Hello, my name is Marquise Traynham and I'm a junior Management Information Systems student studying at the illustrious North Carolina A&T State University. I like listening to music, reading books, watching sports, weightlifting, and spending time with my friends. My experiences have helped shape me into the man that I am today, but one in particular was the catalyst in shaping my character. I am from a city in upstate New York named Albany. It's where I spent the first six or so years of my life. That place holds a special place in my heart, not because of the city itself, but because of the people who reside within it. Albany is a city full of heart and at first glance isn’t something you’d notice. The reason why I’m getting an education is to show that it doesn’t matter where you come from, an education is always possible when you put your body and mind to it. The reason why I said you wouldn’t notice the city is full of heart is because of the overwhelming violence that happens within it. I’m glad that I was able to leave, but most of my family still live there so I visit a couple times a year and see firsthand how bad it’s gotten over the years. I make this point to illustrate that if I didn’t get out of the city, I’d somehow, someway be wrapped up in the violence. Attending A&T and striving to become the best version of myself was something that was only possible through the help and support of the organizations and people within COBE. Being able to go to conferences, attend symposiums, and work on my interview skills is something that will undoubtedly help me achieve my career goals in business management and data analysis. My passion for Management Information Systems comes from my curiosity about how technology can be used to solve real-world problems and improve people’s lives. I’ve always been fascinated by how data can tell stories, reveal patterns, and drive better decisions, especially in business environments. Over time, I’ve come to see how the combination of technology and management can create opportunities for innovation and efficiency, which is why I’m eager to continue developing my skills in this field. Through my involvement in campus organizations such as the Association of Information Systems and Exceptional Males in Business, I’ve been able to strengthen my leadership abilities, collaborate with diverse teams, and contribute to community service initiatives that reflect my values of growth, service, and perseverance. The Management Information Systems program at North Carolina A&T has provided me with the knowledge and tools necessary to bridge the gap between business strategy and technology. Courses in database management, analytics, and systems development have given me a strong foundation to understand how information systems support organizational success. I plan to use this education not only to build a successful career in business and data analysis but also to inspire and uplift others who come from communities like mine. My goal is to use data-driven decision-making to help organizations become more efficient and inclusive while mentoring the next generation of students who aspire to break barriers. I want my journey to serve as proof that with determination, education, and the right support, it’s possible to rise above challenges and create lasting, positive change in both business and community settings.

The Milan Alexander Memorial Scholarship would be a tremendous support for my educational journey at North Carolina A&T State University, where I am currently a sophomore majoring in Management Information Systems. As a student deeply committed to my studies, being recognized on both the Dean’s List and the Chancellor’s List, I am always striving to excel academically while balancing my responsibilities as an intern for the Exceptional Males in Business Organization. I have spent countless hours researching scholarships and grants when I could have used that time to develop new skills and knowledge. Financial support from the this scholarship would allow me to focus more on my studies and less on the financial burden that often accompanies higher education. It would enable me to access resources and opportunities that could enhance my learning experience, such as attending conferences related to information systems and business, which are crucial for my growth in this field. Additionally, being part of organizations like the Association for Information Systems and Exceptional Males in Business has shown me the value of community and networking. The scholarship would help me continue to engage with these communities, fostering connections that are vital for my future career. This scholarship would not only alleviate financial stress but also empower me to fully immerse myself in my education and extracurricular activities, paving the way for a successful career in management information systems. I am also deeply passionate about technology and its potential to transform businesses and improve lives. This passion led me to pursue a major in Management Information Systems at North Carolina A&T State University. I am fascinated by how technology can streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and create innovative solutions to complex problems. As an intern for the Exceptional Males in Business Organization, I have gained firsthand experience in applying technology to solve real-world business challenges. My educational goal is to become a leader in the field of information systems, where I can drive technological change and help businesses operate more efficiently. I believe that by understanding the intersection of technology and business, I can contribute to creating more inclusive and effective solutions. This scholarship would help me continue my education and work towards achieving these goals. The main organization that I have spent time working with is the Exceptional Males in Business. I am also a member of the Association of Information Systems as well. As for community service, I have done volunteer work for COBE and community service with EMB. The volunteer work that I did for COBE involved helping set up and monitor both wellness day events that the college had. I also helped with the food and drinks. The community service that I did with EMB involved going to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Greensboro and spending time there packing up boxes and serving meals to those in need. The people within the Upper East Greensboro community were very thankful for the work that we did. Being able to help people in a way where the benefit is immediately noticed is something that I greatly appreciate and why I will continue to do community work with EMB and COBE. As for AIS, I haven’t done any volunteer or community work with them yet but they do have many opportunities to choose from such as helping educate the elderly on modern technology and teaching kids about STEM and what it’s about. COBE has helped me in many ways since I first stepped through its doors and I’m always happy to give back to it and the community in any way.

Being a student at North Carolina A&T State University means the world to me. I grew up surrounded by people I call "maybes" - those with the potential to succeed but who lost focus. Hailing from Albany, New York, a city I hold dear not for itself but for its people, I witnessed firsthand the challenges many face. Albany is a city full of heart, often obscured by the violence that plagues it. Most of my family still resides there, and frequent visits highlight the worsening situation. I’m grateful to have escaped a path that could have easily wrapped me in this violence. Attending A&T and striving for personal excellence would not have been possible without the support of the university's organizations and people. Opportunities to attend conferences, symposiums, and develop my professional skills are invaluable as I pursue my goals in business management and data analysis. The lessons I’ve absorbed at A&T will undoubtedly propel my future success, largely due to my involvement in campus organizations. Exceptional Males in Business has been a cornerstone of my experience, and I’ve also been an active member of the Association of Information Systems. My community service journey has included contributions to both the College of Business and Economics (COBE) and EMB. For COBE, I've supported wellness day events by assisting with setup, monitoring, and refreshments. Through EMB, I’ve volunteered at the Second Harvest Food Bank, packing boxes and serving meals. Witnessing the immediate gratitude of the Upper East Greensboro community has been incredibly rewarding and solidified my commitment to ongoing involvement with both organizations. While I haven't yet volunteered with AIS, I’m eager to explore opportunities like educating the elderly about technology or introducing STEM to young minds. COBE has been a transformative force in my academic journey, and I’m dedicated to giving back to both the college and the broader Greensboro community. I want to graduate from North Carolina A&T State University, with a 3.5 GPA or higher, and debt-free. Graduating cum laude or higher shows potential employers that I am motivated and attentive, capable of achieving peak results. I’ve always loved learning and I want that to reflect through my academic achievements. That commitment and dedication, I hope, will also allow me to graduate without debt. I want to continue growing and expanding my knowledge, but I don’t want it to hinder my future in the process. My mother earned her Associates degree in Psychology. Now 20 years later, I bear witness to the challenges and turmoil she continues to endure to pay those loans back. 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. Ultimately, I want my experience to have been a worthy investment, from my on campus experiences to my career opportunities upon graduating.

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.