Charity is important to me because it’s about community—showing up when there’s a need and offering what you have to give. Since the pandemic, I’ve volunteered with StriveHigher, a nonprofit that promotes literacy through book drives and read-a-longs for children in the Bronx. Supporting my community in this way has brought me so much joy. Reading with kids and helping families build their home libraries reminded me that sometimes small acts—like sharing a story—can have a lasting impact. StriveHigher showed me the power of consistency and care. Week after week, I saw how access to books and positive engagement boosted kids’ confidence and curiosity. It made me realize that giving back doesn’t always require a big platform, just a willing heart and a commitment to keep showing up. As I continue my education at Delaware State University and grow in my career, I’m committed to continuing this work, whether through local service, literacy campaigns, or launching a program that supports young readers. I want to be someone who sees a need and contributes—whether that’s in my neighborhood or across the country. For me, charity means connection. It’s one of the ways I honor where I come from and help build the future I want to see.

When I was eight years old, I helped my mom organize a toy drive at our local community center. I didn’t fully understand what we were doing at the time—I just knew that some kids weren’t going to have presents unless someone showed up for them. That moment stuck with me. It taught me that service isn't about how much you have, but how much you're willing to give. Now, as I prepare to study marketing at Delaware State University, I want to use that same spirit of service—combined with creativity and strategy—to promote wellness in my community. I see marketing not just as a career, but as a tool to inspire change. In the next five years, I plan to lead and support wellness initiatives through campus clubs, social campaigns, and community projects that uplift mental, emotional, and financial health—especially for students of color. In college, I plan to join and help lead campus clubs focused on wellness, student success, and cultural empowerment. I want to create marketing campaigns that normalize asking for help, managing stress, and practicing self-care. Whether that’s through mental health awareness weeks, social media content, or peer-led workshops, I believe marketing has the power to shift culture—and I want to use it for good. Being from the Bronx, I’ve seen how stress, trauma, and lack of resources can affect young people’s ability to thrive. I was raised by a single mom, with a father who was mostly absent and incarcerated. Despite those challenges, I’ve been able to achieve things many wouldn’t expect—like taking AP classes, becoming president of my school’s Black Excellence Union, traveling to South Africa, and even ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange. I know I carry the strength of my community, and I want to make sure others feel just as supported and empowered. Outside of school, I plan to use my marketing skills to create wellness campaigns that reach beyond campus. One goal is to partner with local nonprofits and brands to launch social media or community-based initiatives around financial literacy, emotional resilience, and healthy habits. As someone who has already done community service work—from reading to kids to helping with toy drives—I know how important grassroots outreach is. Marketing can turn ideas into impact when it's rooted in empathy and action. Globally, I hope to continue connecting with communities outside the U.S., like I did in South Africa, where I saw how culture and community are at the heart of wellness. I want to use storytelling and marketing to lift up those voices and build bridges between local action and global awareness. Studying marketing gives me the platform to build movements that matter—and wellness is where I want to begin.