My name is Mariana Angelina Allen-Jones, and I am truly proud of the person that I have become. I come from a multicultural background being Black, Puerto Rican, and Samoan. I am the oldest in a family of six, right in the mix of things. Growing up in a big household taught me early on how to take responsibility, care for others, and lead by example. Sports were also a huge part of my life for a long time. I played basketball all through high school. One accomplishment I’m proudest of was helping my team win the 2023 MPSSAA State Championship for Girls' Basketball my sophomore year. I will never forget playing at the University of Maryland's Xfinity Stadium, on the court where I've seen many of my role models play. That experience gave me the discipline and drive, while showing what it meant to be part of something bigger than just myself. But while achieving things on the court, I was also carrying heavy emotional burdens behind the scenes. During my freshman year of high school, my grandmother had passed away from cancer. She was my rock. My home. When she passed, I felt like my world was ripped away from me. I had gone through a really tough grieving process while still trying to adjust to high school life. Instead of giving in to endless grief, I made a decision to work even harder for her. Her strength, even in her final moments, became my motivation. He memory carries with me in everything I pursue. As I step into my freshman year of college, I'm facing another tough chapter. My other grandmother, whom I am equally close to, is currently battling cancer. I am seeing the same decline in health replay before my eyes each day. I often visit her, helping however I can. It's painful, but it's also shaping my character in ways I never expected. It is teaching me patience and what it means to truly serve someone you love. These experiences have also taught me to be thankful for each breath I take. I've constantly struggled with anxiety and depression since middle school, and while I've made progress, I still have room to work. In the past, I've contemplated my life many times and almost attempted to take. I am blessed that Christ has saved me from myself. He carried me through life, especially those tough moments behind closed doors. I believe that everything I do should be done as if I'm doing it unto Him. My faith gives me purpose, even when I fall short. I strive to live in a way that reflects His grace and love. That's the reason I am pursuing a career in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. I've always had a strong passion for helping people. Especially during moments when they feel scared or uncertain, because I've been there before. I want to be someone who makes patients feel seen. I absolutely love making connections and hearing people's stories. Hearing different backgrounds and being able to either relate or sympathize is one of life's greatest treasures to me. There are so many stories out there, and they're all so interesting. I genuinely love school, and I'm committed to finishing my associate degree. Being able to afford my education would be life-changing, not just for me but for the people I'll be able to serve one day. This truly is my story so far, one of loss love, growth, and faith. The best part is I have so many more pages to fill.

I'm a huge fan of Sabrina Carpenter because her music has truly helped me through some of the darkest times in my life. Struggling with anxiety and depression had made me feel isolated. It was like being in a glass box with no air, that only grew smaller as time passed. Listening to her songs felt like someone had shattered that box and breathed life into my lungs. She gave me something I thought I would never achieve: confidence. For so long, I felt small. I was constantly drowning in self-doubt. I was wrapped in negative thoughts and the fear of not being "enough". But when I discovered Sabrina's art, something shifted. She has this way of owning every part of who she is. She proudly takes ownership of everything, her flaws, emotions, humor, and strength. Seeing that with my own eyes made me feel like maybe I could own who I am too. Her lyrics made me feel seen in the most unexpected ways. What I liked about her work was that it was raw and honest. There were nights when I would put her music on just to feel a little less alone. Whether she was singing about heartbreak, insecurity, or finding her voice, I felt like she was speaking to me directly. When she released songs like "Because I Liked a Boy" and "Feather" it reminded me that it's okay to be sensitive. It's okay to feel deeply and to still be powerful. I started looking at myself differently, not as someone who is broken, but as someone who was growing. Through her music and the way she carries herself, Sabrina taught me to stop apologizing for the person I am. She helped me believe that I deserve to take up space. I deserved to be proud of myself and who I am. Her confidence became contagious. Watching her be her unapologetic self inspired me to be brave enough to do the same. I've also been blessed to have the chance to see her concert once in my lifetime. I will never forget seeing her perform right before my very eyes. Being in the crowd, surrounded by others who connected in the same way I do, reminded me that I am not alone. I didn't have to hide any part of myself; I felt free. I was the version of myself that I had always wanted to be Sabrina Carpenter has done more than just create incredible music; she helped me find my voice. For that, I will forever be thankful.

Domestic abuse can take many forms. As a child, I lived in a home where love and safety were replaced with fear and survival. My father was both verbally and physically abusive. He wasn't just yelling; he was tearing me down with every word he spoke. He constantly reminded me of how "useless" or "slow" I was. He would especially pick on my appearance, calling me "fat" or "disgusting". I hated mirrors and pictures; I always avoided them. Every time I saw myself, I felt my father's words choking me. The verbal abuse left invisible scars, but the physical ones I couldn't hide. Ones that I've carried for far too long now. Some nights, I would lie awake thinking about how I could evade being in his presence the next day. Whether it was going to school or work, both were outlets that were way better than being at home. The slamming of doors and the shouting became a normality. I was just a kid, but I felt like I was fighting for my own life in my own home. The pain, isolation, and pure mental trauma stayed with me for years. But instead of letting it destroy me, I've made the decision to turn it into my purpose. As a young African American woman, it's not uncommon for a voice like mine to go unheard. Domestic abuse and substance abuse are silent epidemics that have spread at an alarming rate. It all happens behind closed doors and is ignored by systems failing to protect us. I am committed to becoming part of the solution to stop the ongoing cycle. Currently, I am pursuing a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, a path that may not seem connected but absolutely is. As a sonographer, I will become one of the first healthcare professionals to interact with patients in vulnerable situations. During those quiet one-on-one moments during imaging exams, I want to see more than what's under the surface. I want to distinguish signs of emotional, mental, or sadly physical trauma. I don't want to be trained just to spot abnormalities in a scan, but beyond that. I'll be equipped to recognize when a woman is suffering in silence, just like I once was. This career will help give me a platform to improve care and communication for African American women who are impacted by these traumatic experiences. I want to advocate for trauma-informed care in clinical environments. I'm going to ensure that all women are treated with empathy and dignity. In collaboration with other nurses and doctors, I'll make sure no woman leaves without being offered the resources and help she needs. Most importantly, I want to use my position to build trust in the health care systems, which is something that has many have struggled with for too long. Receiving this scholarship would mean far more than financial relief. It would be a lifeline for me. It would give me the freedom to pursue my education without the heavy load of financial strain of already having to pay for college on my own. It would mean breaking away from the cycle of violence and pain and stepping into a life of healing and service. My goal is not just to become a successful healthcare professional, but a safe space for others. This goes beyond me; I want to help not only African American women but all women to be seen and heard. They deserve to know there is hope beyond abuse. I wanted to be the person I needed when I was younger. Someone who listened, who cared, who acted.

My faith in Christ is the foundation of everything I do, which includes how I lead. It's more than a religion, it's a relationship. This relationship has carried me throughout the hardest moments of my life. My deep love for Christ has been a pillar that has not only sustained me personally but has also led me to inspire others. It has opened my eyes to realizing that leadership isn't about being in charge but serving others. Being able to have an open ear and showing the love of God through your actions. One powerful example of this was when I volunteered at a local basketball clinic for the youth at my high school. At first, I was there to help run drills, encourage kids, and teach basic drills. But as I spent more time with them God had called me to lead them in a deeper way: spiritually. Many of the kids came from different backgrounds. As I looked around, I realized that lots of them were struggling with confidence and identity, which goes far beyond the baseline. I felt Him calling me not just to coach them on the court but pour into them off the court as well. So, I started to share parts of my story, and how my love for Christ helped me through personal obstacles in my life. I shared how I found strength in the Lord. I tried not to be too preachy, but I spoke in not only words but actions that reflected the heart of Jesus. As the week went by, I started to offer encouragement but this time it was grounded in faith. I even shared scriptures to those who were open to it. I was able to see with my own eyes how God works, not just in them but myself as well. That experience brought me closer to Christ. It helped me realize that when I stepped out of faith and lead with love, God can manifest himself in powerful ways. It reminded me that I don't have to be perfect or be equipped with all the answers, I just have to be willing to serve Him. It also helps remind me that leadership through faith isn't about trying to change people but guiding them to the One who can. Going forward, I would like to continue to be the kind of leader who reflects Christ's love in every facet of my life. Whether its sports, school, ministry, or even everyday life, I want to lead with a purpose grounded in my faith in Christ. My vision as I pursue my education, career and beyond is to use my success and trials as a platform to show others what it means to walk with Jesus.

Right now, I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. I am being torn between a toxic home environment and my dream of pursuing a future in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. As I prepare for college, I am carrying an immense amount of emotional stress, financial pressure, and fear that if things don't go right, I lose my chance of building a better life for myself. My relationship with my father has been strained for as long as I can remember. His constant criticism slowly picks me apart like a vulture. My appearance, performance, and weight were always being picked apart. Whether he noticed it or not it he left lasting emotional scars and made it difficult to feel confident in my skin. At, times I felt I had to shrink myself just to survive in my own home. No matter how hard I tried, it was never enough, or I was never enough. His voice followed me even when he wasn't there to the point of insanity. I wanted peace of mind so bad that I almost sacrificed my life to have just a moment of silence. As I start my first semester of college, his way of "helping" is just a disguise for control. The closer I get to independence the tighter he seems to grip. The pressure has only gotten worse. He has given me an ultimatum: pay for college on my own and move out or stay home and quit school. It's a cruel choice to give someone who is simply trying to better their life. But instead of letting it break me, I've used it as fuel to my fire in the fight for my future. Right now, I'm working as many hours as I can manage. My job currently isn't the best place, but every paycheck puts me one step closer to having the freedom I am desperately chasing. I am constantly looking for scholarships, applying to any and all opportunities that would help lighten the financial burden. I've learned how to balance my academic life with school life in an effort to strive towards my dream. I don't really have the time or the luxury to slow-down or go out. But the goal that I have is worth the sacrifice. I've always known I wanted a career in healthcare, where I can have an impact on people's lives. That is the main reason I chose Diagnostic Medical Sonography. It combines technical skill and compassion into an opportunity where I can reach people. I want to be the person who helps patients feel seen and cared for, which is something I longed for. But to get there, I have to keep pushing through these obstacles no matter how heavy the weight. What gives me the strength is knowing this struggle is temporary. Every hour that I work, scholarship that I apply, and late night I spend planning my future is an investment towards a life under no one's control. A life where I can help others and foster joy. It's a life where I can stand on my own and choose me. I am proud that I am alive this far in life to be able to present this essay to you. Being a rock in a hard place isn't ideal, but it's where I've learned what I was made of. I am still standing and still fighting because I know where I'm going and nothing is going to stop me from getting there.

Winning the MPSSAA 3A Bracket Girls Varsity State Championship was one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. It might just look like another trophy or another title added to the school's record. But for me, it meant so much more. It was the result of years of early mornings, tough practices, hard losses, and constant mental and physical battles. It was the kind of moment I had dreamed about, but never fully believed I’d experience in this way. Being a student-athlete at a predominantly white school has had its challenges. As someone who is Black, Puerto Rican, and Samoan, I’ve often felt like I had to prove myself twice as hard. I’ve been proud of who I am and where I come from, but it hasn’t always been easy when I’m one of the few who look like me. There were moments when I felt out of place, misunderstood, and missing that connection that I desperately longed for. And yet, I kept showing up not just for my team, but for myself. This championship wasn't just about athletic success, it was about resilience. It was about breaking through the limitations people tried to put on me and the quiet doubts that sometimes crept in when I felt like I didn’t fit the mold. It was about honoring where I come from and showing other girls who look like me that we don’t have to shrink ourselves to belong or to be successful. We can take up space, we can lead, and we can win. I’m incredibly proud of my teammates and everything we accomplished together. We pushed each other, supported one another, and created a bond that made this win possible. But in a deeply personal way, I’m proud of myself too. Proud that I didn’t let isolation overtake me. Winning States gave me something that goes beyond medals or recognition. It gave me confidence. It reminded me that I deserve to be here, not despite who I am, but because of who I am. It gave me a platform to represent something bigger than just me. It gave me a purpose to represent strength in diversity and pride in identity. This experience has made me more than just a better athlete it’s made me a stronger, more grounded person. And no matter where life takes me next, I’ll always carry that moment with me not just the celebration, but everything it took to get there.

Hi, my name is Mariana Allen-Jones, and I’m pursuing a career as a diagnostic medical sonographer. I chose this path because I’ve always had a deep passion for helping others, especially women. Women’s health is something I care about deeply, and I believe that every woman deserves access to compassionate, high-quality care. The kind of care that helps them feel seen, heard, and supported. What drew me to sonography is the perfect mix of science, patient care, and real impact. Sonographers play such a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring health conditions, and often, we’re the first people to offer answers during important or emotional moments, like confirming a pregnancy, identifying potential issues, or simply being present during a patient’s journey through treatment. I want to be part of that process, to offer not only images but also empathy and reassurance. I’m especially excited to focus on women’s health in my future career. There are so many times when women experience fear or uncertainty when it comes to their bodies and their health, and I want to be the one to change that. Whether it's conducting an ultrasound during pregnancy or helping detect reproductive health issues, I hope to be a calming and trustworthy base. My goal is to help women feel empowered, informed, and in control of their own health decisions. Looking ahead, I hope to work in communities where access to care is limited. I want to be part of efforts that reach underserved populations. I want to reach out to women who might not have had regular checkups or who feel uncomfortable seeking medical help. I plan to volunteer with organizations that offer free or low-cost healthcare services, especially those focused on prenatal and reproductive care. I also want to help educate women about their health. Whether that’s through workshops, support groups, or simply taking the time to explain procedures clearly during appointments, I want to do my part. Supporting women’s empowerment goes beyond the exam room, too. I believe it’s about making sure every woman feels like she has a voice, especially when it comes to her health. That means listening with compassion, creating safe and welcoming environments, and always treating people with dignity and respect. As a future sonographer, I want to be someone my patients can trust, not just for accurate scans, but for comfort, understanding, and care. This career isn’t just a job to me, it’s a calling. I’m working hard to build the skills and knowledge I need to succeed, and I’m committed to using those skills to make a difference. I know that every patient interaction is a chance to change someone’s day, or even their life for the better. That’s what motivates me, and that’s why I’m so excited to move forward on this path.

My interest in technology was first sparked during a summer robotics camp when I was twelve. Surrounded by gears, wires, and microcontrollers, I encountered a world where creativity intersected with logic in tangible, transformative ways. I vividly recall the first time my team successfully programmed a robot to navigate a maze autonomously. Though the task was modest, the thrill of translating lines of code into physical action was revelatory. It was at that moment I realized technology was not merely a tool, but a language. One through which we could converse with the future. This experience laid the foundation for my academic and professional aspirations. In high school, I pursued computer science courses with growing enthusiasm, eventually leading personal projects such as building a weather app and experimenting with machine learning algorithms. These projects deepened my understanding of how software can shape real-world experiences, especially in sectors like healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability. My ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of ethical, accessible artificial intelligence systems that address global challenges and empower underserved communities. However, my path has not been without obstacles. Coming from a family of six, I’ve often had to balance academic ambition with household responsibilities and limited access to personal resources. With shared devices and a home full of competing priorities, carving out quiet time for coding or research sometimes required creative scheduling and self-discipline. These challenges, though daunting, have fostered resilience and self-reliance. Qualities that have proven invaluable in the fast-paced world of technology. Despite these hurdles, I remain deeply inspired by the potential of emerging technologies. The rapid advancement of machine learning, quantum computing, and human-computer interaction suggests a future in which we can not only automate tasks but also augment human potential in meaningful ways. What excites me most is the opportunity to shape this future responsibly. I believe the next generation of technologists has a moral imperative to prioritize equity, transparency, and sustainability in the systems we build. Through research, policy engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration, I hope to be at the forefront of this movement. In sum, what began as a simple summer activity has grown into a lifelong pursuit. Technology, to me, is more than a career. It is a medium for social impact, creative expression, and intellectual exploration. As I continue my education and prepare to enter the field professionally, I carry with me both the challenges I have overcome and the boundless curiosity that first drew me in. I look forward to contributing to a more inclusive, innovative, and ethically grounded technological landscape.

My passion for computer science is rooted in both curiosity and purpose. From the first time I learned how code could bring an idea to life, I was hooked. But what truly drives me to pursue a future in this field goes beyond just fascination with technology. It’s about protection. Protecting people, their privacy, and even their peace of mind. That’s why I want to work in cybersecurity. Growing up, my grandmother played a huge role in shaping who I am. She was one of the most trusting, kind-hearted people I’ve ever known. Before she passed away, I watched her struggle with the overwhelming pace of modern technology. At one point, she was targeted by a phishing scam that caused her immense stress and financial damage. Seeing someone I loved being taken advantage of by something so invisible and heartless lit a fire in me. Her passing was one of the most painful experiences of my life, but it also gave me clarity. I don’t just want to work with computers. I want to make them safer for people like her. Cybersecurity feels like the right path because it aligns with both my skill set and my sense of purpose. The internet should be a tool for connection and progress, not a place where people are constantly vulnerable. I want to be part of the team that builds digital defenses, hunts down threats, and makes the virtual world more secure. Whether that means protecting hospitals from ransomware attacks, ensuring privacy for everyday users, or stopping scams before they start, I want to be on the front lines. I’m inspired by the challenge of cybersecurity. It’s constantly evolving. Hackers never stop looking for new weaknesses, and as a cybersecurity professional, I would never stop learning. That constant growth excites me. It's like being part of an intellectual arms race, one where you're fighting not for power or profit, but for people. My dream is to work in a space where I can build systems that prevent harm before it happens. I want to combine technical excellence with human empathy, understanding that every firewall or protocol I implement is protecting someone’s real life. Her memory fuels my commitment to this path. I want to make sure that others don't have to watch their loved ones fall victim to avoidable digital threats. In the end, I study computer science not just to understand how things work, but to make them work better for everyone. I’m choosing cybersecurity because it gives me the chance to fight for something bigger than myself: a safer, more trustworthy digital world.

The trajectory of my life was irreversibly altered during my freshman year of high school when I lost my grandmother to breast cancer. The disease spread throughout her body at an alarming rate, leaving little time to process or prepare. One moment she was fighting with strength, and the next, she was gone. Her loss hit me harder than I ever imagined. I slipped into a deep depression that made it difficult to focus on school, friendships, or even finding joy in everyday life. As I enter my senior year, I am still wrestling with the emotional weight of that loss. Now, I find myself reliving the nightmare. My other grandmother has recently been diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, and her condition is declining rapidly. I haven’t even had the chance to heal from my first loss, and yet here I am, preparing to go through it all over again. Rather than allowing grief to consume me entirely, I’ve tried to transform my pain into purpose. Over the past year, I dedicated myself to researching the different types of treatment options for breast cancer, with a focus on radiology and hormonal therapy. I spent hours learning how radiation therapy works to target and destroy cancerous cells, and how hormone therapies can be used to block the body’s natural hormones that fuel certain types of breast cancer. This research helped me feel more in control, more knowledgeable, and, most importantly, more prepared to support my grandmother and others facing the disease. Preventing and detecting breast cancer early is crucial, especially given my family history. Regular screenings like mammograms, self-examinations, and staying informed about changes in one’s body can truly save lives. I have also come to understand the importance of genetic testing, particularly for people with a family history of breast cancer like mine. Genetic testing can reveal mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2, which significantly increase a person's risk. With that knowledge, individuals can take preventive measures such as earlier and more frequent screenings or even preventative treatments and surgeries. I believe I deserve this scholarship not only because I’ve lived through the devastating impact of breast cancer but also because I’ve committed myself to learning and fighting back in any way I can. Despite my ongoing battle with depression and the emotional toll this disease has taken on my family, I have not given up. I’ve pushed myself to stay curious, compassionate, and committed to making a difference. Whether by supporting my loved ones, sharing information with others, or pursuing a future in healthcare where I can directly contribute to the fight against cancer. This scholarship would not only support my education; it would honor the memory of my grandmother, uplift my current battle, and fuel my determination to bring hope to others facing the same darkness.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is often hidden in the silence of shame, fear, and misunderstanding. I know this not just from statistics or textbooks, but from lived experience. I survived a relationship where love became control, affection turned to degradation, and promises dissolved into threats. After I left, the abuse didn’t stop. It morphed into stalking, manipulation, and relentless emotional torment. I lost pieces of myself during that time, but education became the lifeline that helped me reclaim them. Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent intimate partner violence. Not just formal education in schools and universities, but public awareness, trauma-informed teaching, and early conversations about healthy relationships, consent, and boundaries. Knowledge dispels myths like “it’s not abuse if there’s no hitting,” or “it’s just jealousy because they care.” When we teach young people to recognize red flags, to understand their rights in relationships, and to value empathy over control, we start changing the narrative. We begin to uproot the generational cycles of abuse that thrive in ignorance and silence. My personal journey has been shaped by the pain I endured but also by the strength I found rising from it. I was abused, degraded, and stalked by someone I once loved and trusted. At times, I felt invisible, like my voice didn’t matter. But slowly, through therapy, education, and the support of a few who believed in me, I began to understand that my story did matter, and that I could use it to help others. That is why I’m pursuing my degree with purpose and passion. I plan to use both my education and my experience to advocate for survivors, especially those who feel alone and silenced. Whether that means working in domestic violence prevention, trauma counseling, or community outreach, I want to be a voice that tells others, “You’re not crazy. You’re not alone. And you can get out.” I want to develop programs that go into schools, shelters, and communities,.programs that educate not only victims, but bystanders and even potential abusers, who often act out of their own unhealed pain. My past does not define me, but it has shaped me into someone who understands what it means to be broken, and what it takes to heal. I am no longer just a survivor. I am a builder, a believer, a fighter for change. I know that every time I speak out, educate someone, or offer support to another survivor, I am breaking the cycle. And I will keep doing that, because every voice raised against abuse adds strength to the movement for justice, healing, and hope.

Being Puerto Rican means everything to me. My culture is more than music, food, and language it is pride, resilience, and family. Growing up in a predominantly white school, I’ve often felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb. But instead of hiding my heritage, I’ve come to embrace it even more. I see my culture as something to celebrate, not hide. It connects me to my roots, reminds me of my ancestors’ strength, and pushes me to succeed not just for myself, but for my family and community. As the eldest of four siblings, I feel a great responsibility to lead by example. I want my younger siblings to look at me and see that continuing education is not only possible but powerful. I want them to know that even though we may not have everything, but we have determination and that’s more than enough to move forward. Every decision I make now isn’t just for me. It’s to show them that we can break barriers and create new paths, even when the odds are against us. College is more than a personal dream it's a promise I’ve made to myself and to my family. My parents have always supported me, even when they couldn’t afford the financial cost of higher education. College is expensive, and that burden weighs heavily on all of us. But despite the challenges, my parents have worked tirelessly to give me every opportunity possible whether that’s helping with applications or encouraging me when I feel overwhelmed. Their sacrifices have been constant, and I am determined to not let that go to waste. I plan to major in cybersecurity because I want to be part of a growing field where I can make a difference. Technology is the future, and I want to be at the forefront of protecting information and ensuring security. This path excites me not just for the job opportunities it can provide, but because of the stability it can bring to my family. I dream of the day I can help my parents the way they’ve helped me. Whether it’s helping them retire comfortably or supporting my siblings in their goals, I want to give back in every way I can. In many ways, my heritage fuels my drive. Puerto Rican culture has taught me the importance of unity, perseverance, and pride. These values push me to work harder, dream bigger, and reach further. I’m passionate about attending college because it is the bridge between where I am now and where I want to be. It’s the key to opening doors not only for myself, but for those coming after me. I carry my culture, my family, and my ambitions with me every day. College isn’t just a goal it’s a mission. One that I’m ready to take on.

Mental health is something I’ve battled with for most of my life, but it became truly overwhelming during my freshman year of high school. That was the year I lost my grandmother the woman who raised me and loved me unconditionally. I had lived with her for years, and she was the one person who made me feel safe. Her death shattered me. I fell into a deep, dark depression that made everyday life feel impossible. I didn’t know how to cope. I didn’t know how to grieve. I felt lost, alone, and emotionally numb while trying to carry on like everything was fine. Now, I’m facing that pain all over again. My other grandmother, who has also been a major part of my life, is declining rapidly due to cancer. Watching her suffer and knowing what’s coming has reopened wounds that never fully healed. I’m still carrying the weight of my first loss, and now I’m being forced to prepare for another one. It feels like I’m drowning in grief with no time to come up for air. On top of that, home was never a place of peace for me. Throughout high school, my father verbally and emotionally degraded me. He tore down my self-esteem daily, calling me names, making me feel worthless, and leaving me questioning my appearance and value as a person. The constant abuse pushed me to the edge. There were many nights I didn’t want to live anymore. The pain felt too heavy, and I just wanted it to stop. I also had to deal with judgment from peers at school who didn’t understand what I was going through, which made me feel even more isolated. It wasn’t just about surviving my own trauma , I also had to protect my mom and siblings from my father’s threats. I became the protector, even when I could barely protect myself. Living in constant fear, never knowing when things would escalate, has left me with deep emotional scars and trauma that I still carry today. Because of years of verbal abuse, I continue to struggle with body dysmorphia. No matter how much I try to love myself, those hateful words echo in my mind. I see flaws that others don’t see and fight daily to see myself in a kinder light. It’s a battle I fight quietly but constantly. This scholarship represents more than just financial assistance. It is a chance for me to break free from the toxic environment that has kept me trapped for so long. It’s a step toward independence, healing, and building a future I can finally look forward to. I want to pursue a career that I’m passionate about, live in a healthy environment, and find peace after years of pain. I am determined to not let my trauma define me. With this opportunity, I can begin to create a life where I thrive not just survive. Thank you for considering me as I take this step toward healing and growth.

Growing up as a mixed African American, Samoan, and Puerto Rican student in Howard County, Maryland, I’ve always felt the weight of being different. In a school district where most students don’t look like me or live like me, I’ve learned to carry my story with quiet strength. While my classmates returned to large houses and personal vehicles, I went home to a cramped townhouse on the outskirts of Baltimore, sharing limited space with six family members. We barely made it into the Howard County school district, and every day was a reminder that although I sat in the same classroom, I did not have the same privileges. My journey through high school was shaped by the reality of not having access to basic resources many of my peers took for granted. I didn’t have a car. My family couldn’t afford one for me, and public transportation was limited. Each morning, I relied on the bus. When it came time for after-school events, senior trips, or other activities, I had to miss out not because I didn’t want to participate, but because I simply couldn’t afford to. While my classmates made memories at dances and sporting events, I was at home helping with my siblings, catching up on homework, or figuring out how we’d get groceries that week. These experiences didn’t weaken me; they motivated me. I’ve learned resilience in the face of hardship. I’ve developed empathy from watching my family work hard just to make ends meet. I’ve grown into someone who values every opportunity because I know what it’s like to live without them. This is why I believe I deserve this scholarship, not because I’ve had it easy, but because I haven’t. And still, I’ve shown up every day, determined to succeed. With this scholarship, I plan to pursue higher education not only to change my life, but to give back to the community that shaped me. I want to become a voice for students like me those who feel unseen, who sit quietly in classrooms hiding the burden of poverty and disadvantage behind their smiles. I want to mentor youth in underserved communities and advocate for better access to transportation, education, and mental health resources. I believe that positive change begins with people who truly understand struggle, and I am one of those people. I want to inspire others by showing that where you come from does not define where you can go. My dream is to one day create community programs that empower young students from marginalized backgrounds to chase their ambitions unapologetically. Receiving this scholarship would not just help me financially it would be a symbol that my story matters, that my perseverance is recognized, and that my future has value. I may come from less, but I bring determination, perspective, and purpose to everything I do. And with your support, I will continue rising and lifting others with me.