My name is Marquise Traynham, and I am currently a sophomore at North Carolina A&T State University, where I am majoring in Management Information Systems. Growing up as a Black man, I have always been aware of the challenges and disparities that exist in the world, and I have been determined to use my education as a tool to help bridge these gaps. My interest in technology and management stems from a desire to innovate and create solutions that can make a difference in my community and beyond. At North Carolina A&T, I am part of a vibrant community that encourages growth and excellence. I am currently an intern for an organization on campus called the Exceptional Males in Business. This opportunity has allowed me to network with professionals, learn more about life after college, and share my knowledge with other like-minded individuals. Through this experience, I have gained valuable insights into the business world and developed skills that are essential for my future career. The Anthony B. Davis Scholarship would significantly impact my educational journey. It would alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with pursuing higher education, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on the stress of tuition fees. With this scholarship, I would be able to take full advantage of the opportunities available at my university, such as participating in additional internships and attending workshops that are crucial for my professional development. Additionally, receiving this scholarship would be a validation of my hard work and dedication. It would reinforce my belief that I am on the right path and motivate me to continue striving for excellence. I am committed to using the knowledge and skills I gain to contribute positively to society. My goal is to work in a role where I can lead projects that integrate technology and management to solve pressing issues, especially those affecting marginalized communities. In addition, I am passionate about mentoring and uplifting others. As I advance in my career, I hope to inspire young people from similar backgrounds to pursue their dreams in technology and management. I want to show them that with determination and support, they too can achieve their goals and make a meaningful impact. In conclusion, the Anthony B. Davis Scholarship would be a pivotal support in my academic and career pursuits. It would not only help me financially but also empower me to continue working towards my dream of becoming a leader in the field of Information Sciences and Management. I am eager to contribute to a future where technology serves as a bridge for equality and opportunity, and this scholarship would be a crucial step in making that future a reality. Thank you for considering my application.

My name is Marquise Traynham, and I am a sophomore at North Carolina A&T State University, majoring in Business Management with a concentration in Management Information Systems. As I reflect on the life of India Terrell, I am inspired by her compassion, kindness, and dedication to serving others. These values resonate deeply with me, and I strive to incorporate them into my own life and future goals. One personal experience that stands out to me is when I volunteered at a local community center in my hometown. The center was hosting a summer program for kids, providing them with a safe space to learn and play while their parents were at work. I initially joined the program to fulfill volunteer hours, but it quickly became much more than that. I found myself drawn to the kids, many of whom came from challenging backgrounds. I realized that, like India, I had the power to make a positive impact on their lives through simple acts of kindness and understanding. During my time there, I organized a small project where the kids could learn basic computer skills. I noticed that many of them were curious about technology but had limited access to it. By teaching them how to use computers, I hoped to spark an interest that could lead to greater opportunities in the future. Watching their eyes light up as they learned something new was incredibly rewarding, and it reinforced my desire to use my knowledge in Information Sciences to help others. This experience taught me that even small efforts can have a significant impact, and it motivated me to continue seeking ways to support my community. This experience has influenced my academic and personal goals by solidifying my commitment to using technology as a tool for empowerment. I aim to bridge the digital divide and create opportunities for underrepresented communities, particularly those of color. As a Black man, I understand the importance of representation and access, and I want to ensure that others have the resources they need to succeed. My academic journey is fueled by the desire to make technology accessible and beneficial for everyone, regardless of their background. Looking ahead, I envision carrying forward India's legacy of compassion and service by pursuing a career that combines my passion for technology with community outreach. I aspire to work with organizations that focus on digital literacy and education, providing programs and workshops that empower individuals with the skills they need in today's digital world. Additionally, I hope to mentor young people, especially those from similar backgrounds as mine, to inspire them to pursue their dreams and give back to their communities. By doing so, I believe I can help create a cycle of kindness and empowerment that extends far beyond my immediate reach. In conclusion, India's legacy is one that I hold close to my heart. Her dedication to serving others is a guiding light for my own journey. By continuing to demonstrate compassion and kindness in my actions, I believe I can make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Through my academic pursuits and future career, I am committed to honoring her legacy and contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society.

My self-esteem is something that I’ve been working on for all my life. I’ve spent countless hours trying to reassure myself that I’m enough. Throughout my schooling career before A&T it took everything in me day by day to keep going. To be honest, some days I truly thought that I couldn’t do it. But, because of my family and God, I was able to persevere and strive for greatness. When I was looking at universities and colleges to attend, one of my main goals was to find a school where I could be comfortable with being myself. The reason why middle and high school were so hard for me was because I was forced to be someone I wasn’t; talk a different way, sometimes dress a different way and overall, just be someone I couldn’t love. These were the main reasons why I decided to attend an HBCU. I've always loved technology since was a kid so when picking out a career I knew it had to be tech-related. Since STEM is going to be in demand for years to come, I wanted my career choice to reflect that. In my senior year of high school I had an internship with a local business in my area. During the internship, I learned valuable management skills that ultimately made me decide that I wanted to have a career in management. So, when I was applying to A&T, I chose Management Information Systems as my major and haven't looked back since.

My educational goals are to graduate from North Carolina A&T State University with a 3.5 GPA or higher and debt-free. I want to graduate with a 3.5 GPA or higher because it shows to potential employers when I come out of college that I am motivated and attentive to whatever I might do. I’ve always loved learning and I want that to reflect in my grades. Maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher is crucial to me. This demonstrates to potential employers a dedication to learning and a strong work ethic – qualities I believe are essential for success in data analysis. My passion for knowledge extends beyond the classroom, and a high GPA reflects the commitment I bring to every endeavor. Second, I want to graduate debt-free. My mother went to community college and got an associate's degree in psychology. To this day she is still paying off her student loans from 20 years ago. Seeing the pain and turmoil that having those loans does to her troubles me. Witnessing the long-term burden of student loans on my mother, who still grapples with payments from her psychology degree earned two decades ago, has deeply impacted me. While I yearn for a top-notch education, I refuse to let it come at the cost of future opportunities. To achieve this goal, I've dedicated countless hours to scholarship applications and grant research. Minimizing financial constraints will allow me to fully immerse myself in my data analysis career without the constant worry of looming monthly loan payments. This financial freedom will fuel my focus and propel me towards achieving my professional aspirations. I want to gain an education, but I don’t want it to hinder my future opportunities in the process. Because of this, I’ve spent countless hours applying for scholarships and learning more about grants to hopefully put myself in the right position to graduate debt-free. I want to be able to focus on my career in data analysis and not have to worry about making sure I made the monthly payments for my loans on time. While maintaining a high GPA and financial responsibility may seem like a demanding path, I am confident that my unwavering work ethic and dedication will pave the way for a successful future at North Carolina A&T State University and beyond. By combining academic excellence with a debt-free degree, I aim to enter the workforce with a strong foundation and the freedom to pursue my full potential in the exciting field of data analysis.

Although I don't plan to major in education I am very passionate about helping other people learn new ideas and concepts. My teachers throughout my years in elementary, middle, and high school all shared one common goal: to help others learn. I used not only what they taught me in their respective subjects to help my career choices but I also used their teachings to facilitate others around me as well. I believe that people should have the right to learn about anything they choose because it's what we as humans are designed from birth to do. Learning is a fundamental part of human experiences and is something that I wish to do for the rest of my life. Even though I don't plan to major in education I do wish to help people learn in any capacity, whether that be about a math concept or a certain strategy in a video game. Most of the friendships that I've made throughout my life have been because of me either teaching someone how to do something or learning something from another person. Being able to help people understand things is one of my favorite things to witness. The sparkle in their eyes when they connect the dots is something I'll always remember for the rest of my time on this earth. I can't say I necessarily have a plan to leave a lasting impact on the people I teach. I feel like you'll know if you've left a lasting impact on someone that you've taught if you see them teaching that idea or concept to another person. But if I were to have an actual plan it would involve lots of reassurance and trial and error. I believe that people learn best when you just let them try to do it themselves first then go in and help them out based on what they're confused about or got wrong. It's a perfect way for them to understand what's being taught and how to recognize errors without completely holding their hand. Trial and error is an essential part of the learning process. Mistakes should be seen as valuable learning opportunities rather than failures. When students encounter difficulties or make errors, I would step in to guide them based on what they are confused about or got wrong. By addressing their specific challenges, I can provide targeted support and help them gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter. In conclusion, my plan to leave a lasting impact would involve empowering my students to become independent learners. By fostering their curiosity, resilience, and self-reliance, I aim to equip them with the skills and mindset necessary for lifelong learning. If they can apply the knowledge and concepts they have learned to teach others, that would be a testament to the lasting impact I have made on their lives.