In 2013, My mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar depression, and that year, my family's life underwent a catastrophic shift. My mother was restricted from communicating with my three sisters and me, which crushed both our hearts and hers four times over. The next year, I tried my best to help my other three sisters and do my fair share of housework, but I finally felt that it was not enough. I wanted my mom to know that we had been considering her from the beginning. And so I went to work. In addition to making something my mother would adore, I also wanted it to have a little bit of each member of our family in it. My mother loves white roses, so I figured why not make her a vase and include information about our family's memories on it. On each of the vase's four sides, which were divided into sections, I meticulously painted a snapshot of our family from four of our previous family excursions. I also painted things that served as reminders of those places. When my family and I visited Niagara Falls in 2006, for instance, I drew the water behind my family even though the photo did not show the cascade in the backdrop. In 2016, when my mother finally came home, she was met with a "family vase," as she likes to call it, that contained white roses. Every time I look at the vase, I'm reminded of how much I enjoyed making my mother smile. Even as I write this piece, my smile can't resist. My family has experienced a lot, but we deliberately chose to give attention to what brings us joy, which is how we were able to get through the challenging periods.

“Never forget who you are and where you came from”. These ten edifying words have captivated my mind since I was a little girl. These words not only often echo in my head from time to time, but these are words my mother never forgot to express in my youth and has led me to become the person I am today. She would communicate this crucial message to help me understand the world that I live in, especially in the community where we reside. My academic interest stems from what I've experienced in this neighborhood. I live in a borough that seeks improvement from those who recognize and believe the city is worth saving. With this in mind, I've come to a conclusion, that hard work and dedication will bring the change men and women unknowingly seek. And this change starts with Computer Science. Computer Science found its way to becoming an interest of mine. In the selection process of classes, I wanted to elect a class that would require my mind to quickly devise alternate solutions like problem shooting in an arithmetic class. Or leave me in constant wonder, questioning, and thinking keenly about various topics. In choosing computer science I'd later become aware of the many opportunities this field has to offer. The change I seek to redesign not only my neighborhood but the lives of those similar to me all around the world. To be a part of that change has become my motivation to strive for a better future; a better life. And unfortunately, studies have shown how many young women my age are not anticipated to select a future career path in the field of STEM. But it is this area of study that yields the most change that I see will shape our near future. One might question why deposit the pressure of change in the world on your mere shoulders, but I've learned from a very young age to contribute my part no matter how minuscule that contribution may be to never forget the lives I could potentially reshape for the better. My parents have instilled this passion in me which stems from what I have experienced, seen, and endured. The countless lives of friends and family that perchance were capable of being saved but the necessary equipment and machinery have not yet been devised. I live to give back not only to my community but to others all around the world. And with computer science leading the way, being the new face and change for the world, this is where it starts. College has always been a dream of mine. Personally, the institution symbolizes a quality I value deeply, perseverance. It's a character trait I've been blessed to recognize in both my parents. My father who tirelessly works as a bus driver for the past 25 years and my mother who devotedly works as a certified nursing assistant, battle every day to present my sisters and me with the wonderful schools we attend. They have undoubtedly helped me recognize what hard work and dedication really looks like. Although their jobs prove to help children daily, their paychecks don't represent the diligence and commitment anyone who meets my parents recognize in them. Because of this, money has always influenced my family, especially my college decision. In their honor, I've worked relentlessly to earn the scholarships I can to not only make their lives easier, as they are also paying my older sister’s college tuition, but also help out in the future, as they will soon pay for college for my two younger sisters.

Her Chaotic Beauty Fruitless were the tears, that blind her eyes as they flow For she knew the only way to escape was to face a watery death Only then, could the water quench the fire that coursed through her veins A fire forging a cocoon around her body. Blistering at the touch of her skin She heard it whisper. The water. Daring her to slip into serenity. Daring her to soar. Her famished soul latched onto the fantasies it fed her. Fantasies of a new life. A life she longed for. And so she did. Jump In the midst of it all, it was beautiful Her body. Weightless. Floating in the ocean. Here she was at peace. Here her past, present, nor future were pieces that defined her She just was. In its essence. Enveloped in its beauty. Out here they were one. Although she did not know how to get back to land. There was no concern. For she was liberated. Finally free from those who tried to possess her. Released from chains that enslaved her. Drunk on the sole element that could soothe her pain. And who knew, the water would bear such happiness. A new world brought to life within her She heard it whisper. The water. Inviting her to revel in her new discovery Inviting her home Alone She let go. Her body, now a lifeless corpse swayed to the rhythm of the waves.

College has always been a dream of mine. Personally, the institution symbolizes a quality I value deeply, perseverance. It is a character trait I have been blessed to recognize in both my parents. My father who tirelessly works as a bus driver for the past 25 years and my mother who devotedly works as a certified nursing assistant, battle every day to present my sisters and me with the wonderful schools we attend. They have undoubtedly helped me recognize what hard work and dedication really looks like. Although their jobs prove to help children daily, their paychecks do not represent the diligence and commitment anyone who meets my parents recognize in them. Because of this, money has always influenced my family, especially my college decision. In their honor, I have worked relentlessly to earn the scholarships I can to not only make their lives easier, as they are also paying my older sister’s college tuition but also help out in the future, as they will soon pay for college for my two younger sisters. If I won the $1,000 right now it would go straight to my current school so that I could pay for the Fall semester. I have applied to countless scholarships in hopes that I can find a way to earn my bachelor's degree. I am two semesters shy of making my parents proud and the help of the $1000 would undoubtedly help me achieve my goal.

I am Ludnie Rene, a Haitian American woman. I am a student at heart with a wild imaginative spirit. A spirit grounded in the depths of my Haitian culture and instilled in me by my parents and grandparents who wanted their values to take root within my character. I hunger to show girls like me, with the same beautiful melanin color we can accomplish whatever we set our minds to, and for me, that starts today. If awarded this scholarship I will not take for granted the help that is advancing my education. Since my freshman year of high school, three words have resonated with me "Knowledge Is Power." As I prepare to start my last year of college, the phrase has grown increasingly louder in my head. I'm not saying I want power; after all, who doesn't? To be completely honest with you, though, not me. What I want seems to be more elusive than that. I crave to be heard. As an African American female, I am already a double minority in any community I step foot in. Already spoken for by my black brothers and already looked over by my white colleagues. But this is not the kind of life my parents fought so hard to provide for their kids. I want a voice that demands attention and respect. One that has the ability to jumpstart my community back to life. And I genuinely believe that earning my bachelor's degree is a beneficial approach. That is why I am so passionate about education because I know that without it, I am condemned to spend a life of constant frustration and neglect. I simply refuse to accept a life such as that one which is why I plan to continue my education past a bachelor's degree and pursue a degree in law. Even though I don't desire power, I am aware that the more knowledge and education I acquire, the more powerful I am. I've always assumed my teacher was referring to brute strength. A force that is readily apparent by the naked eye but over the years I have discovered that my education provides me with something better - the tenacity to face any challenge that comes my way. I don't know about you but I'd take brain power over physical strength any day. My legacy will be painted with loud colors of laughter, hard work, and determination. These are the values my family crossed over with, to a land of freedom. Freedom that first whispered through the hushed voices of the Haitian winds. The freedom I find in my dreams for the future. With the aid of this scholarship, I feel my dream may become a little more attainable. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Imagine growing up in a village in which the only thing that is promised is death. This promise was affirmed by six-year-old Naveah Thomas. “It’s heaven spelled backward,” she said. But Naveah’s life was far from heavenly, in fact, she questioned whether she fulfilled her name’s purpose; to live in backward heaven. Surely at her young age, this is not the type of question one would expect a first grader to inquire yet Naveah was unlike any six-year-old I met prior. It was the way she found joy in the simplicities of her life. It was the way this brave little girl embraced death and welcomed the invitation with open arms. On a family visit to my mother’s hometown of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, I met a little girl named Naveah. She was battling leukemia and her​ ​chest was heaving with labored breaths. Our trip was mostly dedicated to helping those who were in critical need of assistance. On certain days we would travel to orphanages and on other days we would go to hospitals.​ As we continued, ​I gazed at her face ​and saw​​ hope​ ​in​ ​her​ ​eyes;​ ​she​ ​was​ ​not​ ​bound​ ​by​ ​the​ ​diagnosis that loomed over​ ​her​ ​head.​​ ​At​ ​that ​​moment,​ ​I​ ​realized​ ​I wanted​ ​to​ ​pursue​ ​a​ ​career​ ​that​ ​would ​​remind​ ​me​ ​of​ ​our​ ​empathic​ ​connection and enable me to form new ones. While I have had many experiences with children who are ill, I became a Certified Nursing Assistant where I worked with the older generation. I was once assigned to a woman from England, receiving treatment at an assisted living facility. Helen was her name. Every day, Helen described her favorite English breakfast from back in her day. She would ask me, “Ludnie, are we going to get breakfast with the Beatles soon because I must see them sing?” Helen has been living with Alzheimer's for five years and she is currently receiving Hospice Care​. For the past 5 years, I have worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant. My awareness in a clinical setting has certainly increased as each day I encounter a different perspective from the eyes of my patients. This provides me with the chance to experience a broader range of how clinicians aid their patients. No matter the challenges that were presented to me working in this field, I was always open, selfless, and willing to participate to conquer the next situation. This lifestyle has been inspiring a new growth of awareness and professionalism that I strive to obtain in my day-to-day life.

My name is Ludnie. Two syllables that everyone constantly mispronounces. (Luh-d-knee). A Haitian name which means “the hope after the storm.” My nature derives from this name; I always strive to see the good in every situation, every experience, and every person. To bear a spark of hope or happiness. There are only a handful of women named Ludnie -- call me by my name. My name equips me with the tools to declare who I am and where I come from. It also unleashes a sense of pride for the heritage I have embodied and have an immense love for. Since birth, I've been enveloped in everything Haitian: the food, the language, the traditions. My experiences taught me to embrace my Haitian American identity and gain a new perspective on the melting pot of American culture. By welcoming this history, culture as well as my name, I welcome new talents, power, and a new voice. Embracing my name has taught me to embrace who Ludnie is, as a woman, a daughter, and a sister. I want inspire others to embrace and love who they are as well. In doing so, they will learn to not only welcome but use their voices as well. I have always been passionate about my Haitian background and having the opportunity to expand my knowledge will only further my sense of self. When one truly knows herself, she has no choice but to succeed. Since my freshman year of high school, three words have resonated with me "Knowledge Is Power." As I prepare to start my last year of college, the phrase has grown increasingly louder in my head. I'm not saying I want power; after all, who doesn't? To be completely honest with you, though, not me. What I want seems to be more elusive than that. I crave to be heard. So... will you listen? I am Ludnie Rene, a Haitian American woman. I am a student at heart with a wild imaginative spirit. A spirit grounded in the depths of my Haitian culture and instilled in me by my parents and grandparents who wanted their values to take root within my character. I hunger to show girls like me, with the same beautiful melanin skin we can accomplish whatever we set our minds to, and for me, that starts today. If awarded this scholarship I will not take for granted the help that is advancing my education.

Pools of blue. I am from cool pools of cyan blue and palm trees that crackle in the wind; if you listen closely you will hear the shouts of celebration and cries of history that haunt the past. The rays from the Haitian sun have scorched the backs of my ancestors who once were slaves -- the ancestors who made history and created a force; not even an earthquake could shatter. Our rich culture is where skin color makes no difference because our language unites us. I am from celebrations and assorted rainbow dishes of soup joumou, diri, and griot. I am from the villages of La Vallée and Pestel. The salty cerulean scent of sea, rivers, and waterfalls. I am from the sweet cream of sugar cane and the bitter, rough scent of coffee. I am from the Haitian flag of red and blue that declares: L'union fait la force. Frequent conversations of “Eske ou te tande sa ki te rive nan peyi sa?” and “Peyi m 'lan bèl ak fò. Li telman bèl e fo, li pran fèb la e li vin tounen yon sòlda.” I am from this rough dialect, from this question and answer: “Did you hear about my country? My country is so beautiful and strong that it takes the weak and turns them into warriors.” Warriors. My parents took this strength and crossed us over to a land where they believed they would find freedom. Freedom that first whispered through the hushed voices of the Haitian winds. Freedom is revealed now in their modern outlook of the world. I am from a concrete wall of ideas built upon my ancestors' traditional roots- a world painted by the loud colors of laughter, hard work, and motivation. Haitian writer, Edwidge Danticat’s, words resonate in my head, “Moving away from the bounds of a homeland, our people carry their past, like the hair on their head. Because how can we not feel for the people we left behind.” Our freedom came at a price. I am a bright student, always motivated, hard-working, and very goal-oriented. This scholarship will definitely open doors for my career, increase my knowledge and lastly offer me the opportunity to give back to the community that has taught me lessons that would last a lifetime. My legacy will be painted with loud colors of laughter, hard work, and motivation. These are the values my family crossed over with, to a land of dreams. To me the American dream symbolizes hope. Without it, all motivation and grit would cease to exist because then what would we be working for and towards. My long-term goal is to earn my Masters degree in Business and use the skills I have acquired to create my own nonprofit. I dream of becoming my own boss and head of an organization similar to 'Do Something' or 'American Red Cross'. I want people to know there is still hope, they should still have faith, and they will soon experience freedom. I want to change people’s lives. In the same way, this scholarship would change mine. Thank you for your time and consideration.

“Never forget who you are and where you came from”. These ten edifying words have captivated my mind ever since I was a little girl. These are ten words that not only often echo in my head from time to time, but these are words my mother never forgot to express in my youth and has led me to become the person I am today. She would communicate this crucial message to help me understand the world that I live in, especially in the community where we reside. My academic interest stems from what I have experienced in this neighborhood. I live in a community that seeks improvement from those who recognize and believe the city is worth saving. With this in mind, I have come to the conclusion, that hard work and dedication will bring the change men and women unknowingly seek. And this change starts in the classroom. That is why I started an organization at my university. It’s called GLOW UP it stands for Girls leaning on women to unlock potential. It is similar to a big and little sister program/mentorship. I received the idea after attending a Men of Color summit and I thought how beautiful it was for the men to have a space where they are heard and they’re taught how to achieve success in their communities and classrooms but my initial thought was what about the girls and I’ve been working to start this program ever since. This is how I affect positive change in my community. Serving as a mentor to these young women provide me with a passion and hope for the future.

College has always been a dream of mine. Personally, the institution symbolizes a quality I value deeply, perseverance. It is a character trait I have been blessed to recognize in both my parents. My father who tirelessly works as a bus driver for the past 25 years and my mother who devotedly works as a certified nursing assistant, battle every day to present my sisters and me with the wonderful schools we attend. They have undoubtedly helped me recognize what hard work and dedication really looks like. Although their jobs prove to help children daily, their paychecks do not represent the diligence and commitment anyone who meets my parents recognize in them. Because of this, money has always influenced my family, especially my college decision. In their honor, I have worked relentlessly to earn the scholarships I can to not only make their lives easier, as they are also paying my older sister’s college tuition but also help out in the future, as they will soon pay for college for my two younger sisters. “Never forget who you are and where you came from”. These ten edifying words have captivated my mind ever since I was a little girl. These are ten words that not only often echo in my head from time to time, but these are words my mother never forgot to express in my youth and has led me to become the person I am today. She would communicate this crucial message to help me understand the world that I live in, especially in the community where we reside. My academic interest stems from what I have experienced in this neighborhood. I live in a community that seeks improvement from those who recognize and believe the city is worth saving. With this in mind, I have come to the conclusion, that hard work and dedication will bring the change men and women unknowingly seek. And this change starts in the classroom. Law found its way to becoming an interest of mine. In the selection process of classes, I wanted to elect a study that would require my mind to quickly devise alternate solutions like problem shooting in an arithmetic class. Or leave me in constant wonder, questioning, and thinking keenly about various topics. In choosing law I would later become aware of the many opportunities this field has to offer. The change I seek to redesign not only my small neighborhood but the lives of those similar to me all around the world. To be a part of that change has become my motivation to strive for a better future; a better life. And unfortunately, studies have shown how many young women my age are not anticipated to select a future career path in the field of law. But it is this area of study that yields the most change that I see will shape our near future. One might question why deposit the pressure of change in the world on your mere shoulders, but I have learned from a very young age to contribute my part no matter how minuscule that contribution may be to never forget the lives I could potentially reshape for the better. This passion that my parents have instilled in me stems from what I have experienced, seen, and endured. The countless lives of friends and family that perchance were capable of being saved but the necessary aid was not accessible to them. I live to give back not only to my community but to others all around the world.

“Always remember the past, therein lies the future”. As I matured I came to the realization of Sankofa. A simple word on the surface yet holds great meaning underneath. As a young black woman, I feel obligated to reach back into my past and cultivate the roots of my ancestors. Through my experiences, I have become the literal manifestation of Sankofa. I have embarked on a journey to find my true self through rich African and Carribbean culture and use this knowledge to educate others on our birthright. As I continue to remind my sisters and brothers we were once the daughters and sons of kings and queens. The fact that I wake up each day and choose to live by the adage "carpe diem" (seize the day) is excellence in and of itself. Every day, I look at the life the statistics said I would lead and disprove them. That is excellence. The advice to "never forget who you are and where you came from" has cemented my foundation and been deeply ingrained in my brain, like rust on a pan. These are the words that my mother never stopped repeating to me; they have since become a mantra of strength in a world that is constantly trying to make me and my race appear incompetent. I went to an all-girls school most of my life which I feel explains why I am so passionate about women's education. The school was a PWI (Predominately White Institution) and I saw firsthand how they catered so much to the white women and not women of color. I was looked at as a charity case rather than an intellectual let alone an equal. But at a young age, I didn’t understand that. I have done a lot of research on Black America as a whole and that furthered my anger and passion to go into law. I thought big picture maybe I could do government work and work my way up to Congress but the more I learn about our system the more broken and incapable of being fixed I’m learning it to be. It’s filled with nothing but empty promises and power-hungry individuals. I do want to leave a kind of legacy, not my name but a feeling. One of passion. I want young black girls and black women to see I did it and here are the resources to do it too. I want them to want to further their education. That is why I’m starting an organization at my university. It’s called GLOW UP it stands for Girls leaning on women to unlock potential. It is similar to a big and little sister program/mentorship. I received the idea after attending a Men of Color summit and I thought how beautiful it was for the men to have a space where they are heard and they’re taught how to achieve success in their communities and classrooms but my initial thought was what about the girls and I’ve been working to start this program ever since. This is how I empower others in my everyday life. Serving as a mentor to these young women provide me with a passion and hope for the future.

I traveled on a service trip to Pine Ridge Lakota Reservation -- another community of rich colors. On a hospital bed lay a small sixty-year-old woman, Meena, her body trapped in the claws of leukemia. Her breathing retracted slowly, back and forth, back and forth. She asked if I would paint with her. A simple task to sum meant the world to her. I held her hand as she brushed the page. There was hope in her eyes; she was not bound by the label that hung over her body. She only cared for her family and her roots. At that moment, I realized I wanted to pursue a career that would remind me of our empathic connection. My colors. My background. My Journey. My future. Through all of my learning and experience, my empathic connection led me to medicine law. With a career such as this one, I know my response to “how was your day” will always be, “ever-changing”, knowing that I was a part of strengthening another person’s life.

I am Ludnie Rene, a Haitian American woman. I am a student at heart with a wild imaginative spirit A spirit grounded in the depths of my Haitian culture and instilled in me by my parents and grandparents who wanted their values to take root within my character. As aforementioned I am a student, specifically, I am an incoming senior at Clemson University. And one important lesson college has taught me thus far is that maintaining a clear mind is necessary for success! My favorite tip to achieve the latter would be to immerse oneself in nature in order to unwind. Walking, in my opinion, is the best remedy for a cluttered mind. These walks make me intentionally take the time I need out of my day to rate my mental state on a scale from 1 to 10. Giving myself mental breaks may be very challenging with my hectic schedule, but I find that the weeks I however do not, for example, the weeks I forget to go on these walks, I am much more anxious than the week prior! To continue, I personally like to reflect on my week thus far while taking a stroll. I stray away from what I need to get done because that tends to activate my anxiety. Instead, I give myself credit for what I have already accomplished. I also nourish my brain with what I like to refer to as "brain food." I immediately feel happier when I simply repeat positive affirmations to myself. For example, "I am intelligent, I am resourceful, I am beautiful, I am fine, I choose to be happy and love myself for who I am (and my personal favorite) I am beyond proud of you Ludnie" I become more at ease within my own body when I speak such affirmations into existence. Similarly to how someone might feel "hangry" (angry due to hunger) and suddenly relinquish their displeasure after eating a meal, sometimes even being happier than before. I also remind myself that fear, worry, and anxiety are not of God and they honestly got to get a move on because they have no place within my mind. By the time I arrive at my apartment at the conclusion of my walk, these affirmations and reminders have given me the same sense of relief of a belly full hangry individual and I am fired up and determined to complete whatever task had stressed me before.

In Sigmund Freud’s The Interpretation of Dreams (1900), the neurologist analyzes dreams that contain hidden meanings due to oblivious clashes inside the psyche of the visionary. Many individuals are misguided to think their dreams are distinctly their own, this presumption is false. Through research and psycho-analysis scientists have discovered a common theme within dreams. Numerous fantasies contain a typical subject: falling, flying, water, and so forth. Personally, a subject that reoccurs in my dreams is driving. This book assisted in my discovery of the repetitive dream I've fantasized about which I love that I can read a book that clarifies the issues I thought were unsolvable. As far as I can recall I have always dreamt of driving a car I have no control over. I cannot explicitly remember the situation encompassing the fantasy, but I will do my best to portray the dream to my fullest capacity. In the dream, I am the driver, or a relative or a friend is in the driver’s seat and we are cruising down the street and sometimes a highway, and all of a sudden the person driving the car loses control. The breaks do not work, the car door cannot open, nor do the windows. The only part of the vehicle that operates is the gas pedal. I and whoever is in the car with me are trapped and we cannot escape. We dodge oncoming cars and for the most part and continue to drive in the deadliest of ways but never seem to crash and before I or the driver can stop the car I awake from the dream. I would love to spoil the reason why I constantly dream this specific fantasy but you'll have to read The Interpretation of Dreams to find out!

When someone examines my art, they experience every emotion—happiness, sadness, love, survivor's remorse, gratitude, and hope—in addition to seeing what it means to walk a day in my shoes. I want to transmit this sensation via my work because I think that is the whole point of creating art—to allow others to experience what the creator is attempting to convey. I am able to accomplish this by evoking a depth of emotion that is shared by everyone in the community. In this manner, it is our perspective rather than just my own. My struggles as an African American woman affect not only me but also my brothers and sisters. They cannot be won at all if not collaboratively. And so, my art is not my own but rather it is for the women who fought before me, alongside me, and after me. This is how I make a positive impact on the world. I wish to encourage the subsequent generation of African American women to produce art that is influenced by their own communities. I want them to view my successes and conclude that if she can do it, so can I. As a result of this domino effect, subsequent generations of women will view her work and share the same sentiments.