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Mecca Murrell

2,795

Bold Points

9x

Nominee

1x

Finalist

Bio

As an ambitious. dedicated and African American student with a clear vision for my future, my primary objective is to be dually enrolled at a four-year university or college (Winston-Salem State University AND North Carolina A&T). Check! While attending, I am preparing to earn a degree in either a science-related field or in communication. My long-term career goal is to be accepted into the United States Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC); ultimately the aim of becoming a control pilot of Remotely Piloted Aircrafts (RPA). Highly committed to academic excellence and continuously seeking to challenge myself, I have a strong passion for learning. I believe that higher education will provide opportunities for me to gain knowledge and skills required to excel in my chosen field while making a meaningful contribution to society. I am also a dedicated and disciplined individual with a strong work ethic. I thrive in challenging and high-pressure situations. I have a firm belief this strength is a quality which will serve me well in both my academics and future military career endeavors. Additionally, I value integrity, discipline, and teamwork, all of which are fundamental attributes of an effective Air Force officer.

Education

Winston-Salem State University

Bachelor's degree program
2024 - 2028
  • Majors:
    • Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
    • Communication, General
  • Minors:
    • Music
    • Military Technologies and Applied Sciences, Other

Fayetteville Technical Community College

Associate's degree program
2021 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General

Cape Fear High School

High School
2020 - 2024

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Military Applied Sciences
    • Communication, General
    • Accounting and Computer Science
    • Biology/Biotechnology Technologies/Technicians
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Airlines/Aviation

    • Dream career goals:

      Air Force: RPA

    • Trumpet Player

      Tune Up Philly
      2018 – 20213 years
    • Collaboration and Facility Research (Intership)

      Temple University
      2022 – 2022
    • Library Assistant

      Reference O-Kelly Library
      2024 – Present1 year
    • Hostess (Shift Lead)

      Cracker Barrel
      2022 – 20231 year
    • Team Member

      Jersey Mikes Subs
      2023 – 20241 year

    Sports

    Lacrosse

    Varsity
    2022 – Present3 years

    Awards

    • Varsity Letters
    • Midfielder

    Marching Band

    Club
    2021 – Present4 years

    Awards

    • Varsity Letters

    Research

    • Accounting and Computer Science

      Testilo — Application Tester
      2024 – 2024
    • Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management

      Testilo — Tester
      2023 – Present

    Arts

    • Tune Up Philly

      Music
      Award
      2018 – 2021
    • Sincere (Take Care of Yourself)

      Design
      Website, Digital Art/ Products
      2022 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Girls On the Run — Volunteer
      2017 – 2019
    • Advocacy

      National Honor Society — Member
      2022 – 2024
    • Volunteering

      Feeding America — Volunteer
      2021 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Hannah Dollick Memorial Scholarship
    My passion for aviation began during a memorable visit to an airshow with my family in North Carolina. Watching the skillful maneuvers and majestic flight of aircraft left a lasting impression on me. Meeting a pilot who shared captivating stories about their experiences solidified my desire to pursue a career in aviation. This defining moment made me realize that aviation is not just a career but a calling. Safety is of the utmost concern in aviation, and I promise to strictly follow the rules and enhance my knowledge through recurrent training. My disciplined attitude toward pre-flight checks, emergency procedures, and routine maintenance will ensure a safety-first culture in all my flying practices. During my journey of becoming a pilot, financial problems have been a great issue. However, with part-time jobs, scholarships, and financial budgeting, I will make sure to save up for flight training someday. These experiences instilled in me resilience, resourcefulness, and the ability to persevere through any obstacle that came my way, which reinforced my determination to succeed. Growing up in North Carolina has influenced my aviation career choice; the great aviation community and airshows within my state have encouraged me to contribute to this field. I have qualities that will help me in becoming successful in aviation, including a good work ethic, discipline, and attention to detail. Intellectual passion shapes and enhances both my academic and professional record while my integrity and skills for teamwork will be certain significant resources for me in service. I am committed to offering mentorship and support, through volunteer work or engaging within my community, to foster opportunities for aspiring aviators with special consideration to less-empowered groups. This scholarship will alleviate financial pressures, enabling me to give more focus on my studies and flight training, thereby bringing me closer to my dream of becoming a control pilot of Remotely Piloted Aircrafts in the United States Air Force. With a clear vision and dedication, I am prepared to overcome any challenge and make a meaningful difference in aviation and beyond. Growing up in North Carolina definitely played a great role in shaping my aviation career choice. The large, bustling aviation community and airshows held throughout the year continuously influenced me. I could always remember all those instances when pilots performed the most unimaginable tricks with their aircraft and every one of them would fan my desires to fly more and more. My commitment to aviation goes even beyond personal ambition-it's inspired by the wish to be an asset to society. The rich aviation history of North Carolina, added to the friendliness and supportiveness of its fellow enthusiasts, provided an enabling environment for my aspirations. Safety in aviation is paramount, and I am committed to keeping it that way. My commitment entails strict adherence to the rules and continuous learning by way of training and certification. A disciplined approach to pre-flight checks, emergency procedures, and regular maintenance is critical to the safety of passengers and crew. It is my goal to continue to enhance the public's and aviation community's trust and confidence in pilots by placing safety first in every aspect of my flying practices. My path to becoming a pilot has been very difficult financially. Despite these financial difficulties, my drive to become a pilot never wavered. I have taken on part-time jobs, applied for scholarships, and managed my finances meticulously to save for flight training. These efforts have taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of perseverance. Each step has brought me closer to realizing my dream and has strengthened my resolve to succeed in this demanding field. I believe several personal qualities will contribute to my success in aviation. My strong work ethic, being disciplined, and paying attention to detail are the essential attributes of a professional that requires accuracy and dependability. I work well under pressure, am a keen problem solver, which is imperative in dealing with unexpected challenges at altitude. My love for learning inspires me to strive for the best both academically and professionally; this helps me to be up-to-date with current happenings in the industry and the best practices. Integrity and teamwork are core values I hold dear, and they will be invaluable assets in my future military career. Supporting aspiring aviators, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, is a mission close to my heart. I am committed to engaging with and mentoring young individuals through volunteer work and community outreach programs. I want to be able to share my knowledge and experiences with others who aspire to fly. Building a supportive, inclusive community is key to promoting diversity in aviation and allowing everyone to pursue their passion. This scholarship is an important step toward reaching my aviation goals. It will help alleviate financial burdens so that I can focus on my studies and flight training. The support from this scholarship will give me resources and networking opportunities that will lead me to my ultimate goal: being a control pilot of RPA in the United States Air Force. Having an unequivocal vision of success with tireless dedication, I will take on any obstacles to create a difference not only in aviation but well beyond. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting the dreams of aspiring aviators.
    SCFU Scholarship for HBCU Business Students
    It quite literally is a fact: business innovation can economically empower underrepresented communities, thus changing the course. Equal access to entrepreneurship and business growth will work toward systemic inequalities by creating opportunities for economic stability. Allowing businesses to grow and prosper enables reinvestment into their respective communities, which can support local education and create mentorship programs that will develop future leaders. The communities start to get into a reinvestment and growth cycle that creates an atmosphere where anyone can be successful. I am a motivated and determined African American student, and my foremost objective at this time is to study hard at a four-year university or college. Currently, I am striving to pursue a degree in either one of the science-related courses or communication. My long-term goal is to join the United States Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps and become a control pilot of Remotely Piloted Aircrafts. The career empowers my inspiration for promoting social equity and justice, showing that people from underrepresented communities can excel in technical and demanding fields. Learning is something I am passionate about, and academic excellence is my commitment. I believe that higher education would provide me with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in my chosen field and contribute positively to society. I am a disciplined and hardworking individual, prospering under challenging situations. These will also surely help me in both academic and future military careers. Also, integrity, discipline, and teamwork are highly regarded by me for being an effective Air Force officer. The opportunity to start a business fulfills my objective of trying to afford others in my community opportunities that I have been afforded. In business, I would like to create programs that will provide financial literacy education, mentorship, and support for up-and-coming entrepreneurs. Financial literacy empowers people with the ability to make good, solid decisions about their money, setting them on a path to more economic stability and growth. Such mentorship programs would pave the way and guide them in the complexities of building up and growing a business. I also want to inspire others that any person can fulfill their dream, provided there is determination and access to resources. I am committed, through my career and community involvement, to ensuring that social equity and justice are met by providing resources and opportunities that assure success for under-represented communities. Let us provide an enabling environment with the resources required to realize full potential and help this group surmount obstacles in their path. For permanence in effecting change to occur among underrepresented groups, there is a need for economic empowerment through innovative business developments. By making entrepreneurship and business growth accessible for all, opportunities leading to economic stability and a path toward systemic equity are created. A committed student and future Air Force officer, I am determined to make a difference in social equity and justice through my education and career. In turn, by being part of the efforts, I just hope others can also be inspired as much as I am and make a positive difference in society where everyone equally has a chance at success.
    Black Excellence Scholarship
    Of the listed attributes, I feel I am a constant learner. The attribute has mostly been influenced by my experience as a Black person, wherein every moment and available opportunity should be grasped since my ancestors could not have envisioned such an opportunity for their progeny. I grew up with the realization of struggles and sacrifice made for me by those who came before me. Growing up, their strength and resolve in the face of systemic oppression and discrimination at every level were always an inspiration to behold. This historical perspective instilled an intense appreciation in me for the opportunities I was privileged to enjoy and a commitment to making as much as I possibly could out of these opportunities. Being a lifelong learner means a lot more than acquiring knowledge; it really speaks to the realization of those moments that exist and how best to utilize them. I have embraced education and growth as my way of paying homage to the forefathers. Every book read, every skill learned, and every obstacle overcome testifies to their indomitable spirit and helps me inch closer toward the future that was but a dream for them. I try to make my daily life one learning curve, be it through formal education, personal relations, or self-introspection. I attempt to understand different points of view by putting myself in other people's shoes, an effort which includes reading diverse cultures and histories. These have helped me not only to enrich my knowledge but also to deepen my empathy and connection to others. I am also committed to sharing what I learn with my community. I believe that knowledge is most powerful when it is shared and used to uplift others. I am able to let others, as well, learn and grow just as I have: by mentoring young people, taking part in community initiatives, and calling for educational equity. That simply put, being a lifelong learner means realizing the value of every moment and putting it to work to create a superior future. It is in the attainment of coming from the past while making a way forward, for I am proud that with every step I make, it proves the strength of my ancestor's survival and determination. I have the attribute of being a lifelong learner, though I acknowledge one area where I'm capable of growing in: developing and sustaining grit. Grit is a combination of passion and perseverance required to reach long-term goals, especially in the presence of obstacles. I'm working to be more organized in setting up my goals, as well as in building resilience. First and foremost, I will clearly state my long-term goals parallel to my passion and values, which shall guide and motivate me. These will further be broken down into smaller, manageable steps to maintain momentum by giving me some sense of achievement along the way. I will need to build a growth mindset, since this is what will protect me from viewing challenges and setbacks as learning opportunities and growth-a motivating factor in themselves at all times, even in the face of difficulties. Equally important in this process will be the building of a support network composed of mentors, peers, and community members who will provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability. In addition, I will take care of myself by practicing self-care and managing my stress-such things as regular exercise, being mindful, and adequate rest-are all important to building energy and resilience for pursuing my goals. I envision regular reflection on my progress and experiences, a method through which one can evaluate what is working and what isn't, and make relevant changes to keep on course. Through this plan, I want to learn grit that will enable me to realize these long-term goals and make my way through any obstacles along the way. This journey will further facilitate my growth as a person and concurrently enable me to serve my community in more constructive ways, while continuing the legacy of resilience and tenacity passed on through my ancestors.
    Beulah C. Parker Memorial Scholarship
    To pursue a passion in the field of STEM can be as exhilarating as challenging. Probably the most significant challenge that I had to face came during my high school years when I decided to go deep into the study of computer science. Since I never come from a technological background in my family, I had to see my way, largely by myself. The first difficulty was that the learning curve was steep. Ideas like algorithms, data structures, and programming languages were so new to me, and many times I felt overwhelmed. The only way to overcome this was for me to adopt some kind of strategy that would enable me to break down big topics into smaller, more manageable pieces. Resources from the internet, coding clubs, teachers, and peers helped in doing that. One pivotal moment in my journey was participating in the hackathon competition. It was a pretty intense 24-hour coding event; I got the opportunity to collaborate on real-world problems. Thus, this experience enhanced my technical skills but also taught me something more important: teamwork and perseverance. The journey so far has been quite influencing for the aspirations within me. I identified that my passion lies in using technology to solve problems and leave a positive impact. I would like to develop my specialization in Artificial Intelligence with a key interest in developing solutions that improve health outcomes. The initial setbacks, now overcome, have been an excellent lesson in the character of resilience and determination in overcoming every obstacle. Representation matters. Diverse views breed innovative solutions and make technology for all people. Having been the one to face challenges entering into a field without prior exposure, I understand how support and mentorship should look. I envision myself contributing to increased diversity and inclusion by mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds, participating in outreach programs, and promoting/enacting inclusive policies within the tech industry. One of the most memorable challenges occurred when, during my junior year, I decided to take on an advanced coding project. The project involved developing a machine learning model for predicting stock market trends. Inexperienced in machine learning at that moment, I dived headfirst into an ocean of advanced mathematical concepts and programming techniques. The early stages were intimidating, at one point or another, and had me question my ability to finish the work. Nevertheless, by all means, I was determined to get it done. Well, I'd spent countless hours reading research papers, watching tutorial videos, and trying out different algorithms. I also sought advice from a professor at a local university, with a specialty in machine learning. His guidance was of immense value, exposing me to various insights and resources that I would have hardly discovered on my own. After some persistence and hard work, I finally came up with a functional model that could do reasonably decent predictions. This served as a turning point in my life, showing me the use of persistence and, at times, how important it is to ask for help. It also more thoroughly solidified my interest in artificial intelligence and the potential this held to solve real-world problems. I realized that the challenges faced were not roadblocks but opportunities to learn and grow.
    B.A.B.Y. L.O.V.E. Scholarship
    I am driven in my journey by sheer passion for faith, service to the community, and aspirations for a better future. Through serving as an active member in my church, enjoyment and satisfaction have been filled in my life by means of volunteering. It is indeed the commitment to service-not just an activity, but a vocation-that shapes my character and propels my ambitions toward higher and loftier goals. One of the cornerstones of my life has been volunteering at my church. Whether it is organizing community events, helping to facilitate youth programs, or helping those in need, I am always ready to participate. It has taught me the values of compassion, teamwork, and leadership through this involvement. This has also kept my passion alive-that true fulfillment comes with serving others and making a difference in people's lives. My academic sojourn at Winston-Salem State University, studying Mass Communication, is complemented by my dual enrollment in North Carolina A&T University for Military Science-Air Force ROTC. This makes for a unique blend of the fields of Communication in service to the country. Through study, I hope to develop this set of skills in the delivery of important messages that inspire people around me toward positive change. In turn, being part of the Air Force ROTC has instilled in me the feeling of discipline, resilience, and leadership that are prerequisite qualities for any person who hopes to get through the quest of becoming a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force. I am committed to using my communication gifts to help bridge the gap, foster understanding, and bring people together. Other life lessons that ROTC has taught me are those of persistence and flexibility, which are vital in both military and civilian life. In the future, I see myself where my passion for volunteering and my professional aspirations finally come into one. I want to design programs that would give adolescents, especially the underprivileged youth, the confidence to chase their dreams and make a difference in society. Thus, with my mass communication background and with the intention to use such knowledge for social justice, equality, and community development, my ultimate aim is to encourage others to join this effort toward changing the world. It is my story-a story of passion and dedication. The desire to serve, to lead, and to inspire is deeply rooted within me. Whether through my church, my academic pursuits, or my future career in the Air Force, making a positive difference is my goal. I believe great things can be achieved through hard work, determination, and a heart for service. In moving forward on this journey, I am quite anxious to see what other opportunities will come my way. Accordingly, I firmly believe that this passion for volunteering, combined with my academic and professional aspirations, somehow enables me to create a difference. I am grateful for people who have supported and encouraged me and determined to give back to my community and beyond. The boldness of spirit and deep commitment to service motivate me on my journey. I am passionate about my future goals and committed to making a difference. I come into this work with faith, determination, and a heart for service.
    Jackie Hudson Memorial Scholarship
    As I continue my education, my primary objective is to earn my Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication by December 2030. My long-term career goal is to be accepted into the United States Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) and ultimately become a control pilot of Remotely Piloted Aircrafts (RPA). I am highly committed to academic excellence and continuously seek to challenge myself. I believe that higher education will provide the opportunities and skills required to excel in my chosen field while making a meaningful contribution to society. Volunteer work taught me how important community service is and what benefits it has for those who receive help. I acted as a mentor, I counseled and supported newly enrolled freshman through their first year of high school. In these roles, I learned how to communicate well and encourage the people around me to be uplifted. Mentorship or leadership can be an effective means of both personal and academic development, and I am proud to have been able to help others make their lives better. It has been a great financial strain on myself and my family to seek further education. But I have been blessed to receive several scholarships which have helped lessen the financial burden some. My educational choices and life opportunities are unlimited as a consequence. In addition to my academic studies, I have also had my fair share of interesting jobs which helped me further develop both in terms of skill set and work habits. These roles have honed the skills of teamwork and problem-solving which are critical for both my academic studies and subsequent military career. Striking a balance between labour and study, and the results set out here, would make a good constituent of hard-work. One of my lifelong objectives is to give back to my community. Everywhere I have gone I have volunteered, mentored people and been active in a myriad of organizations, thinking of every way to make a positive influence on the people around me. There were times when money became hard to come by, but the scholarships I obtained enabled me to get through college and work towards my target for life. In addition to the positive things I have done for myself, it is my hope to share those experiences and resources with the community in order to bring some light back into our lives. None of this work has felt wasted when one thinks as much about how things will be for us in future as did the people who set off those first sparks of an industrial civilization.
    Private (PVT) Henry Walker Minority Scholarship
    If I was lucky enough to make a difference in my community, I'd devote myself to widening access to good education and mentorship schemes, especially for young African American women. As a young African American woman, I'm now an undergraduate Mass Communications major at Winston-Salem State University with a minor in Communications and Journalism and an Air Force ROTC cadet. In this identity, we face unique challenges - and opportunities as well. A strong sense of community is vital for creating an encouraging environment in which anybody can live. It would thus be good for me to set up various events in the community that concentrate on personal growth and professional. Such activities could include career fairs, resume writing workshops, public speaking seminars; social events, etc, such as this. By making available these services, individuals, students or people like me will be able to master many of the skills necessary for success both inside of their daily lives and out of them. I would work to create places of refuge where young African-American women can talk about their experiences and provide support for one another. These spaces can be used as platforms for discussing issues such as racial bias, sex discrimination and mental health. By openly discussing these subjects, we can build a more compassionate and inclusive community. Representation matters. Seeing people who look like ourselves in positions of power or influence can encourage us to dream. As an African American woman planning to join the Air Force, it is important for us to have role models from many walks of life. So I would promote the achievements of African American women professionals in all occupations, among them businesspeople, military officers, and scholars. By recounting their successes, we can ensure that the next generation will be interested in striving for excellence and knocking down barriers.One reason I want to do something for my community is that the future should depend on everyone. By promoting education, mentorship, community participation, and representation, I can help to enable and teach individuals to live and work on a more even keel. As someone who is working her way towards a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications and whose long-term career will almost certainly be in the Air Force, I am dedicated to using different resources, with research and knowledge that I have developed in order to syndicate outwards that will help bring along others on my journey.
    Ann Holiday Memorial Scholarship
    It is a honour to be a student at North Carolina A&T State University and a significant milestone in my academic journey. This institution is known for its commitment to quality, diversity, and innovation, values that I also hold dear. As an African-American student, I am stimulated by the rich history and long tradition of North Carolina A&T, from which leaders of different fields have come. This environment does not merely support my academic work, but also boosts up my spirit of self-improvement and raises high aims for me to strive for. During the period I spent North Carolina A&T, I have been taking dual-enrollment courses while working on a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication at Winston-Salem State University. This experience has given me the best of both worlds. I have gained many values and lessons during my years at university and will carry these valuable lessons into the future. Integrity, discipline, and teamwork are not simply phrases but are living principles present in so much of my daily life. These are just as necessary to any later career within the United States Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Air Force as pilot of Remotely Piloted Aircrafts. The intense academic atmosphere provided and the broad variety of the community at North Carolina A&T have prepared me for experiences where I have to act under enormous pressure in the future. I am also committed to continuing professional study and making my own individual traits even better, such as resilience, excellence and hard-work. My enthusiasm for further education drives me to acquire information and skills that will allow me personally contribute greatly in life. The education I receive will finally enable me to excel in my profession and with great devotion faithfully serve my country. What I have learned during this time is that discipline and work ethic will serve me well both in my studies and future military activities. Being a student at North Carolina A&T State University is like climbing a mountain which not only transforms the peak you wish to reach but also determines your real character. The lessons that we have learned, values here we have been taught will guide me as I seek my aspirations and try in my every action to bring a brighter future to our world. I am confident that these years of education and all my experiences will form the basis for success in later life.
    New Kids Can Scholarship
    Becoming "the new kid" in a city far from home can be a life-altering experience, as I discovered when I moved from Philadelphia to Fayetteville. This transition not only impacted my immediate circumstances but also shaped my long-term aspirations and relationships. This journey from the city of brotherly love to the city of Fayetteville influenced my desire to become a pilot and serve in the Air Force, as well as how it left a lasting mark on my long-term friendships and future goals. First and foremost, this move demanded independence and resilience. Leaving behind the familiar and stepping into the unknown forced me to adapt to new surroundings, establish a social presence, and helped me develop the capacity to stand on my own. These qualities are for anyone with dreams of becoming a pilot and serving in the Air Force. In the challenging, ever-changing environments of military service, independence and resilience are essential characteristics to have. Also, the experience of transitioning from one city to another offered me a "crash course" in understanding diverse perspectives. I encountered people from various cultural backgrounds, each with their unique stories and worldviews. This exposure taught me the value of respecting and appreciating these differences, which is vital in a military career where working with individuals from diverse backgrounds is common. Adaptability is another crucial trait that I developed during this time. Adjusting to life in Fayetteville required me to embrace change with open arms. The ability to adapt to new environments and circumstances is a fundamental skill for a pilot in the Air Force. The job often involves moving to different bases, handling various aircraft, and adjusting to mission requirements, making adaptability an indispensable asset. The friendships I formed as a new kid in Fayetteville held a special place in my heart. Initially challenging to establish, these bonds grew stronger with time and shared experiences. I learned the importance of loyalty and the enduring nature of true friendships. This understanding has remained with me, reinforcing the significance of forming genuine connections in both military and civilian life. In terms of my future goals, the decision to pursue a career as a pilot in the Air Force is a long-term commitment. It reflects a deep desire to serve my country and be a part of something greater than myself. The experiences of adapting to a new city and forming enduring friendships have equipped me with the necessary qualities and perspectives for a successful career in the military. My journey from Philadelphia to Fayetteville as a new kid had a profound impact on my life. It cultivated essential qualities such as independence, adaptability, and resilience, which are indispensable for a career in the Air Force. It also provided inspiration and motivation to pursue a career as a pilot. The friendships I forged during this time taught me about loyalty and the enduring nature of true friendships. These experiences collectively shaped my future goals and aspirations as I continue to work towards a career in the Air Force as a pilot, prepared to serve my country with dedication and honour.