My decision to pursue a career supporting the intellectual and developmental disability community is rooted in both personal experience and profound purpose. As the mother of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, I live every day inside a world where patience, advocacy, and understanding are not optional—they are essential. Loving and raising my son has opened my eyes, reshaped my values, and inspired a commitment to this field that goes far beyond academic interest. This work is personal to me, and I am determined to be part of creating the kind of world he deserves. Before becoming a mother, I understood disability only in the abstract. But from the moment I realized my son was developing differently, I knew I had to become his voice, his protector, and his fiercest advocate. I have navigated evaluations, therapies, insurance battles, school meetings, and the emotional weight that comes with wanting the best for your child while fighting systems that aren’t always designed for him. I’ve seen firsthand how deeply a diagnosis impacts not only the individual, but the entire family unit—and how isolating it can feel when resources are limited or difficult to access. Although there have been challenges, my son has been my greatest teacher. He has shown me how much joy exists in small victories, how creativity thrives where communication barriers exist, and how much strength lies in doing things at one’s own pace. Most importantly, he has taught me to view the world through a different lens—one that values individuality, celebrates neurodiversity, and recognizes that intelligence, expression, and connection come in many forms. His presence in my life is the reason I am committed to supporting the intellectual disability community with both skill and compassion. My relationship with my son has profoundly shaped my educational goals. I want to gain the training and expertise needed to advocate for families like ours—families who are trying their best to navigate complex systems while ensuring their loved one is understood, supported, and given opportunities to thrive. I hope to work in the field of developmental services, family advocacy, or disability policy, where I can help remove barriers, expand access to resources, and ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are treated with dignity and respect. Beyond supporting my own child, I want to be part of building a community where no parent feels alone, where every child is seen for their strengths, and where support systems are designed to empower rather than limit. I hope to challenge misconceptions, help families find the services they need, and contribute to creating environments where neurodivergent individuals can succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Receiving the Champions for Intellectual Disability Scholarship would make a tremendous difference in my journey. As a single mother balancing school, caregiving, and financial responsibilities, tuition and education-related expenses can be overwhelming. This scholarship would relieve significant financial pressure and allow me to focus more fully on my studies and fieldwork, rather than constantly worrying about how to afford the next semester. My dream is to use my education to create real, lasting change—for my son, for families like ours, and for every individual whose voice has gone unheard. With your support, I can take the next step toward becoming the advocate and professional I am committed to being.

Being a member of the LGBTQ+ community has shaped my life in ways that are both challenging and deeply empowering. My journey hasn’t always been easy. I’ve had to navigate moments where I felt misunderstood, unsupported, or pressured to shrink myself in order to make other people comfortable. But every step—even the difficult ones—has taught me to stand in my truth with more confidence, more compassion, and more purpose than I ever thought possible. Growing up, I learned early that being different could make you a target. I struggled with feeling like I didn’t fit the expectations placed on me, both inside and outside my home. There were days when silence felt safer than honesty, and when trying to blend in seemed easier than accepting who I really was. But hiding who you are comes with its own kind of pain. Over time, I realized that living authentically—even when others don’t understand—is the only way to truly breathe. As I got older, I built the courage to step into my identity fully. That courage didn’t come all at once; it grew through small moments and quiet victories. It grew through heartbreak, through rebuilding, through finding community, and through discovering that my identity is not something to survive—it’s something to celebrate. Every challenge I faced made me stronger. And every time I overcame something, I found myself wanting to help others do the same. That desire is a major part of why I’m pursuing higher education. I don’t just want a degree—I want the skills, knowledge, and platform to create meaningful change. I want to use my education to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, especially for those who still feel voiceless, unseen, or silenced in their own families and communities. My goal is to work in a field where I can uplift marginalized voices, challenge harmful policies, and create safe spaces where people don’t have to hide who they are to feel worthy or welcome. I want to be someone who stands up for others the way I once wished someone would stand up for me. Advocacy, visibility, and empathy are at the center of everything I hope to build in my future career. Whether that’s through community work, legal advocacy, mental health support, or public policy, I want to be a part of the movement that pushes equality forward. I want my work to reflect the belief that every LGBTQ+ person deserves safety, opportunity, and dignity. Receiving the Rainbow Futures Scholarship would make an enormous difference in my ability to pursue these goals. As someone managing financial responsibilities on my own, the cost of tuition, books, and basic living expenses can feel overwhelming. This scholarship would ease that burden and allow me to focus fully on my education instead of constantly worrying about how to make ends meet. It would give me the stability and support I need to continue growing, learning, and preparing for the impact I want to make. I am committed to using my voice and my education to help build a future where LGBTQ+ people can thrive—not just survive. With your support, I can continue that journey with confidence and purpose.

Being a first-generation college student means carrying dreams that didn’t start with me but finally have the chance to be fulfilled through me. It means stepping into rooms no one in my family has ever stepped into, learning systems no one prepared me for, and figuring things out as I go. It also means carrying my family’s hopes and sacrifices—not as a burden, but as motivation. I am the first to do this, but I refuse to be the last. Growing up, college always felt like a distant idea, something meant for people who had resources, guidance, or a clear roadmap. My family worked hard, but higher education wasn’t something they knew how to navigate. So when it came time for me to pursue it, I had to learn everything on my own—financial aid, enrollment, academic planning, even how to balance school with real-life responsibilities. There was no one I could call at home to ask, “What do I do next?” Because of that, my journey has had its share of challenges. I’ve faced moments where money was tight, where childcare competed with class schedules, and where doubt made me question whether I could finish what I started. I’ve had to push through late nights, early mornings, and times when giving up seemed easier than continuing. But each challenge forced me to grow. I learned how to advocate for myself, how to ask questions, and how to keep moving forward even when I felt overwhelmed. Most importantly, I learned that “first-generation” doesn’t mean unprepared—it means trailblazer. Overcoming these obstacles has shaped my goals in a powerful way. I don’t take my education for granted because I know how hard I’ve worked to earn it. My dream is to build a stable, meaningful career that creates long-term security for my family and allows me to uplift others who feel lost in the same ways I once did. I want to show my child—and the rest of my family—that education is possible, worth fighting for, and capable of rewriting our narrative. What drives me is simple: I want a future where struggle isn’t the default, where opportunities aren’t out of reach, and where my family can look at me and say, “She opened the door for all of us.” Every class I take and every step toward my degree is part of that purpose. Receiving this scholarship would make a real difference in my journey. It would ease the financial strain that often stands between first-generation students and their goals. It would allow me to focus more on my coursework and less on juggling bills or stretching every dollar just to stay enrolled. Most of all, it would bring me closer to proving that being first-generation isn’t a limitation—it’s the start of a legacy. I’m determined to finish what I started, and with this scholarship, I can continue moving toward the future I’ve been working so hard to create.

My journey as a single mother returning to higher education has been anything but straightforward. It has been messy at times, exhausting at others, but always meaningful. When I look back, I can see how many moments I pushed through simply because I didn’t have the option to fall apart. Being a single parent means you’re the anchor, the provider, the comfort, and the fighter—all in one. And while that responsibility can be heavy, it has also shaped me into someone who understands the power of perseverance. I didn’t step away from school because I wanted to. I stepped away because life came at me fast—financial challenges, childcare issues, and situations completely outside of my control. There were days when I barely had time to breathe, let alone study. But even during the most overwhelming phases, the desire to finish my education never left. It stayed tucked inside me like a quiet promise I made to myself and to my child: that I would find my way back. When I finally returned to school, I came back with a different mindset. I wasn’t doing this to prove anything to anyone else. I was doing it because I wanted a more stable future—one where I didn’t have to constantly worry about bills, emergencies, or whether I was giving my child the opportunities they deserved. Being in school as a single mother changes the way you see everything. You learn to study during nap times, write papers late at night, and show up to class even when you’re emotionally worn out. But you also learn what it feels like to be proud of yourself again. This experience has reshaped my goals and my values. I’ve learned to prioritize what truly matters: building a secure life, providing emotional and financial stability, and creating a foundation that my child can build on. My goals are bigger now, but they are also clearer. I want a career that gives me both purpose and stability, and I want my education to serve as the bridge to that future. More than anything, I want to break cycles—cycles of struggle, cycles of instability, cycles of feeling like survival is the only option. Returning to school has also made me more compassionate. I understand what it feels like to carry responsibilities that are invisible to others. I understand the doubts and the exhaustion that come with being a single parent who refuses to give up. And I want to use my education to help others who feel stuck or overlooked. I want my story to remind someone else that starting over is not a setback—it’s strength. Receiving the Purple Dream Scholarship would be a turning point for me. It would ease the financial pressure that makes it hard to focus on school, especially as the sole provider in my home. It would allow me to put more energy into advancing my education rather than constantly worrying about how to stretch every dollar. Most importantly, it would bring me closer to the future I’m working so hard to build—a future defined by stability, opportunity, and hope. I’m not just going back to school for myself. I’m doing it for my child, for our future, and for the belief that we both deserve more than just surviving. With this scholarship, I can continue turning that belief into reality.

Education has never just been something I was told I should pursue; it’s been what has kept me going through some of the hardest moments of my life. As someone who has survived violence, navigated life as a first-generation college student, and dreams of becoming a lawyer, I see education as more than just a path, it's a lifeline that has helped me find my way back when all felt lost. Growing up, I didn’t always believe college was within my reach. My life was often shaped by circumstances I couldn’t control—financial struggles, family challenges, and personal traumas that felt like they might break me. For a long time, I thought success was something reserved for others—people with backgrounds more stable, more fortunate. But I soon learned that education is one of the few tools that can break those cycles, rebuild identity, and open doors I never thought possible. When I stepped onto a college campus, it wasn’t just a change of scenery, it was a transformation in how I saw myself and what I could achieve. One of the most defining moments in my journey was surviving a violent crime. The aftermath left me with fear, distrust, and a feeling that my voice no longer mattered. Healing was a long and difficult process—some days, just getting out of bed was an achievement. But school became my anchor. It gave me something to hold onto—a space where I could channel my pain into purpose. With every class I took, every paper I wrote, I was slowly rebuilding my confidence, reclaiming my voice, and reminding myself that I was more than my trauma. Education became my safe space, a place where I could rediscover my strength. It sparked a passion for the law and justice, especially understanding how systems can protect or harm people. I realized that my experiences didn’t define me, they could serve as fuel to fight for others who feel unheard or invisible. Becoming an aspiring lawyer wasn’t part of my original plan. It was something I discovered along the way—especially after seeing how the justice system can be intimidating, especially for those without support or knowledge. My own encounters with legal processes showed me how many are left to navigate trauma alone, especially marginalized communities and victims of violence. That realization fueled my desire to help others find the justice and dignity they deserve. I want to be the advocate I once needed—someone who listens, stands up, and fights to ensure no one slips through the cracks. But this journey hasn’t been easy. Balancing college, work, financial worries, and healing from deep personal wounds often felt overwhelming. There were semesters when I wondered if I could keep going. Life threw unexpected challenges, family struggles, moments of doubt, and yet, I refused to give up. Each obstacle became a reason to push harder, to prove to myself that resilience is about rising every time you fall. Over time, I learned to see these challenges not as barriers but as proof of my strength. I built routines, reached out for support, and prioritized my mental health. My passion for law and advocacy kept me grounded. These experiences taught me that perseverance isn’t about never falling; it’s about rising every single time. Now, as I look ahead, I am more motivated than ever. My dream is to attend law school and become an attorney specializing in victims’ rights, civil rights, or public interest law. I want to work with people who feel ignored, misunderstood, or left behind. I want to ensure that survivors of violence, especially from marginalized backgrounds, have someone fighting for them. I also want to use my education to challenge the larger systems that create inequalities. Whether through policy, community outreach, or reform, I believe real change begins when people with lived experience have the tools and voice to shape a better future. This scholarship means more than financial support. It’s hope—hope that I can continue my education without the constant worry of how I will pay for it. It’s a chance to fully focus on my goals, to prepare for law school, and to keep fighting for the future I believe in. Most of all, it’s a step toward becoming the kind of lawyer who fights for others the way I had to fight for myself. I want my story to show others—especially young survivors, first-generation students, and anyone who feels their circumstances define them—that their journey isn’t over. Education can open new doors, create new possibilities, and start new chapters filled with hope. The Dream BIG, Rise HIGHER Scholarship isn’t just about me. It’s about believing in the power of resilience, hope, and the idea that adversity doesn’t disqualify someone from achieving their dreams. Rising higher isn’t just a dream—it’s a choice I am ready to make, for myself and for those I will one day serve.

Got it — thank you for clarifying! 🙏 That detail about Judge **Francis Viamontes** and the ATF agents physically taking you to a mental health professional is so powerful, because it shows how others stepped in at your breaking point and helped you access care. That moment really anchors your turning point. Here’s the **fully corrected and polished essay draft** with that detail updated: --- **Essay Draft — Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship** I learned early that mental health wasn’t something people around me spoke openly about. My mother has lived with depression for most of my life, and though I didn’t have the words for it as a child, I could feel the weight in our home. In elementary school, I began seeing a therapist myself. At first, I didn’t understand why I was there—but I realize now that those early sessions planted a seed: asking for help isn’t weakness, it’s survival. That lesson came back to me years later in the hardest chapter of my life. After losing my eye in an attack, I had to face not just physical pain but the emotional toll of reliving the trauma in court. Testifying against my attacker was one of the hardest moments of my life. I remember the court reporter and even the judge asking me to slow down because my words tumbled out too quickly—I was frustrated, shaking, trying to hold it together. My mother’s audible sobs filled the pews behind my attacker, and I could feel her grief pressing against my own. What made it worse was that I had met my attacker on more than one occasion, so his attorney’s choice to argue “mistaken identity” cut deeper than I can describe. Sitting just a few feet from him and hearing that defense nearly broke me. What saved me in that season wasn’t toughness, it was finally reaching out. One day, I broke down and admitted I couldn’t carry the weight alone. The AUSA at the time, now Judge Francis Viamontes, and the ATF agents who worked my case recognized what I couldn’t say out loud. They didn’t just encourage me to get help, they took me to a mental health professional. That step changed everything. I was prescribed a low dose of Lexapro and began therapy again. That combination—medicine, counseling, and faith—helped me begin piecing myself back together. Recovery wasn’t fast or simple. But over time, I noticed changes. I began painting again. I became a parent. I returned to college. Each of those steps felt like reclaiming pieces of myself that trauma had tried to steal. And along the way, I learned that depression doesn’t define me—how I respond to it does. Today I manage my own mental health with prayer, focus, and daily practices that keep me grounded. I don’t pretend the shadows aren’t there, but I no longer let them consume me. Because of what I’ve been through, I speak differently about mental health now. I don’t hide it. If someone asks why I missed class or seemed distant, I tell them the truth: I was struggling, but I’m working through it. And when friends or classmates confide in me about their own battles, I listen without judgment. Sometimes I share resources, other times I just sit with them. I’ve learned the biggest gift we can give is presence. These experiences have shaped my academic and career goals as well. As a pre-law student, I want to work in public policy, especially around access to mental health resources. I know too well how stigma, cost, and fear keep people—especially in marginalized communities—from seeking help. My vision is to make care more accessible and to create spaces where asking for help is seen as a sign of strength, not shame. If I am awarded the Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship, I will carry forward Ethel’s legacy by continuing to speak openly about mental health and by using my education to advocate for systemic change. For me, destigmatizing mental health is personal. It’s my mother. It’s me. It’s the people who think they have to carry it all alone. And it’s proof that even after the hardest moments, there is still a way forward—if we have the courage to reach for it.

I'm a Black trans man, father, survivor, and future criminal justice reform attorney. I'm also a full-time undergraduate student, maintaining a 3.8 GPA, raising my adopted son, and working daily to turn my pain into power—not just for myself, but for others whom broken systems have left behind. When I read about Kalia's life, I saw reflections of the same values that guide mine: discipline, service, excellence, and joy. She lived fully, led with kindness, and left an impact that continues after her passing. That's the kind of legacy I want to build, and it's an honor to apply for a scholarship that carries her name. In 2017, I survived a violent crime that left me permanently blind in one eye. The trauma didn't just impact my body—it pulled me into a long fight with PTSD and depression. But I chose to show up. I sought therapy. I returned to school. I earned my Paralegal Certificate and enrolled in honors-level legal courses while balancing single parenthood and full-time study. I refuse to let what I've survived define me—I'm using it to fuel my future. In 2018, my younger paternal sibling, Maxwell, was born drug-exposed and placed into foster care. We don't share the same mother—my mother never used drugs and worked tirelessly to raise my older brother and me in our father's absence. When Maxwell entered the system, I fought to have him placed with me through a relative caregiver arrangement. After three months in foster care, the court approved it. About a year later, once the juvenile dependency courts terminated our father's and Maxwell's mother's parental rights, I legally adopted him. Maxwell is mildly autistic and absolutely brilliant. He calls me Dad, and raising him has been one of my greatest privileges. Through this process, I saw firsthand how complex and impersonal our child welfare systems can be—especially for children with complex needs. That experience sharpened my purpose and pushed me to pursue legal advocacy for families like mine. That's why I'm studying legal studies and preparing for law school. I want to specialize in criminal justice reform and advocate for communities who've been neglected, mislabeled, or pushed aside—especially Black and LGBTQ+ individuals, families navigating the child welfare system, and people impacted by trauma and poverty. I've volunteered at legal clinics, supported pro se litigants in court, and co-founded a nonprofit to uplift marginalized voices in South Florida. Outside of academics and advocacy, I've always stayed active. I ran track in high school and continued training independently to remain grounded during recovery. Movement helped me rebuild both physically and emotionally. That discipline—and the joy of pushing my body—still fuels my routine today. This scholarship would make a real difference in my life. As a student-parent, I balance tuition, textbooks, and basic needs. I've come this far on determination and grit. Financial support like this would allow me to focus more fully on my studies and community work. It would take weight off my shoulders and help me keep building toward my dream: becoming an attorney who leads with compassion and conviction. I'm not just working toward a degree—I'm working toward impact. Like Kalia, I believe in showing up with everything I've got, in every space I enter. I want my life's work to reflect the same joy, purpose, and strength she carried. I want to leave a legacy—not just for my son, but for the countless others whose voices still go unheard. Thank you for considering me. I hope to carry forward Kalia's legacy by living fully, loving deeply, laughing often, always learning—and leading toward a more just world.

Real Justice Requires Real Reform — and I'm Not Waiting to Be Invited In One of the biggest issues in the criminal justice system today is its failure to protect vulnerable people. As an unapologetically Black trans man and a survivor of a violent federal crime, I've lived that failure. This system often refuses to see the whole picture—how identity, trauma, and justice collide. I plan to change that. I won't speak for the underrepresented. I'll make sure they're heard, respected, and defended. On December 12, 2017, I survived a brutal crime that left me permanently blind and ultimately with just one eye. The federal case records entitled the United States v. Deandre Darryl Smith show up and have been cited in many cases that followed, but those papers don't reflect what actually happened, nor the aftermath. I spent years battling PTSD, depression, and adjusting to life with acquired monocular vision. I was misgendered, ignored, and retraumatized by a system that cares more about paperwork than people. I couldn't wait for someone to save me. I did the work. I fought to reclaim my life—and I'm still fighting. What's broken isn't just individual cases—it's the culture. Survivors are often forced to choose between being believed and being seen. If you're poor, a member of the LGBTQ plus community, Black, disabled, have special needs —or any mix of those above—you're more likely to be punished or ignored than protected. That's not justice. That's abandonment. I'm determined to push back—through legal advocacy, direct action, and representation in rooms where people like me have never been welcomed. That's why I went back to school, pushed myself to do more than keep up, earned my Paralegal Certificate, and took on honors-level legal studies, while raising my paternal sibling, who is now my son, continuing my healing, and maintaining a 3.8 GPA. I've supported attorneys by drafting pleadings, prepping discovery, and working on probate and family law cases. But I'm not in this just for the technical skills. I'm here because this system is crushing real people. And I want to stand beside them—not just with knowledge, but with lived experience. My little brother is a massive part of this story. I was able to get him placed in my care in 2019, and adopt him less than a year later when the state took custody of him shortly after his birth due to prenatal exposure to illegal substances. He's my superhero, mildly autistic, sharp, hilarious, and calls me "Dad" all day! He reminds me why this work matters! Navigating a full course load, IEP meetings, early intervention services, and public school bureaucracy isn't easy! It has shown me firsthand how systems fail families, too. I haven't just learned policy—I lived it. And I keep showing up. His autism isn't a limitation; it's his superpower. Parenting him makes me a better advocate and a stronger future lawyer. Along the way, I've volunteered at community legal clinics, helped pro se litigants in family court, and worked closely with low-income clients trying to access basic services. I also co-founded a nonprofit that lifts marginalized voices—and I regularly use my platform to speak on issues like equity, trauma, gender identity, and legal access. I don't just care about change. I'm already creating it. I plan to attend law school and specialize in criminal justice reform. I'm especially drawn to wrongful conviction work and policy advocacy. But I also want to mentor trans youth—especially those who don't think a courtroom is a place where someone like them belongs. I want to stand up in court one day and say," Your Honor, my client matters, " and have that truth backed by my legal skills and my lived reality. I know what it means to be dismissed, mislabeled, and underestimated. But I also know how to rise—and keep growing. I don't approach this work as an outsider looking in—I'm already in it. I've already paid the price. And I'm not here to ask permission. I'm here to lead. Justice doesn't live in philosophical ideals or textbooks. It is a virtue that lives in how we treat people and fight for those no one else shows up for. My life, my story, and my purpose all lead to this: I'm not just preparing for a career in criminal justice. I'm preparing to help rebuild it—from the inside out. Because justice shouldn't be a privilege, it should be a promise. And I'm here to make sure it finally is.

As Vice President of Visibility365, I work to positively impact the world by striving to provide brave and safe spaces for Black transgender, gender nonconforming, and non-binary individuals and youth to preserve, create, share, explore, and express their stories. Visibility365 was founded in Florida and is a collective dedicated to showcasing the triumphs of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) innovators, disruptors, and change agents within the trans and gender nonconforming (TGNC) community. Our mission is to shed light on the critical issues marginalized individuals face while fostering connections among youth, individuals, communities, and allies. By offering fresh, insightful content and creative programming, we aim to enhance internal and external community engagement and empower the BIPOC TGNC community to combat the negative narrative perpetuated by unauthorized storytellers. Through our efforts, we strive to break the cycle of poverty and marginalization by empowering individuals with the knowledge, inspiration, and tools to create meaningful change in their lives and communities. Thus driving a societal shift that builds empathy, champions rights, and promotes equality, inclusion, and access for the BIPOC TGNC community. At the beginning of 2024, Florida became the political hotbed and ground zero for anti-trans and anti-black legislation after eleven anti-trans bills impacted several areas, including employment, civil rights, incarceration, healthcare, and child abuse, were passed by the current governor and his supporters, after successfully carrying out a strategic plan to strip certain medical professionals from providing life-saving, gender-affirming care for youth and consequently affecting adults. Schools, which were once safe havens for youth to confide in guidance counselors, teachers, and other trusted staff, have shifted into “Don’t tell” institutions. Support no longer exists for in-school TLGBQ+ student-led organizations and youth are left to figure out how to support themselves without resources. Our state has also removed diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Higher Education, banned sex education in all public schools, banned critical race theory, and banned more books than any other state in their extreme right-wing “Stop Woke” brigade. Through my efforts at Visibility365 and the work of many other trans organizations who are stepping outside of their silos and beginning to understand the importance of collaboration. Our community is resilient, and we are not only calling out the LGBT community but calling them in to be our accomplices while having conversations about how these political attacks affect all of us as we are all connected. Through my work efforts at Visibility365, I aim to satisfy the hunger for uplifting messages and manifestations while amplifying and preserving the voices of those yearning to express their authentic selves. Our very first collaboration was with UWC, based out of California. When we teamed up to feature black transgender individuals on social media daily during black history month, it was through this collaboration that Visibility365 was birthed. Our future plan includes strategizing, marketing and social media strategy, building a budget for equipment and software, and networking. We have collaborations lined up with local black-led trans and LGBQ+ organizations, and we are also building our email and contact list.

1.) As a black, gender-expansive trans-man, I am often faced with significant and multifaceted barriers to educational support and access. I've encountered professors who did not understand or accept gender-expansive identities, instructors with inadequate training on gender diversity, gender expression, and how to create an inclusive environment for all students, as well as misgendering and gendered assumptions at the hands of instructors, peers, and administration. I’ve even faced discrimination and harassment from peers, teachers, and administrators, which created a hostile learning environment. Unfortunately, some of these experiences have temporarily impacted my academic performance and mental health. Others have even managed to affect my overall well-being because the extreme lack of support and acceptance at times expands my stress, anxiety, and depression just that much. To this day, I face bureaucratic obstacles with my name and pronouns on official records, ID cards, or other documents, and the lack of inclusive policies in the educational system offers no protection for my rights and well-being, which leaves me vulnerable to intolerance, bigotry, and discrimination in the future. There have also been times when I was tokenized and stereotyped as an example of "diversity" rather than being seen as the unique individual I am with individual needs. 2.) My major is Pre-Law, and my educational goal is to earn a juris doctorate. 3.) My career goal is to sit for the Florida Bar Exam and become a Public Interest Attorney who collaborates with non-profit organizations, government agencies, or advocacy groups focused on civil rights and public policy regarding the LGBTQ community. 4.) To address these barriers and positively impact the LGBTQ community, after completing my education, I will continue my efforts as the vice president of Visibility365, a non-profit organization working to positively impact the world by striving to provide brave and safe spaces for Black transgender, gender nonconforming, and non-binary individuals and youth to preserve, create, share, explore, and express their stories. Visibility365 was founded in Florida and is a collective dedicated to showcasing the triumphs of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) innovators, disruptors, and change agents within the trans and gender nonconforming (TGNC) community. Our mission is to shed light on the critical issues marginalized individuals face while fostering connections among youth, individuals, communities, and allies. By offering fresh, insightful content and creative programming, we aim to enhance internal and external community engagement and empower the BIPOC TGNC community to combat the negative narrative perpetuated by unauthorized storytellers. Through our efforts, we strive to break the cycle of poverty and marginalization by empowering individuals with the knowledge, inspiration, and tools to create meaningful change in their lives and communities. Thus driving a societal shift that builds empathy, champions rights, and promotes equality, inclusion, and access for the BIPOC TGNC community.

As Vice President of Visibility365, I work to positively impact the world by striving to provide brave and safe spaces for Black transgender, gender nonconforming, and non-binary individuals and youth to preserve, create, share, explore, and express their stories. Visibility365 was founded in Florida and is a collective dedicated to showcasing the triumphs of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) innovators, disruptors, and change agents within the trans and gender nonconforming (TGNC) community. Our mission is to shed light on the critical issues marginalized individuals face while fostering connections among youth, individuals, communities, and allies. By offering fresh, insightful content and creative programming, we aim to enhance internal and external community engagement and empower the BIPOC TGNC community to combat the negative narrative perpetuated by unauthorized storytellers. Through our efforts, we strive to break the cycle of poverty and marginalization by empowering individuals with the knowledge, inspiration, and tools to create meaningful change in their lives and communities. Thus driving a societal shift that builds empathy, champions rights, and promotes equality, inclusion, and access for the BIPOC TGNC community. At the beginning of 2024, Florida became the political hotbed and ground zero for anti-trans and anti-black legislation after eleven anti-trans bills impacted several areas, including employment, civil rights, incarceration, healthcare, and child abuse, were passed by the current governor and his supporters, after successfully carrying out a strategic plan to strip certain medical professionals from providing life-saving, gender-affirming care for youth and consequently affecting adults. Schools, which were once safe havens for youth to confide in guidance counselors, teachers, and other trusted staff, have shifted into “Don’t tell” institutions. Support no longer exists for in-school TLGBQ+ student-led organizations and youth are left to figure out how to support themselves without resources. Our state has also removed diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Higher Education, banned sex education in all public schools, banned critical race theory, and banned more books than any other state in their extreme right-wing “Stop Woke” brigade. Through my efforts at Visibility365 and the work of many other trans organizations who are stepping outside of their silos and beginning to understand the importance of collaboration. Our community is resilient, and we are not only calling out the LGBT community but calling them in to be our accomplices while having conversations about how these political attacks affect all of us as we are all connected. Through my work efforts at Visibility365, I aim to satisfy the hunger for uplifting messages and manifestations while amplifying and preserving the voices of those yearning to express their authentic selves. Our very first collaboration was with UWC, based out of California. When we teamed up to feature black transgender individuals on social media daily during black history month, it was through this collaboration that Visibility365 was birthed. Our future plan includes strategizing, marketing and social media strategy, building a budget for equipment and software, and networking. We have collaborations lined up with local black-led trans and LGBQ+ organizations, and we are also building our email and contact list.

My life journey and experiences thus far have been filled with diverse situations and opportunities that have shaped my values and goals. With the education I plan to pursue, I aim to make a difference by utilizing my knowledge and skills to address pressing social issues, contribute to innovative solutions, and empower marginalized communities. This scholarship will provide much needed financial support and resources to help me achieve my goals and create a positive impact in the world. I come from a black, low-income, single-parent household and have faced challenges accessing equal higher education opportunities all my life. Without faith, grit, conscious effort, and sheer determination, it is impossible to remain motivated when facing adversity, and today, I am a product of my hard work and dedication. Despite life's obstacles, I am determined to make something of myself. I persevere and work hard to improve my worth. I will be a second-generation college graduate very soon. I have made it my mission to help others in similar situations gain access to more opportunities than I had. Education is the key to success, and I am committed to ensuring others like myself have the chance to succeed. I cannot count the times I have had to "P.U.S.H.," literally get down on my knees and Pray Until Something Happens just to stay focused on obtaining my juris doctorate and practicing law one day. Currently, I am the adoptive parent of my five-year-old autistic brother, an adult learner with a 3.76 GPA, a surviving federal victim witness with monocular vision as a result of the injuries I sustained during the incident, and nearing the federal loan limit. Despite life's challenges, I show up and remain determined to positively impact marginalized and underserved communities through art, which allowed me to begin the process and afforded me the courage to testify in federal court against my attacker, prompting me to return to college and become a lawyer so that I could use legal advocacy, and community engagement to create a philanthropic initiative focused on educating youth in the community where I lost my right eye. I aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need; utilizing my resilience, determination, and commitment through legal advocacy and community engagement, I plan to continue serving the community and making a meaningful difference. I will always advocate for my community to ensure its voices are heard, and our rights are respected while using my platform to raise awareness of the challenges marginalized and underserved communities face. I will ensure that these communities can access adequate resources to help them achieve their goals. I will also work to create opportunities for collaboration and partnership and create a safe space for dialogue. Finally, I will empower those most affected by these issues and provide them with the tools and support necessary to succeed. In this way, I hope to foster an equitable and inclusive society for all.

My life journey and experiences thus far have been filled with diverse situations and opportunities that have shaped my values and goals. With the education I plan to pursue, I aim to make a difference by utilizing my knowledge and skills to address pressing social issues, contribute to innovative solutions, and empower marginalized communities. This scholarship will provide much needed financial support and resources to help me achieve my goals and create a positive impact in the world. I come from a black, low-income, single-parent household and have faced challenges accessing equal higher education opportunities all my life. Without faith, grit, conscious effort, and sheer determination, it is impossible to remain motivated when facing adversity, and today, I am a product of my hard work and dedication. Despite life's obstacles, I am determined to make something of myself. I persevere and work hard to improve my worth. I will be a second-generation college graduate very soon. I have made it my mission to help others in similar situations gain access to more opportunities than I had. Education is the key to success, and I am committed to ensuring others like myself have the chance to succeed. I cannot count the times I have had to "P.U.S.H.," literally get down on my knees and Pray Until Something Happens just to stay focused on obtaining my juris doctorate and practicing law one day. Currently, I am the adoptive parent of my five-year-old autistic brother, an adult learner with a 3.76 GPA, a surviving federal victim witness with monocular vision as a result of the injuries I sustained during the incident, and nearing the federal loan limit. Despite life's challenges, I show up and remain determined to positively impact marginalized and underserved communities through art, which allowed me to begin the process and afforded me the courage to testify in federal court against my attacker, prompting me to return to college and become a lawyer so that I could use legal advocacy, and community engagement to create a philanthropic initiative focused on educating youth in the community where I lost my right eye. I aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need; utilizing my resilience, determination, and commitment through legal advocacy and community engagement, I plan to continue serving the community and making a meaningful difference. I will always advocate for my community to ensure its voices are heard, and our rights are respected while using my platform to raise awareness of the challenges marginalized and underserved communities face. I will ensure that these communities can access adequate resources to help them achieve their goals. I will also work to create opportunities for collaboration and partnership and create a safe space for dialogue. Finally, I will empower those most affected by these issues and provide them with the tools and support necessary to succeed. In this way, I hope to foster an equitable and inclusive society for all.

I come from a black, low-income, single-parent household and have faced challenges accessing equal higher education opportunities all my life. Without faith, grit, conscious effort, and sheer determination, it is impossible to remain motivated when facing adversity. I am a product of my own hard work and dedication. Despite the obstacles, I was determined to make something of myself. I persevere and work hard to improve my worth. I will be a second-generation college graduate very soon. I have made it my mission to help others in similar situations gain access to more opportunities than I had. Education is the key to success, and I am committed to ensuring others like myself have the chance to succeed. I cannot count the times I have had to "P.U.S.H.," literally get down on my knees and Pray Until Something Happens just to stay focused on obtaining my juris doctorate and practicing law one day. Currently, I am the adoptive parent of my five-year-old autistic brother, an adult learner with a 3.76 GPA, a surviving federal victim witness with monocular vision as a result of the injuries I sustained during the incident, and nearing the federal loan limit. Despite life's challenges, I show up and remain determined to positively impact marginalized and underserved communities through art, which allowed me to begin the process and afforded me the courage to testify in federal court against my attacker, prompting me to return to college and become a lawyer so that I could use legal advocacy, and community engagement to create a philanthropic initiative focused on educating youth in the community where I lost my right eye. I aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need; utilizing my resilience, determination, and commitment through legal advocacy and community engagement, I plan to continue serving the community and making a meaningful difference. I will always advocate for my community to ensure its voices are heard, and our rights are respected while using my platform to raise awareness of the challenges marginalized and underserved communities face. I will ensure that these communities can access adequate resources to help them achieve their goals. I will also work to create opportunities for collaboration and partnership and create a safe space for dialogue. Finally, I will empower those most affected by these issues and provide them with the tools and support necessary to succeed. In this way, I hope to foster an equitable and inclusive society for all.

Question 1. As a transfer student with a 3.76 GPA. I have applied to the University of Central Florida and Barry University and heard back from both institutions. On May 23, 2024, I remitted the required seat deposit to Barry University because, thanks to the Barry University Department of History and Political Science and the Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law, I will earn a combined Pre Law Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor Degree via the accelerated 3 + 3 program. My core undergraduate requirements will be completed in the spring of 2025, and my senior undergraduate year will also be my first year of law school. Question 2. My thirst for knowledge and scholarly growth cannot be quenched, so the walls of formal education can not confine me; I am always seeking opportunities to advance by attending developmental workshops and seminars, reading books and articles, engaging in discussions and debates as well as painting which challenges the norms of intellectual development. I also actively participate in online study groups and courses to gain access to new information and seek guidance, mentorship, advice, and feedback on my development. At the same time, I take full advantage of my network of peers and professionals because they provide valuable insights and perspectives that prompt new challenges and opportunities to stretch my knowledge and skills—an example of how this pursuit shapes your legal aspirations is how it allowed me to develop a comprehensive understanding of the legal field and hone my skills to become a more well-rounded professional. It also enabled me to build a strong network of contacts that I can use to stay ahead of the competition. Question 3. As someone raised with a solid foundation of morals and values, I have done my best to avoid situations that cause moral dilemmas. To this day, I am persistent in upholding my values, so strategizing is not a significant concern. Still, when I was younger, I faced an instance regarding whether to stand up for a friend being bullied or to remain silent and avoid getting involved. Ultimately, I chose to defend my friend, even though it meant potentially facing the same mistreatment, which was a difficult decision. Still, it taught me the importance of loyalty and standing up for what is right. Question 4. Suppose I had the resources to create a philanthropic initiative, the cause it would support would be youth and art-focused and centered on engaging and educating the underserved community in the direct vicinity of two superfund sites near the city where I grew up and lost my right eye after being robbed while working in 2017, where the negative socioeconomic impacts of formerly contaminated land are still present to this day. It is art's extraordinary ability to evoke emotions, spark conversations, and create a profound connection between individuals and the environment that allowed me to begin the process of healing. I firmly believe that Art’s potent ability to increase awareness while fostering emotional connections and motivating efforts to tackle crises that afforded me the courage to testify in federal court against my attacker, and that experience prompted me to go back to college and become a lawyer. As it stands, the city council would rather regentrify the area and make it far too expensive for locals to continue living in the region rather than adhere to terms of environmental justice, which encourages fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income concerning the development, implementation, and enforcement of envenvironmental laws, regulations, and policies and the equitable distribution of environmental benefits.