I really believe that economic empowerment and business innovation are the keys to creating lasting change, especially for communities that have historically been left behind. You can't build a strong community on good intentions alone. It takes real investment, quality jobs, reliable infrastructure, and clear pathways to financial stability. When leaders intentionally invest in underserved areas, they don't just change individual lives, they transform entire generations. As an Electrical Engineering student, I see a direct link between infrastructure, economic development, and social mobility. Businesses can't grow and communities can't thrive without reliable energy and modern technology. Unfortunately, underrepresented areas often face barriers to these exact resources, which blocks investment and economic opportunity. I want to use innovative engineering to close those gaps and build solutions that support long-term, equitable growth. My time interning with Duke Energy really drove this home. I got to see firsthand how utility investments directly support economic development. Businesses rely on a stable power grid, and communities rely on those businesses to create jobs. It reinforced my belief that true economic empowerment starts by strengthening the very systems that keep everyday life running. Real, sustainable change only happens when technical expertise, business strategy, and community needs are all working together. That is exactly why my career goals are so closely tied to advancing social equity. In the short term, my focus is on building a strong foundation in the energy and infrastructure sector, mastering engineering and project leadership. But long term, I plan to head to law school. I want to operate at the intersection of engineering, business, and public policy to help shape the decisions that drive community growth. I am especially passionate about making sure underrepresented communities actually have a voice in their own future. Economic development shouldn't be something that happens to a community, it should be something that happens with them. By understanding both the technical and legal sides of these massive infrastructure projects, I want to advocate for investments that create local jobs, improve daily life, and expand access to real opportunity. Alongside this work, I want to mentor the next generation. We need more students from underrepresented backgrounds stepping into STEM, business, and leadership roles. Representation matters because it allows young people to see a future they might not have thought possible. At the end of the day, my vision is to use my engineering background and future legal training to push for responsible business practices and equitable growth. I don't measure success by my own resume. I measure it by the opportunities I help create for others and the positive impact I leave behind.

On a stormy night during my freshman year, my neighborhood lost power and every house on our block went dark except the hospital across the highway. Families stepped outside with flashlights while monitors glowed in those windows, and my mind locked onto one idea, someone designed a system where one building stayed alive while others waited. I want a career as a licensed electrical engineer focused on power and energy systems. My goal includes leading projects for utilities or design firms, working on grids, substations, and renewable sources that strengthen service in Black neighborhoods across the South. Long term, I plan to build a Black owned engineering firm, with HBCU students, and bring contracts, training, and opportunity back into communities that rarely see engineers at the front. Being Black means carrying history, pressure, and pride every day. I come from people who created progress through church work, public schools, and small businesses even when laws, banks, and employers pushed against them. Because of that legacy, excellence feels nonnegotiable, not for ego, but for family names and younger cousins watching from the side. I chose Southern University because I wanted a place where Black excellence forms the norm in every classroom. Professors expect high performance while also understanding first generation pressure, financial strain, and grief from home. Walking across campus, I see future lawyers, teachers, and engineers who reflect my own background. That environment reminds me my career must lift more than my résumé; my career must lift my people.

One summer afternoon on a job site with my father, a family stood in a dark living room waiting for power to return. The house felt heavy and silent, food in the fridge at risk, kids restless, parents stressed. When the lights came back, shoulders dropped, voices rose, and the whole room breathed again. Electrical work stopped looking like wires and breakers and started looking like peace for real people. Electrical engineering became the clear path for me. At Southern University and A&M College I study circuits, power systems, and electronics with one question in mind, who receives reliable energy and who goes without. Many Black neighborhoods face older grids, longer outages, and higher stress whenever storms pass through. My goal is to become a licensed electrical engineer who designs and leads projects that bring stable, affordable, cleaner power to those neighborhoods first. Experience with our family business, Full Circle Electric, sharpens that goal. I help pull wire, mount panels, read plans, and troubleshoot problems in homes and small businesses. Every project connects theory from class to a real person on the other side of a switch. Alongside that work, I serve as a LIGO docent and volunteer at STEM outreach events. Younger students often say they have never met an engineer who comes from a background similar to theirs. Standing in front of them in a hard hat or Honors College shirt shows a different future, one they can reach. My ambition reaches beyond earning one degree and finding one job. I plan to pursue graduate study in power or energy systems, gain field experience on major infrastructure projects, then build a firm focused on resilient grids in underserved areas. I want a seat at planning tables where decisions shape outage maps, energy bills, and safety for families who look like mine. Faith guides this vision, because every design choice offers another chance to serve people with integrity. Support from the Ja-Tek Future Engineers Scholarship would ease financial pressure on my household and create room for deeper focus on coursework, undergraduate research, and community outreach. An investment in my education would help grow an electrical engineer driven by service, ready to strengthen entire communities through smarter, more reliable power systems.

My athletic journey has played a crucial role in shaping who I am today. As an 18-year-old sophomore at Southern University, I still feel the lasting impact of my two playoff losses in high school basketball. Those defeats were more than just missed opportunities—they were lessons in humility, resilience, and perseverance. Losing in the playoffs, despite all the hard work, sacrifice, and dedication, taught me never to take anything for granted, whether it be on the court, in the classroom, or in life in general. Even though I was the valedictorian of my class at Southern University Laboratory School, I never felt fully accomplished without a state championship. Academically, I had reached the highest level of success in high school, but the void left by not winning it all in basketball remained. It was a humbling experience to realize that no matter how much effort you put in, success is never guaranteed. Those losses forced me to confront failure in a way I never had before, and they ultimately helped me grow into a stronger, more determined person. Since graduating high school, I’ve faced numerous challenges, both academically and personally. However, none of them compare to the struggle of trying to move past failure. Learning to accept setbacks, analyze what went wrong, and use those lessons to improve has been the most valuable takeaway from my athletic career. College courses in electrical engineering are tough, and the workload can be overwhelming, but I approach them with the same mindset I had after those playoff losses—keep pushing forward, learn from mistakes, and never let a setback define me. Basketball has instilled in me a work ethic that extends beyond sports. The discipline, time management, and mental toughness I developed as an athlete now guide me in my academic and personal pursuits. I understand that every opportunity is fleeting and must be seized with full effort. I no longer take anything for granted because I know how quickly something can slip away. That awareness keeps me focused and motivated, whether I’m studying for an exam, working on a project, or striving to become a better version of myself. Through my experiences, I want to impact others by sharing the lessons I’ve learned. I want to inspire those around me to embrace adversity rather than fear it. Whether through mentorship, leadership, or simply leading by example, I hope to show others that failure is not the end—it’s a stepping stone to success. Resilience, humility, and perseverance are the qualities that define champions, both on and off the court. The disappointments of my athletic journey have shaped me into the person I am today. While I may never be able to rewrite those playoff losses, I can use them as motivation to push myself in every aspect of life. Success is not just about achieving a goal; it’s about the journey, the lessons learned, and the person you become along the way. That is the impact I want to have on others.

My name is Llewyn Murphy, and I hail from the vibrant town of Port Allen, Louisiana. As a 17-year-old African American male, I am proud of my roots and the journey that has brought me to where I am today. With a strong academic record, including a 27 on the ACT and a 4.1 GPA, I am excited to embark on the next chapter of my life at Southern University in Fall 2024, where I will be majoring in Electrical Engineering. Education has always been a cornerstone of my life, instilled in me by my parents who emphasized the importance of knowledge and learning. I have been fortunate to have access to quality education and supportive mentors who have nurtured my academic interests. Now, as I prepare to pursue my passion for electrical engineering, I am eager to delve into the complexities of the field and contribute to technological advancements that benefit society. Beyond academics, I am deeply involved in extracurricular activities that reflect my diverse interests and commitment to serving others. As the president of the history club, I have organized events and discussions to promote cultural awareness and understanding among my peers. History has always fascinated me, and I believe that understanding the past is essential for shaping a better future. On the basketball court, I have honed my leadership skills as the captain of my team, inspiring my teammates to work together towards a common goal. Sports have taught me the value of teamwork, perseverance, and discipline, qualities that I strive to carry with me in all aspects of my life. In addition to sports, I am a member of the senior beta club and youth and government, where I have had the opportunity to engage in civic activities and advocate for positive change in my community. These experiences have fueled my passion for social justice and civic engagement, and I am committed to being an active participant in shaping the future of our society. One of my proudest achievements is winning the national championship in esports. Esports has provided me with a platform to showcase my skills and connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. As a champion, I hope to inspire other young people to pursue their passions and break down barriers in the gaming community. As a peer tutor, I have had the privilege of helping my fellow students succeed academically, empowering them to reach their full potential. Education is a powerful tool for social mobility, and I am dedicated to supporting others on their journey to success. In my future career as an electrical engineer, I aspire to leverage technology to address pressing challenges facing our world, from sustainable energy solutions to advancements in healthcare and communication. I believe that innovation has the power to transform lives and create a more equitable and prosperous society for all. Ultimately, my goal is to make a positive impact on the world through my career, using my skills and knowledge to drive meaningful change and uplift those around me. I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead and am committed to working tirelessly to achieve my goals and make a difference in the world.

In my basketball career, I've encountered numerous challenges and celebrated notable accomplishments that have collectively shaped my journey on and off the court. These experiences have not only honed my athletic skills but have also instilled invaluable life lessons that will undoubtedly contribute to my future success. One of my proudest accomplishments in basketball has been the development of my leadership skills. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of captaining my team, and fostering a positive and collaborative environment. This responsibility not only demanded excellence in my own performance but also required me to inspire and motivate my teammates. Leading by example, both in terms of skill and sportsmanship, has been a cornerstone of my achievements in basketball. Another noteworthy accomplishment has been my consistent improvement in individual performance. From refining my shooting technique to enhancing my defensive capabilities, I have dedicated countless hours to mastering the fundamentals of the game. This commitment has translated into on-court success, earning me recognition for my contributions to scoring, rebounding, and overall team dynamics. However, the journey has not been without its obstacles. One significant challenge I faced was a recurring injury that tested both my physical resilience and mental fortitude. Overcoming this obstacle required not only rigorous rehabilitation but also a profound mental shift. I learned the importance of patience, perseverance, and a meticulous approach to recovery. This experience taught me that setbacks are not defeats but opportunities for growth and resilience. Navigating the competitive landscape of basketball also brought about challenges in the form of fierce opponents and high-stakes games. Learning to handle pressure, maintain focus during critical moments, and bounce back from defeats have been crucial aspects of my development. Each defeat served as a lesson, pushing me to analyze my performance, identify areas for improvement, and come back stronger. Basketball has taught me the significance of teamwork and effective communication. The court is a microcosm of life, requiring individuals with diverse skills to work cohesively towards a common goal. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of my teammates, adapting to different play styles, and communicating effectively on the court have been vital skills that extend far beyond the realm of basketball. Moreover, the sport has cultivated a strong work ethic within me. The countless hours spent practicing free throws, refining defensive strategies, and perfecting offensive plays have instilled a disciplined approach to achieving goals. I've come to understand that success in any field, not just basketball, is a result of consistent effort, dedication, and a willingness to learn and adapt continually. Basketball has also heightened my resilience in the face of adversity. Whether it be overcoming a tough loss, bouncing back from a personal setback, or pushing through the physical demands of the sport, I have developed a tenacity that I believe will be instrumental in tackling challenges in my future endeavors. In essence, my basketball career has been a dynamic journey marked by accomplishments and obstacles alike. From refining my technical skills to overcoming injuries and defeats, each experience has contributed to my personal and athletic growth. The leadership, resilience, teamwork, and work ethic instilled by basketball will undoubtedly serve as pillars for my future success, both on and off the court. As I transition into new challenges, I carry with me the invaluable lessons learned from the hardwood, confident that they will guide me toward achieving my goals and overcoming any obstacles that may come my way.

In the realm of electrical engineering, my mission is to forge a positive impact that extends far beyond the realm of circuits and wires. I envision contributing to a world where technology serves as a catalyst for positive change, addressing societal challenges and fostering interconnected relationships that bind individuals, families, and communities together. Electrical engineering, with its constant evolution and innovation, presents a unique opportunity to address global challenges, from climate change to accessibility. My plan to positively impact the world through electrical engineering is rooted in a commitment to sustainable practices and inclusive technological solutions. One of the focal points of my journey is harnessing the power of renewable energy sources to create a more sustainable future. By developing efficient and scalable systems, I aim to contribute to the global effort in reducing our carbon footprint and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. Moreover, I aspire to design and implement technologies that bridge the gap in accessibility, ensuring that underprivileged communities have access to essential resources. From creating affordable and energy-efficient solutions for remote areas to designing systems that enhance healthcare delivery, my goal is to leverage electrical engineering to make a tangible and positive impact on the lives of those who need it the most. However, the importance of interconnectedness extends beyond the circuits and devices. Faith, family, and friends form the foundation of a well-rounded and purposeful life, and I believe that integrating these elements into my journey as an electrical engineer is paramount. Faith, in its various forms, provides a moral compass and a sense of purpose, guiding my actions towards ethical and socially responsible endeavors. Family, as a support system, is instrumental in shaping character and providing the encouragement needed to overcome challenges. Recognizing the sacrifices made by those who came before me and understanding the responsibility to leave a positive legacy, I draw strength and motivation from the love and support of my family. As an electrical engineer, this familial interconnectedness fuels my determination to create technologies that benefit society at large. The significance of friends in this journey cannot be overstated. Collaborative efforts often lead to innovative breakthroughs, and the exchange of ideas with like-minded individuals fosters creativity. By actively engaging with a diverse network of peers, I aim to contribute to and learn from a global community of electrical engineers. Together, we can tackle complex problems and create solutions that have a broad and lasting impact. The interconnectedness of faith, family, and friends plays a pivotal role in shaping not only the individual but also the collective conscience. It provides a holistic perspective that extends beyond professional achievements and emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion, and social responsibility. In the world of electrical engineering, where technological advancements can shape the course of societies, maintaining a balance between professional pursuits and personal values is crucial. In conclusion, my plan to positively impact the world through electrical engineering is a harmonious blend of technical innovation and the values instilled by faith, family, and friends. By developing sustainable technologies and addressing global challenges, I hope to contribute to a better future for all. The interconnectedness of these relationships serves as a guiding light, influencing not only the direction of my career but also the essence of the positive change I aim to bring to the world. Through a holistic approach that embraces both the technical and human aspects, I aspire to illuminate paths toward a brighter and more interconnected future.