American community, have been malnourished by those placed in charge: mentally, physically, financially, and emotionally. It is my goal to make sure everyone is well-fed

The way you digest the food your environment feeds you determines whether or not you will starve. Many people, specifically the African-American community, have been malnourished by those placed in charge: mentally, physically, financially, and emotionally. It is my goal to make sure everyone is well-fed. The United States of America is synonymous with diversity. It is a delicacy of infused cultures. To acknowledge diversity, it is imperative to recognize the individual attributes that advance our society. Factors along the dimensions of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and financial status must be taken into consideration. These components are all key ingredients to the American stew pot: a melting pot. In a melting pot, various ingredients are combined to form one flavor. For example, America has many cultures and combined we form one society. In a bouillabaisse, however, the different ingredients combine, yet each can still be tasted. The different components still coexist in the pot while maintaining their identity. The United States has an abundance of dimensions which together diversify the country, but unlike a bouillabaisse, some of these flavors are overwhelmingly neglected. We live in a society that focuses on numbers: money and statistics. However, when abused, these numbers create false narratives that are toxic to progression. The National Center for Education Statistics states that 16% of low-income college students graduate from college. It fails to express why these students are unable to complete school. College is declared a necessity in society. However, many students are unable to afford higher education with no assistance. While money should not determine the level of education a person can seek, it is the reality of our economy. After completing college and becoming stable in my career, I will create a scholarship that will aid students coming from low-income households who wish to attend college. Education is an investment. It takes time, but with the right connections and perseverance, a person can become successful. Along with establishing a scholarship, I will develop a mentoring program that will assist students with their college application, selection, and completion processes. Several key components will come together to produce the vision: Preparation for college, access to college, persistence, and success in college, and graduation. This can be frustrating for students applying for the first time. It is also extremely difficult for first-generation students. This stress can become overwhelming and discouraging. My mentorship program would alleviate stress and motivate students. I would pair mentors and mentees based on their career aspirations and personality. I want to establish lifelong relationships that benefit both parties. It also creates a significant networking opportunity that allows students to study with peers that share the same academic goals. By working with people who have the same upbringing, students will feel encouraged to work harder and support others as opposed to feeling defeated. It will stimulate high self-esteem and confidence in their capabilities. As an African-American woman, a double minority, I can attest to the effects of studying with people who share the same upbringing and how it affects performance. I will highlight a way to shine past the barriers society has implemented. I will balance the elements of the stew pot; creating a bouillabaisse.

The desire to be a passionate servant to the community and implement a change in atmosphere was much greater than the convenience of remaining complaisant. From my timid childhood to transitioning into an assertive adult, I have shared a common goal; to provide assistance and support to their community. A personal goal of mine is to confront the challenges of all people, especially the African-American community, by highlighting the significance of educational and economical development, mental and physical health, and international and political awareness and involvement. I aspire to become a catalyst that ignites the spark of change. Growing up, I was taught the significance of academic excellence while stressing the importance of being “more than just a GPA.” Because of that influence, I have continued to find new ways to lend a helping hand to those in need while maintaining at least a 3.6 GPA. I have made it a goal to complete at least 100 hours of community service each year. Recently, I devoted my entire winter break, the months of November of 2020 to January 2021, to help students with their academic needs. Within these three months, I was able to provide 68 hours of service and 223 total within the last 24 months. Students and parents were faced with many obstacles, from technology issues to lack of motivation in students, due to the pandemic. I held group tutoring sessions weekly via zoom Monday through Friday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. I also organized virtual social events to help students maintain their morale in such challenging times: movie nights via Netflix Party, educational game nights, college awareness night, and holiday decorating sessions (stockings, gingerbread houses, thanksgiving cards). In addition to tutoring students and orchestrating social events, I held webinars to teach parents how to use the online features of their students’ portal to stay on top of their child(ren)’s progress. As a result, I witnessed increased community engagement. I plan to become a pharmacist. I will create internship opportunities for minorities, focusing on Black young women and men, to explore healthcare and STEM fields. I refuse to remain silent while the voices of discrimination, exploitation, and injustice reverberate. It is not my intent to simply follow trails. It is my purpose to create new paths and dismantle boundaries that exclude the unheard.

The United States of America is synonymous with diversity. It is a delicacy of infused cultures. To acknowledge diversity, it is imperative to recognize the individual attributes that advance our society. Factors along the dimensions of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and financial status must be taken into consideration. These components are all key ingredients to the American stew pot: a melting pot. In a melting pot, various ingredients are combined to form one flavor. For example, America has many cultures, and combined we form one society. In a bouillabaisse, however, the different ingredients combine, yet each can still be tasted. The different components still coexist in the pot while maintaining their identity. The United States has an abundance of dimensions that together diversify the country, but unlike a bouillabaisse, some of these flavors are overwhelmingly neglected. We live in a society that focuses on numbers: money and statistics. However, when abused, these numbers create false narratives that are toxic to progression. The National Center for Education Statistics states that 16% of low-income college students graduate from college. It fails to express why these students are unable to complete school. College is declared a necessity in society. However, many students are unable to afford higher education with no assistance. While money should not determine the level of education a person can seek, it is the reality of our economy. After completing college and becoming stable in my career, I will create a scholarship that will aid students coming from low-income households who wish to attend college. Education is an investment. It takes time, but with the right connections and perseverance, a person can become successful. Along with establishing a scholarship, I will develop a mentoring program that will assist students with their college application, selection, and completion processes. Several key components will come together to produce the vision: Preparation for college, access to college, persistence, and success in college, and graduation. This can be frustrating for students applying for the first time. It is also extremely difficult for first-generation students. This stress can become overwhelming and discouraging. My mentorship program would alleviate stress and motivate students. I would pair mentors and mentees based on their career aspirations and personality. I want to establish lifelong relationships that benefit both parties. It also creates a significant networking opportunity that allows students to study with peers that share the same academic goals. By working with people who have the same upbringing, students will feel encouraged to work harder and support others as opposed to feeling defeated. It will stimulate high self-esteem and confidence in their capabilities. As an African-American woman, a double minority, I can attest to the effects of studying with people who share the same upbringing and how it affects performance. I will highlight a way to shine past the barriers society has implemented. I will balance the elements of the stew pot; creating a bouillabaisse.