Reading has always been an important part of my life. Even before I was able to read, I loved to listen to my mom or dad reading to me. After school, I would ask my mom to read to me for hours, if she could spare the time. Once I was able to read by myself, I began to read even more, so much so that I would sometimes lose track of time. I really enjoy reading science fiction and fantasy books. I find them to be especially interesting because they tell stories about a different time or even different worlds. I’ve gotten lost in all of Tolkien’s books, as well as the Game of Thrones series and countless others. Reading has given me a deep respect for what I have and the privileges I enjoy being born in this world and in this time. It opened my eyes to how badly people have been treated in other times, and the hardships they had to endure. Perhaps I love books about unusual lives in starkly different settings because my life story is unusual. My grandparents emigrated here from Ghana, a small country in west Africa, to have a better life. I traveled to Ghana last summer for the first time, and what I saw was deeply impactful to me. I have seen poverty before, growing up in a big city, but what I saw in Ghana was so much worse than anything I could imagine. I saw people sleeping alongside very busy roads. I saw hundreds of people walking up and down the streets carrying wares for sale on their heads, trying to make a living. I’ve realized that growing up in the U.S. is a privilege, and that we have it a lot better than a lot of people in the world. I’ve also realized that growing up in Ghana, my grandparents might not have had the chance to enjoy reading as much as I do. My mother’s ancestors came to the US from Scotland and other parts of Europe seeking the same thing as my Ghanian grandparents: opportunity and the possibility of a better life. My story brings together these disparate story lines. As a biracial person of Ghanaian heritage, I sometimes feel like I don’t fully belong in either the white or African-American communities. Like the characters in many of the books I’ve read, I’m on a journey to find my path and my own unique community. I also really love sports and understanding the business of sports. I'm studying business in college, with a particular interest in businesses that intersect with sports. I would love to dive deep into stories related to the sports world: the history and development journeys of sports teams, and how they found success or overcame failure. Like how the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Lakers, and how that continues to impact both teams. I've also loved learning more about business finances. I'm strongly considering Finance as my focus in school. I hope to continue to take classes that teach me interesting stories about the world of business. Most importantly, I’m excited to continue writing my own story in college. I’m eager for the adventures that await, for the new ideas I’ll encounter and the new people I’ll meet, and for the opportunity to find my community.

I believe I've made a meaning impact serving my community through my involvement with the Young Men's Service League. I’ve been active for four years with YMSL, working with the Special Olympics, Meals on Wheels, and a shelter for homeless teens, among other things. My Meals on Wheels experiences were particularly impactful. I became friendly with many of the meal recipients. They seemed to really enjoy chatting, and I got the sense many of them were lonely, and maybe didn’t see or talk to very many people on a regular basis. I also began to understand that some of these elderly people had experienced true hunger, with no food available. It hit me: I have never felt that. I've also realized that cuts to federal funding in recent months mean this service to the elderly - providing warm and healthy meals for free - is in jeopardy. I am keenly aware that I've been fortunate to have a family that is able to support me, plenty of food on the table, and access to the resources I needed to excel at school. I don’t take these things for granted, and I want to “pay it forward” to others. I believe I can continue to do good in my community by working in an industry I truly love: professional sports. I hope to attain a college degree in business and sports management. I became a huge Dallas Mavericks fan my freshman year in high school. Once I complete my degree, I would love to join the Dallas Mavericks front office, engaging with the Dallas community and bolstering enthusiasm for the team. I witnessed my friends and family, and the Dallas community as a whole, be devastated by the sudden and shocking trade of Luka Doncic to the Lakers. I saw how it affected the Dallas Mavericks as an organization as well, as fans protested and mourned the loss of a beloved player. I believe with a business and sports management degree, I could help alleviate both the community’s grief and help the Mavericks organization recover from their blunder. I also believe professional sports teams play a key role in helping communities by contributing financially to local charities and by athletes sharing their time with kids who look up to them. As a front office employee, I would like to work on expanding community outreach programs and training camps for athletes in need. I believe that if I can attain a bachelor’s degree in business and sports management, I can couple my love of sports with my passion for volunteering in my community. I know that earning my degree will not be easy and will bring challenges that will help me grow as an analytical thinker and a problem-solver. I’m excited at the prospect of starting college and working to achieve these goals. My volunteer efforts have deeply impacted me, changing my worldview forever. I carry these experiences with me, in my head and in my heart, as I embark on this next life chapter.

One of my proudest achievements so far in my life is volunteering almost 100 hours during my high school years. I believe that everybody should do volunteer work in their community before they go out into the world as a young adult. Volunteering opens up your eyes to the world in new ways. My mom started taking me and my siblings on a Meals on Wheels delivery route several times a month when I was in middle school. We became friendly with many of the meal recipients. They seemed to really enjoy seeing me and my younger siblings. I could tell many of them were lonely, and maybe didn’t see or talk to very many people on a regular basis. I also began to understand that some of these elderly people had experienced true hunger, with no food available. It hit me: I have never felt that. I’ve also been active for four years in the Young Men’s Service League, an organization that brings mothers and sons together to volunteer their time in underserved communities. Working with the Special Olympics, Meals on Wheels, and at a shelter for homeless teens have been some of the most meaningful experiences of my teenage years. These experiences helped me appreciate how fortunate I’ve been to have a family that is able to support me, plenty of food on the table, and access to the resources I needed to excel at school. I don’t take these things for granted, and I want to “pay it forward” to others. I hope to attain a degree in business and sports management. I believe I can continue to do good in my community by working in an industry I truly love: professional sports. I became a huge Dallas Mavericks fan my freshman year in high school. Once I complete my degree, I would love to join the Dallas Mavericks front office, engaging with the Dallas community and bolstering enthusiasm for the team. I witnessed my friends and family, and the Dallas community as a whole, be devastated by the sudden and shocking trade of Luka Doncic to the Lakers. I saw how it affected the Dallas Mavericks as an organization as well, as fans protested and mourned the loss of a beloved player. I believe with a business and sports management degree, I could help alleviate both the community’s grief and help the Mavericks organization recover from their blunder. I also believe professional sports teams play a key role in helping communities by contributing financially to local charities and by athletes sharing their time with kids who look up to them. As a front office employee, I would like to work on expanding community outreach programs and training camps for athletes in need. I believe that if I can attain a bachelor’s degree in business and sports management, I can couple my love of sports with my passion for volunteering in my community. I know that earning my degree will not be easy and will bring challenges that will help me grow as an analytical thinker and a problem-solver. I’m excited at the prospect of starting college and working to achieve these goals. My volunteer efforts have deeply impacted me, changing my worldview forever. I carry these experiences with me as I embark on this next life chapter.

The personal achievement that I'm most proud of is volunteering almost 100 hours in my community during my high school years. I believe that everybody volunteer in their community before they go out into the world as a young adult. Volunteering opens up your eyes to the world in new ways. My mom started taking me and my siblings on a Meals on Wheels delivery route several times a month when I was in middle school. We became friendly with many of the meal recipients. They seemed to really enjoy seeing me and my younger siblings. I could tell many of them were lonely, and maybe didn’t see or talk to very many people on a regular basis. I also began to understand that some of these elderly people had experienced true hunger, with no food available. It hit me: I have never felt that. I’ve also been active for four years in the Young Men’s Service League, an organization that brings mothers and sons together to volunteer their time in underserved communities. Working with the Special Olympics, Meals on Wheels, and at a shelter for homeless teens have been some of the most meaningful experiences of my teenage years. These experiences helped me appreciate how fortunate I’ve been to have a family that is able to support me, plenty of food on the table, and access to the resources I needed to excel at school. I don’t take these things for granted, and I want to “pay it forward” to others. I hope to attain a degree in business and sports management. I believe I can continue to do good in my community by working in an industry I truly love: professional sports. I became a huge Dallas Mavericks fan my freshman year in high school. Once I complete my degree, I would love to join the Dallas Mavericks front office, engaging with the Dallas community and bolstering enthusiasm for the team. I witnessed my friends and family, and the Dallas community as a whole, be devastated by the sudden and shocking trade of Luka Doncic to the Lakers. I saw how it affected the Dallas Mavericks as an organization as well, as fans protested and mourned the loss of a beloved player. I believe with a business and sports management degree, I could help alleviate both the community’s grief and help the Mavericks organization recover from their blunder. I also believe professional sports teams play a key role in helping communities by contributing financially to local charities and by athletes sharing their time with kids who look up to them. As a front office employee, I would like to work on expanding community outreach programs and training camps for athletes in need. I believe that if I can attain a bachelor’s degree in business and sports management, I can couple my love of sports with my passion for volunteering in my community. I know that earning my degree will not be easy and will bring challenges that will help me grow as an analytical thinker and a problem-solver. I’m excited at the prospect of starting college and working to achieve these goals. My volunteer efforts have deeply impacted me, changing my worldview forever. I carry these experiences with me as I embark on this next life chapter.

Volunteering in less fortunate communities has given me a set of experiences that have had a significant impact on my life. I believe that everybody should do some volunteer work in their community before they go out into the world as a young adult. Volunteering opens up your eyes to the world in new ways. My mom started taking me and my siblings on a Meals on Wheels delivery route several times a month when I was in middle school. We became friendly with many of the meal recipients. They seemed to really enjoy seeing me and my younger siblings. I could tell many of them were lonely, and maybe didn’t see or talk to very many people on a regular basis. I also began to understand that some of these elderly people had experienced true hunger, with no food available. It hit me: I have never felt that. I’ve also been active for four years in the Young Men’s Service League, an organization that brings mothers and sons together to volunteer their time in underserved communities. Working with the Special Olympics, Meals on Wheels, and at a shelter for homeless teens have been some of the most meaningful experiences of my teenage years. These experiences helped me appreciate how fortunate I’ve been to have a family that is able to support me, plenty of food on the table, and access to the resources I needed to excel at school. I don’t take these things for granted, and I want to “pay it forward” to others. I hope to attain a degree in business and sports management. I believe I can continue to do good in my community by working in an industry I truly love: professional sports. I became a huge Dallas Mavericks fan my freshman year in high school. Once I complete my degree, I would love to join the Dallas Mavericks front office, engaging with the Dallas community and bolstering enthusiasm for the team. I witnessed my friends and family, and the Dallas community as a whole, be devastated by the sudden and shocking trade of Luka Doncic to the Lakers. I saw how it affected the Dallas Mavericks as an organization as well, as fans protested and mourned the loss of a beloved player. I believe with a business and sports management degree, I could help alleviate both the community’s grief and help the Mavericks organization recover from their blunder. I also believe professional sports teams play a key role in helping communities by contributing financially to local charities and by athletes sharing their time with kids who look up to them. As a front office employee, I would like to work on expanding community outreach programs and training camps for athletes in need. I believe that if I can attain a bachelor’s degree in business and sports management, I can couple my love of sports with my passion for volunteering in my community. I know that earning my degree will not be easy and will bring challenges that will help me grow as an analytical thinker and a problem-solver. I’m excited at the prospect of starting college and working to achieve these goals. My volunteer efforts have deeply impacted me, changing my worldview forever. I carry these experiences with me, in my head and in my heart, as I embark on this next life chapter.

Volunteering in less fortunate communities has given me a set of experiences that have had a significant impact on my life. I believe that everybody should do some volunteer work in their community before they go out into the world as a young adult. Volunteering opens up your eyes to the world in new ways. My mom started taking me and my siblings on a Meals on Wheels delivery route several times a month when I was in middle school. We became friendly with many of the meal recipients. They seemed to really enjoy seeing me and my younger siblings. I could tell many of them were lonely, and maybe didn’t see or talk to very many people on a regular basis. I also began to understand that some of these elderly people had experienced true hunger, with no food available. It hit me: I have never felt that. I’ve also been active for four years in the Young Men’s Service League, an organization that brings mothers and sons together to volunteer their time in underserved communities. Working with the Special Olympics, Meals on Wheels, and at a shelter for homeless teens have been some of the most meaningful experiences of my teenage years. These experiences helped me appreciate how fortunate I’ve been to have a family that is able to support me, plenty of food on the table, and access to the resources I needed to excel at school. I don’t take these things for granted, and I want to “pay it forward” to others. I hope to attain a degree in business and sports management. I believe I can continue to do good in my community by working in an industry I truly love: professional sports. I became a huge Dallas Mavericks fan my freshman year in high school. Once I complete my degree, I would love to join the Dallas Mavericks front office, engaging with the Dallas community and bolstering enthusiasm for the team. I witnessed my friends and family, and the Dallas community as a whole, be devastated by the sudden and shocking trade of Luka Doncic to the Lakers. I saw how it affected the Dallas Mavericks as an organization as well, as fans protested and mourned the loss of a beloved player. I believe with a business and sports management degree, I could help alleviate both the community’s grief and help the Mavericks organization recover from their blunder. I also believe professional sports teams play a key role in helping communities by contributing financially to local charities and by athletes sharing their time with kids who look up to them. As a front office employee, I would like to work on expanding community outreach programs and training camps for athletes in need. I believe that if I can attain a bachelor’s degree in business and sports management, I can couple my love of sports with my passion for volunteering in my community. I know that earning my degree will not be easy and will bring challenges that will help me grow as an analytical thinker and a problem-solver. I’m excited at the prospect of starting college and working to achieve these goals. My volunteer efforts have deeply impacted me, changing my worldview forever. I carry these experiences with me, in my head and in my heart, as I embark on this next life chapter.

Volunteering in less fortunate communities has given me a set of experiences that is reflective of Jesus Christ's life's work. With Jesus in my heart, and support and direction from my family, volunteering helped me put others' needs ahead of my own - and has changed my life. I believe that everybody should do some volunteer work in their community before they go out into the world as a young adult. Volunteering opens up your eyes to the world in new ways. My mom started taking me and my siblings on a Meals on Wheels delivery route several times a month when I was in middle school. We became friendly with many of the meal recipients. They seemed to really enjoy seeing me and my younger siblings. I could tell many of them were lonely, and maybe didn’t see or talk to very many people on a regular basis. I also began to understand that some of these elderly people had experienced true hunger, with no food available. It hit me: I have never felt that. I’ve also been active for four years in the Young Men’s Service League, an organization that brings mothers and sons together to volunteer their time in underserved communities. Working with the Special Olympics, Meals on Wheels, and at a shelter for homeless teens have been some of the most meaningful experiences of my teenage years. These experiences helped me appreciate how fortunate I’ve been to have a family that is able to support me, plenty of food on the table, and access to the resources I needed to excel at school. I don’t take these things for granted, and I want to “pay it forward” to others. I hope to attain a degree in business and sports management. I believe I can continue to do good in my community by working in an industry I truly love: professional sports. I became a huge Dallas Mavericks fan my freshman year in high school. Once I complete my degree, I would love to join the Dallas Mavericks front office, engaging with the Dallas community and bolstering enthusiasm for the team. I believe professional sports teams play a key role in helping communities by contributing financially to local charities and by athletes sharing their time with kids who look up to them. As a front office employee, I would like to work on expanding community outreach programs and training camps for athletes in need. I believe that if I can attain a bachelor’s degree in business and sports management, I can couple my love of sports with my passion for volunteering in my community. I’m excited at the prospect of starting college and working to achieve these goals. My volunteer efforts have deeply impacted me, helping me to strive to do good as Jesus did, changing my worldview forever. I carry these experiences with me, in my head and in my heart, as I embark on this next life chapter.

I'm a bookworm. Reading has always been an important part of my life. Even before I was able to read, I loved to listen to my mom or dad reading to me. After school, I would ask my mom to read to me for hours, if she could spare the time. Once I was able to read by myself, I began to read even more, so much so that I would sometimes lose track of time. Some days I would read from the instant I got home from school until dinner time, and I would think “Wow, where did the time go?!” I especially love reading science fiction and fantasy books. I find them to be more interesting than nonfiction books because they tell stories about a different time. I’ve gotten lost in all of Tolkien’s books, as well as the Game of Thrones series and countless others. Reading has given me a deep respect for what I have and the privileges I enjoy being born in this world and in this time. It opened my eyes to how badly people have been treated in other times, and the hardships they had to endure. Perhaps I love books about unusual lives in starkly different settings because my life story is unusual. My grandparents emigrated here from Ghana, a small country in west Africa, to have a better life. I traveled to Ghana last summer for the first time, and what I saw was deeply impactful to me. I have seen poverty before, growing up in a big city, but what I saw in Ghana was so much worse than anything I could imagine. I saw people sleeping alongside very busy roads. I saw hundreds of people walking up and down the streets carrying wares for sale on their heads, trying to make a living. I was born five weeks early. A NICU team was on hand, but luckily I was healthy and didn't need medical support. I’ve realized that growing up in the U.S. is a privilege, and that we have it a lot better than a lot of people in the world. I’ve also realized that growing up in Ghana, my grandparents didn't have access to the same health care and education, and might not have had the chance to enjoy reading as much as I do. My mother’s ancestors came to the US from Scotland and other parts of Europe seeking the same thing as my Ghanian grandparents: opportunity and the possibility of a better life. My story brings together these disparate story lines. As a biracial person of Ghanaian heritage, I sometimes feel like I don’t fully belong in either the white or African-American communities. Like the characters in many of the books I’ve read, I’m on a journey to find my path and my own unique community. I look forward to all the opportunities to get lost in new and different stories in college. I hope to take classes that expose me to other authors or genres to expand my worldview and perspective. I also really love sports stories. I would love to dive deep into stories related to the sports world: the history and development journeys of sports teams, and how they found success or overcame failure. Like how the Dallas Mavericks overcame a loss in the NBA Finals to the Miami Heat in 2006, beating them a few years later in the 2011 finals. Most importantly, I’m excited to continue writing my own story in college. I’m eager for the adventures that await, for the new ideas I’ll encounter and the new people I’ll meet, and for the opportunity to find my community.

I'm a bookworm. Reading has always been an important part of my life. Even before I was able to read, I loved to listen to my mom or dad reading to me. After school, I would ask my mom to read to me for hours, if she could spare the time. Once I was able to read by myself, I began to read even more, so much so that I would sometimes lose track of time. Some days I would read from the instant I got home from school until dinner time, and I would think “Wow, where did the time go?!” We would go to our local library branch at least once a week to keep me supplied with books. I especially love reading science fiction and fantasy books. I find them to be more interesting than nonfiction books because they tell stories about a different time. I’ve gotten lost in all of Tolkien’s books, as well as the Game of Thrones series and countless others. Reading has given me a deep respect for what I have and the privileges I enjoy being born in this world and in this time. It opened my eyes to how badly people have been treated in other times, and the hardships they had to endure. Perhaps I love books about unusual lives in starkly different settings because my life story is unusual. My grandparents emigrated here from Ghana, a small country in west Africa, to have a better life. I traveled to Ghana last summer for the first time, and what I saw was deeply impactful to me. I have seen poverty before, growing up in a big city, but what I saw in Ghana was so much worse than anything I could imagine. I saw people sleeping alongside very busy roads. I saw hundreds of people walking up and down the streets carrying wares for sale on their heads, trying to make a living. I’ve realized that growing up in the U.S. is a privilege, and that we have it a lot better than a lot of people in the world. I’ve also realized that growing up in Ghana, my grandparents might not have had the chance to enjoy reading as much as I do. My mother’s ancestors came to the US from Scotland and other parts of Europe seeking the same thing as my Ghanian grandparents: opportunity and the possibility of a better life. My story brings together these disparate story lines. As a biracial person of Ghanaian heritage, I sometimes feel like I don’t fully belong in either the white or African-American communities. Like the characters in many of the books I’ve read, I’m on a journey to find my path and my own unique community. I look forward to all the opportunities to get lost in new and different stories in college. I hope to take classes that expose me to other authors or genres to expand my worldview and perspective. I also really love sports stories. I would love to dive deep into stories related to the sports world: the history and development journeys of sports teams, and how they found success or overcame failure. Like how the Dallas Mavericks overcame a loss in the NBA Finals to the Miami Heat in 2006, beating them a few years later in the 2011 finals. Most importantly, I’m excited to continue writing my own story in college. I’m eager for the adventures that await, for the new ideas I’ll encounter and the new people I’ll meet, and for the opportunity to find my community.

I believe that everybody should do some volunteer work in their community before they go out into the world as a young adult. Volunteering opens up your eyes to the world in new ways. My mom started taking me and my siblings on a Meals on Wheels delivery route several times a month when I was in middle school. We became friendly with many of the meal recipients. They seemed to really enjoy seeing me and my younger siblings. I could tell many of them were lonely, and maybe didn’t see or talk to very many people on a regular basis. I also began to understand that some of these elderly people had experienced true hunger, with no food available. It hit me: I have never felt that. I’ve also been active for four years in the Young Men’s Service League, an organization that brings mothers and sons together to volunteer their time in underserved communities. Working with the Special Olympics, Meals on Wheels, and at a shelter for homeless teens have been some of the most meaningful experiences of my teenage years. These experiences helped me appreciate how fortunate I’ve been to have a family that is able to support me, plenty of food on the table, and access to the resources I needed to excel at school. I don’t take these things for granted, and I want to “pay it forward” to others. I hope to attain a degree in business and sports management. I believe I can continue to do good in my community by working in an industry I truly love: professional sports. I became a huge Dallas Mavericks fan my freshman year in high school. Once I complete my degree, I would love to join the Dallas Mavericks front office, engaging with the Dallas community and bolstering enthusiasm for the team. I witnessed my friends and family, and the Dallas community as a whole, be devastated by the sudden and shocking trade of Luka Doncic to the Lakers. I saw how it affected the Dallas Mavericks as an organization as well, as fans protested and mourned the loss of a beloved player. I believe with a business and sports management degree, I could help alleviate both the community’s grief and help the Mavericks organization recover from their blunder. I also believe professional sports teams play a key role in helping communities by contributing financially to local charities and by athletes sharing their time with kids who look up to them. As a front office employee, I would like to work on expanding community outreach programs and training camps for athletes in need. I believe that if I can attain a bachelor’s degree in business and sports management, I can couple my love of sports with my passion for volunteering in my community. I know that earning my degree will not be easy and will bring challenges that will help me grow as an analytical thinker and a problem-solver. I’m excited at the prospect of starting college and working to achieve these goals. My volunteer efforts have deeply impacted me, changing my worldview forever. I carry these experiences with me, in my head and in my heart, as I embark on this next life chapter.

I believe that everybody should do some volunteer work in their community before they go out into the world as a young adult. Volunteering opens up your eyes to the world in new ways. My mom started taking me and my siblings on a Meals on Wheels delivery route several times a month when I was in middle school. We became friendly with many of the meal recipients. They seemed to really enjoy seeing me and my younger siblings. I could tell many of them were lonely, and maybe didn’t see or talk to very many people on a regular basis. I also began to understand that some of these elderly people had experienced true hunger, with no food available. It hit me: I have never felt that. I’ve also been active for four years in the Young Men’s Service League, an organization that brings mothers and sons together to volunteer their time in underserved communities. I helped build wheelchair ramps for disabled or elderly people who can't afford to buy one. I worked at Special Olympics events and helped organize donations at a shelter for homeless teens. These experiences have been some of the most meaningful moments of my teenage years. They helped me appreciate how fortunate I’ve been to have a family that is able to support me, plenty of food on the table, and access to the resources I needed to excel at school. I don’t take these things for granted, and I want to “pay it forward” to others. I hope to attain a degree in business and sports management. I believe I can continue to do good in my community by working in an industry I truly love: professional sports. I became a huge Dallas Mavericks fan my freshman year in high school. Once I complete my degree, I would love to join the Dallas Mavericks front office, engaging with the Dallas community and bolstering enthusiasm for the team. I witnessed my friends and family, and the Dallas community as a whole, be devastated by the sudden and shocking trade of Luka Doncic to the Lakers. I saw how it affected the Dallas Mavericks as an organization as well, as fans protested and mourned the loss of a beloved player. I believe with a business and sports management degree, I could help alleviate both the community’s grief and help the Mavericks organization recover from their blunder. I also believe professional sports teams play a key role in helping communities by contributing financially to local charities and by athletes sharing their time with kids who look up to them. As a front office employee, I would like to work on expanding community outreach programs and training camps for athletes in need. I believe that if I can attain a bachelor’s degree in business and sports management, I can couple my love of sports with my passion for volunteering in my community. I know that earning my degree will not be easy and will bring challenges that will help me grow as an analytical thinker and a problem-solver. I’m excited at the prospect of starting college and working to achieve these goals. My volunteer efforts have deeply impacted me, changing my worldview forever. I carry these experiences with me, in my head and in my heart, as I embark on this next life chapter.

I'm a bookworm. Reading has always been an important part of my life. Even before I was able to read, I loved to listen to my mom or dad reading to me. After school, I would ask my mom to read to me for hours, if she could spare the time. Once I was able to read by myself, I began to read even more, so much so that I would sometimes lose track of time. Some days I would read from the instant I got home from school until dinner time. I specifically enjoy reading science fiction and fantasy books. I find them to be more interesting than nonfiction books because they tell stories about a different time. I’ve gotten lost in all of Tolkien’s books, as well as the Game of Thrones series and countless others. Reading has given me a deep respect for what I have and the privileges I enjoy being born in this world and in this time. It opened my eyes to how badly people have been treated in other times, and the hardships they had to endure. Perhaps I love books about unusual lives in starkly different settings because my life story is unusual. My grandparents emigrated here from Ghana, a small country in west Africa, to have a better life. I traveled to Ghana last summer for the first time, and what I saw was deeply impactful to me. I have seen poverty before, growing up in a big city, but what I saw in Ghana was so much worse than anything I could imagine. I saw people sleeping alongside very busy roads. I saw hundreds of people walking up and down the streets carrying wares for sale on their heads, trying to make a living. I’ve realized that growing up in the U.S. is a privilege, and that we have it a lot better than a lot of people in the world. I’ve also realized that growing up in Ghana, my grandparents might not have had the chance to enjoy reading as much as I do. My mother’s ancestors came to the US from Scotland and other parts of Europe seeking the same thing as my Ghanian grandparents: opportunity and the possibility of a better life. My story brings together these disparate story lines. As a biracial person of Ghanaian heritage, I sometimes feel like I don’t fully belong in either the white or African-American communities. Like the characters in many of the books I’ve read, I’m on a journey to find my path and my own unique community. I look forward to all the opportunities to get lost in new and different stories in college. I hope to take classes that expose me to other authors or genres to expand my worldview and perspective. I also really love sports stories. I would love to dive deep into stories related to the sports world: the history and development journeys of sports teams, and how they found success or overcame failure. Like how the Dallas Mavericks overcame a loss in the NBA Finals to the Miami Heat in 2006, beating them a few years later in the 2011 finals. Or how Paul George made a miraculous recovery after breaking his leg trying to earn a spot on the United States national team at the 2014 Basketball World Cup. Most importantly, I’m excited to continue writing my own story in college. I’m eager for the adventures that await, for the new ideas I’ll encounter and the new people I’ll meet, and for the opportunity to find my community.

The camera focuses on me sitting in a conference room, Dallas Mavericks logos on the wall, very tall young men (Mavs players) seated next to me, towering over me on either side. I'm making a presentation to the group about ways we can expand our community engagement and better support kids in Dallas. I believe that sports can bring families and communities together, and offer hope and joy when world events feel overwhelming. I became a huge Dallas Mavericks fan my freshman year in high school, and that became a passion that I really bonded with my father and brother over. Once I complete my degree, I would love to join the Dallas Mavericks front office, engaging with the Dallas community and bolstering enthusiasm for the team. I witnessed my friends and family, and the Dallas community as a whole, be devastated by the sudden and shocking trade of Luka Doncic to the Lakers. I saw how it affected the Dallas Mavericks as an organization as well, as fans protested and mourned the loss of a beloved player. I believe with a business and sports management degree, I could help alleviate both the community’s grief and help the Mavericks organization recover from their blunder. I also believe professional sports teams play a key role in helping communities by contributing financially to local charities and by athletes sharing their time with kids who look up to them. As a front office employee, I would like to work on expanding community outreach programs and training camps for athletes in need. Volunteering my time for those in need has always been a priority in my family. I’ve been active for four years in the Young Men’s Service League, an organization that brings mothers and sons together to volunteer their time in underserved communities. Working with the Special Olympics, Meals on Wheels, and at a shelter for homeless teens have been some of the most meaningful experiences of my teenage years. These experiences helped me appreciate how fortunate I’ve been to have a family that is able to support me, plenty of food on the table, and access to the resources I needed to excel at school. I don’t take these things for granted, and I want to “pay it forward” to others. I believe I can continue to do good in my community by working in an industry I truly love: professional sports. I know that earning my degree will not be easy and will bring challenges that will help me grow as an analytical thinker and a problem-solver. I’m excited at the prospect of starting college and working to achieve these goals. I'm ready to work hard to complete my degree, and to get my foot in the door at an NBA front office. The camera zooms out and the scene closes with the men and women in the conference room smiling and nodding enthusiastically. We've agreed on a plan to expand our community support and reach more underserved communities, bringing hope and joy to Mavs fans everywhere.

I want to create a sustainable and enjoyable future for both myself and my community by attaining a bachelor's degree in business and sports management. I have always enjoyed both playing and watching basketball, and recently I have developed a passion for sports analytics. I pay close attention to team and player statistics and enjoy thinking through how different players’ strengths and weaknesses contribute to a team’s wins and losses. I also believe that sports can bring families and communities together, and offer hope and joy when world events feel overwhelming. I became a huge Dallas Mavericks fan my freshman year in high school, and that became a passion that I really bonded with my father and brother over. Once I complete my degree, I would love to join the Dallas Mavericks front office, engaging with the Dallas community and bolstering enthusiasm for the team. I witnessed my friends and family, and the Dallas community as a whole, be devastated by the sudden and shocking trade of Luka Doncic to the Lakers. I saw how it affected the Dallas Mavericks as an organization as well, as fans protested and mourned the loss of a beloved player. I believe with a business and sports management degree, I could help alleviate both the community’s grief and help the Mavericks organization recover from their blunder. I also believe professional sports teams play a key role in helping communities by contributing financially to local charities and by athletes sharing their time with kids who look up to them. As a front office employee, I would like to work on expanding community outreach programs and training camps for athletes in need. Volunteering my time for those in need has always been a priority in my family. I’ve been active for four years in the Young Men’s Service League, an organization that brings mothers and sons together to volunteer their time in underserved communities. Working with the Special Olympics, Meals on Wheels, and at a shelter for homeless teens have been some of the most meaningful experiences of my teenage years. These experiences helped me appreciate how fortunate I’ve been to have a family that is able to support me, plenty of food on the table, and access to the resources I needed to excel at school. I don’t take these things for granted, and I want to “pay it forward” to others. I believe I can continue to do good in my community by working in an industry I truly love: professional sports. I know that earning my degree will not be easy and will bring challenges that will help me grow as an analytical thinker and a problem-solver. I’m excited at the prospect of starting college and working to achieve these goals.

I believe that everybody should do some volunteer work in their community before they go out into the world as a young adult. Volunteering opens up your eyes to the world in new ways. My mom started taking me and my siblings on a Meals on Wheels delivery route several times a month when I was in middle school. We became friendly with many of the meal recipients. They seemed to really enjoy seeing me and my younger siblings. I could tell many of them were lonely, and maybe didn’t see or talk to very many people on a regular basis. I also began to understand that some of these elderly people had experienced true hunger, with no food available. It hit me: I have never felt that. I’ve also been active for four years in the Young Men’s Service League, an organization that brings mothers and sons together to volunteer their time in underserved communities. Working with the Special Olympics, Meals on Wheels, and at a shelter for homeless teens have been some of the most meaningful experiences of my teenage years. These experiences helped me appreciate how fortunate I’ve been to have a family that is able to support me, plenty of food on the table, and access to the resources I needed to excel at school. I don’t take these things for granted, and I want to “pay it forward” to others. I hope to attain a degree in business and sports management. I believe I can continue to do good in my community by working in an industry I truly love: professional sports. I became a huge Dallas Mavericks fan my freshman year in high school. Once I complete my degree, I would love to join the Dallas Mavericks front office, engaging with the Dallas community and bolstering enthusiasm for the team. I witnessed my friends and family, and the Dallas community as a whole, be devastated by the sudden and shocking trade of Luka Doncic to the Lakers. I saw how it affected the Dallas Mavericks as an organization as well, as fans protested and mourned the loss of a beloved player. I believe with a business and sports management degree, I could help alleviate both the community’s grief and help the Mavericks organization recover from their blunder. I also believe professional sports teams play a key role in helping communities by contributing financially to local charities and by athletes sharing their time with kids who look up to them. As a front office employee, I would like to work on expanding community outreach programs and training camps for athletes in need. I believe that if I can attain a bachelor’s degree in business and sports management, I can couple my love of sports with my passion for volunteering in my community. I know that earning my degree will not be easy and will bring challenges that will help me grow as an analytical thinker and a problem-solver. I’m excited at the prospect of starting college and working to achieve these goals. My volunteer efforts have deeply impacted me, changing my worldview forever. I carry these experiences with me, in my head and in my heart, as I embark on this next life chapter.

I want to create a sustainable and enjoyable future for both myself and my community by attaining a bachelor's degree in business and sports management. I have always enjoyed both playing and watching basketball, and recently I have developed a passion for sports analytics. I pay close attention to team and player statistics and enjoy thinking through how different players’ strengths and weaknesses contribute to a team’s wins and losses. I also believe that sports can bring families and communities together, and offer hope and joy when world events feel overwhelming. I became a huge Dallas Mavericks fan my freshman year in high school, and that became a passion that I really bonded with my father and brother over. Once I complete my degree, I would love to join the Dallas Mavericks front office, engaging with the Dallas community and bolstering enthusiasm for the team. I witnessed my friends and family, and the Dallas community as a whole, be devastated by the sudden and shocking trade of Luka Doncic to the Lakers. I saw how it affected the Dallas Mavericks as an organization as well, as fans protested and mourned the loss of a beloved player. I believe with a business and sports management degree, I could help alleviate both the community’s grief and help the Mavericks organization recover from their blunder. I also believe professional sports teams play a key role in helping communities by contributing financially to local charities and by athletes sharing their time with kids who look up to them. As a front office employee, I would like to work on expanding community outreach programs and training camps for athletes in need. Volunteering my time for those in need has always been a priority in my family. I’ve been active for four years in the Young Men’s Service League, an organization that brings mothers and sons together to volunteer their time in underserved communities. Working with the Special Olympics, Meals on Wheels, and at a shelter for homeless teens have been some of the most meaningful experiences of my teenage years. These experiences helped me appreciate how fortunate I’ve been to have a family that is able to support me, plenty of food on the table, and access to the resources I needed to excel at school. I don’t take these things for granted, and I want to “pay it forward” to others. I believe I can continue to do good in my community by working in an industry I truly love: professional sports. I know that earning my degree will not be easy and will bring challenges that will help me grow as an analytical thinker and a problem-solver. I’m excited at the prospect of starting college and working to achieve these goals.

I believe that everybody should do some volunteer work in their community before they go out into the world as a young adult. Volunteering opens up your eyes to the world in new ways. My mom started taking me and my siblings on a Meals on Wheels delivery route several times a month when I was in middle school. We became friendly with many of the meal recipients. They seemed to really enjoy seeing me and my younger siblings. I could tell many of them were lonely, and maybe didn’t see or talk to very many people on a regular basis. I also began to understand that some of these elderly people had experienced true hunger, with no food available. It hit me: I have never felt that. I’ve also been active for four years in the Young Men’s Service League, an organization that brings mothers and sons together to volunteer their time in underserved communities. Working with the Special Olympics, Meals on Wheels, and at a shelter for homeless teens have been some of the most meaningful experiences of my teenage years. These experiences helped me appreciate how fortunate I’ve been to have a family that is able to support me, plenty of food on the table, and access to the resources I needed to excel at school. I don’t take these things for granted, and I want to “pay it forward” to others. I hope to attain a degree in business and sports management. I believe I can continue to do good in my community by working in an industry I truly love: professional sports. I became a huge Dallas Mavericks fan my freshman year in high school. Once I complete my degree, I would love to join the Dallas Mavericks front office, engaging with the Dallas community and bolstering enthusiasm for the team. I witnessed my friends and family, and the Dallas community as a whole, be devastated by the sudden and shocking trade of Luka Doncic to the Lakers. I saw how it affected the Dallas Mavericks as an organization as well, as fans protested and mourned the loss of a beloved player. I believe with a business and sports management degree, I could help alleviate both the community’s grief and help the Mavericks organization recover from their blunder. I also believe professional sports teams play a key role in helping communities by contributing financially to local charities and by athletes sharing their time with kids who look up to them. As a front office employee, I would like to work on expanding community outreach programs and training camps for athletes in need. I believe that if I can attain a bachelor’s degree in business and sports management, I can couple my love of sports with my passion for volunteering in my community. I know that earning my degree will not be easy and will bring challenges that will help me grow as an analytical thinker and a problem-solver. I’m excited at the prospect of starting college and working to achieve these goals. My volunteer efforts have deeply impacted me, changing my worldview forever. I carry these experiences with me, in my head and in my heart, as I embark on this next life chapter.