My class would be on Youth Empowerment; here's my story. I walked through the doors of elementary school with my mother. I can recall seeing all the other kindergarten students with their parents walking them into the school. After we entered, a long line of families were waiting to meet my new school principal. When it was our turn, she smiled, and the first words that she said were, “I haven’t seen you in my office before.” I could see the expression on my mother's face harden, and her hand tightened in mine, but she smiled back even though I could tell there was a fire raging inside. The anecdote above concerned my kindergarten orientation day when my mother took me to meet the principal. At first, hearing what the principal said at such a young age didn't make sense. I didn't understand what happened until my mother explained to me when we went home that I was marginalized. Growing up, I had the perpetual image of my principal discriminating against me replaying in my mind. She left me with the connotation that young black boys are troubled and ignorant and will only be seen as that. I struggled with the belief that was who I was, and changing that stereotype would be inevitable. There was a point in middle school when I fell into her stereotype, became rebellious to my teachers, and let my grades slip, but then, looking at my grades and the disappointment from my teachers and parents, I realized that if I let her words dictate my life, I would never encounter my true identity. And I would be proving her right, that I am destined to be uneducated and problematic because I am a black boy. So, instead of succumbing to her words, I fought them. I fought for my education by challenging myself through middle school to get my grades up, and I eventually saw my name on the High Honor roll list. But I did not stop there. I continued and got accepted into an independent high school, where I continued challenging myself by taking difficult classes. Proving my former principal wrong. By showing her the power and dangers of an educated young black boy. An education I will further develop and then encourage others, despite any stereotypes or aggressions that may come our way. Additionally, in the last months of my Senior year, I was given a Senior Project. Where I chose to intern at Rainier Prep Middle School, working with students of color. My primary roles as an intern were to teach literacy to students who struggled with neurodivergencies and language barriers. And to give presentations to 8th-grade students working on their last project before graduation. Their job was to make a presentation on a Social Issue that they were passionate about, such as Gun Violence, Police Brutality, and Sex Trafficking, all in BIPOC communities. I presented to them on the importance of a well-produced presentation and commissioned them to understand the power of "voice". Specifically, the power of "their voices" as students of color. How their voices have authority, spoken through their passion that has the impact to change the world. Ultimately, as I continue to progress in my educational career and, in the end, become a teacher working with predominantly black and brown students. I hope to not only encourage my students of color but also to empower them to challenge stereotypes and make their own name for themselves. Simultaneously, using society's expectation for them to fail as a strength and more of a reason to defy its expectation.

Does anyone have a testimony they would like to share with the congregation?" I stood up with the little confidence I had and the usher knew that I was going to sing and shouted, "Come on up here and share the gift God gave you." And so I did, and as I sang I could feel the spirit of God resting upon me as the notes danced from my mouth and a passion beginning to take root. The memory mentioned above was a moment where I was six years old in church service and I was asked to sing in front of the congregation. Ever since then when I stepped in front of everyone and watched their faces marvel at the voice that God gifted me with I never stopped singing my heart out. So the answer to the question, "What inspired me to become a musical artist?" would be spirituality because Christianity is my solid foundation and the rock on which I stand. It was what I was born into and what I will live out my entire life. I believe music comes the deepest parts of us making the expression of it so powerful and moving. For me music brings life where there is death and it evokes a joyful spirit that is like no other. To have that spirit come alive there has to be a belief that there is something bigger than me. Something that comes from my soul. Currently, I express my talent through singing in my school Jazz Choir I, Worship Team at my local church and the musicals I perform in at my school. I also dance in my schools dance program in which I may not be expressing music with words but I am letting the music encompass me making my movements come to life. In the future, I aspire to go to Seattle Pacific University where I will continue to study music, the arts and other important subjects while staying active in any clubs or registered student organizations that represent music in some aspect so I can continue to let music come alive in me. Looking past college and into careers and potential occupations I hope to become a well-known musical artist and performer while simultaneously spreading the word of God and bringing youth who feel lost in darkness into marvelous light. Which I know music can accomplish because it is God orchestrated and it is what brought me closer to God and still continues to bring me closer to him today. Music is a part of and in every individual, it is a matter of getting that seed to sprout and grow. And I know and believe that Music and God together is fierce and unmovable. Ultimately, Music is a such a beautiful and essential aspect of my life and without it. I know I would feel incomplete until it finds me again.

I walked through the doors of elementary school with my mother. I can recall seeing all the other kindergarten students with their parents walking them into the school. After we entered, a long line of families were waiting to meet my new school new principal. When it was our turn, she smiled, and the first words that she said to me were, “I haven’t seen you in my office before.” I could see the expression on my mother's face harden, and her hand tightened in mine, but she smiled back even though I could tell there was a fire raging inside. The anecdote above concerned my kindergarten orientation day when my mother took me to meet the principal. At first, hearing what the principal said to me at such a young age didn't make sense. I didn't understand what happened until my mother explained to me when we went home that I was marginalized. Growing up, I had the perpetual image of my principal discriminating against me replaying in my mind. She left me with the connotation that young black boys are troubled and ignorant and will only be seen as that. I struggled with the belief that was who I was, and changing that stereotype would be inevitable. There was a point in middle school when I fell into her stereotype, became rebellious to my teachers, and let my grades slip, but then, looking at my grades and the disappointment from my teachers and parents, I realized that if I let her words dictate my life, I would never encounter my true identity. And I would be proving her right, that I am destined to be uneducated and problematic because I am a black boy. So, instead of succumbing to her words, I fought them. I fought for my education by challenging myself through middle school to get my grades up, and I eventually saw my name on the High Honor roll list. But I did not stop there. I continued and got accepted into an independent high school, where I continued challenging myself by taking difficult classes. Proving my former principal wrong. By showing her the power and dangers of an educated young black boy. An education I will further develop and then encourage others to, despite any stereotypes or aggressions that may come our way. Additionally, in the last months of my Senior year, I was given a Senior Project. Where I chose to intern at Rainier Prep Middle School working with students of color. My primary roles as an intern were to teach literacy to students who struggled with neurodivergencies and language barriers. And to give presentations to 8th-grade students working on their last project before graduation. Their job was to make a presentation on a Social Issue that they were passionate about, such as Gun Violence, Police Brutality, and Sex Trafficking, all in BIPOC communities. I presented to them on the importance of a well-produced presentation and commissioned them to authentically understand the power of "voice". Specifically, the power of "their voices" as students of color. How their voices have authority spoken through their passion that has the impact to change the world. Ultimately, as I continue to progress in my educational career and, in the end, become a teacher working with predominantly black and brown students. I hope to not only encourage my students of color but also to empower them to challenge stereotypes and make their own name for themselves. Simultaneously, using society's expectation for them to fail as a strength and more of a reason to defy its expectation.

"Does anyone have a testimony they would like to share with the congregation?" I stood up with the little confidence I had and the usher knew that I was going to sing and shouted, "Come on up here and share the gift God gave you." And so I did and as I sang I could feel the spirit of God resting upon me as the notes danced from my mouth and a passion beginning to take root. The memory mentioned above was a moment where I was six years old in church service and I was asked to sing in front of the congregation. Ever since then when I stepped in front of everyone and watched their faces marvel at the voice that God gifted me with I never stopped singing my heart out. So the answer to the question, "What inspired me to become a musical artist?" would be spirituality because Christianity is my solid foundation and the rock on which I stand. It was what I was born into and what I will live out my entire life. I believe music comes the deepest parts of us making the expression of it so powerful and moving. For me music brings life where there is death and it evokes a joyful spirit that is like no other. To have that spirit come alive there has to be a belief that there is something bigger than me. Something that comes from my soul. Currently, I express my talent through singing in my school Jazz Choir I, Worship Team at my local church, and the musicals I perform in at my school. I also dance in my school's dance program, in which I may not be expressing music with words, but I am letting the music encompass me, making my movements come to life. I am currently attending Seattle Pacific University, where I will continue to study music, the arts, and other important subjects while staying active in any clubs or registered student organizations that represent music in some aspect, so I can continue to let music come alive in me. Looking past college and into careers and potential occupations, I hope to become a well-known musical artist and performer while simultaneously spreading the word of God and bringing youth who feel lost in darkness into marvelous light. Which I know music can accomplish because it is God orchestrated and it is what brought me closer to God and continues to bring me closer to him today. Music is a part of and in every individual; it is a matter of getting that seed to sprout and grow. And I know and believe that Music and God together are fierce and unmovable. Ultimately, Music is such a beautiful and essential aspect of my life, and without it. I know I would feel incomplete until it finds me again.

I wake up, and parts of my body begin to feel numb. I turn my head towards my hands, and they begin to shake. The air inside my lungs seems to have escaped, leaving me breathless. An overwhelming, sick feeling in my stomach possessed me to exhaustion. I picked up the phone, called my mother, and told her what I was experiencing. I could barely put together the words my mother was speaking with despair, but I heard, “Devil, you can not have my son!” An avalanche of tears breaks down my face as I fall to my knees. The scene mentioned above was me freeing myself from the mental hold an abusive church environment had on me. Around that time, I had been going to a church since I was born. When I was thirteen, I asked my Pastor if I could give sermons to the congregation, and from my first sermon, I would give one every Wednesday, which was exciting. But, as I grew older, I noticed that the Pastor became more controlling and aggressive. I remember the new regulations, such as pants only, no hats, men can’t have long hair, and women have to cover their hair with coverings. There would also be times when he publicly shamed individuals, condemning us by shouting how we would all end up in hell for failing to, ultimately, appeal to his standards. So, I bought into his commands and served God out of fear. I would spend countless hours reading my bible, worshiping, praying, and studying, all out of fear for God. My mind battled between thoughts that my excessiveness in these areas was overbearing. But, I fell into the feeling of guilt and anxiety, leaving me exhausted and ill. After two more years, my parents decided to leave. I wrestled with the anxiety that leaving was a mistake and that if we left, God would punish me. And so, when my parents told me we were leaving, I remember how upset I was with them when, deep down, I wanted to leave but was too afraid to follow through. Ultimately, it was the right decision. One year out of that church and weeks of spiritual counseling, I realized that God’s love is unconditional and does not condemn but gracefully forgives. Although I went through these obstacles, I learned that it is important to take everything with a grain of salt. To deeply process what I am learning and understand that there are more sides to the story and more than one right answer. I finally recognize that being under that Pastor’s doctrine took away my sense of freedom and self-governance, and I now comprehend that my emotions and voice matter. I don’t have to suppress my feelings out of worry that advocating for myself is wrong. As I further my education and become a Pastor. I aspire to make a difference in the church community by helping current members and former members of the church community heal from church trauma through the truth of God’s word and my church experience. I still have moments where I question my decision on why I stayed Christian. But, I remember that with this faith, I have everything and much more. So, in those moments, I tell myself my adversities will make me stronger, so I should not despise them but glory in them. As I know, this experience and experiences to come are not coincidental but will mold me into the person I am meant to be. A leader guiding others who’ve struggled or are struggling with church trauma to healing.

I walked through the doors of elementary school with my mother. I can recall seeing all the other kindergarten students with their parents walking them into the school. After we entered, a long line of families were waiting to meet my new school new principal. When it was our turn, she smiled, and the first words that she said to me were, “I haven’t seen you in my office before.” I could see the expression on my mother's face harden, and her hand tightened in mine, but she smiled back even though I could tell there was a fire raging inside. The anecdote above concerned my kindergarten orientation day when my mother took me to meet the principal. At first, hearing what the principal said to me at such a young age didn't make sense. I didn't understand what happened until my mother explained to me when we went home that I was marginalized. Growing up, I had the perpetual image of my principal discriminating against me replaying in my mind. She left me with the connotation that young black boys are troubled and ignorant and will only be seen as that. I struggled with the belief that was who I was, and changing that stereotype would be inevitable. There was a point in middle school when I fell into her stereotype, became rebellious to my teachers, and let my grades slip, but then, looking at my grades and the disappointment from my teachers and parents, I realized that if I let her words dictate my life, I would never encounter my true identity. And I would be proving her right, that I am destined to be uneducated and problematic because I am a black boy. So, instead of succumbing to her words, I fought them. I fought for my education by challenging myself through middle school to get my grades up, and I eventually saw my name on the High Honor roll list. But I did not stop there. I continued and got accepted into an independent high school, where I continued challenging myself by taking difficult classes. Proving my former principal wrong. By showing her the power and dangers of an educated young black boy. An education I will further develop and then encourage others to, despite any stereotypes or aggressions that may come our way. Additionally, in the last months of my Senior year, I was given a Senior Project. Where I chose to intern at Rainier Prep Middle School, working with students of color. My primary roles as an intern were to teach literacy to students who struggled with neurodivergencies and language barriers. And to give presentations to 8th-grade students working on their last project before graduation. Their job was to make a presentation on a Social Issue that they were passionate about, such as Gun Violence, Police Brutality, and Sex Trafficking, all in BIPOC communities. I presented to them on the importance of a well-produced presentation and commissioned them to authentically understand the power of "voice". Specifically, the power of "their voices" as students of color. How their voices have authority spoken through their passion that has the impact to change the world. Ultimately, as I continue to progress in my social work career and, in the end, become a social worker working with predominantly black and brown students. I hope to not only encourage my students of color but also to empower them to challenge stereotypes and make their own name for themselves. Simultaneously, using society's expectation for them to fail as a strength and more of a reason to defy its expectation.

I entered the door at Wellspring Family Services, clocked in, and headed straight to work. I began working through orders on the packing list for families in need. Until I came across this massive order, the order requested had a family of thirteen children. Every single one of them needed clothes, shoes, school supplies, hygiene items, and some elements of which the organization had no supply. So I continued working through the order and suddenly felt a shift in my spirit. At first, I had no idea why I had this sudden sadness or where it came from, but then I stopped and looked around. I saw the endless amount of orders on shelves, tables, and even on the floor. I even looked at the order in my hand and at all the bags that were filled just for this one family. Right then and there, I knew why I had this feeling. I believed that God had opened my eyes to see that sometimes I have needs that are not met, but across the world and Seattle itself, the need is great. I saw that everything in that room I could have purchased within a moment without a problem. I was reminded of moments in which I took aspects like food, shelter, water, health services, and even clothes for granted and did not acknowledge other people’s struggles. I saw how truly blessed I was. The story above discussed a moment of my time working as an intern at Wellspring Family Services in Seattle. Wellspring Family Services is a non-profit organization that works to support families and individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness. By providing everyday necessities that would be difficult for families to purchase on their own, like diapers, clothes, toys, and school supplies, to name a few. I highlighted a moment in which I encountered a revelation about the world I live in. Specifically, how my life, its advantages, and struggles are different from those surrounding me. The people I encountered at Wellspring Family Services and also in everyday life have different struggles, and I finally understood that it is essential to support in areas where I can, because every little bit of support helps. My overall experience at Wellspring Family Services not only taught me humility but also gratitude. To always be grateful for what I have now and know where I could be without it. I hope to one day become a Pastor and serve in Church spaces by helping those who have experienced painful struggles find consolation in Christ by giving them hope through the word of God, and any necessities that I or the Church can help provide. With the help of this scholarship, I can further my education to then help support and educate others. Moreover, seeing the grateful expressions on the family's faces as they received their order from Wellspring Family Services was the inspiration to keep serving others in my community because my help and the help of others make a substantial difference in the lives of those impacted, even though it may not feel like it at first. It was the idea that seeing others in need of help and having the ability to provide that help, like in my story above, is what encouraged and sparked my interest in serving others in need, especially when it is something that I have the ability, patience, and compassion to do.

I walked through the doors of elementary school with my mother. I can recall seeing all the other kindergarten students with their parents walking them into the school. After we entered, a long line of families were waiting to meet my new school new principal. When it was our turn, she smiled, and the first words that she said to me were, “I haven’t seen you in my office before.” I could see the expression on my mother's face harden, and her hand tightened in mine, but she smiled back even though I could tell there was a fire raging inside. The anecdote above concerned my kindergarten orientation day when my mother took me to meet the principal. At first, hearing what the principal said to me at such a young age didn't make sense. I didn't understand what happened until my mother explained to me when we went home that I was marginalized. Growing up, I had the perpetual image of my principal discriminating against me replaying in my mind. She left me with the connotation that young black boys are troubled and ignorant and will only be seen as that. I struggled with the belief that was who I was, and changing that stereotype would be inevitable. There was a point in middle school when I fell into her stereotype, became rebellious to my teachers, and let my grades slip, but then, looking at my grades and the disappointment from my teachers and parents, I realized that if I let her words dictate my life, I would never encounter my true identity. And I would be proving her right, that I am destined to be uneducated and problematic because I am a black boy. So, instead of succumbing to her words, I fought them. I fought for my education by challenging myself through middle school to get my grades up, and I eventually saw my name on the High Honor roll list. But I did not stop there. I continued and got accepted into an independent high school, where I continued challenging myself by taking difficult classes. Proving my former principal wrong. By showing her the power and dangers of an educated young black boy. An education I will further develop and then encourage others to, despite any stereotypes or aggressions that may come our way. Additionally, in the last months of my Senior year, I was given a Senior Project. Where I chose to intern at Rainier Prep Middle School working with students of color. My primary roles as an intern were to teach literacy to students who struggled with neurodivergencies and language barriers. And to give presentations to 8th-grade students working on their last project before graduation. Their job was to make a presentation on a Social Issue that they were passionate about, such as Gun Violence, Police Brutality, and Sex Trafficking, all in BIPOC communities. I presented to them on the importance of a well-produced presentation and commissioned them to authentically understand the power of "voice". Specifically, the power of "their voices" as students of color. How their voices have authority spoken through their passion that has the impact to change the world. Ultimately, as I continue to progress in my educational career and, in the end, become a teacher working with predominantly black and brown students. I hope to not only encourage my students of color but also to empower them to challenge stereotypes and make their own name for themselves. Simultaneously, using society's expectation for them to fail as a strength and more of a reason to defy its expectation.

"Does Anyone have a testimony they would like to share with the congregation?" I stood up with the little confidence I had, and the usher knew that I was going to sing and shouted, "Come on up here and share the gift God gave you." And so I did, and as I sang I could feel the spirit of God resting upon me as the notes danced from my mouth and a passion beginning to take root. The memory mentioned above was a moment when I was six years old in church service, and I was asked to sing in front of the congregation. Ever since then, when I stepped in front of everyone and watched their faces marvel at the voice that God gifted me with, I never stopped singing my heart out. So the answer to the question, "What inspired me to pursue a career in music technology?" It would be spirituality because Christianity is my solid foundation and the rock on which I stand. It was what I was born into and what I will live out my entire life. I believe music comes from the deepest parts of us, making the expression of it so powerful and moving. For me, music brings life where there is death, and it evokes a joyful spirit that is like no other. To have that spirit come alive, there has to be a belief that there is something bigger than me. Something that comes from my soul. Currently, I express my talent through singing and producing music in my school Jazz Choir I, Worship Team at my local church, Music Production class, and the musicals I perform in at my school. In the future, I aspire to go to Seattle Pacific University, where I will continue to study music, the arts, and other important subjects while staying active in any clubs or registered student organizations that represent music in some aspect, so I can continue to let music come alive in me. Looking past college and into careers and potential occupations, I hope to become a well-known musical artist and performer while simultaneously spreading the word of God and bringing those who feel lost in darkness into marvelous light. Which I know music can accomplish because it is God orchestrated and it is what brought me closer to God and continues to bring me closer to him today. Music is a part of every individual; it is a matter of getting that seed to sprout and grow. And I know and believe that Music and God together are fierce and unmovable. Ultimately, Music is such a beautiful and essential aspect of my life, and without it. I know I would feel incomplete until it finds me again.

I walked through the doors of elementary school with my mother. I can recall seeing all the other kindergarten students with their parents walking them into the school. After we entered, a long line of families were waiting to meet my new school new principal. When it was our turn, she smiled, and the first words that she said to me were, “I haven’t seen you in my office before.” I could see the expression on my mother's face harden, and her hand tightened in mine, but she smiled back even though I could tell there was a fire raging inside. The anecdote above concerned my kindergarten orientation day when my mother took me to meet the principal. At first, hearing what the principal said to me at such a young age didn't make sense. I didn't understand what happened until my mother explained to me when we went home that I was marginalized. Growing up, I had the perpetual image of my principal discriminating against me replaying in my mind. She left me with the connotation that young black boys are troubled and ignorant and will only be seen as that. I struggled with the belief that was who I was, and changing that stereotype would be inevitable. There was a point in middle school when I fell into her stereotype, became rebellious to my teachers, and let my grades slip, but then, looking at my grades and the disappointment from my teachers and parents, I realized that if I let her words dictate my life, I would never encounter my true identity. And I would be proving her right, that I am destined to be uneducated and problematic because I am a black boy. So, instead of succumbing to her words, I fought them. I fought for my education by challenging myself through middle school to get my grades up, and I eventually saw my name on the High Honor roll list. But I did not stop there. I continued and got accepted into an independent high school, where I continued challenging myself by taking difficult classes. Proving my former principal wrong. By showing her the power and dangers of an educated young black boy. An education I will further develop and then encourage others to, despite any stereotypes or aggressions that may come our way. Additionally, in the last months of my Senior year, I was given a Senior Project. Where I chose to intern at Rainier Prep Middle School working with students of color. My primary roles as an intern were to teach literacy to students who struggled with neurodivergencies and language barriers. And to give presentations to 8th-grade students working on their last project before graduation. Their job was to make a presentation on a Social Issue that they were passionate about, such as Gun Violence, Police Brutality, and Sex Trafficking, all in BIPOC communities. I presented to them on the importance of a well-produced presentation and commissioned them to authentically understand the power of "voice". Specifically, the power of "their voices" as students of color. How their voices have authority spoken through their passion that has the impact to change the world. Ultimately, as I continue to progress in my educational career and, in the end, become a teacher working with predominantly black and brown students. I hope to not only encourage my students of color but also to empower them to challenge stereotypes and make their own name for themselves. Simultaneously, using society's expectation for them to fail as a strength and more of a reason to defy its expectation.

I leave my math class in the Madison building and begin walking to the main campus for lunch. When I step outside and cross the busy street, I see an angry man experiencing homelessness yelling at others. My hands begin to shake, and my heart rate increases as I decide if I will cross the street to flee from him or if I should continue forward. As I choose, the man begins to shout at me, "Come this way," I finally decide to cross the street to the other side when he throws something at me. I can recall the look on his face when he shouted at me. It is a cruel-like expression, but I can also see a sadness beneath that judgment. I continue to head for the main campus as I am shaking uncontrollably, and my heart is racing. I put on my headphones and play my favorite song by Elevation Worship, which reminds me that I am safe and centers my soul back to my body. As I continued to the main campus, I saw police cars and police officers around where I was previously. I think to tell them about the encounter I had with the homeless man, but a shock of fear shrivels through my spine as the thought that I would soon become the suspect from the victim only because of the color of my skin. Therefore, I decide to keep this to myself and head back to campus, gluing on a smile when familiar faces walk by. Praying for God's hand to cover me back to campus. The story above describes an encounter I had with a man experiencing homelessness in Seattle. I was a junior at the time and had been going to this urban school for three years. Growing up in this urban environment for school is very difficult because I am a black male attending a predominantly white school in an urban environment. I sometimes encountered situations like the above story, especially with law enforcement. I would always fear for my life and innocence when interacting with police officers because I do not know what their intentions are and if their bias is determined. I try to tell myself that it will be fine and that I can trust them, but something in my soul leads me in another direction, and I try to flee from them. I hope one day to trust police officers, but it is challenging considering the recent police brutalities and harassment towards black communities, especially in the city. Overall, overcoming these situations is difficult, knowing that I will not always know what will happen, but getting through these experiences is easier for me when I have faith. I would usually pray in problems like these and ask God for his hand to cover me with protection daily. I also ask God to calm my fear, knowing he can give me that comfort. In doing that, I would feel led to put my airpods in and play my worship music as each note sung centers me back to earth.