After suffering a soccer career-ending ACL injury, facing life without the one thing that I felt defined me sent me into one of the darkest places of my life. I felt hopeless and lost. Forced to sit in a place of uncertainty and reflect on my true purpose in life, I had to decide how to use this tragedy as a stepping stone and not a stumbling block. I had to look inward despite the depression and loneliness and redefine who I was and what I believed. I truly did not know where I fit in and how this injury would propel me to help others. The ACL injury opened my eyes to the frustrations that students face when returning to school after an orthopedic injury and the bouts of depression and isolation that would occur. As I began to work on my spring Independent Research Project, I wanted to address the barriers and challenges of returning to school following a temporary orthopedic injury and seek to create a reentry checklist for students once they return to campus. This checklist would minimize barriers and offer mental health support. In many ways, I knew that confronting the darkest part of my life would not only help my classmates but also help me to heal mentally. I am proud to say the Return to Texas High School Orthopedic Injury Checklist is currently being implemented at Texas High School for all students. It addresses the physical challenges and limitations associated with navigating a 72-acre campus, schedule restrictions, student advocacy, mental health support, planned routes of travel, and assistance with required books, materials, and technology. Parents and students are now able to meet with the school nurse and Academic Advisors and create a reentry plan that maximizes student success and overall well-being. No other student will have to fight through what I did without advocates fighting alongside them. Because of this tragedy, I believe my love for advocacy has grown exponentially. Throughout high school, I have poured my soul into giving a voice to the voiceless and helping those in need. I advocate and volunteer not only because it helps others, but it gives my life meaning and purpose. I have learned that reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. This scholarship would not only help me to reach my college dream of becoming an Anesthesiologist but also allow me to continue serving others through the medical field. I plan to continue my education at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. I want to provide quality care to patients before, during and after medical procedures. I believe my quest to excel academically, ability to calmly handle stressful situations, attention to details, along with my calm and caring demeanor make me an excellent candidate for this line of work. Currently, 5.7% of anesthesiologists are African American and within that percentage only 7% are females. I will increase that percentage. I know this won't be easy but it is definitely attainable. I am willing to put in the work and long hours to reach my dreams. Receiving this scholarship will help me financially secure my place at Spelman. With tuition rates exceeding $45,000 a year and my plan to attend medical school, I know the financial burden my dreams will place on my family. I believe my career path will allow me to continue to give back to our community and become a vital member of society.

After suffering a career-ending ACL injury, facing life without the one thing that I felt defined me sent me into one of the darkest places of my life. I felt hopeless and lost. Forced to sit in a place of uncertainty and reflect on my true purpose in life, I had to decide how to use this tragedy as a stepping stone and not a stumbling block. I had to look inward despite the depression and loneliness and redefine who I was and what I believed. I truly did not know where I fit in and how this injury would propel me to help others. The ACL injury opened my eyes to the frustrations that students face when returning to school after an orthopedic injury and the bouts of depression and isolation that would occur. As I began to work on my spring Independent Research Project, I wanted to address the barriers and challenges of returning to school following a temporary orthopedic injury and seek to create a reentry checklist for students once they return to campus. This checklist would minimize barriers and offer mental health support. In many ways, I knew that confronting the darkest part of my life would not only help my classmates but also help me to heal mentally. I am proud to say the Return to Texas High School Orthopedic Injury Checklist is currently being implemented at Texas High School for all students. It addresses the physical challenges and limitations associated with navigating a 72-acre campus, schedule restrictions, student advocacy, mental health support, planned routes of travel, and assistance with required books, materials, and technology. Parents and students are now able to meet with the school nurse and Academic Advisors and create a reentry plan that maximizes student success and overall well-being. No other student will have to fight through what I did without advocates fighting alongside them. Because of this tragedy, I believe my love for advocacy has grown exponentially. Throughout high school, I have poured my soul into giving a voice to the voiceless and helping those in need. I advocate and volunteer not only because it helps others, but it gives my life meaning and purpose. I have learned that reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. This scholarship would not only help me to reach my college dream of becoming an Anesthesiologist but also allow me to continue serving others through the medical field. I plan to continue my education at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. I want to provide quality care to patients before, during and after medical procedures. I believe my quest to excel academically, ability to calmly handle stressful situations, attention to details, along with my calm and caring demeanor make me an excellent candidate for this line of work. Currently, 5.7% of anesthesiologists are African American and within that percentage only 7% are females. I will increase that percentage. I know this won't be easy but it is definitely attainable. I am willing to put in the work and long hours to reach my dreams. Receiving this scholarship will help me financially secure my place at Spelman. With tuition rates exceeding $45,000 a year and my plan to attend medical school, I know the financial burden my dreams will place on my family. I believe my career path will allow me to continue to give back to our community and become a vital member of society.

A community without volunteers is like having a really good pie with no crust. Sure, you could eat the pie, but think of how much better it would be with that nice golden brown buttery crust. A volunteer is the crust that binds the community together. It enriches and enhances the lives of everyone around them making this journey of life more enjoyable and worthwhile. True volunteers are not consumed with recognition and accolades. They are driven by the passion to leave the community around them in a better place. They often move in silence and work behind the scenes. For the person who volunteers, each time you learn a little bit more about yourself. About your values, your self-worth, and all mankind. You gain empathy and not sympathy, allowing yourself to walk in someone else’s shoes. You avoid feeling sorry for them, but rather, you feel the urge to fight alongside them. As a servant leader, it is my job to make the lives of everyone around me better and use the platforms that I serve to make our community a better place. Over my high school career, I have volunteered over 500 hours in the community and school. For me, leadership is using my voice, time, and energy to create change that will last beyond my time in the leadership role. One of the leadership roles that I’m most proud of is serving as the Director of Community Service and Fundraising for the Rosebuds Garden Club. I was able to spearhead worthwhile projects that will have a lasting effect on those individuals whom we were able to serve. First, we held a children’s book drive in recognition of National Family Literacy Month. Not only did our organization collect and distribute over 500 books to students in grades pre-K through two, but we also encouraged parents to participate in National Family Literacy Month by doing the following: set aside time each day for reading, keep books visible around the house, make regular visits to the library, and read the book version of your child’s favorite movie. Second, we partnered with the Randy Sams Outreach Shelter, Inc., and the Lonoke Baptist Church Outreach to provide over 1000 personal hygiene items for the unhoused community. Because we understand that not having proper hygiene, not only poses potential physical health problems, but it can also affect a person mentally we wanted to alleviate those burdens. The values ingrained in me by the years and hours of volunteering will continue into adulthood. I understand fully my “why” behind volunteering so the “what” I do is second nature. My mother often says, “Your struggles today won’t keep you from your happiness tomorrow.” Realizing that each struggle my fellow man endures is a stepping stone to greater success is what keeps me focused and yearning to give more and do more. Receiving this scholarship will help me financially secure my place at Spelman. With tuition rates exceeding $45,000 a year and my plan to attend medical school, I know the financial burden my dreams will place on my family. I believe my career path will allow me to continue to give back to our community and become a vital member.

In the fall of 2021, as I was entering high school, my life as a soccer player came crashing down. After suffering, a career-ending ACL injury, facing life, without the one thing that I felt defined me sent me into one of the darkest places of my life. I felt hopeless and lost. Forced to sit in a place of uncertainty and reflect on my true purpose in life, I had to decide how to use this tragedy as a stepping stone and not a stumbling block. I had to look inward despite the depression and loneliness and redefine who I was and what I believed. I truly did not know where I fit in and how this injury would propel me to help others. The ACL injury opened my eyes to the frustrations that students face when returning to school after an orthopedic injury and the bouts of depression and isolation that would occur. As I began to work on my spring Independent Research Project, I wanted to address the barriers and challenges of returning to school following a temporary orthopedic injury and seek to create a reentry checklist for students once they return to campus. This checklist would minimize barriers and offer mental health support. In many ways, I knew that confronting the darkest part of my life would not only help my classmates but also help me to heal mentally. After months of collecting data, researching, and interviewing multiple students, I am proud to say the Return to Texas High School Orthopedic Injury Checklist is currently being implemented at Texas High School for all students. It addresses the physical challenges and limitations associated with navigating a 72-acre campus, schedule restrictions, student advocacy, mental health support, planned routes of travel, and assistance with required books, materials, and technology. Parents and students are now able to meet with the school nurse and Academic Advisors and create a plan for reentry that maximizes student success and overall well-being. No other student will have to fight through what I did without advocates fighting alongside them. Because of this tragedy, I believe my love for advocacy has grown exponentially. Throughout high school, I have poured my soul into giving a voice to the voiceless and helping those in need by volunteering more than 500 hours. I advocate and volunteer not only because it helps others, but it gives my life meaning and purpose. I have learned that reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. I plan to continue my education at Spelman College. My educational goal is to become an anesthesiologist and provide quality care to patients before, during and after medical procedures. I believe my quest to excel academically, ability to calmly handle stressful situations, attention to details, along with my calm and caring demeanor make me an excellent candidate for this line of work. I am willing to put in the work and long hours to reach my dreams.

A community without volunteers is like having a really good pie with no crust. Sure, you could eat the pie, but think of how much better it would be with that nice golden brown buttery crust. For me, that is the same thing with volunteerism. A volunteer is the crust that binds the community together. It enriches and enhances the lives of everyone around them making this journey of life more enjoyable and worthwhile. True volunteers are not consumed with recognition and accolades. They are driven by the passion to leave the community around them in a better place. They often move in silence and work behind the scenes. For the person who volunteers, each time you learn a little bit more about yourself. About your values, your self-worth, and all mankind. You gain empathy and not sympathy, allowing yourself to walk in someone else’s shoes. You avoid feeling sorry for them, but rather, you feel the urge to fight alongside them. Serving fellow students, school, and the community in leadership roles by volunteering is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding things a person can do. As a servant leader, it is my job to make the lives of everyone around me better and use the platforms that I serve to make our community a better place. Over my high school career, I have volunteered over 500 hours in the community and school. Leadership is using my voice, time, and energy to create change that will last beyond my time in the leadership role. One of the leadership roles that I’m most proud of is serving as the Director of Community Service and Fundraising for the Rosebuds Garden Club. While serving in this role, I was able to spearhead worthwhile projects that will have a lasting effect on those individuals whom we were able to serve. First, we held a children’s book drive in recognition of National Family Literacy Month. Not only did our organization collect and distribute over 500 books to students in grades pre-K through two, but we also encouraged parents to participate in National Family Literacy Month by doing the following: set aside time each day for reading, keep books visible around the house, make regular visits to the library, read the book version of your child’s favorite movie, and organize a children’s book club with friends in the neighborhood. Second, we partnered with the Randy Sams Outreach Shelter, Inc., and the Lonoke Baptist Church Outreach to provide over 1000 personal hygiene items for the unhoused community. Because we understand that not having proper hygiene, not only poses potential physical health problems, but it can also affect a person mentally we wanted to alleviate those burdens. The values ingrained in me by the years and hours of volunteering will continue into adulthood. I understand fully my “why” behind volunteering so the “what” I do is second nature. My mother often says, “Your struggles today won’t keep you from your happiness tomorrow.” Realizing that each struggle my fellow man endorses is a stepping stone to greater success is what keeps me focused and yearning to give more and do more.

Allowing your identity to be solely defined by the organizations and activities you participate in is a pitfall that many students fall into. Isn’t it amazing how the best thing that could ever happen to you could conversely become the one thing that almost destroys your soul? For me, that identity was shaped by my love for soccer. A sport that allowed me to play with passion, embodies the meaning of teamwork, and physically gain strength and determination, soccer was more than something I enjoyed. I began playing at the age of three, playing local recreational soccer and then joining a travel soccer team. Soccer was a year-round sport that consumed the majority of my free time. I allowed it to become who I was without ever thinking about what life would look like without it. In the fall of 2021, as I was entering high school, my life as a soccer player came crashing down. After suffering, a career-ending ACL injury, facing life, without the one thing that I felt defined me sent me into one of the darkest places of my life. I felt hopeless and lost. Forced to sit in a place of uncertainty and reflect on my true purpose in life, I had to decide how to use this tragedy as a stepping stone and not a stumbling block. I had to look inward despite the depression and loneliness and redefine who I was and what I believed. I truly did not know where I fit in and how this injury would propel me to help others. The ACL injury opened my eyes to the frustrations that students face when returning to school after an orthopedic injury and the bouts of depression and isolation that would occur. As I began to work on my spring Independent Research Project, I wanted to address the barriers and challenges of returning to school following a temporary orthopedic injury and seek to create a reentry checklist for students once they return to campus. This checklist would minimize barriers and offer mental health support. In many ways, I knew that confronting the darkest part of my life would not only help my classmates but also help me to heal mentally. After months of collecting data, researching, and interviewing multiple students, I am proud to say the Return to Texas High School Orthopedic Injury Checklist is currently being implemented at Texas High School for all students. It addresses the physical challenges and limitations associated with navigating a 72-acre campus, schedule restrictions, student advocacy, mental health support, planned routes of travel, and assistance with required books, materials, and technology. Parents and students are now able to meet with the school nurse and Academic Advisors and create a plan for reentry that maximizes student success and overall well-being. No other student will have to fight through what I did without advocates fighting alongside them. Because of this tragedy, I believe my love for advocacy has grown exponentially. Throughout high school, I have poured my soul into giving a voice to the voice list and helping those in need. I advocate and volunteer not only because it helps others, but it gives my life meaning and purpose. I have learned that reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. This scholarship would not only help me to reach my college dream of becoming an Anesthesiologist but also allow me to continue serving others through the medical field.

Success, by definition, is the degree or measure of succeeding. Without hardships, setbacks, and obstacles, you will never be able to measure what true success means. For some, those hardships and struggles are seen in the public eye for all to witness. For others, they are private battles. Battles hid away from friends and family giving the false appearance that life is perfect. As I begin to navigate the world of young adulthood and continue to make decisions that will affect my life and future earning potential, I understand that obstacles are a natural part of life. There is no way to avoid them or pretend they don’t exist. The power lies in how you approach those obstacles and the grit and tenacity it takes to overcome each one. Allowing your identity to be solely defined by the organizations and activities you participate in is a pitfall that many students fall into. Isn’t it amazing how the best thing that could ever happen to you could conversely become the one thing that almost destroys your soul? For me, that identity was shaped by my love for soccer. A sport that allowed me to play with passion, embodies the meaning of teamwork, and physically gain strength and determination, soccer was more than something I enjoyed. I began playing at the age of three, playing local recreational soccer and then joining a travel soccer team. I allowed it to become who I was without ever thinking about what life would look like without it. In fall of 2021, as I was entering high school, my life as a soccer player came crashing down. After suffering, a career-ending ACL injury, facing life, without the one thing that I felt defined me sent me into one of the darkest places of my life. I felt hopeless and lost. Forced to sit in a place of uncertainty and reflect on my true purpose in life, I had to decide how to use this tragedy as a stepping stone and not a stumbling block. I had to look inward despite the depression and loneliness and redefine who I was and what I believed. I truly did not know where I fit in and how this injury would propel me to help others. The ACL injury opened my eyes to the frustrations that students face when returning to school after an orthopedic injury and the bouts of depression and isolation that would occur. As I began to work on my spring Independent Research Project, I wanted to address the barriers and challenges of returning to school following a temporary orthopedic injury and seek to create a reentry checklist for students once they return to campus. This checklist would minimize barriers and offer mental health support. In many ways, I knew that confronting the darkest part of my life would not only help my classmates but also help me to heal mentally. No other student will have to fight through what I did without advocates fighting alongside them. Because of this tragedy, I believe my love for advocacy has grown exponentially. Throughout high school, I have poured my soul into giving a voice to the voice list and helping those in need. I advocate and volunteer not only because it helps others, but it gives my life meaning and purpose. I have learned that reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. This scholarship would not only help me to reach my college dream of becoming an Anesthesiologist but also allow me to continue serving others through the medical field.

Success, by definition, is the degree or measure of succeeding. Without hardships, setbacks, and obstacles, you will never be able to measure what true success means. For some, those hardships and struggles are seen in the public eye for all to witness. For others, they are private battles. Battles hid away from friends and family giving the false appearance that life is perfect. As I begin to navigate the world of young adulthood and continue to make decisions that will affect my life and future earning potential, I understand that obstacles are a natural part of life. There is no way to avoid them or pretend they don’t exist. The power lies in how you approach those obstacles and the grit and tenacity it takes to overcome each one. Allowing your identity to be solely defined by the organizations and activities you participate in is a pitfall that many students fall into. Isn’t it amazing how the best thing that could ever happen to you could conversely become the one thing that almost destroys your soul? For me, that identity was shaped by my love for soccer. A sport that allowed me to play with passion, embodies the meaning of teamwork, and physically gain strength and determination, soccer was more than something I enjoyed. I began playing at the age of three, playing local recreational soccer and then joining a travel soccer team. Soccer was a year-round sport that consumed the majority of my free time. I allowed it to become who I was without ever thinking about what life would look like without it. In the fall of 2021, as I was entering high school, my life as a soccer player came crashing down. After suffering, a career-ending ACL injury, facing life, without the one thing that I felt defined me sent me into one of the darkest places of my life. I felt hopeless and lost. Forced to sit in a place of uncertainty and reflect on my true purpose in life, I had to decide how to use this tragedy as a stepping stone and not a stumbling block. I had to look inward despite the depression and loneliness and redefine who I was and what I believed. I truly did not know where I fit in and how this injury would propel me to help others. The ACL injury opened my eyes to the frustrations that students face when returning to school after an orthopedic injury and the bouts of depression and isolation that would occur. As I began to work on my spring Independent Research Project, I wanted to address the barriers and challenges of returning to school following a temporary orthopedic injury and seek to create a reentry checklist for students once they return to campus. This checklist would minimize barriers and offer mental health support. In many ways, I knew that confronting the darkest part of my life would not only help my classmates but also help me to heal mentally. After months of collecting data, researching, and interviewing multiple students, I am proud to say the Return to Texas High School Orthopedic Injury Checklist is currently being implemented at Texas High School for all students. It addresses the physical challenges and limitations associated with navigating a 72-acre campus, schedule restrictions, student advocacy, mental health support, planned routes of travel, and assistance with required books, materials, and technology. Parents and students are now able to meet with the school nurse and Academic Advisors and create a plan for reentry that maximizes student success and overall well-being. No other student will have to fight through what I did without advocates fighting alongside them. Because of this tragedy, I believe my love for advocacy has grown exponentially. Throughout high school, I have poured my soul into giving a voice to the voice list and helping those in need. I advocate and volunteer not only because it helps others, but it gives my life meaning and purpose. I have learned that reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. This scholarship would not only help me to reach my college dream of becoming an Anesthesiologist but also allow me to continue serving others through the medical field.

Success, by definition, is the degree or measure of succeeding. Without hardships, setbacks, and obstacles, you will never be able to measure what true success means. For some, those hardships and struggles are seen in the public eye for all to witness. For others, they are private battles. Battles hid away from friends and family giving the false appearance that life is perfect. As I begin to navigate the world of young adulthood and continue to make decisions that will affect my life and future earning potential, I understand that obstacles are a natural part of life. There is no way to avoid them or pretend they don’t exist. The power lies in how you approach those obstacles and the grit and tenacity it takes to overcome each one. Allowing your identity to be solely defined by the organizations and activities you participate in is a pitfall that many students fall into. Isn’t it amazing how the best thing that could ever happen to you could conversely become the one thing that almost destroys your soul? For me, that identity was shaped by my love for soccer. A sport that allowed me to play with passion, embodies the meaning of teamwork, and physically gain strength and determination, soccer was more than something I enjoyed. I began playing at the age of three, playing local recreational soccer and then joining a travel soccer team. Soccer was a year-round sport that consumed the majority of my free time. I allowed it to become who I was without ever thinking about what life would look like without it. In the fall of 2021, as I was entering high school, my life as a soccer player came crashing down. After suffering, a career-ending ACL injury, facing life, without the one thing that I felt defined me sent me into one of the darkest places of my life. I felt hopeless and lost. Forced to sit in a place of uncertainty and reflect on my true purpose in life, I had to decide how to use this tragedy as a stepping stone and not a stumbling block. I had to look inward despite the depression and loneliness and redefine who I was and what I believed. I truly did not know where I fit in and how this injury would propel me to help others. The ACL injury opened my eyes to the frustrations that students face when returning to school after an orthopedic injury and the bouts of depression and isolation that would occur. As I began to work on my spring Independent Research Project, I wanted to address the barriers and challenges of returning to school following a temporary orthopedic injury and seek to create a reentry checklist for students once they return to campus. This checklist would minimize barriers and offer mental health support. In many ways, I knew that confronting the darkest part of my life would not only help my classmates but also help me to heal mentally.

Success, by definition, is the degree or measure of succeeding. Without hardships, setbacks, and obstacles, you will never be able to measure what true success means. For some, those hardships and struggles are seen in the public eye for all to witness. For others, they are private battles. Battles hid away from friends and family giving the false appearance that life is perfect. As I begin to navigate the world of young adulthood and continue to make decisions that will affect my life and future earning potential, I understand that obstacles are a natural part of life. There is no way to avoid them or pretend they don’t exist. The power lies in how you approach those obstacles and the grit and tenacity it takes to overcome each one. Allowing your identity to be solely defined by the organizations and activities you participate in is a pitfall that many students fall into. Isn’t it amazing how the best thing that could ever happen to you could conversely become the one thing that almost destroys your soul? For me, that identity was shaped by my love for soccer. A sport that allowed me to play with passion, embodies the meaning of teamwork, and physically gain strength and determination, soccer was more than something I enjoyed. I began playing at the age of three, playing local recreational soccer and then joining a travel soccer team. Soccer was a year-round sport that consumed the majority of my free time. I allowed it to become who I was without ever thinking about what life would look like without it. In the fall of 2021, as I was entering high school, my life as a soccer player came crashing down. After suffering, a career-ending ACL injury, facing life, without the one thing that I felt defined me sent me into one of the darkest places of my life. I felt hopeless and lost. Forced to sit in a place of uncertainty and reflect on my true purpose in life, I had to decide how to use this tragedy as a stepping stone and not a stumbling block. I had to look inward despite the depression and loneliness and redefine who I was and what I believed. I truly did not know where I fit in and how this injury would propel me to help others. The ACL injury opened my eyes to the frustrations that students face when returning to school after an orthopedic injury and the bouts of depression and isolation that would occur. As I began to work on my spring Independent Research Project, I wanted to address the barriers and challenges of returning to school following a temporary orthopedic injury and seek to create a reentry checklist for students once they return to campus. This checklist would minimize barriers and offer mental health support. In many ways, I knew that confronting the darkest part of my life would not only help my classmates but also help me to heal mentally.

In 2021 as I was entering high school, my life as a soccer player came crashing down. After suffering a career-ending ACL injury, facing life without the one thing that I felt defined me sent me into one of the darkest places of my life. I felt hopeless and lost. Forced to sit in a place of uncertainty and reflect on my true purpose in life, I had to decide how to use this tragedy as a stepping stone and not a stumbling block. I had to look inward despite the depression and loneliness and redefine who I was and what I believed. I truly did not know where I fit in and how this injury would propel me to help others. The ACL injury opened my eyes to the frustrations that students face when returning to school after an orthopedic injury and the bouts of depression and isolation that would occur. As I began to work on my spring Independent Research Project, I wanted to address the barriers and challenges of returning to school following a temporary orthopedic injury and seek to create a reentry checklist for students once they return to campus. This checklist would minimize barriers and offer mental health support. In many ways, I knew that confronting the darkest part of my life would not only help my classmates but also help me to heal mentally. I am proud to say the Return to Texas High School Orthopedic Injury Checklist is currently being implemented at Texas High School for all students. It addresses the physical challenges and limitations associated with navigating a 72-acre campus, schedule restrictions, student advocacy, mental health support, planned routes of travel, and assistance with required books, materials, and technology. Parents and students are now able to meet with the school nurse and Academic Advisors and create a reentry plan that maximizes student success and overall well-being. No other student will have to fight through what I did without advocates fighting alongside them. Because of this tragedy, I believe my love for advocacy has grown exponentially. Throughout high school, I have poured my soul into giving a voice to the voice list and helping those in need. I advocate and volunteer not only because it helps others, but it gives my life meaning and purpose. I have learned that reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. This scholarship would not only help me to reach my college dream of becoming an Anesthesiologist but also allow me to continue serving others through the medical field. Serving fellow students, school, and the community in leadership roles and volunteering is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding things a person can do. As a servant leader, it is my job to make the lives of everyone around me better and use the platforms that I serve to make our community a better place. Over my high school career, I have volunteered over 500 hours. For me, leadership is using my voice, time, and energy to create change that will last beyond my time in the leadership role. One of the leadership roles that I’m most proud of is serving as the Director of Community Service and Fundraising for the Rosebuds Garden Club. We partnered with the Randy Sams Outreach Shelter, Inc., and the Lonoke Baptist church outreach to provide over 1000 personal hygiene items for the unhoused community. Because we understand that not having proper hygiene, not only poses potential physical health problems, but it can also affect a person mentally we wanted to alleviate those burdens.

A community without volunteers is like having a really good pie with no crust. Sure, you could eat the pie, but think of how much better it would be with that nice golden brown buttery crust. For me, that is the same thing with volunteerism. A volunteer is the crust that binds the community together. It enriches and enhances the lives of everyone around them making this journey of life more enjoyable and worthwhile. True volunteers are not consumed with recognition and accolades. They are driven by the passion to leave the community around them in a better place. They often move in silence and work behind the scenes. For the person who volunteers, each time you learn a little bit more about yourself. About your values, your self-worth, and all mankind. You gain empathy and not sympathy, allowing yourself to walk in someone else’s shoes. You avoid feeling sorry for them, but rather, you feel the urge to fight alongside them. Serving fellow students, school, and the community in leadership roles by volunteering is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding things a person can do. As a servant leader, it is my job to make the lives of everyone around me better and use the platforms that I serve to make our community a better place. Over my high school career, I have volunteered over 500 hours in the community and school. Leadership is using my voice, time, and energy to create change that will last beyond my time in the leadership role. One of the leadership roles that I’m most proud of is serving as the Director of Community Service and Fundraising for the Rosebuds Garden Club. While serving in this role, I was able to spearhead worthwhile projects that will have a lasting effect on those individuals whom we were able to serve. First, we held a children’s book drive in recognition of National Family Literacy Month. Not only did our organization collect and distribute over 500 books to students in grades pre-K through two, but we also encouraged parents to participate in National Family Literacy Month by doing the following: set aside time each day for reading, keep books visible around the house, make regular visits to the library, read the book version of your child’s favorite movie, and organize a children’s book club with friends in the neighborhood. Second, we partnered with the Randy Sams Outreach Shelter, Inc., and the Lonoke Baptist Church Outreach to provide over 1000 personal hygiene items for the unhoused community. Because we understand that not having proper hygiene, not only poses potential physical health problems, but it can also affect a person mentally we wanted to alleviate those burdens. The values ingrained in me by the years and hours of volunteering will continue into adulthood. I understand fully my “why” behind volunteering so the “what” I do is second nature. My mother often says, “Your struggles today won’t keep you from your happiness tomorrow.” Realizing that each struggle my fellow man endorses is a stepping stone to greater success is what keeps me focused and yearning to give more and do more.

A community without volunteers is like having a really good pie with no crust. Sure, you could eat the pie, but think of how much better it would be with that nice golden brown buttery crust. A volunteer is the crust that binds the community together. It enriches and enhances the lives of everyone around them making this journey of life more enjoyable and worthwhile. True volunteers are not consumed with recognition and accolades. They are driven by the passion to leave the community around them in a better place. They often move in silence and work behind the scenes. For the person who volunteers, each time you learn a little bit more about yourself. About your values, your self-worth, and all mankind. You gain empathy and not sympathy, allowing yourself to walk in someone else’s shoes. You avoid feeling sorry for them, but rather, you feel the urge to fight alongside them. Serving fellow students, school, and the community in leadership roles by volunteering is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding things a person can do. As a servant leader, it is my job to make the lives of everyone around me better and use the platforms that I serve to make our community a better place. Over my high school career, I have volunteered over 500 hours in the community and school. Leadership is using my voice, time, and energy to create change that will last beyond my time in the leadership role. One of the leadership roles that I’m most proud of is serving as the Director of Community Service and Fundraising for the Rosebuds Garden Club. I was able to spearhead worthwhile projects that will have a lasting effect on those individuals whom we were able to serve. First, we held a children’s book drive in recognition of National Family Literacy Month. Not only did our organization collect and distribute over 500 books to students in grades pre-K through two, but we also encouraged parents to participate in National Family Literacy Month by doing the following: set aside time each day for reading, keep books visible around the house, make regular visits to the library, and read the book version of your child’s favorite movie. Second, we partnered with the Randy Sams Outreach Shelter, Inc., and the Lonoke Baptist Church Outreach to provide over 1000 personal hygiene items for the unhoused community. Because we understand that not having proper hygiene, not only poses potential physical health problems, but it can also affect a person mentally we wanted to alleviate those burdens. The values ingrained in me by the years and hours of volunteering will continue into adulthood. I understand fully my “why” behind volunteering so the “what” I do is second nature. My mother often says, “Your struggles today won’t keep you from your happiness tomorrow.” Realizing that each struggle my fellow man endorses is a stepping stone to greater success is what keeps me focused and yearning to give more and do more.

Growing up in a city with no immediate family, my parents formed a tight-knit group of church members, fraternity and sorority members, and friends who became my extended family.  I fondly call each of them my aunts and uncles and consider them as much my family as blood. On February 22, 2023, our extended family suffered an unimaginable loss.  My Aunt Michelle lost her son in a plane crash in Little Rock, Arkansas.  Glenmarkus Walker only was 32 years old and I have known him since birth. Over the past year, Aunt Michelle has dedicated her life to creating new outreach programs and serving those in need.  At a time when she was broken and could have easily fallen into a deep depression, she decided to use her grief to propel others to greatness.  She began our church’s Randy Sams Homeless Shelter Outreach Ministry where we feed the homeless home-cooked meals and minister to their souls.  As part of her ministry, she allowed me to partner with the church as the Director of Community Service and Fundraising for the Rosebuds Garden Club and collect toiletry items for hygiene kids for the unhoused.  Under her guidance and leadership, we collected and distributed more than 1000 toiletry items for our spring community service project. Watching her turn her grief into greatness has not only inspired me but it has given me hope.  There have been numerous occasions where I felt like the weight of the world was entirely too much to bear.  Many times when, if I am being honest, I felt like giving up on life.  But knowing that your deepest, darkest moments can also become your brightest light is something that gives me hope and the courage to continue to find a space to love, care, and give back.A community without volunteers is like having a really good pie with no crust. Sure, you could eat the pie, but think of how much better it would be with that nice golden brown buttery crust. A volunteer is the crust that binds the community together. It enriches and enhances the lives of everyone around them making this journey of life more enjoyable and worthwhile. True volunteers are not consumed with recognition and accolades. They are driven by the passion to leave the community around them in a better place. They often move in silence and work behind the scenes. For the person who volunteers, each time you learn a little bit more about yourself. About your values, your self-worth, and all mankind. You gain empathy and not sympathy, allowing yourself to walk in someone else’s shoes. You avoid feeling sorry for them, but rather, you feel the urge to fight alongside them. Serving fellow students, school, and the community in leadership roles by volunteering is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding things a person can do. As a servant leader, it is my job to make the lives of everyone around me better and use the platforms that I serve to make our community a better place. Over my high school career, I have volunteered over 500 hours in the community and school. Leadership is using my voice, time, and energy to create change that will last beyond my time in the leadership role.

A community without volunteers is like having a really good pie with no crust. Sure, you could eat the pie, but think of how much better it would be with that nice golden brown buttery crust. For me, that is the same thing with volunteerism. A volunteer is the crust that binds the community together. It enriches and enhances the lives of everyone around them making this journey of life more enjoyable and worthwhile. True volunteers are not consumed with recognition and accolades. They are driven by the passion to leave the community around them in a better place. They often move in silence and work behind the scenes. For the person who volunteers, each time you learn a little bit more about yourself. About your values, your self-worth, and all mankind. You gain empathy and not sympathy, allowing yourself to walk in someone else’s shoes. You avoid feeling sorry for them, but rather, you feel the urge to fight alongside them. Serving fellow students, school, and the community in leadership roles by volunteering is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding things a person can do. As a servant leader, it is my job to make the lives of everyone around me better and use the platforms that I serve to make our community a better place. Over my high school career, I have volunteered over 500 hours in the community and school. Leadership is using my voice, time, and energy to create change that will last beyond my time in the leadership role. One of the leadership roles that I’m most proud of is serving as the Director of Community Service and Fundraising for the Rosebuds Garden Club. While serving in this role, I was able to spearhead worthwhile projects that will have a lasting effect on those individuals whom we were able to serve. First, we held a children’s book drive in recognition of National Family Literacy Month. Not only did our organization collect and distribute over 500 books to students in grades pre-K through two, but we also encouraged parents to participate in National Family Literacy Month by doing the following: set aside time each day for reading, keep books visible around the house, make regular visits to the library, read the book version of your child’s favorite movie, and organize a children’s book club with friends in the neighborhood. Second, we partnered with the Randy Sams Outreach Shelter, Inc., and the Lonoke Baptist Church Outreach to provide over 1000 personal hygiene items for the unhoused community. Because we understand that not having proper hygiene, not only poses potential physical health problems, but it can also affect a person mentally we wanted to alleviate those burdens. The values ingrained in me by the years and hours of volunteering will continue into adulthood. I understand fully my “why” behind volunteering so the “what” I do is second nature. My mother often says, “Your struggles today won’t keep you from your happiness tomorrow.” Realizing that each struggle my fellow man endorses is a stepping stone to greater success is what keeps me focused and yearning to give more and do more.

Success, by definition, is the degree or measure of succeeding. Without hardships, setbacks, and obstacles, you will never be able to measure what true success means. For some, those hardships and struggles are seen in the public eye for all to witness. For others, they are private battles. Battles hid away from friends and family giving the false appearance that life is perfect. As I begin to navigate the world of young adulthood and continue to make decisions that will affect my life and future earning potential, I understand that obstacles are a natural part of life. There is no way to avoid them or pretend they don’t exist. The power lies in how you approach those obstacles and the grit and tenacity it takes to overcome each one. Allowing your identity to be solely defined by the organizations and activities you participate in is a pitfall that many students fall into. Isn’t it amazing how the best thing that could ever happen to you could conversely become the one thing that almost destroys your soul? For me, that identity was shaped by my love for soccer. A sport that allowed me to play with passion, embodies the meaning of teamwork, and physically gain strength and determination, soccer was more than something I enjoyed. I began playing at the age of three, playing local recreational soccer and then joining a travel soccer team. Soccer was a year-round sport that consumed the majority of my free time. I allowed it to become who I was without ever thinking about what life would look like without it. In the fall of 2021, as I was entering high school, my life as a soccer player came crashing down. After suffering, a career-ending ACL injury, facing life, without the one thing that I felt defined me sent me into one of the darkest places of my life. I felt hopeless and lost. Forced to sit in a place of uncertainty and reflect on my true purpose in life, I had to decide how to use this tragedy as a stepping stone and not a stumbling block. I had to look inward despite the depression and loneliness and redefine who I was and what I believed. I truly did not know where I fit in and how this injury would propel me to help others. The ACL injury opened my eyes to the frustrations that students face when returning to school after an orthopedic injury and the bouts of depression and isolation that would occur. As I began to work on my spring Independent Research Project, I wanted to address the barriers and challenges of returning to school following a temporary orthopedic injury and seek to create a reentry checklist for students once they return to campus. This checklist would minimize barriers and offer mental health support. In many ways, I knew that confronting the darkest part of my life would not only help my classmates but also help me to heal mentally. Because of this tragedy, I believe my love for advocacy has grown exponentially. Throughout high school, I have poured my soul into giving a voice to the voice list and helping those in need. I advocate and volunteer not only because it helps others, but it gives my life meaning and purpose. I have learned that reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. This scholarship would not only help me to reach my college dream of becoming an Anesthesiologist but also allow me to continue serving others through the medical field. My mother often says, “Your struggles today won’t keep you from your happiness tomorrow.” Realizing that each struggle is a stepping stone to greater success is what keeps me focused and yearning for more than I have now. The road in front of me may not be paved with roses but it is certainly my road and I am the only one who can choose the outcome.

Serving fellow students, school, and the community in leadership roles by volunteering is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding things a person can do. As a servant leader, it is my job to make the lives of everyone around me better and use the platforms that I serve to make our community a better place. Over my high school career, I have volunteered over 500 hours in the community and school. Leadership is using my voice, time, and energy to create change that will last beyond my time in the leadership role. One of the leadership roles that I’m most proud of is serving as the Director of Community Service and Fundraising for the Rosebuds Garden Club. While serving in this role, I was able to spearhead worthwhile projects that will have a lasting effect on those individuals whom we were able to serve. First, we held a children’s book drive in recognition of National Family Literacy Month. Not only did our organization collect and distribute over 500 books to students in grades pre-K through two, but we also encouraged parents to participate in National Family Literacy Month by doing the following: set aside time each day for reading, keep books visible around the house, make regular visits to the library, read the book version of your child’s favorite movie, and organize a children’s book club with friends in the neighborhood. Second, we partnered with the Randy Sams Outreach Shelter, Inc., and the Lonoke Baptist Church Outreach to provide over 1000 personal hygiene items for the unhoused community. Because we understand that not having proper hygiene, not only poses potential physical health problems, but it can also affect a person mentally we wanted to alleviate those burdens. Every parent wants the same thing for their child. Whether they can verbally articulate it or subconsciously believe it, they all want the very best. When I entered elementary school, my parents enrolled me in Martha and Josh Morriss Mathematics & Engineering Elementary. This school gave me the educational boost I needed to pursue future dreams and aspirations in STEM. It pushed my learning to levels unheard of in our local community. I was able to explore stem education and find my love and passion for science. The hands-on learning environment was perfect for me. I thrived on the exploration of subject matter building a strong foundation academically for my future endeavors My plans include serving people through the medical field and continuing with community service. I plan to pursue a degree in biology or biochemistry and attend medical school to become an anesthesiologist. Currently, less than 6% of the anesthesiologists in the United States are African American and I plan to help change that statistic.

Success, by definition, is the degree or measure of succeeding. Without hardships, setbacks, and obstacles, you will never be able to measure what true success means. For some, those hardships and struggles are seen in the public eye for all to witness. For others, they are private battles. Battles hid away from friends and family giving the false appearance that life is perfect. As I begin to navigate the world of young adulthood and continue to make decisions that will affect my life and future earning potential, I understand that obstacles are a natural part of life. There is no way to avoid them or pretend they don’t exist. The power lies in how you approach those obstacles and the grit and tenacity it takes to overcome each one. Allowing your identity to be solely defined by the organizations and activities you participate in is a pitfall that many students fall into. Isn’t it amazing how the best thing that could ever happen to you could conversely become the one thing that almost destroys your soul? For me, that identity was shaped by my love for soccer. A sport that allowed me to play with passion, embodies the meaning of teamwork, and physically gain strength and determination, soccer was more than something I enjoyed. I began playing at the age of three, playing local recreational soccer and then joining a travel soccer team. Soccer was a year-round sport that consumed the majority of my free time. I allowed it to become who I was without ever thinking about what life would look like without it. In the fall of 2021, as I was entering high school, my life as a soccer player came crashing down. After suffering, a career-ending ACL injury, facing life, without the one thing that I felt defined me sent me into one of the darkest places of my life. I felt hopeless and lost. Forced to sit in a place of uncertainty and reflect on my true purpose in life, I had to decide how to use this tragedy as a stepping stone and not a stumbling block. I had to look inward despite the depression and loneliness and redefine who I was and what I believed. I truly did not know where I fit in and how this injury would propel me to help others. The ACL injury opened my eyes to the frustrations that students face when returning to school after an orthopedic injury and the bouts of depression and isolation that would occur. As I began to work on my spring Independent Research Project, I wanted to address the barriers and challenges of returning to school following a temporary orthopedic injury and seek to create a reentry checklist for students once they return to campus. This checklist would minimize barriers and offer mental health support. In many ways, I knew that confronting the darkest part of my life would not only help my classmates but also help me to heal mentally. After months of collecting data, researching, and interviewing multiple students, I am proud to say the Return to Texas High School Orthopedic Injury Checklist is currently being implemented at Texas High School for all students. It addresses the physical challenges and limitations associated with navigating a 72-acre campus, schedule restrictions, student advocacy, mental health support, planned routes of travel, and assistance with required books, materials, and technology. Parents and students are now able to meet with the school nurse and Academic Advisors and create a plan for reentry that maximizes student success and overall well-being. No other student will have to fight through what I did without advocates fighting alongside them. Because of this tragedy, I believe my love for advocacy has grown exponentially. Throughout high school, I have poured my soul into giving a voice to the voice list and helping those in need. I advocate and volunteer not only because it helps others, but it gives my life meaning and purpose. I have learned that reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. This scholarship would not only help me to reach my college dream of becoming an Anesthesiologist but also allow me to continue serving others through the medical field. My mother often says, “Your struggles today won’t keep you from your happiness tomorrow.” Realizing that each struggle is a stepping stone to greater success is what keeps me focused and yearning for more than I have now. The road in front of me may not be paved with roses but it is certainly my road and I am the only one who can choose the outcome.

In the fall of 2021, my life as a soccer player came crashing down. After suffering, a career-ending ACL injury, facing life, without the one thing that I felt defined me sent me into one of the darkest places of my life. I felt hopeless and lost. Forced to sit in a place of uncertainty and reflect on my true purpose in life, I had to decide how to use this tragedy as a stepping stone and not a stumbling block. I had to look inward despite the depression and loneliness and redefine who I was and what I believed. I truly did not know where I fit in and how this injury would propel me to help others. The ACL injury opened my eyes to the frustrations that students face when returning to school after an orthopedic injury and the bouts of depression and isolation that would occur. As I began to work on my spring Independent Research Project, I wanted to address the barriers and challenges of returning to school following a temporary orthopedic injury and seek to create a reentry checklist for students once they return to campus. This checklist would minimize barriers and offer mental health support. In many ways, I knew that confronting the darkest part of my life would not only help my classmates but also help me to heal mentally. After months of collecting data, researching, and interviewing multiple students, I am proud to say the Return to Texas High School Orthopedic Injury Checklist is currently being implemented at Texas High School for all students. It addresses the physical challenges and limitations associated with navigating a 72-acre campus, schedule restrictions, student advocacy, mental health support, planned routes of travel, and assistance with required books, materials, and technology. Parents and students are now able to meet with the school nurse and Academic Advisors and create a plan for reentry that maximizes student success and overall well-being. No other student will have to fight through what I did without advocates fighting alongside them. Because of this tragedy, I believe my love for advocacy has grown exponentially. Throughout high school, I have poured my soul into giving a voice to the voice list and helping those in need. I advocate and volunteer not only because it helps others, but it gives my life meaning and purpose. I have learned that reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. This scholarship would not only help me to reach my college dream of becoming an Anesthesiologist but also allow me to continue serving others through the medical field. Serving fellow students, school, and the community in leadership roles and volunteering is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding things a person can do. As a servant leader, it is my job to make the lives of everyone around me better and use the platforms that I serve to make our community a better place. Over my high school career, I have volunteered over 500 hours. For me, leadership is using my voice, time, and energy to create change that will last beyond my time in the leadership role. My mother often says, “Your struggles today won’t keep you from your happiness tomorrow.” Realizing that each struggle is a stepping stone to greater success is what keeps me focused and yearning for more than I have now. The road in front of me may not be paved with roses but it is certainly my road and I am the only one who can choose the outcome.

A community without volunteers is like having a really good pie with no crust. Sure, you could eat the pie, but think of how much better it would be with that nice golden brown buttery crust. For me, that is the same thing with volunteerism. A volunteer is the crust that binds the community together. It enriches and enhances the lives of everyone around them making this journey of life more enjoyable and worthwhile. True volunteers are not consumed with recognition and accolades. They are driven by the passion to leave the community around them in a better place. They often move in silence and work behind the scenes. For the person who volunteers, each time you learn a little bit more about yourself. About your values, your self-worth, and all mankind. You gain empathy and not sympathy, allowing yourself to walk in someone else’s shoes. You avoid feeling sorry for them, but rather, you feel the urge to fight alongside them. Serving fellow students, school, and the community in leadership roles by volunteering is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding things a person can do. As a servant leader, it is my job to make the lives of everyone around me better and use the platforms that I serve to make our community a better place. Over my high school career, I have volunteered over 500 hours in the community and school. Leadership is using my voice, time, and energy to create change that will last beyond my time in the leadership role. One of the leadership roles that I’m most proud of is serving as the Director of Community Service and Fundraising for the Rosebuds Garden Club. While serving in this role, I was able to spearhead worthwhile projects that will have a lasting effect on those individuals whom we were able to serve. First, we held a children’s book drive in recognition of National Family Literacy Month. Not only did our organization collect and distribute over 500 books to students in grades pre-K through two, but we also encouraged parents to participate in National Family Literacy Month by doing the following: set aside time each day for reading, keep books visible around the house, make regular visits to the library, read the book version of your child’s favorite movie, and organize a children’s book club with friends in the neighborhood. Second, we partnered with the Randy Sams Outreach Shelter, Inc., and the Lonoke Baptist Church Outreach to provide over 1000 personal hygiene items for the unhoused community. Because we understand that not having proper hygiene, not only poses potential physical health problems, but it can also affect a person mentally we wanted to alleviate those burdens. The values ingrained in me by the years and hours of volunteering will continue into adulthood. I understand fully my “why” behind volunteering so the “what” I do is second nature. My mother often says, “Your struggles today won’t keep you from your happiness tomorrow.” Realizing that each struggle my fellow man endorses is a stepping stone to greater success is what keeps me focused and yearning to give more and do more.

A community without volunteers is like having a really good pie with no crust. Sure, you could eat the pie, but think of how much better it would be with that nice golden brown buttery crust. For me, that is the same thing with volunteerism. A volunteer is the crust that binds the community together. It enriches and enhances the lives of everyone around them making this journey of life more enjoyable and worthwhile. True volunteers are not consumed with recognition and accolades. They are driven by the passion to leave the community around them in a better place. They often move in silence and work behind the scenes.  For the person who volunteers, each time you learn a little bit more about yourself. About your values, your self-worth, and all mankind. You gain empathy and not sympathy, allowing yourself to walk in someone else’s shoes. You avoid feeling sorry for them, but rather, you feel the urge to fight alongside them. Serving fellow students, school, and the community in leadership roles by volunteering is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding things a person can do.  As a servant leader, it is my job to make the lives of everyone around me better and use the platforms that I serve to make our community a better place.  Over my high school career, I have volunteered over 500 hours in the community and school.  Leadership is using my voice, time, and energy to create change that will last beyond my time in the leadership role. One of the leadership roles that I’m most proud of is serving as the Director of Community Service and Fundraising for the Rosebuds Garden Club.  While serving in this role, I was able to spearhead worthwhile projects that will have a lasting effect on those individuals whom we were able to serve. First, we held a children’s book drive in recognition of National Family Literacy Month. Not only did our organization collect and distribute over 500 books to students in grades pre-K through two, but we also encouraged parents to participate in National Family Literacy Month by doing the following: set aside time each day for reading, keep books visible around the house, make regular visits to the library, read the book version of your child’s favorite movie, and organize a children’s book club with friends in the neighborhood.   Second, we partnered with the Randy Sams Outreach Shelter, Inc., and the Lonoke Baptist Church Outreach to provide over 1000 personal hygiene items for the unhoused community. Because we understand that not having proper hygiene, not only poses potential physical health problems, but it can also affect a person mentally we wanted to alleviate those burdens. The values ingrained in me by the years and hours of volunteering will continue into adulthood.  I understand fully my “why” behind volunteering so the “what” I do is second nature.  My mother often says, “Your struggles today won’t keep you from your happiness tomorrow.”  Realizing that each struggle my fellow man endorses is a stepping stone to greater success is what keeps me focused and yearning to give more and do more.