My name is Montrell Williams and I am absolute lover of Music and Music Arts. To me, receiving this scholarship will boost my self-confidence, knowing that I not only completed a very important task, but also took the responsibility of creating a foundation for getting me closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree. Therefore, I plan to work extra hard to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Music Production. Music in general has saved my life. Dealing with anxiety, depression, etc. Music soothed me and helped me view all situations differently which in return, taught me how to transform my feelings into words and melodies. This scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household. I truly believe that receiving this scholarship will allow me to make a difference in the ever changing, and challenging, world of music and entertainment. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident in my abilities to achieve this goal and this scholarship can help me further my professional training and certification goals that I have set for myself and will in turn help me start a true career in the music industry and music business. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. In my opinion Music is Love and that love should always be shared and given in every way possible. I just hope and pray that this submission, in every way proves that if given this scholarship, it will NOT be a mistake. Being the first in my family to get a college degree means a tremendous sense of accomplishment, a chance to pave the way for future generations, and a symbol of breaking barriers within my family; it represents the potential for greater opportunities and a commitment to creating a better future for my loved ones.

My name is Montrell Williams and I am absolute lover of Music and Music Arts. To me, receiving this scholarship will boost my self-confidence, knowing that I not only completed a very important task, but also took the responsibility of creating a foundation for getting me closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree. Therefore, I plan to work extra hard to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Music Production. Music in general has saved my life. Dealing with anxiety, depression, etc. Music soothed me and helped me view all situations differently which in return, taught me how to transform my feelings into words and melodies. This scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household. I truly believe that receiving this scholarship will allow me to make a difference in the ever changing, and challenging, world of music and entertainment. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident in my abilities to achieve this goal and this scholarship can help me further my professional training and certification goals that I have set for myself and will in turn help me start a true career in the music industry and music business. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. In my opinion Music is Love and that love should always be shared and given in every way possible. I just hope and pray that this submission, in every way proves that if given this scholarship, it will NOT be a mistake. Being the first in my family to get a college degree means a tremendous sense of accomplishment, a chance to pave the way for future generations, and a symbol of breaking barriers within my family; it represents the potential for greater opportunities and a commitment to creating a better future for my loved ones.

My name is Montrell Williams and I am absolute lover of Music and Music Arts. To me, receiving this scholarship will boost my self-confidence, knowing that I not only completed a very important task, but also took the responsibility of creating a foundation for getting me closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree. Therefore, I plan to work extra hard to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Music Production. Music in general has saved my life. Dealing with anxiety, depression, etc. Music soothed me and helped me view all situations differently which in return, taught me how to transform my feelings into words and melodies. This scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household. I truly believe that receiving this scholarship will allow me to make a difference in the ever changing, and challenging, world of music and entertainment. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident in my abilities to achieve this goal and this scholarship can help me further my professional training and certification goals that I have set for myself and will in turn help me start a true career in the music industry and music business. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. In my opinion Music is Love and that love should always be shared and given in every way possible. I just hope and pray that this submission, in every way proves that if given this scholarship, it will NOT be a mistake. Being the first in my family to get a college degree means a tremendous sense of accomplishment, a chance to pave the way for future generations, and a symbol of breaking barriers within my family; it represents the potential for greater opportunities and a commitment to creating a better future for my loved ones.

My name is Montrell Williams and I am absolute lover of Music and Music Arts. To me, receiving this scholarship will boost my self-confidence, knowing that I not only completed a very important task, but also took the responsibility of creating a foundation for getting me closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree. Therefore, I plan to work extra hard to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Music Production. Music in general has saved my life. Dealing with anxiety, depression, etc. Music soothed me and helped me view all situations differently which in return, taught me how to transform my feelings into words and melodies. This scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household. I truly believe that receiving this scholarship will allow me to make a difference in the ever changing, and challenging, world of music and entertainment. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident in my abilities to achieve this goal and this scholarship can help me further my professional training and certification goals that I have set for myself and will in turn help me start a true career in the music industry and music business. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. In my opinion Music is Love and that love should always be shared and given in every way possible. I just hope and pray that this submission, in every way proves that if given this scholarship, it will NOT be a mistake. Being the first in my family to get a college degree means a tremendous sense of accomplishment, a chance to pave the way for future generations, and a symbol of breaking barriers within my family; it represents the potential for greater opportunities and a commitment to creating a better future for my loved ones.

I am a firm believer that mental health, as well as mental health care is a fundamental human right, but yet the accessibility and affordability remain unavailable for so many people and a change is definetly in this present day and time. One unique contribution I would make to the world to improve mental health care accessibility is to utilize technology to make resources and support more readily available. This would include creating a platform that provides easy access to mental health professionals, resources, and tracking tools. By utilizing technology, we can bridge the gap between those in need and the support they require, regardless of their location or financial situation. Another unique contribution I would make to improve mental health care accessibility is to establish community support programs that provide low-cost or free mental health services. By partnering with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies, we can create a support network that offers counseling, therapy, and support groups to those who may not otherwise have access to these services. Furthermore, I believe that financial accessibility to mental health care is crucial. I would also work to promote the expansion of mental health care coverage in insurance plans and advocate for policies that require employers to provide mental health benefits to their employees. Together, I believe that through collaboration and perseverance, we can create a more inclusive and supportive mental health care system that reaches those in need.

To live sustainably, I intentionally choose to: use reusable bags and water bottles, prioritize walking or biking for short distances, eat less meat and more locally grown produce, recycle and compost diligently, conserve water and energy at home, buy products with minimal packaging, and support environmentally conscious businesses; reducing my carbon footprint is important because it helps mitigate climate change, protecting the planet for future generations and minimizing the negative impacts on ecosystems and human health. By using reusable items, avoiding single-use plastics, and properly recycling and composting, we minimize waste sent to landfills. Opting for walking, biking, or public transportation over driving whenever possible reduces carbon emissions from car usage. Buying products with minimal packaging, considering the sustainability practices of companies, and supporting ethical brands. I’ve been looking inward to answer this question for myself. I do a lot of the basics, like recycling, composting my food scraps and bringing reusable bags to the grocery. But the environmental impact of modern society still feels massive, and it’s easy to develop eco-anxiety. Here are some of the choices I found make the biggest impact, from the basic to deep dives. I think incorporating even a few of these tips into my every day life will make a big difference. There are so many factors that affect the climate impact of personal choices, but bringing all these studies side-by-side gives us confidence we’ve identified actions that make a big difference. Those of us who want to step forward on climate need to know how our actions can have the greatest possible impact. This research is about helping people make more informed choices. The study also found that the four key actions identified are usually missed in government recommendations and high school textbooks, which instead tend to advocate small, incremental changes, such as recycling or switching to reusable shopping bags. But according to the study, eating a plant-based diet saves about 4 times more greenhouse gas emissions per year than recycling. Avoiding just one transatlantic flight saves 8 times more, and living car-free saves 11 times more. Similarly, switching from plastic to canvas bags is less than 1% as effective for the climate as a year without consuming meat. In conclusion, climate change is a collective challenge that requires individual action. By truly understanding the unexpected ways our lifestyle choices contribute to climate change and implementing sustainable alternatives, we can make a difference. Whether it’s reducing digital consumption, conserving water, adopting plant-based diets, choosing eco-friendly furniture, embracing reusable beauty products, practicing mindful fashion choices, or exploring other avenues of sustainable living, every small step counts. Let’s make conscious decisions and work together to create a sustainable future for our planet. Remember, your choices matter, and by making informed decisions, you can be a part of the solution to combat climate change.

Education is the stepping stone to many of the opportunities around us. Opportunities to create connections, to learn about the world, growing in society and more. As a society, we undermine the value of education. Of course, everyone understands that education is important. But, not everyone knows to what extent. Now the question becomes, “To what extent does education help?” And, this is the question I will be answering in the following paragraphs. Music in general has saved my life. Dealing with anxiety, depression, etc. Music soothed me and helped me view all situations differently which in return, taught me how to transform my feelings into words and melodies. This scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household. I truly believe that receiving this scholarship will allow me to make a difference in the ever changing, and challenging, world of music and entertainment. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident in my abilities to achieve this goal and this scholarship can help me further my professional training and certification goals that I have set for myself and will in turn help me start a true career in the music industry and music business. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. Lastly, Music in general has saved my life. Dealing with anxiety, depression, etc. Music soothed me and helped me view all situations differently which in return, taught me how to transform my feelings into words and melodies. This scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household.

My name is Montrell Williams and I am absolute lover of Music and Music Arts. To me, receiving this scholarship will boost my self-confidence, knowing that I not only completed a very important task, but also took the responsibility of creating a foundation for getting me closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree. Therefore, I plan to work extra hard to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Music Production. Music in general has saved my life. Dealing with anxiety, depression, etc. Music soothed me and helped me view all situations differently which in return, taught me how to transform my feelings into words and melodies. This scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household. I truly believe that receiving this scholarship will allow me to make a difference in the ever changing, and challenging, world of music and entertainment. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident in my abilities to achieve this goal and this scholarship can help me further my professional training and certification goals that I have set for myself and will in turn help me start a true career in the music industry and music business. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. In my opinion Music is Love and that love should always be shared and given in every way possible. I just hope and pray that this submission, in every way proves that if given this scholarship, it will NOT be a mistake. Being the first in my family to get a college degree means a tremendous sense of accomplishment, a chance to pave the way for future generations, and a symbol of breaking barriers within my family; it represents the potential for greater opportunities and a commitment to creating a better future for my loved ones.

My name is Montrell Williams and I am absolute lover of Music and Music Arts. To me, receiving this scholarship will boost my self-confidence, knowing that I not only completed a very important task, but also took the responsibility of creating a foundation for getting me closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree. Therefore, I plan to work extra hard to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Music Production. Music in general has saved my life. Dealing with anxiety, depression, etc. Music soothed me and helped me view all situations differently which in return, taught me how to transform my feelings into words and melodies. This scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household. I truly believe that receiving this scholarship will allow me to make a difference in the ever changing, and challenging, world of music and entertainment. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident in my abilities to achieve this goal and this scholarship can help me further my professional training and certification goals that I have set for myself and will in turn help me start a true career in the music industry and music business. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. In my opinion Music is Love and that love should always be shared and given in every way possible. I just hope and pray that this submission, in every way proves that if given this scholarship, it will NOT be a mistake.

Looking back on my childhood, the question I most wished had been asked more often was, "What are you truly passionate about?" And “Why are you passionate?” This lack of focused inquiry about my intrinsic interests left me feeling somewhat adrift in navigating my future goals, often leaning towards externally validated career paths rather than those that deeply resonated with my soul. Impact on goals and aspirations: * Uncertainty in career choices: 
Without actively exploring my passions as a child, I often felt pressure to choose a career based on societal expectations or perceived stability, rather than what truly excited me. This led to periods of doubt and indecision when making significant career decisions as an adult. 

 * Fear of pursuing unconventional paths: 
The absence of open conversations about passion made me hesitant to pursue less traditional career paths, even if they aligned with my deepest interests, fearing potential disapproval or lack of support. 

 * Delayed self-discovery: 
By not actively reflecting on my passions early on, it took longer to identify what truly motivated me, potentially delaying the pursuit of fulfilling work and personal projects. 

 * Greater emphasis on external validation: 
In the absence of a focus on intrinsic motivation, I sometimes found myself seeking validation from others regarding my career choices, which could lead to a sense of disalignment with my own values. 

 How I'm actively addressing this now: * Intentional self-reflection: 
As an adult, I make a conscious effort to regularly reflect on my passions, interests, and values, actively seeking out opportunities to explore new areas and align my life with what truly matters to me. 

 * Open conversations with mentors: 
I actively seek guidance from individuals who encourage open dialogue about my passions and aspirations, allowing me to gain valuable insights and perspectives. 

 * Lifelong learning: 
I embrace a continuous learning mindset, exploring diverse fields and experiences to further understand my passions and identify potential career paths that align with them. 

 In conclusion, while the simple question "What are you truly passionate about?" may seem straightforward, its absence in my childhood left a significant gap in my self-awareness and career planning. By actively addressing this now, I am working to build a life that is more authentically aligned with my deepest interests and values. So in conclusion, if we make these small changes can snowball into something even greater when your community takes the cue and does the same.

My name is Montrell Williams and I am absolute lover of Music and Music Arts. To me, receiving this scholarship will boost my self-confidence, knowing that I not only completed a very important task, but also took the responsibility of creating a foundation for getting me closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree. Therefore, I plan to work extra hard to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Music Production. Music in general has saved my life. Dealing with anxiety, depression, etc. Music soothed me and helped me view all situations differently which in return, taught me how to transform my feelings into words and melodies. This scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household. I truly believe that receiving this scholarship will allow me to make a difference in the ever changing, and challenging, world of music and entertainment. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident in my abilities to achieve this goal and this scholarship can help me further my professional training and certification goals that I have set for myself and will in turn help me start a true career in the music industry and music business. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. In my opinion Music is Love and that love should always be shared and given in every way possible. I just hope and pray that this submission, in every way proves that if given this scholarship, it will NOT be a mistake.

Being a person of respect and integrity, in my honest opinion, are major steps in building a great foundation. You don’t have to donate large sums of money, create a foundation, or cause a scene to chip away at little (or big) issues in the world, starting with your community. I’ve found that simply using my voice to stand up for small changes that add up to big impacts is so effective at not only creating change, but setting examples for others to follow in this day and time. I may not be the loudest or the most aggressive, but I’ve never been one to stand by and watch something I disagree with unfold. Deciding to be an up-stander, instead of a bystander. When encountering acts of unfairness is challenging at any age. It takes kindness, courage, and empathy.  When kids see something wrong happening, it may be difficult for them to speak up or stand up for themselves or others. As parents and guardians, we can help to empower them with ways to actively support what’s right. Whether it’s taking action when they see unfairness or speaking up for someone who may be excluded, I’m a firm believer that it paves the way for them to grow up to become change-makers.  We must use our voices! That means in every way possible. Many men and women fought and died for our freedom and liberty to express our rights in all ways possible. You have opinions. Why don’t you use them for good? Doing my research for this essay, I reimagined myself and I realized that I can use my voice to help out anybody that needs it. We can all support each other by supporting each other’s businesses, amplifying their needs, or making sure they’re aware of important happenings. Even if you are an introverted person, you can make yourself heard from the comfort of your own home with no one’s glaring eyes on you. My plan is to simply use my voice in my community so that we can help those families who cannot afford the schools lunch or qualify for the lunch program. Growing up I was never satisfied with the food being served at my school, so I made sure that the principal knew my concerns. And I’ve continued to offer my two cents on everything from the type of milk they serve to their use of seasoning. It may seem annoying, but in the long run, I’m doing it for my children and their futures. Another idea is to suggest a pledge that the kids take (and teachers, too) to create less waste every year, or starting a petition that gets passed around the parents via email. Dialogue picks up momentum, and momentum stirs change. These small changes can snowball into something even greater when your community takes the cue and does the same.

My name is Montrell Williams and I am absolute lover of Music and Music Arts. To me, receiving this scholarship will boost my self-confidence, knowing that I not only completed a very important task, but also took the responsibility of creating a foundation for getting me closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree. Therefore, I plan to work extra hard to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Music Production. Music in general has saved my life. Dealing with anxiety, depression, etc. Music soothed me and helped me view all situations differently which in return, taught me how to transform my feelings into words and melodies. This scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household. I truly believe that receiving this scholarship will allow me to make a difference in the ever changing, and challenging, world of music and entertainment. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident in my abilities to achieve this goal and this scholarship can help me further my professional training and certification goals that I have set for myself and will in turn help me start a true career in the music industry and music business. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. In my opinion Music is Love and that love should always be shared and given in every way possible. I just hope and pray that this submission, in every way proves that if given this scholarship, it will NOT be a mistake.

My name is Montrell Williams and I am absolute lover of Music and Music Arts. To me, receiving this scholarship will boost my self-confidence, knowing that I not only completed a very important task, but also took the responsibility of creating a foundation for getting me closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree. Therefore, I plan to work extra hard to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Music Production. Music in general has saved my life. Dealing with anxiety, depression, etc. Music soothed me and helped me view all situations differently which in return, taught me how to transform my feelings into words and melodies. This scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household. I truly believe that receiving this scholarship will allow me to make a difference in the ever changing, and challenging, world of music and entertainment. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident in my abilities to achieve this goal and this scholarship can help me further my professional training and certification goals that I have set for myself and will in turn help me start a true career in the music industry and music business. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. In my opinion Music is Love and that love should always be shared and given in every way possible. I just hope and pray that this submission, in every way proves that if given this scholarship, it will NOT be a mistake.

Being a person of respect and integrity, in my honest opinion, are major steps in building a great foundation. You don’t have to donate large sums of money, create a foundation, or cause a scene to chip away at little (or big) issues in the world, starting with your community. I’ve found that simply using my voice to stand up for small changes that add up to big impacts is so effective at not only creating change, but setting examples for others to follow in this day and time. I may not be the loudest or the most aggressive, but I’ve never been one to stand by and watch something I disagree with unfold. Deciding to be an up-stander, instead of a bystander. When encountering acts of unfairness is challenging at any age. It takes kindness, courage, and empathy.  When kids see something wrong happening, it may be difficult for them to speak up or stand up for themselves or others. As parents and guardians, we can help to empower them with ways to actively support what’s right. Whether it’s taking action when they see unfairness or speaking up for someone who may be excluded, I’m a firm believer that it paves the way for them to grow up to become change-makers.  We must use our voices! That means in every way possible. Many men and women fought and died for our freedom and liberty to express our rights in all ways possible. You have opinions. Why don’t you use them for good? Doing my research for this essay, I reimagined myself and I realized that I can use my voice to help out anybody that needs it. We can all support each other by supporting each other’s businesses, amplifying their needs, or making sure they’re aware of important happenings. Even if you are an introverted person, you can make yourself heard from the comfort of your own home with no one’s glaring eyes on you. My plan is to simply use my voice in my community so that we can help those families who cannot afford the schools lunch or qualify for the lunch program. Growing up I was never satisfied with the food being served at my school, so I made sure that the principal knew my concerns. And I’ve continued to offer my two cents on everything from the type of milk they serve to their use of seasoning. It may seem annoying, but in the long run, I’m doing it for my children and their futures. Another idea is to suggest a pledge that the kids take (and teachers, too) to create less waste every year, or starting a petition that gets passed around the parents via email. Dialogue picks up momentum, and momentum stirs change. These small changes can snowball into something even greater when your community takes the cue and does the same.

My name is Montrell Williams and I am absolute lover of Music and Music Arts. To me, receiving this scholarship will boost my self-confidence, knowing that I not only completed a very important task, but also took the responsibility of creating a foundation for getting me closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree. Therefore, I plan to work extra hard to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Music Production. Music in general has saved my life. Dealing with anxiety, depression, etc. Music soothed me and helped me view all situations differently which in return, taught me how to transform my feelings into words and melodies. This scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household. I truly believe that receiving this scholarship will allow me to make a difference in the ever changing, and challenging, world of music and entertainment. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident in my abilities to achieve this goal and this scholarship can help me further my professional training and certification goals that I have set for myself and will in turn help me start a true career in the music industry and music business. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. In my opinion Music is Love and that love should always be shared and given in every way possible. I just hope and pray that this submission, in every way proves that if given this scholarship, it will NOT be a mistake.

I chose to pursue this educational goal in music and production simply because it directly aligns with my desire to achieve greater independence in my daily life by developing skills that will allow me to manage my disability effectively and participate fully in my community. My disability has sometimes presented challenges in accessing certain learning environments and requiring additional accommodations, but it has also fueled my determination to overcome obstacles and find creative solutions to succeed academically. My disability has sometimes made it difficult to keep up with the pace of traditional learning, particularly when information is presented solely through auditory or visual means. However, with the support of assistive technologies and adaptive learning strategies, I've been able to navigate these challenges and develop a strong foundation in key areas. To me, independence means having the ability to make informed choices about my life, manage my own affairs, and participate actively in my community without relying excessively on others. It's about self-reliance and the confidence to navigate challenges with agency and resilience. This education will directly promote my independence by equipping me with the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate for myself, manage my health effectively, access necessary services, and navigate potential barriers related to my disability. Promoting independence in learning-disabled children is an essential goal for teachers and caregivers. Becoming more self-sufficient can give them confidence in their abilities. As a parent, teacher, or caregiver of a child with learning disabilities, knowing when to allow a child to "muddle through" and when you should step in, and help can be challenging. It is important to recognize that while helping can seem like kindness, it can interfere with a child’s autonomy and sense of mastery. Provide opportunities for your child to practice independence: Encourage them to take on tasks they can manage, such as choosing their clothes, making their bed, or preparing a simple meal. Provide guidance and support as needed While allowing them to take ownership of the task. By gaining a deeper understanding of my condition and its impact on my daily life, I can actively participate in decision-making processes that directly affect my well-being, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and self-directed life. Understanding my disability and its management strategies will give me the confidence to navigate challenges and advocate for my needs. The skills and knowledge gained through this education will be immediately applicable to managing my disability in daily life, enhancing my ability to live independently. By acquiring information about available support systems and assistive technologies, I can proactively access resources that promote my independence.

Any endeavor that you jump into must have a clear purpose behind it. That’s pretty common advice, but purpose is important for two primary reasons that aren’t really talked about that much. First, purpose allows you to endure the trials and tribulations, the pain and suffering, the tediousness and boredom, and all the other negative aspects that inevitably accompany any pursuit in which you intend to excel. In addition to the real pain, I spent lots of time driving in my car or sitting watching teams warm up waiting for the match to start. I had to read, study, take tests and fill out lots of paperwork. But it was part of the job. To truly understand WHY I was operating in that domain made all of those things a lot more tolerable because you had to go through them in order to deliver the intended value.  My life’s purpose is always to have a positive impact on people beyond my direct engagement with them. It also helped me determine what kind of referee I wanted to be. I wanted players to enjoy the game, and to learn from it. So, I was a very vocal ref providing everything from encouragement to explanation. I made sure players understood what was going on, and tried to help them play their best game while on the pitch. This wasn’t about tactics and technique, but mostly about not letting infractions get in the way of their enjoyment and being the best they could be. It also meant that it was relatively easy to ignore the parents because all of their yelling was irrelevant to my purpose until it truly did interfere. And even in those moments, it was easier and more purpose-driven to help encourage the players to ignore the parents rather than change parent behavior. My purpose also helped me make a decision about whether or not I wanted to continue refereeing, above and beyond my doctor’s advice. In the end, I could only have a transactional and momentary impact on people as a referee. Now of course, we need more referees, but very few players will remember what a referee said to them that changed their worldview. This was too big of a time sink that was inconsistent with my life’s purpose, and while I do love soccer, that lack of alignment would make it difficult to invest that kind of time into doing and doing well.  Finally, considering the lessons, I started to question my own first reaction to someone’s observation/judgment/decision. How often as a player, coach, or fan does our poor position and strong bias cause a first reaction to a referee’s decision as negative? We might hang our heads or even yell something. But statistically speaking, even the worst referee gets most decisions correct. The more likely scenario is that your bad position and bias are at play. So start off assuming that your observation might be wrong. At least pause, be curious, and that is the lesson that carries beyond any sports. And so there ends my experiment, as well as my very first formal relationship with the world of sports . From here I will continue to be a lover of sports as well as coach and referee any and all things possible. Being a sports fan at heart, the lesson have taught me to humble and grateful for every role that I’ve played.

All of me Written and composed by Trey Williams 0.23- Verse You’re the king of kings Ruler of everything You died on Calvary Your blood sets me free I will worship thee In my darkest nights You stepped in right on time I call upon your name your name remains the same I will give you praise 1.14-Chorus With all of me I worship thee I will praise you for all you’ve done for me For you are God the God of victory So I will praise with all of me 1.51 - Verse 2 You’re the king of kings Ruler of everything You died on Calvary Your blood sets me free I will worship thee In my darkest nights You stepped in right on time I call upon your name your name remains the same I will give you praise 2.42 With all of me I worship thee I will praise you for all you’ve done for me For you are God the God of victory So I will praise with all of me 3.07 - Music Break 3.31 - Vamp It’s your love that reaches me So I will praise with all of me It’s your love that strengthens me So I will praise with all of me 3.56-BGV Notes It’s your love that reaches me So I will praise with all of me It’s your love that strengthens me So I will praise with all of me Build at 4.13-Music Intensifies 4.21- BGV inverted harmony It’s your love that reaches me So I will praise with all of me It’s your love that strengthens me So I will praise with all of me 4.46 I will praise him I will praise him I will praise him With all of me I will praise him I will praise him I will praise him With all of me I will praise him I will praise him I will praise him With all of me

I often feel most creative when I'm in a reflective state, either during quiet moments alone simply allowing me to deeply connect with my emotions and experiences which naturally translate into my artwork. To incorporate my lived experiences and identities, I use symbolism, color palettes, and imagery that directly relate to my personal narratives, particularly focusing on themes of resilience, cultural heritage, and the complexities of being a woman in a diverse society. More times than I can count, I’ve slid under the bedsheets, turned off the light, and shut my eyes only to have a great idea pop into my head. I’ll toss and turn for a while, hoping I’ll forget the thought. But if it’s a good one, I’ll turn on the light and, eyes bleary, scribble it down. As great as it is to have good ideas, the lights-on, lights-off approach to bedtime and our brain activity is tedious. To have great ideas during the day, we must make time for productive zoning out. Research shows that some scientists believe we’re pinged with great thoughts in bed because our brain is in a relaxed state conducive to neuroplasticity. The incredible operation of the brain’s ability to modify, change, and adapt both structure and function throughout life and in response to experience. Neuroplasticity supports a cognitive process called pattern recognition: People learn and make decisions by detecting patterns and making connections within the information they have. I am a firm believer that if every moment of your day is taken up with busywork for your brain. Various task such as responding to emails, doing focused work, scrolling on your phone, socializing . Then and only then, is the only time that your brain is completely free to do creative work is when you shut off the lights and your head hits the pillow. For better or worse, people don’t experience much boredom. Occupying ourselves with smartphones has replaced staring off into the distance and daydreaming. If we’re waiting for a friend, we take out our phones and scroll. If we have a few minutes before a meeting starts, we scroll and the list goes on and on. That’s why many of us also have great ideas while showering, driving, or falling asleep, when we’re not on our devices. Those activities offer us rare alone time to operate on autopilot and just think without distraction. People equate boredom with low productivity, but, in fact, making time for boredom may help your brain be more creative and effective. You can use timeboxing, which is the most effective time management technique. Basically, to schedule even just a 15-minute period for zoning out every day or a few times a week. Once you’ve timeboxed boredom in your schedule, stick to it. Don’t let another “more urgent” task supersede it. Or, use our handy habit tracker to make sure you don’t skip your boredom sessions. Another way to make time for boredom is to use multichannel multitasking. This technique enables you to do two things at once as long as the tasks involve different sensory inputs: For example, if you drive regularly, make a point of not listening to the radio; instead, let your mind wander. Being bored is not a waste of time. It’s something your brain needs to learn, grow, and recharge. So, do yourself a favor: Give yourself a few minutes a day to let your mind zone out. You and your brain deserve it.

As a gender-expansive transgender individual, navigating the educational system has often felt like navigating a maze with unclear pathways, marked by a lack of understanding and support for my identity. Experiencing minor difficulties finding academic advisors who were knowledgeable about transgender issues and could adequately address concerns related to my identity. While my peers might have been able to comfortably discuss their pronouns and gender experiences, I often felt the need to remain silent, fearing misgendering or invalidating comments from professors and classmates, which significantly impacted my academic confidence and engagement. Frequent misgendering by professors and classmates due to limited understanding of gender identity, which lead to the creation an uncomfortable learning environment. I am currently majoring in Music Production, aiming to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of gender identity and expression through art and music, particularly within marginalized communities. My educational goal is to become a well-informed advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly focusing on creating inclusive environments within educational institutions. After graduation, I aspire to work as a diversity and inclusion consultant, specializing in supporting schools and organizations in developing policies and practices that are respectful and affirming to all gender identities. I believe my lived experience as a gender-expansive individual will be invaluable in guiding institutions towards creating truly inclusive spaces. By utilizing my academic knowledge and personal experiences, I’ve realized that I can actively engage with the LGBTQ+ community by mentoring and providing peer support to transgender and gender-expansive youth navigating their identities in educational settings, helping them feel seen and validated. My team and I also plan on collaborating with LGBTQ+ organizations to advocate for policy changes at local and state levels that better protect the rights and well-being of gender-expansive individuals, especially in educational institutions. In addition, Presenting workshops and training sessions for educators, administrators, and community members on gender identity and inclusivity, highlighting the importance of using correct pronouns and respecting gender expression. Overall, while the challenges have been significant, my determination to advocate for myself and others within the LGBTQ+ community has fueled my educational pursuits, propelling me towards a future where everyone feels respected and affirmed regardless of their gender identity. I believe that Love and equality should be heavily emphasized among all of God’s children. No one should ever be ashamed of who they are or in the process of becoming, so I would love to use my voice and abilities to make an incredible impact and contribution.

I truly believe that being eco friendly means living in a way that is not harmful to the environment. This way of life is becoming increasingly important, but as we protect our planet from man-made damage, we must understand that there are various ways an individual can make sustainable changes to lessen the negative effects our daily lives usually contribute to. It is possible to be eco friendly in different areas of our lives. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change continues to issue severe warnings of the failure of governments and systems to suitably react to the rapidly changing climate, which continues to rip through the poorest areas of the world, displacing more than 20 million people each year and intensifying global supply-demand dynamics. The seismic shift required to circumvent further worsening of the effects of climate change will require action from individuals on a community level. This could include energy-based home improvements or reducing over-consumption. Currently, emissions from consumption in high-income cities are set to double by 2050. This must be urgently reduced by two-thirds by 2030 to ensure the health and happiness of future generations. This extensive list spans 7 areas of your life where you can change your routines and reconsider your engagement with the systems around you. From small energy efficiency measures to energy system upgrades, from realising your purchasing power to adopting eco tourism habits. Making a start and having an awareness of personal changes that you can make can contribute towards system change and improve your local community. While homes may not pollute as much as corporations do, there are many things you as a homeowner can do to make your home a more eco friendly house. It is important to make a change wherever possible, and your home is something you have control over - so why not make the change? Being conscious of the environment does not have to be limited to the home. There are many different things that employees can do to minimize environmental damage and make activities at their workplace more sustainable. The most pressing environmental challenge today is climate change, primarily driven by greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, and to combat it, I would prioritize transitioning to renewable energy sources, reducing personal carbon footprint through conscious consumption, advocating for sustainable policies, and supporting community initiatives focused on environmental education and restoration projects.  The single-most important thing that we can do to combat climate change is to drastically reduce our consumption of fossil fuels. The burning of coal, oil, and natural gas in our buildings, industrial processes, and transportation is responsible for the vast majority of emissions that are warming the planet more than 75 percent, according to the United Nations. In addition to altering the climate, dirty energy also comes with unacceptable ecological and human health impacts. Thinking about climate change can be overwhelming. We’ve been aware of its causes for decades now, and all around us, we bear witness to its devastating effects on our communities and ecosystems. But the good news is that we now know exactly what it will take to win the fight against climate change, and we’re making measurable, meaningful progress.

Selflessness is the act of putting others before ourselves, sacrificing our own needs and desires for the well-being and happiness of others. It is a quality that requires empathy, compassion, and a willingness to serve others without expecting anything in return. I believe that embodying selflessness is not just a virtue, but a way of life that can bring immense joy and fulfillment. One of the most memorable experiences that exemplify my embodiment of selflessness occurred when I encountered a young lady who was in desperate need. I was at the grocery store when I noticed a woman, with two young children in tow, looking visibly distressed as she checked her empty wallet at the cash register. As she fumbled through her purse, trying to stretch every last cent to pay for her groceries, I could sense her anxiety and desperation. It was clear that she did not have enough money to feed her children, and my heart ached for her. Without a second thought, I approached the woman and offered to pay for her groceries. At first, she hesitated, clearly embarrassed and reluctant to accept help from a stranger. But as I insisted, assuring her that it would be my pleasure to help, she tearfully accepted my offer. As I paid for her groceries, I could see the relief and gratitude on her face, and I knew that I had made a meaningful difference in her life, if only for that moment. This act of selflessness was not about receiving praise or recognition; it was about the genuine desire to alleviate someone else's suffering and provide them with the basic necessities they desperately needed. In that moment, I embodied selflessness by prioritizing the needs of the young lady and her children over my own convenience. It was a small gesture, but it had a profound impact on both the woman and myself. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of selflessness and the power of kindness. It reminded me that even the smallest acts of compassion and generosity can make a world of difference in someone else's life. It taught me that selflessness is not just about grand gestures or heroic acts, but about the everyday opportunities to make a positive impact on others. In addition to this memorable experience, I have also embodied selflessness in various other ways, such as volunteering at local shelters, donating to charitable causes, and offering my support to friends and family in need. These acts of selflessness have brought me immense joy and fulfillment, as they have allowed me to connect with others in meaningful ways and make a positive difference in their lives. Overall, embodying selflessness is about recognizing the needs of others and taking action to address them, regardless of our own circumstances. It is about being open-hearted and generous, and finding joy in acts of kindness and compassion. By embodying selflessness, we can create a more caring and compassionate world, one small act of kindness at a time.

Three promises I would make to my future self are to prioritize my health by maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise, to consistently invest in lifelong learning through continuous education and personal development, and to cultivate strong, supportive relationships with loved ones to ensure a rich social life in the later years. This scholarship fits perfectly into this vision by significantly alleviating the financial burden of higher education, allowing me to focus on my studies and pursue a degree that will open doors to a fulfilling career, which in turn will contribute to a secure and comfortable future. Financial Circumstances: As the primary income earner in my household, managing tuition costs alongside everyday expenses has been challenging. My family income is modest, and relying solely on part-time work while studying would significantly limit my ability to fully engage with my academic pursuits. How this scholarship will help: This scholarship would provide substantial financial relief, allowing me to concentrate on my studies without the added pressure of significant debt. It would enable me to participate in enriching extracurricular activities, attend conferences, and potentially pursue research opportunities, all of which are essential for my academic and professional growth, ultimately leading to a better quality of life in the future. I truly believe that receiving this scholarship will allow me to make a difference in the ever changing, and challenging, world of music and entertainment. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident in my abilities to achieve this goal and this scholarship can help me further my professional training and certification goals that I have set for myself and will in turn help me start a true career in the music industry and music business. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. In my opinion Music is Love and that love should always be shared and given in every way possible. I just hope and pray that this submission, in every way proves that if given this scholarship, it will NOT be a mistake.

Throughout my educational journey, there have been several individuals who have played a significant role in supporting and guiding me towards achieving my goals. However, there is one person who has stood out above the rest; my mother Kimberly Williams. Mom has been my unwavering pillar of support and have gone above and beyond to ensure I have the tools and encouragement necessary to succeed. First and foremost, she always emphasized the importance of education in my life. From a young age, it was instilled in me a love for learning and an understanding of its significance. They consistently emphasized that education opens doors to a better future and enables one to pursue their dreams. This belief has been deeply ingrained in me, serving as a constant reminder of the purpose and value of my educational journey. In addition to instilling the importance of education, my mother has actively supported me throughout every step of my academic endeavors. They have consistently provided the necessary resources for my studies, whether it be purchasing textbooks, investing in educational materials, or even enrolling me in extracurricular activities that complemented my interests. Their financial sacrifices were never taken for granted, and I recognize the privilege I had to have such unwavering support. Moreover, mom has been there for me emotionally, providing the much-needed guidance and encouragement during challenging times. She continues to cheer me on during successes and have offered a shoulder to lean on during failures. Her unwavering belief in my abilities has helped build my self-confidence and motivated me to overcome any obstacles that came my way. The constant reassurance that I could achieve anything I set my mind to has been a driving force behind my perseverance and determination. Furthermore, my mother has played an instrumental role in fostering a nurturing and conducive learning environment at home. She ensured that I had a quiet space to study, free from distractions, and were always available to answer questions or discuss any difficulties I encountered. Her consistent presence and availability allowed me to feel comfortable seeking help whenever needed, further enhancing my ability to excel academically. Additionally, my mom has actively engaged in my education by attending parent-teacher conferences, staying informed about my progress, and actively participating in school events. Her involvement in my educational journey has fostered a sense of community and partnership between us, making me feel supported and valued. In conclusion, my mother has undoubtedly been the most significant source of support in achieving my educational goals. Her unwavering belief in the power of education, financial sacrifices, emotional support, and active engagement in my academic journey have truly shaped me into the individual I am today. She has provided the foundation upon which I have built my educational pursuits, and I credit a large part of my success to her continual support and guidance.

Living through another person’s suicide is a strangely different grief path than grief associated with the loss of someone due to illness, accident or aging. Not because it is any less significant, but because of the nature and stigma associated with mental illness and suicide. This can leave survivors with conflicting emotions and unanswered questions. Almost a year into my own journey of grief after the suicide of a close friend, this is some of what I have learned. The barrage of emotions from sadness, loss, guilt, anger, resentment and more can be overwhelming and leave a survivor feeling “less than” because they are angry with someone who took their own life. I’m here to tell you that you’re allowed to feel that way. Emotions do not follow any routine, and all emotions are valid, even anger and resentment. We, as human beings, try to make events in our lives make sense. But sometimes, they just don’t. Allowing ourselves to feel all the emotions is part of the healing process. On different days, I am sad my friend is not here to experience an important event and other days I am angry with him for not being here to experience it. My feelings do not diminish my friendship or love for him. It is my natural reaction to loss. Whether this is with friends, family or a professional, say the events aloud and use the word “suicide.” Not talking about it does not make the event unhappen. It isolates the survivor and leaves them unable to process their feelings. Saying it aloud is not disrespectful to the person who is deceased. It is a step toward ending the stigma surrounding seeking mental health treatment and a step toward a survivor’s healing. Keeping it a secret breeds shame, isolation and guilt with no outlet. The decision to take one's own life does not happen in a second or a day. It is a process over time where a person has lost hope. Desmond Tutu is quoted as saying “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness.” Being able to visualize positive change is a key component to hope. The loss of hope is an ongoing process resulting from decisions, life events, unaddressed mental health concerns, feelings of low self-worth, political events, health/pain, etc. It is the inability to see that any action will result in a positive change or a creation of light at the end of the tunnel. Loss of hope is not the result of one event. Instead, it is a compilation of events. A person not having hope is not always easy to see because they can put on a façade of being “fine.” Unfortunately, it is easy not to see all the pieces when we are in the storm. Your loved one is more than their death. They lived a life that deserves to be celebrated. For some, it is releasing balloons on a birthday, making a social media post, having a remembrance dinner, or just bringing them up in conversation and remembering something funny they did in the past. For me, it has been continuing to see movies we would have seen together and smiling about the numerous times I would’ve told him to quit talking through the movie.

Being the first in my family, My first piece of advice would be to reach out to as many people you know that have had the experience of going to college and try to get some of your questions answered. Being a first-gen student can be incredibly overwhelming especially when your parents didn't have the college experience. The experience of a first-gen is a unique one and your peers may not be going through what you are going through mentally, emotionally, or even financially. Finding a trusted individual on campus can make a world of difference, even if you only go to them to have a moment to vent about any frustrations you are facing. Carry that pride with you that you are starting a new trend in your family and be proud of yourself for setting up the next generation! What to expect in college is that everything will feel different, but a good different. The freedom you may feel will be like no other, but that doesn't mean that you have to forget about the self-discipline that you need to be able to be successful in school. Learning how to balance school, work, if you will have a job while in school, and your social life will be a challenge, but self-discipline will be your best friend. Another thing to expect is the financial freedom you will have. However, this should not be taken for granted. Be sure to either save or repay any financial aid refunds you may have or use them to help offset your monthly expenses. Now making new friends may be a bit difficult if you are an introvert who keeps their nose in their book like I was at first. Stepping out of your comfort zone may help you find your people and may help you have a better understanding of the type of people you want to associate yourself with. You may even find yourself growing distant to people you went to school with in high school or prior to that if you are still friends. That is 100% okay! College is the place where we learn more about who we are, what we want, and where we want to go in life. Sometimes the people that have been on the journey with you so far can't go with you, and that's okay! As we continue to grow and change we have to be okay with the growing pains that come with it. As far as difficulty, it will be as difficult as you make it. If you take the time to set up a schedule, plan out your finances, stay on top of your studies, and make time for friends and family you'll have it good! It takes a lot of work, discipline, and accountability in order to be successful in college. Everything may not come as easy to you as it did in high school and that's okay. Don't be afraid to ask questions, professors are more concerned about you understanding the material and the class than if you are embarrassed about being seen as incompetent. Take advantage of office hours! If you ever feel yourself slipping mentally or emotionally, don't be afraid to go and ask for help from your university's counselors or an outside therapist. All in all, college is a fun experience and a great trial to adulthood. Take a deep breath, have an honest conversation with your family and friends, and yourself, and put in the work to make sure you are as successful as you can be! And HAVE FUN!

One lyric from Olivia Rodrigo's ‘GUTS’ that particularly resonates with me and my teenage experience is “I've got a lot of growing up to do, but I’ll be okay”. This lyric captures the essence of adolescence and the challenges that come with it in a powerful and relatable way. Olivia Rodrigo has a unique singing style that makes her stand out from the crowd. In her songs, she uses a combination of chest voice and falsetto to add depth and dimension to her singing. As a teenager, I often felt like I had a lot of growing up to do. I was constantly faced with new responsibilities and expectations, and it can be overwhelming at times. From navigating the complexities of high school relationships to finding my place in the world, there is always something new to learn and a new challenge to overcome. It can be scary and uncertain, but at the same time, I know that I will be okay. The lyric also captures the resilience and determination that comes with being a teenager. Despite the challenges and the setbacks, I am confident that I will be able to overcome them. I know that I have the strength and the courage to face whatever comes my way, and that gives me hope for the future. This determination to persevere and thrive is a defining characteristic of adolescence, and it is what helps us grow and mature into the adults we are meant to be. In addition, the lyric also speaks to the sense of self-awareness that comes with being a teenager. It acknowledges that there is still a lot of growing up to do, but it also reassures that everything will eventually fall into place. This self-awareness is an important part of adolescence, as it allows us to reflect on who we are and who we want to become. It is a time of constant self-exploration and discovery, and the lyric perfectly captures this ongoing journey of growth and development. Ultimately, the lyric from ‘GUTS’ resonates with my teenage experience because it encapsulates the essence of adolescence and some of the challenges, the resilience, and the hope for the future. It captures the uncertainty and the determination that comes with growing up, and it serves as a reassuring reminder that despite the obstacles, everything will eventually be okay. Even as an adult, I often turn to this lyric as a source of strength and comfort, knowing that I am not alone in my journey of growth and self-discovery.

My athletic journey has deeply shaped me by instilling values like resilience, teamwork, discipline, and a strong work ethic, allowing me to overcome challenges in life and providing a foundation for supporting others by sharing these lessons, mentoring young athletes, and promoting active lifestyles to inspire them to reach their full potential, both on and off the field.  Overcoming setbacks and injuries during training taught me to persevere through tough situations and bounce back stronger, a valuable life skill when facing adversity. Playing on a team emphasized the importance of collaboration, communication, and supporting teammates to achieve a common goal, fostering a sense of community while maintaining a rigorous training schedule instilled the habit of dedication, commitment, and prioritizing goals. Taking on leadership roles within a team allowed me to develop skills in motivating others, making decisions, and holding myself accountable. Achieving personal bests and overcoming challenges on the field translated into increased self-belief and the ability to take on new challenges in life. In all honesty, High school athletics helped shape me into the person I am today. The life lessons, friendships and memories are invaluable. I learned what it truly meant to be part of a team, how to lead, and how to respect others. Regardless of the outcome, who you are as a person, on or off the court, matters the most and Malakoff High School provided me with the foundation to pursue my dreams and to play at the collegiate level. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity and everything I gained from participating in high school athletics. Malakoff will always hold a special place in my heart simply because In the modern world of education-based athletics, coaches do more than teach the X’s and O’s. Coaches are role models, imparting lessons of life, leadership, integrity and work ethic to their athletes. Student-athletes may spend more time with their coaches and teammates than they do with friends and family. The true measure of success is not the total number of wins or championships, but rather how athletes apply the lessons learned from playing sports in their lives. Without a doubt, because of sports I have the best friends. We learned to relate to each other on so many levels. My best friends and teammates from high school and college were the people who understood what it took to be an athlete. We have grown to understand each other and navigate life together.

My involvement in my local church has significantly contributed to my community service by providing a platform to connect with people in need, leverage the church's resources and network to organize outreach initiatives, develop skills through volunteer roles, and foster a sense of shared responsibility to care for the community around me, allowing me to actively serve others in meaningful ways beyond just attending services.  Through interactions with fellow church members and outreach programs, I gain awareness of pressing issues within the local community, allowing me to target my service efforts where they are most needed.  My church provides structured volunteer opportunities, like food drives, clothing donations, and community cleanups, enabling me to contribute actively alongside others to address specific community challenges. The church community allows me to build strong connections with diverse individuals, facilitating collaboration and partnerships with other organizations to expand the reach of my community service.  My faith provides a strong foundation for my community service, inspiring me to approach acts of kindness with compassion and a genuine desire to help others. Music in general has saved my life. Dealing with anxiety, depression, etc. Music soothed me and helped me view all situations differently which in return, taught me how to transform my feelings into words and melodies. This scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household. I truly believe that receiving this scholarship will allow me to make a difference in the ever changing, and challenging, world of music and entertainment. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident in my abilities to achieve this goal and this scholarship can help me further my professional training and certification goals that I have set for myself and will in turn help me start a true career in the music industry and music business. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. In my opinion Music is Love and that love should always be shared and given in every way possible. I just hope and pray that this submission, in every way proves that if given this scholarship, it will NOT be a mistake.

Hello, my name is Montrell Williams and I am a passionate and dedicated individual who is pursuing a career in the beauty industry. I am currently a student studying cosmetology and I am always looking for ways to further my education and skill set within this field. I am applying for this scholarship as a means to help me achieve my academic goals and to further my personal development within the beauty industry. If I am fortunate enough to receive this scholarship, the financial support will allow me to continue my education in cosmetology and pursue additional certifications and training. This will not only enhance my knowledge and skills, but also open up opportunities for further specialization within the beauty industry. I plan to use the scholarship funds to cover the costs of tuition, textbooks, and specialized training programs, ultimately contributing to both my academic and personal growth. I am passionate about the beauty industry because I believe that it has the power to empower individuals and boost their confidence. I am dedicated to making a positive impact in this field by using my skills and knowledge to help others look and feel their best. Whether it's through hair styling, makeup artistry, or skincare, I hope to use my talents to enhance the beauty and confidence of my clients. In addition, I am also interested in exploring the business side of the beauty industry and hope to eventually open my own salon or beauty-related business. I am confident that this scholarship will not only help me achieve my academic and personal goals, but also pave the way for me to make a meaningful impact in the beauty industry. I plan to use the scholarship funds to cover the costs of my tuition, books, and other educational expenses. This financial support will significantly contribute to my academic success by allowing me to focus on my studies and pursue internships and other opportunities in the beauty industry. Additionally, this scholarship will alleviate some of the financial burden on my family, allowing me to pursue my education without added stress. In the future, I aim to make a significant impact in the beauty industry by promoting inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability. I am dedicated to creating products and services that cater to people of all backgrounds and skin types, as well as promoting eco-friendly and ethical practices within the industry. I hope to inspire and empower others to embrace their natural beauty and feel confident in their own skin. Ultimately, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to receive this scholarship and am committed to using it to further my education, pursue my passion in the beauty industry, and make a positive impact in the world. Thank you for considering my application.

As a lover of wrestling, the thoughts of pursuing a STEM degree has always been an avid idea of mine. In order to do so, I must plan to leverage the discipline, work ethic, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills honed on the mat to excel in my studies, particularly in areas like complex data analysis, project management, and technical troubleshooting within my chosen STEM field. Additionally, once graduated, I aim to give back to the wrestling community by volunteering as a coach, mentoring younger wrestlers, and using my STEM expertise to develop innovative training tools and data analysis methods to enhance their performance. The rigorous training regimen of wrestling cultivates a strong work ethic, essential for tackling challenging STEM coursework and research projects, requiring consistent effort and dedication to achieve goals. Studying opponents' strengths and weaknesses on the mat develops analytical thinking abilities, which can be applied to identifying patterns and solving complex problems in STEM fields. Wrestling demands quick decision-making and adaptability to overcome obstacles on the mat, directly translating to the ability to troubleshoot technical issues and find creative solutions in STEM projects. As a team sport, wrestling fosters leadership qualities such as motivating teammates and coordinating strategies, which can be valuable when collaborating on STEM projects. Utilizing my technical knowledge and experience to coach younger wrestlers, helping them develop their skills and build a strong foundation in the sport. Applying my STEM expertise to analyze wrestling data (e.g., match statistics, training metrics) to develop more targeted and effective training programs. Now more than ever, we are reminded how many life lessons can be taught by participating in sports. Coaches are teachers that can lead others in lessons such as how to stay positive, how to overcome adversity, how to work together for a common purpose, how to be resilient and how to be there for others. Achieving goals and overcoming obstacles can help teens persevere in uncertain times like these. Students can find a sense of belonging and accomplishment through individual sports and team dynamics. Sports are symbolic of life. Life requires teamwork, discipline, resiliency, respect, compassion, and character. Sports can develop those skills to apply on the playing field and in their life. Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. It’s a saying coaches are used to preaching. Get up when you get knocked down. The self-discipline taught in sports allows a person to thrive in life with a work ethic to improve. Self-discipline spills over into every aspect of life and is a highly common trait among successful people.

This is my personal review of the "Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour By Cirque Du Soleil", which was nothing less than an amazing experience. I was lucky enough to purchase a ticket for the "Immortal World Tour" for $175. It sold out as soon as you could say "Mj Where?" I held on to the tickets for a year until last night! When the show was meant to go on as planned in Toronto at the Air Canada Centre. There were droves of Mj fans at the event, and of course finding a place to park was hectic. Nonetheless as soon as you walked into the hallways you could hear "Dirty Diana" bumping loud! The rush of a real Mj concert was oozing through the walls. People were jogging, and rushing to get to their seats. No one was late this was just the pre music playing before the show. But of course everyone was excited enough to run in. They started with a roaring crowd and out of nowhere came five young boys. One of them an overweight kid who was wearing an undersized beat it jacket! They walked out to the extended stage, while some of them laid out a huge 80's style juke box and started tuning into the radio. Every station had snippets of Mj songs. When all of a sudden they dimmed the lights and you could hear Michael Jackson talking about himself with a very sad tone in his voice. I thought it was excellent that they incorporated very rare and possibly never released audio of his voice. "Childhood" began just after he spoke about his life, and the stage lit up with such amazing theatrics one can't fully put into words. They had a replica of his "Neverland Valley Ranch" home gate. & these five boys were amazed walking toward the main stage where it was, just to take a closer look as part of the show wondering what was inside. A massive "Mj" logo air balloon just like his "Childhood" video came flying out among the crowd with a young "Jackson 5" era Michael sitting inside the basket over looking the crowd with his little afro. They did a spectacular job remixing all of his songs. I am one to normally hate remixes as I'm a sound engineer and work with music all of the time. Doing a cover song is one thing, though I'm one to believe that originals songs should be left as is. Everyone drew from Michael's lifelong dances adding their own touches through the whole show. From my understanding the musical director of the show was given complete access to original studio master recording sessions done throughout Michael's career. All I can say is they did a fantastic job with his vocals. Yes it sounds very close to his original songs, but also new, fresh, and vibrant. They use different rhythms at times, and substitute original instruments for ones that may be out of the ordinary like super fast violins, or massive band changes. It really looked a bit like what I believe the "This Is It" tour could have been. They played a few snippets of his voice I have never heard before, it was so touching. & he did read his poem "Planet Earth" which I have heard before. But when he spoke, during the poem, and with the entire collection of songs being bombarded on you with sights and sounds. You just knew who he was and what he stood for. That's one word... "LOVE."

Education is the stepping stone to many of the opportunities around us. Opportunities to create connections, to learn about the world, growing in society and more. As a society, we undermine the value of education. Of course, everyone understands that education is important. But, not everyone knows to what extent. Now the question becomes, “To what extent does education help?” And, this is the question I will be answering in the following paragraphs. One of the reasons why education is so important is because, in my opinion, it puts you in a secure position in your life. It provides stability, financial security and independence. Education is a simple key to accessing a certain form of income, and that income provides you with the freedom of deciding the path of your life and giving you the choice to choose what you want. You have the ability to decide where you live, where you want your career to be headed, or what you want for dinner. It is as simple as that. With education, you are likely to have a job that pays sufficient money to live a comfortable life, and not have to worry about how to make a penny stretch until your next paycheck. You become independent, being able to trust yourself with the right decisions with your background of education and not having to depend on others for money. Education also gives you a moral compass, by teaching you through experience and social interactions what is right versus the wrong. With education, you are able to build up your confidence as you are to form your own opinions and ideas without the help of others and have education to back your opinions and ideas. Lastly, Music in general has saved my life. Dealing with anxiety, depression, etc. Music soothed me and helped me view all situations differently which in return, taught me how to transform my feelings into words and melodies. This scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household.

During my time as a project leader on a community-led initiative to develop a community outreach program for a local homeless shelter, I showcased exceptional leadership skills by navigating complex logistical challenges, fostering team collaboration, and ultimately delivering a successful program that significantly impacted the lives of shelter residents. Our team consisted of students from various backgrounds with different levels of experience, requiring careful management to ensure everyone contributed effectively. We faced limitations in funding and access to necessary materials, necessitating creative problem-solving to maximize impact with limited resources. Balancing the demands of academics with the project's timeline presented a significant challenge in coordinating schedules and meeting deadlines. Along with the help of generous people and volunteers, we facilitated an open communication channel, actively listening to team members' ideas and concerns, and delegated tasks based on individual strengths to ensure everyone felt valued and empowered. The development of the detailed project plan with clear goals, timelines, and responsibilities, regulated the monitoring progress which in return allowed us to make certain adjustments needed to build strong relationships with the shelter staff. The team and I also scheduled regular meetings each month to understand the needs and discuss ways to incorporate the feedback into our program designs. Having the esteem pleasure and honor of spearheading these creative fundraising efforts, such as organizing a campus-wide donation drive and securing sponsorships from local businesses, to secure necessary resources was nothing less of a blessing to not only those we helped but a tremendous blessing to me. Our team successfully launched a comprehensive outreach program that included weekly food distribution, clothing drives, and educational workshops, significantly improving the quality of life for shelter residents. Through our outreach efforts, we raised awareness about the local homeless population and encouraged further community support. I plan to leverage these leadership experiences in my future career by actively engaging stakeholders, fostering collaboration within teams, and proactively identifying challenges to develop innovative solutions. My commitment to community impact will guide my decision-making, ensuring that my work contributes positively to the wider society, just as our student-led outreach program did. By combining strong communication skills, strategic planning abilities, and a focus on inclusivity, I aim to lead teams towards achieving impactful outcomes in any professional setting.

 Being a blessing to others has always been something that I have always been passionate about. So with every fiber of my being, I will continue to make these strides and attempts to do my part in helping others and making my community stronger by the day.

In recent times, I’ve heard people talk about their truth, as in “my truth” and about the truth of others as “their truth.” Implicit in this is the idea that that because it is “my truth” or “their truth” it is somehow inherently valid as a statement of truth. Opinions have been elevated to truth and personal preferences have been elevated to rights. To challenge anyone’s “truth” now causes personal offense and seems to be a definite “no-no” in society. How did we ever get to such a point in society that no-one is ever wrong anymore because everyone is right? It’s fine for everyone to have their own view of things and their own opinions. Furthermore, everyone deserves to be treated with respect, even if their opinions are different to ours. But if we cannot challenge one another anymore, how will anyone ever change their views and personally grow, and how can society as a whole learn to deal with the increasingly difficult challenges that confronts it? The scientific endeavour is fairly foundational to our civilisation. Our modern society is built on the assumption that we pursue reality by challenging hypothesis through experimentation. The same principle applies to every aspect of life. We challenge what we think we know so that we can learn and grow. The whole modern mindset that goes along with the scientific endeavour assumes that reality can be understood and that there are facts that can be known. But in the popular mindset, there is nothing that is true in an objective sense anymore; only “your truth” and “my truth.” The Bible has a very different way of looking at the world. In the Bible’s view, all truth is relative, but not to other truths. All truth is relative to God’s truth. God’s truth is the fixed point of reality, the source of all truth. Truth originates in the very being of God. When Jesus said, “I am the truth” (John 14:6), he didn’t mean that he had some of the truth, or even that he had all of the truth. What Jesus was saying that truth is part of who God is. Every word he speaks, every decision he makes, and everything he does is truth. It is fully and absolutely true. We human beings can only ever speak about truth in imprecise and incomplete , ways, because we can never see the full picture. But God can. We don’t even know how big the universe is or how it works. But God does. This keeps us humble, while at the same time it compels us to continuously search for truth. It is precisely that search for the truth about our world and how it works that led to the development of modern science. Why should you search for truth if your opinion is good enough? And in this way, contemporary society demolishes its own underpinnings. Scientific progress is hindered, and worse than that, so too is the moral progress of culture. The Bible tells us that there is such a thing as “truth” and it is a truth that is completely unaffected by your opinions. In fact, it is untouchable, unchangeable, absolute truth.

My name is Montrell Williams and I am absolute lover of Music and Music Arts. To me, receiving this scholarship will boost my self-confidence, knowing that I not only completed a very important task, but also took the responsibility of creating a foundation for getting me closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree. Therefore, I plan to work extra hard to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Music Production. Music in general has saved my life. Dealing with anxiety, depression, etc. Music soothed me and helped me view all situations differently which in return, taught me how to transform my feelings into words and melodies. This scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household. I truly believe that receiving this scholarship will allow me to make a difference in the ever changing, and challenging, world of music and entertainment. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident in my abilities to achieve this goal and this scholarship can help me further my professional training and certification goals that I have set for myself and will in turn help me start a true career in the music industry and music business. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. In my opinion Music is Love and that love should always be shared and given in every way possible. I just hope and pray that this submission, in every way proves that if given this scholarship, it will NOT be a mistake.

While I haven't personally joined the military, I have worked with students who weighed this decision carefully and have shared their motivations with me. One significant factor that often influences this choice is a deep sense of patriotism and a desire to serve and protect the country. Some people feel a strong calling to defend their nation, and the military gives them an avenue to express that commitment. Education benefits can also be a significant motivator. College tuition and vocational training can be expensive, but the military offers educational benefits through the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which covers tuition and fees, provides a housing allowance, and supplies a stipend for books and supplies. Additionally, the sense of structure and discipline that military life provides can be quite appealing to some. The military encourages character-building and personal development, promoting values such as loyalty, duty, respect, honor, and integrity. For individuals seeking these traits, the military is an excellent environment to cultivate them. Lastly, military service can lead to a wealth of career opportunities, both in and out of the military. These careers are not just on the battlefield but also in logistics, technology, health care, engineering, and many other fields. These are broad motivations, and personal reasons can vary greatly. It is essential to remember that there's no right or wrong reason to join the military; it's a personal decision that should align with your values and long-term goals. Any choice you make post-high school is significant, so please ensure to consider all your options and discuss this potential path with family, mentors, or counselors. Choosing to serve the country allows people to do something impactful in their life. For example, if one is passionate about helping people, the military might be the best case for them. As the military is what helps support the citizens of the country they reside in. Helping people no matter the cost is one of the most important things in this world, it allows character and morals to build. While helping others may provide a different type of fulfillment other than something materialistic, it can allow you to actually change someone's life, even if it is the smallest bit of kindness someone can offer. By helping and protecting others it creates a better world and atmosphere for people to grow in, allowing for future generations to continue to do the same. I want to use this opportunity to help as many people as I possibly can.

Watching LeBron James play basketball is a privilege that should never be taken for granted. If you’ve been paying attention to the NBA since his coming in 2003, you’d know that this guy is only getting better, even though he’s considered one of the greatest players of all time considering he had already won an NBA championship, three NBA MVP awards and two Olympic gold medals by the age of 28. A player with his kind of talent is rare. It’s even more rare that you find a player that young who has already achieved so much in his career. The comparisons to Michael Jordan are both naive and unfair. Jordan was the greatest player to ever step on the hardwood. He won six NBA championships. That being said, Jordan didn’t win his first championship until he was 28. James was 27 when he won his first ring. I’m not comparing the two, just simply stating a fact. Even the comparisons to Kobe Bryant are still premature. He, too, has six rings. James has a long career ahead of him. He has some bare fingers that need rings before he’s even mentioned in the same breath as those two. However, the more you watch LeBron, the more starstruck you become. He’s so much better than every other player in the NBA that it’s not even fair. You could try and make the argument that Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant or Carmelo Anthony are a close second, but they aren’t. LeBron has the most complete game of any basketball player I’ve ever seen. He’s so efficient and the stats back it up. His last five games might be one of the greatest stretches in NBA history. When I watch LeBron play, I see an entirely different type of demeanor on the basketball court. He no longer plays with the burden of playoff failures. He’s a world champion and now he can do what he does best which is play basketball with ease and for the love of the game. He can play the role of distributor and have 15 assists per game if he wants to. He’s also developed an adequate post game that’s still improving. When you combine his ability to handle the basketball, shoot and facilitate an offense, James has become an unstoppable force. I’m not sure the NBA has ever seen a player quite like LeBron James. He can literally play all five positions on the court. He’s 6 feet, 8 inches and weighs 250 pounds. James is such a physical specimen that he’s impossible to stop. Only one player in NBA history was similar to James in the ability to play every position; his name was Magic Johnson. Magic had the unique ability to play multiple different positions, just like James. Magic could post up down low and primarily played point guard. Now it is like everything is coming together for James at once. The monkey is off his back. He’s in his physical prime, and he’s the most talented player in the NBA. His court awareness is graceful and his athleticism is unparalleled. Right now, nobody on earth can stop LeBron James. Lebron is on track to go down as the player of our generation. What we’re witnessing is a basketball player that completely dictates the way the game is played. He’s just having fun out there and makes for some real entertainment.

My favorite USA athlete to cheer for would hands down have to be Sha’Carri Richardson. Sha’Carri is one of the world’s fastest female sprinters known to man. She is best known for her record-breaking performances in the 100-meter dash. She first garnered national attention in 2021 when she qualified for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, which unfortunately ended being delayed because of the tragic COVID-19 outbreak. Nevertheless, Richardson rebounded from that setback, and in 2023 she posted the fifth fastest time in the women’s 100 meters (10.65 sec). At the 2024 Paris Games, she won a silver medal in the event and later captured a gold medal in the 4 × 100-meter relay. She was a member of a track-and-field club while attending middle school, and at David W. Carter High School in Dallas she became a star athlete. In 2016, as a sophomore, Richardson competed on the national level at the Amateur Athletic Union(AAU) Junior Olympics and won the 100-meter dash. The following year she claimed a bronze medal in the 200 meters at the USA Track and Field (USATF) National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships. Also in 2017 she made her international debut, running at the Pan American U20 Athletics Championship. There she won a gold medal in the 4 × 100-meter relay. After graduating from high school in 2018, Richardson enrolled at Louisiana State University (LSU). During her freshman season, in 2019, she set an National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) record when she ran the 100-meter dash in 10.75 sec. Richardson’s achievements that year—she went undefeated in the 100 meters—were recognized by the NCAA when she was presented with The Bowerman, awarded to the most outstanding NCAA track-and-field male athlete and female athlete of the year. After her successful first year in college, Richardson left LSU in 2019 to compete professionally. Shortly thereafter she also signed a lucrative contract with Nike. At the U.S. Olympic trials for the 2024 Paris Games, Richardson earned a spot on the national team. Although a favorite to win the 100-meter event in Paris, she had to settle for a silver medal, finishing second to Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia. Richardson then was the anchor in the 4 × 100-meter relay, and she led the U.S. team to victory, capturing her first Olympic gold medal. On and off the track, Richardson is known for her bold signature style, which includes vibrant hair colors and wigs, false eyelashes, and long nails. She also has attracted fans with her tenacity and confidence.

Looking back on my childhood, the question I most wished had been asked more often was, "What are you truly passionate about?" And “Why are you passionate?” This lack of focused inquiry about my intrinsic interests left me feeling somewhat adrift in navigating my future goals, often leaning towards externally validated career paths rather than those that deeply resonated with my soul. Impact on goals and aspirations: * Uncertainty in career choices: 
Without actively exploring my passions as a child, I often felt pressure to choose a career based on societal expectations or perceived stability, rather than what truly excited me. This led to periods of doubt and indecision when making significant career decisions as an adult. 

 * Fear of pursuing unconventional paths: 
The absence of open conversations about passion made me hesitant to pursue less traditional career paths, even if they aligned with my deepest interests, fearing potential disapproval or lack of support. 

 * Delayed self-discovery: 
By not actively reflecting on my passions early on, it took longer to identify what truly motivated me, potentially delaying the pursuit of fulfilling work and personal projects. 

 * Greater emphasis on external validation: 
In the absence of a focus on intrinsic motivation, I sometimes found myself seeking validation from others regarding my career choices, which could lead to a sense of disalignment with my own values. 

 How I'm actively addressing this now: * Intentional self-reflection: 
As an adult, I make a conscious effort to regularly reflect on my passions, interests, and values, actively seeking out opportunities to explore new areas and align my life with what truly matters to me. 

 * Open conversations with mentors: 
I actively seek guidance from individuals who encourage open dialogue about my passions and aspirations, allowing me to gain valuable insights and perspectives. 

 * Lifelong learning: 
I embrace a continuous learning mindset, exploring diverse fields and experiences to further understand my passions and identify potential career paths that align with them. 

 In conclusion, while the simple question "What are you truly passionate about?" may seem straightforward, its absence in my childhood left a significant gap in my self-awareness and career planning. By actively addressing this now, I am working to build a life that is more authentically aligned with my deepest interests and values and I am a firm believer that this scholarship will be a huge stepping stone gearing towards a chance to find my purpose and strive to achieve all that I possibly can.

My name is Montrell Williams and I am absolute lover of Music and Music Arts. To me, receiving this scholarship will boost my self-confidence, knowing that I not only completed a very important task, but also took the responsibility of creating a foundation for getting me closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree. Therefore, I plan to work extra hard to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Music Production. Music in general has saved my life. Dealing with anxiety, depression, etc. Music soothed me and helped me view all situations differently which in return, taught me how to transform my feelings into words and melodies. Different books and literature discussing all different genres of music, their styles, melodies really stuck out to me which led my appetite for music in general as well as the business of music to become even stronger. This scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household. I truly believe that receiving this scholarship will allow me to make a difference in the ever changing, and challenging, world of music and entertainment. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident in my abilities to achieve this goal and this scholarship can help me further my professional training and certification goals that I have set for myself and will in turn help me start a true career in the music industry and music business. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. In my opinion Music is Love and that love should always be shared and given in every way possible. I just hope and pray that this submission, in every way proves that if given this scholarship, it will NOT be a mistake.

My name is Montrell Williams and I am absolute lover of Music and Music Arts. To me, receiving this scholarship will boost my self-confidence, knowing that I not only completed a very important task, but also took the responsibility of creating a foundation for getting me closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree. Therefore, I plan to work extra hard to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Music Production. Music in general has saved my life. Dealing with anxiety, depression, etc. Music soothed me and helped me view all situations differently which in return, taught me how to transform my feelings into words and melodies. This scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household. I truly believe that receiving this scholarship will allow me to make a difference in the ever changing, and challenging, world of music and entertainment. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident in my abilities to achieve this goal and this scholarship can help me further my professional training and certification goals that I have set for myself and will in turn help me start a true career in the music industry and music business. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. In my opinion Music is Love and that love should always be shared and given in every way possible. I just hope and pray that this submission, in every way proves that if given this scholarship, it will NOT be a mistake.

My name is Montrell Williams and I am absolute lover of Music and Music Arts. To me, receiving this scholarship will boost my self-confidence, knowing that I not only completed a very important task, but also took the responsibility of creating a foundation for getting me closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree. Therefore, I plan to work extra hard to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Music Production. Music in general has saved my life. Dealing with anxiety, depression, etc. Music soothed me and helped me view all situations differently which in return, taught me how to transform my feelings into words and melodies. This scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household. I truly believe that receiving this scholarship will allow me to make a difference in the ever changing, and challenging, world of music and entertainment. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident in my abilities to achieve this goal and this scholarship can help me further my professional training and certification goals that I have set for myself and will in turn help me start a true career in the music industry and music business. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. In my opinion Music is Love and that love should always be shared and given in every way possible. I just hope and pray that this submission, in every way proves that if given this scholarship, it will NOT be a mistake.

Strive for servant leadership What is servant leadership? Many people who hear the term ‘servant leadership’ for the first time are confused. Servants aren’t thought of as leaders, and leaders aren’t usually supposed to be servants. However, this seeming contradiction is actually why the name was chosen. For most of history, leadership was defined by title and wealth. People were born into leadership and led from a hierarchical position. Luckily, theories and practices like servant leadership have proven that anyone can be a leader, and true leaders are rarely defined by title or wealth. In fact, often, the best leaders are those who spend time serving others to empower them, regardless of their status or position. Servant leadership is a style based on the desire to serve and give to your community. By putting the needs of others first, you empower people to perform at their best. When members of the community see your passion and your commitment through your actions, they want to be connected to you. WHAT ARE THE 10 CHARACTERISTICS OF SERVANT LEADERSHIP? - [ ] Listening - [ ] Empathy - [ ] Healing - [ ] Awareness - [ ] Persuasion - [ ] Conceptualization - [ ] Foresight - [ ] Stewardship - [ ] Commitment to growth - [ ] Building Communities In closing, anyone can be a leader. Everyone has leadership skills within them, they’re all just at differing developmental stages. It takes time to practice and strengthen them; you must invest in developing those skills and committing to growth. Committing to servant leadership means putting the needs of others before your own and continuously developing the 10 characteristics listed above. Prioritize and manage time We all have the same number of hours at our disposal each day. If we spend the twenty-fours that we have in a day in an efficient way we can be successful in completing the tasks and achieving our goals for the day. If we waste our time on vain activities we either get stressed out doing the tasks we need to do or fail to do what needs to be done. If we wish to succeed in achieving our short term and long term goals we need to manage our time effectively. Being a person that struggles with management from time to time, student studies have shown that It is best to draw a time table for ourselves. The time table must be practicable so that we can actually follow it. Otherwise we will get disillusioned and stressed out by being unable to follow the time table. We must accommodate leisure activities as also rest and relaxation in our daily routine so that we feel refreshed to be able to work efficiently. We must also have an exercise regimen that can keep us physically fit and healthy. By maintaining a discipline and a schedule we can accomplish our activities and targets rather than by doing our tasks in a haphazard or in an erratic manner. We do many different activities each day, and we need to do them on time. We have a fixed time to go to school each morning. We need to take the bus or go by bike or by foot and reach the school on time. If we are not punctual we lose out on completing all the activities we need to. We also need to prioritize our activities. If we give attention to the most important tasks we can achieve our long term goals easily. On the other hand, if we spend time on unimportant tasks or on useless activities we reduce the productive time available for the important activities. If we manage our time effectively we can accomplish all the activities and tasks we wish to. This requires drawing up a practicable time table. If we can stick to the time table we can then succeed in achieving our goals whether they are in the short term or long term. It is important that we draw up a time table that we can adopt practically. If it is impracticable we get disappointed and dejected and discard it completely. Therefore, a time table must be one that we can go by. We also need to figure out the time of the day when we are most productive and complete important tasks at that time. For instance, the mind is the most refreshed after a good night’s sleep, and that is when we can devote our time to doing our studies. My plan is to use these tactics and practices to better myself and stay on top of everything by prioritizing and managing my time in the best way.

Education is the stepping stone to many of the opportunities around us. Opportunities to create connections, to learn about the world, growing in society and more. As a society, we undermine the value of education. Of course, everyone understands that education is important. But, not everyone knows to what extent. Now the question becomes, “To what extent does education help?” And, this is the question I will be answering in the following paragraphs. One of the reasons why education is so important is because, in my opinion, it puts you in a secure position in your life. It provides stability, financial security and independence. Education is a simple key to accessing a certain form of income, and that income provides you with the freedom of deciding the path of your life and giving you the choice to choose what you want. You have the ability to decide where you live, where you want your career to be headed, or what you want for dinner. It is as simple as that. With education, you are likely to have a job that pays sufficient money to live a comfortable life, and not have to worry about how to make a penny stretch until your next paycheck. You become independent, being able to trust yourself with the right decisions with your background of education and not having to depend on others for money. Education also gives you a moral compass, by teaching you through experience and social interactions what is right versus the wrong. With education, you are able to build up your confidence as you are to form your own opinions and ideas without the help of others and have education to back your opinions and ideas. Lastly, Music in general has saved my life. Dealing with anxiety, depression, etc. Music soothed me and helped me view all situations differently which in return, taught me how to transform my feelings into words and melodies. This scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household.

Being a person of respect and integrity, in my honest opinion, are major steps in building a great foundation. You don’t have to donate large sums of money, create a foundation, or cause a scene to chip away at little (or big) issues in the world, starting with your community. I’ve found that simply using my voice to stand up for small changes that add up to big impacts is so effective at not only creating change, but setting examples for others to follow in this day and time. I may not be the loudest or the most aggressive, but I’ve never been one to stand by and watch something I disagree with unfold. Deciding to be an up-stander, instead of a bystander. When encountering acts of unfairness is challenging at any age. It takes kindness, courage, and empathy.  When kids see something wrong happening, it may be difficult for them to speak up or stand up for themselves or others. As parents and guardians, we can help to empower them with ways to actively support what’s right. Whether it’s taking action when they see unfairness or speaking up for someone who may be excluded, I’m a firm believer that it paves the way for them to grow up to become change-makers.  We must use our voices! That means in every way possible. Many men and women fought and died for our freedom and liberty to express our rights in all ways possible. You have opinions. Why don’t you use them for good? Doing my research for this essay, I reimagined myself and I realized that I can use my voice to help out anybody that needs it. We can all support each other by supporting each other’s businesses, amplifying their needs, or making sure they’re aware of important happenings. Even if you are an introverted person, you can make yourself heard from the comfort of your own home with no one’s glaring eyes on you. My plan is to simply use my voice in my community so that we can help those families who cannot afford the schools lunch or qualify for the lunch program. Growing up I was never satisfied with the food being served at my school, so I made sure that the principal knew my concerns. And I’ve continued to offer my two cents on everything from the type of milk they serve to their use of seasoning. It may seem annoying, but in the long run, I’m doing it for my children and their futures. Another idea is to suggest a pledge that the kids take (and teachers, too) to create less waste every year, or starting a petition that gets passed around the parents via email. Dialogue picks up momentum, and momentum stirs change. These small changes can snowball into something even greater when your community takes the cue and does the same.

My name is Montrell Williams and I am absolute lover of Music and Music Arts. To me, receiving this scholarship will boost my self-confidence, knowing that I not only completed a very important task, but also took the responsibility of creating a foundation for getting me closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree. Therefore, I plan to work extra hard to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Music Production. Music in general has saved my life. Dealing with anxiety, depression, etc. Music soothed me and helped me view all situations differently which in return, taught me how to transform my feelings into words and melodies. This scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household. I truly believe that receiving this scholarship will allow me to make a difference in the ever changing, and challenging, world of music and entertainment. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident in my abilities to achieve this goal and this scholarship can help me further my professional training and certification goals that I have set for myself and will in turn help me start a true career in the music industry and music business. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. In my opinion Music is Love and that love should always be shared and given in every way possible. I just hope and pray that this submission, in every way proves that if given this scholarship, it will NOT be a mistake.

Billie Eilish has several songs that delve into deep emotional themes, but many fans and critics often point to "Everything I Wanted" as one of her deepest tracks. In this song, she explores feelings of anxiety, depression, and the complexities of fame, while also reflecting on her relationship with her brother Finneas and the support he provides. Another contender is "When the Party's Over,"which deals with themes of heartbreak and vulnerability. The haunting melody and poignant lyrics convey a sense of loss and emotional depth. I would say either listen before I go or when the party’s over. My reasoning for when the party’s over is because of the music video and the lyrics are just so sad. Ultimately, the "deepest" song in my opinion has to be “Before I Let Go” simply because it varies from person to person based on individual experiences and interpretations, but these two songs are frequently highlighted for their emotional resonance. To be clear I absolutely love her and her music but I do think she seems to have severe difficulties singing both high and low. As we know, her lows tend to fade away in live performances, and she can struggle to reach her highs as well.

My name is Montrell Williams and I am absolute lover of Music and Music Arts. To me, receiving this scholarship will boost my self-confidence, knowing that I not only completed a very important task, but also took the responsibility of creating a foundation for getting me closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree. Therefore, I plan to work extra hard to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Music Production. Music in general has saved my life. Dealing with anxiety, depression, etc. Music soothed me and helped me view all situations differently which in return, taught me how to transform my feelings into words and melodies. This scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household. I truly believe that receiving this scholarship will allow me to make a difference in the ever changing, and challenging, world of music and entertainment. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident in my abilities to achieve this goal and this scholarship can help me further my professional training and certification goals that I have set for myself and will in turn help me start a true career in the music industry and music business. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. In my opinion Music is Love and that love should always be shared and given in every way possible. I just hope and pray that this submission, in every way proves that if given this scholarship, it will NOT be a mistake.

My name is Montrell Williams and I am absolute lover of Music and Music Arts. To me, receiving this scholarship will boost my self-confidence, knowing that I not only completed a very important task, but also took the responsibility of creating a foundation for getting me closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree. Therefore, I plan to work extra hard to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Music Production. The scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household. I truly believe that receiving this scholarship will allow me to make a difference in the ever changing, and challenging, world of music and entertainment. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident in my abilities to achieve this goal and this scholarship can help me further my professional training and certification goals that I have set for myself and will in turn help me start a true career in the music industry and music business. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. In my opinion Music is Love and that love should always be shared and given in every way possible. I just hope and pray that this submission, in every way proves that if given this scholarship, it will NOT be a mistake.

My name is Montrell Williams and I am absolute lover of Music and Music Arts. To me, receiving this scholarship will boost my self-confidence, knowing that I not only completed a very important task, but also took the responsibility of creating a foundation for getting me closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree. Therefore, I plan to work extra hard to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Music Production. The scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household. I truly believe that receiving this scholarship will allow me to make a difference in the ever changing, and challenging, world of music and entertainment. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident in my abilities to achieve this goal and this scholarship can help me further my professional training and certification goals that I have set for myself and will in turn help me start a true career in the music industry and music business. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. In my opinion Music is Love and that love should always be shared and given in every way possible. I just hope and pray that this submission, in every way proves that if given this scholarship, it will NOT be a mistake.

My name is Montrell Williams and I am absolute lover of Music and Music Arts. To me, receiving this scholarship will boost my self-confidence, knowing that I not only completed a very important task, but also took the responsibility of creating a foundation for getting me closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree. The scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. In my opinion Music is Love and that love should always be shared and given in every way possible.

To overcome my own mental health challenges, I've actively engaged in therapy, practiced mindfulness techniques like meditation, prioritized regular exercise, and built a strong support network of friends and family who I can openly talk to about my struggles. This has helped me to better understand and manage my emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and cultivate a sense of self-awareness. There are many different things you can do to improve your mental health, including: * Staying positive. It's important to try to have a positive outlook; some ways to do that include: * Finding balance between positive and negative emotions. Staying positive doesn't mean that you never feel negative emotions, such as sadness or anger. You need to feel them so that you can move through difficult situations. They can help you to respond to a problem. But you don't want those emotions to take over. For example, it's not helpful to keep thinking about bad things that happened in the past or worry too much about the future. * Trying to hold on to the positive emotions when you have them * Taking a break from negative information. Know when to stop watching or reading the news. Use social media to reach out for support and feel connected to others but be careful. Don't fall for rumors, get into arguments, or negatively compare your life to others. * Practicing gratitude, which means being thankful for the good things in your life. It's helpful to do this every day, either by thinking about what you are grateful for or writing it down in a journal. These can be big things, such as the support you have from loved ones, or little things, such as enjoying a nice meal. It's important to allow yourself a moment to enjoy that you had the positive experience. Practicing gratitude can help you to see your life differently. For example, when you are stressed, you may not notice that there are also moments when you have some positive emotions. Gratitude can help you to recognize them. * Taking care of your physical health, since your physical and mental health are connected. Some ways to take care of your physical health include: * Being physically active. Exercise can reduce feelings of stress and depression and improve your mood. * Getting enough sleep. Sleep affects your mood. If you don't get a good sleep, you may become more easily annoyed and angry. Over the long term, a lack of quality sleep can make you more likely to become depressed. So it's important to make sure that you have a regular sleep schedule and get enough quality sleep every night. * Healthy eating. Good nutrition will help you feel better physically but could also improve your mood and decrease anxiety and stress. Also, not having enough of certain nutrients may contribute to some mental illnesses. For example, there may be a link between low levels of vitamin B12 and depression. Eating a well-balanced diet can help you to get enough of the nutrients you * Connecting with others. Humans are social creatures, and it's important to have strong, healthy relationships with others. Having good social support may help protect you against the harms of stress. It is also good to have different types of connections. Besides connecting with family and friends, you could find ways to get involved with your community or neighborhood. For example, you could volunteer for a local organization or join a group that is focused on a hobby you enjoy.

My name is Montrell Williams and I am absolute lover of Music and Music Arts. To me, receiving this scholarship will boost my self-confidence, knowing that I not only completed a very important task, but also took the responsibility of creating a foundation for getting me closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree. Therefore, I plan to work extra hard to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Music Production. The scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household. I truly believe that receiving this scholarship will allow me to make a difference in the ever changing, and challenging, world of music and entertainment. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident in my abilities to achieve this goal and this scholarship can help me further my professional training and certification goals that I have set for myself and will in turn help me start a true career in the music industry and music business. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. In my opinion Music is Love and that love should always be shared and given in every way possible. I just hope and pray that this submission, in every way proves that if given this scholarship, it will NOT be a mistake.

My name is Montrell Williams and I am absolute lover of Music and Music Arts. To me, receiving this scholarship will boost my self-confidence, knowing that I not only completed a very important task, but also took the responsibility of creating a foundation for getting me closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree. Therefore, I plan to work extra hard to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Music Production. The scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household. I truly believe that receiving this scholarship will allow me to make a difference in the ever changing, and challenging, world of music and entertainment. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident in my abilities to achieve this goal and this scholarship can help me further my professional training and certification goals that I have set for myself and will in turn help me start a true career in the music industry and music business. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. In my opinion Music is Love and that love should always be shared and given in every way possible. I just hope and pray that this submission, in every way proves that if given this scholarship, it will NOT be a mistake.

Receiving this scholarship will boost my self-confidence, knowing that I not only completed a very important task, but also took the responsibility of creating a foundation for getting me closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree. Therefore, I plan to work extra hard to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Music Production. The scholarship award will only push me further towards my desired degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as a music producer and composer. Being the first generation in my family to attend college, I have always aspired to learn the right way to manage money and to produce successful budgets. I also believe in giving back to my community by helping others in financial crisis, so they won’t have the same financial burdens that I had growing up in a poverty stricken household. I truly believe that receiving this scholarship will allow me to make a difference in the ever changing, and challenging, world of music and entertainment. I am grateful that My family has always supported my efforts and endeavors, but unfortunately they cannot afford my college fees. That is why I am taking the initiative of applying for a scholarship. My education will not be by chance, but by choice. These are my aspirations and I ask that you make them your choice. This scholarship will certainly strengthen my opportunity to take multiple advancement online courses and certification programs which I was not able to pay for due to unfortunate financial burdens. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident in my abilities to achieve this goal and this scholarship can help me further my professional training and certification goals that I have set for myself and will in turn help me start a true career in the music industry and music business. I believe my education and experience fits nicely with the scholarship requirements, and I am certain that this scholarship will make a significant contribution to my continuing education. I am very passionate about my education and music and how powerful it is and how it can also be successfully implemented and managed to help people, no matter the organization, background, etc. In my opinion Music is Love and that love should always be shared and given in every way possible. I just hope and pray that this submission, in every way proves that if given this scholarship, it will NOT be a mistake.

As a person who loves music and even got into playing multiple instrument myself, it does have an influence on my everyday life. I’m constantly listening to music whether it be while working during class, in the car on my way home, or just while practicing playing the keyboard or drums. Music is all around the world and one of the most popular forms of entertainment and escape. It consists of many different styles and opinions, whether it be just personal opinion or even a part of your culture. Everyone has their own taste and opinions on music, which is why it’s one of the most common things to talk about. Just like how we all hear people say, “a lot can be said about a person based on their music taste,” and it’s fun finding people who share common interests with you, such as a favorite song or favorite song artist, or maybe something just as simple as liking the same music genre. It can also have an effect on people’s emotions and mind, as well as improving mental health. I first began to really understand music’s impact about 6 years ago when my everyday life was full of anxiety. Music was my form of comfort that could be used for growth and improvement. After finding an artist you can connect to through lyrics, it really opened my eyes to the fact that you aren’t alone, and that even our “all perfect” celebrities deal with it from time to time. It’s a universal feeling. Whenever you listen to music whether it be live or not, I firmly believe that’s you can always find new things about it. It’s an experimental experience, and you can always learn from it. Fun fact, most artists put their very own personality into their songs and share common feelings with their listeners, allowing people to easily connect with music on their own level. A brilliant person once said “Music has the potential to be a powerful healing tool in a variety of ways and pervades every aspect of our existence”. I believe that to be 100% true. Other studies have shown that different types and styles of music were used to define spiritual ceremonies, help toddlers learn the alphabet via rhyme and verse, and malls and restaurants, where we choose to spend our free time, are rarely silent. Even though my taste in music has changed and yours may too, it’s still comforting and almost nostalgic listening to that one artist, just like how we still listen to music from when we were younger to remember the past, especially the one who helped my younger self and being able to see just how much I have improved and matured since then.

This scholarship will help me achieve my educational and career goals. I am currently working towards my bachelors degree in music production. Hopefully one day I can have and own my own production studio. I have been working hard to save up for college, but with the exorbitant costs of tuition, my part-time jobs haven’t been enough. I’m willing and able to do whatever I have to do to achieve my goals to take that first step to having a better life. I do wish to focus a lot of my time on my studies and I truly believe that This scholarship will help by lowering the costs of college and the amount of hours I’ll need to work throughout my studies. This way, I’ll be able to continue with my academic achievements as well as learning more and more about my craft. By receiving this scholarship it would help me with books, and it will also make a big difference in my education. I can solely think about how to pay back student loans. I would not have to stress my mother and other family members out about how I will pay for college without financial assistance. I truly without a doubt believe that if I am granted this scholarship, it will be the start to a brighter future in which I am hoping for and it will give me the greatest opportunity as far as being a music producer or Music director. If I am granted this opportunity, I would like to make a difference in society, my community, and others around me. I will study hard and never miss an assignment or indulge in anything that could possibly hinder me from getting my degree. Accomplishing these goals that I want to achieve and taking advantage of these scholarships being offered will give me the opportunity to be the first in my family to complete college and eventually become a great music mogul and musician that could in the future offer opportunities for other inspiring people to do the same. I pray that I can be an example to many of our youth who thinks it is impossible to excel. Hard work, determination, and great willpower is all that you need to be successful. I have been very diligent with getting the things done to further my education. My impossible turns into possible. I always ask God to guide me as I am getting through high school in order that I be destined for greatness. By me holding on to God’s unchanging hand that will be possible. So In conclusion, after achieving my goals, I plan to use my degree to better my family financially, and hopefully, it will inspire others in my family, and those around me to chase their dreams as well. Where I am from a lot of children cannot go to college or further their education because lack of funds, and they do not take advantage of scholarships offered to them, so I want to be the first to do so. This opportunity is so much-needed and I want to be one of those who could say I had the opportunity, and I took advantage of it. I plan on striving to excel, not to settle for anything less and I was told to be the change that you wish to see, but I know it all starts within me. The road is not going to be easy, but I am going try my best to make my family proud and set examples for those under me.

This scholarship will help me achieve my educational and career goals. I am currently working towards my bachelors degree in music production. Hopefully one day I can have and own my own production studio. I have been working hard to save up for college, but with the exorbitant costs of tuition, my part-time jobs haven’t been enough. I’m willing and able to do whatever I have to do to achieve my goals to take that first step to having a better life. I do wish to focus a lot of my time on my studies and I truly believe that This scholarship will help by lowering the costs of college and the amount of hours I’ll need to work throughout my studies. This way, I’ll be able to continue with my academic achievements as well as learning more and more about my craft. By receiving this scholarship it would help me with books, and it will also make a big difference in my education. I can solely think about how to pay back student loans. I would not have to stress my mother and other family members out about how I will pay for college without financial assistance. I truly without a doubt believe that if I am granted this scholarship, it will be the start to a brighter future in which I am hoping for and it will give me the greatest opportunity as far as being a music producer or Music director. If I am granted this opportunity, I would like to make a difference in society, my community, and others around me. I will study hard and never miss an assignment or indulge in anything that could possibly hinder me from getting my degree. Accomplishing these goals that I want to achieve and taking advantage of these scholarships being offered will give me the opportunity to be the first in my family to complete college and eventually become a great music mogul and musician that could in the future offer opportunities for other inspiring people to do the same. I pray that I can be an example to many of our youth who thinks it is impossible to excel. Hard work, determination, and great willpower is all that you need to be successful. I have been very diligent with getting the things done to further my education. My impossible turns into possible. I always ask God to guide me as I am getting through high school in order that I be destined for greatness. By me holding on to God’s unchanging hand that will be possible. So In conclusion, after achieving my goals, I plan to use my degree to better my family financially, and hopefully, it will inspire others in my family, and those around me to chase their dreams as well. Where I am from a lot of children cannot go to college or further their education because lack of funds, and they do not take advantage of scholarships offered to them, so I want to be the first to do so. This opportunity is so much-needed and I want to be one of those who could say I had the opportunity, and I took advantage of it. I plan on striving to excel, not to settle for anything less and I was told to be the change that you wish to see, but I know it all starts within me. The road is not going to be easy, but I am going try my best to make my family proud and set examples for those under me.

This scholarship will help me achieve my educational and career goals. I am currently working towards my bachelors degree in music production. Hopefully one day I can have and own my own production studio. I have been working hard to save up for college, but with the exorbitant costs of tuition, my part-time jobs haven’t been enough. I’m willing and able to do whatever I have to do to achieve my goals to take that first step to having a better life. I do wish to focus a lot of my time on my studies and I truly believe that This scholarship will help by lowering the costs of college and the amount of hours I’ll need to work throughout my studies. This way, I’ll be able to continue with my academic achievements as well as learning more and more about my craft. By receiving this scholarship it would help me with books, and it will also make a big difference in my education. I can solely think about how to pay back student loans. I would not have to stress my mother and other family members out about how I will pay for college without financial assistance. I truly without a doubt believe that if I am granted this scholarship, it will be the start to a brighter future in which I am hoping for and it will give me the greatest opportunity as far as being a music producer or Music director. If I am granted this opportunity, I would like to make a difference in society, my community, and others around me. I will study hard and never miss an assignment or indulge in anything that could possibly hinder me from getting my degree. Accomplishing these goals that I want to achieve and taking advantage of these scholarships being offered will give me the opportunity to be the first in my family to complete college and eventually become a great music mogul and musician that could in the future offer opportunities for other inspiring people to do the same. I pray that I can be an example to many of our youth who thinks it is impossible to excel. Hard work, determination, and great willpower is all that you need to be successful. I have been very diligent with getting the things done to further my education. My impossible turns into possible. I always ask God to guide me as I am getting through high school in order that I be destined for greatness. By me holding on to God’s unchanging hand that will be possible. So In conclusion, after achieving my goals, I plan to use my degree to better my family financially, and hopefully, it will inspire others in my family, and those around me to chase their dreams as well. Where I am from a lot of children cannot go to college or further their education because lack of funds, and they do not take advantage of scholarships offered to them, so I want to be the first to do so. This opportunity is so much-needed and I want to be one of those who could say I had the opportunity, and I took advantage of it. I plan on striving to excel, not to settle for anything less and I was told to be the change that you wish to see, but I know it all starts within me. The road is not going to be easy, but I am going try my best to make my family proud and set examples for those under me.

This scholarship will help me achieve my educational and career goals. I am currently working towards my bachelors degree in music production. Hopefully one day I can have and own my own production studio. I have been working hard to save up for college, but with the exorbitant costs of tuition, my part-time jobs haven’t been enough. I’m willing and able to do whatever I have to do to achieve my goals to take that first step to having a better life. I do wish to focus a lot of my time on my studies and I truly believe that This scholarship will help by lowering the costs of college and the amount of hours I’ll need to work throughout my studies. This way, I’ll be able to continue with my academic achievements as well as learning more and more about my craft. By receiving this scholarship it would help me with books, and it will also make a big difference in my education. I can solely think about how to pay back student loans. I would not have to stress my mother and other family members out about how I will pay for college without financial assistance. I truly without a doubt believe that if I am granted this scholarship, it will be the start to a brighter future in which I am hoping for and it will give me the greatest opportunity as far as being a music producer or Music director. If I am granted this opportunity, I would like to make a difference in society, my community, and others around me. I will study hard and never miss an assignment or indulge in anything that could possibly hinder me from getting my degree. Accomplishing these goals that I want to achieve and taking advantage of these scholarships being offered will give me the opportunity to be the first in my family to complete college and eventually become a great music mogul and musician that could in the future offer opportunities for other inspiring people to do the same. I pray that I can be an example to many of our youth who thinks it is impossible to excel. Hard work, determination, and great willpower is all that you need to be successful. I have been very diligent with getting the things done to further my education. My impossible turns into possible. I always ask God to guide me as I am getting through high school in order that I be destined for greatness. By me holding on to God’s unchanging hand that will be possible. So In conclusion, after achieving my goals, I plan to use my degree to better my family financially, and hopefully, it will inspire others in my family, and those around me to chase their dreams as well. Where I am from a lot of children cannot go to college or further their education because lack of funds, and they do not take advantage of scholarships offered to them, so I want to be the first to do so. This opportunity is so much-needed and I want to be one of those who could say I had the opportunity, and I took advantage of it. I plan on striving to excel, not to settle for anything less and I was told to be the change that you wish to see, but I know it all starts within me. The road is not going to be easy, but I am going try my best to make my family proud and set examples for those under me.

This scholarship will help me achieve my educational and career goals. I am currently working towards my bachelors degree in music production. Hopefully one day I can have and own my own production studio. I have been working hard to save up for college, but with the exorbitant costs of tuition, my part-time jobs haven’t been enough. I’m willing and able to do whatever I have to do to achieve my goals to take that first step to having a better life. I do wish to focus a lot of my time on my studies and I truly believe that This scholarship will help by lowering the costs of college and the amount of hours I’ll need to work throughout my studies. This way, I’ll be able to continue with my academic achievements as well as learning more and more about my craft. By receiving this scholarship it would help me with books, and it will also make a big difference in my education. I can solely think about how to pay back student loans. I would not have to stress my mother and other family members out about how I will pay for college without financial assistance. I truly without a doubt believe that if I am granted this scholarship, it will be the start to a brighter future in which I am hoping for and it will give me the greatest opportunity as far as being a music producer or Music director. If I am granted this opportunity, I would like to make a difference in society, my community, and others around me. I will study hard and never miss an assignment or indulge in anything that could possibly hinder me from getting my degree. Accomplishing these goals that I want to achieve and taking advantage of these scholarships being offered will give me the opportunity to be the first in my family to complete college and eventually become a great music mogul and musician that could in the future offer opportunities for other inspiring people to do the same. I pray that I can be an example to many of our youth who thinks it is impossible to excel. Hard work, determination, and great willpower is all that you need to be successful. I have been very diligent with getting the things done to further my education. My impossible turns into possible. I always ask God to guide me as I am getting through high school in order that I be destined for greatness. By me holding on to God’s unchanging hand that will be possible. So In conclusion, after achieving my goals, I plan to use my degree to better my family financially, and hopefully, it will inspire others in my family, and those around me to chase their dreams as well. Where I am from a lot of children cannot go to college or further their education because lack of funds, and they do not take advantage of scholarships offered to them, so I want to be the first to do so. This opportunity is so much-needed and I want to be one of those who could say I had the opportunity, and I took advantage of it. I plan on striving to excel, not to settle for anything less and I was told to be the change that you wish to see, but I know it all starts within me. The road is not going to be easy, but I am going try my best to make my family proud and set examples for those under me.

This scholarship will help me achieve my educational and career goals. I am currently working towards my bachelors degree in music production. Hopefully one day I can have and own my own production studio. I have been working hard to save up for college, but with the exorbitant costs of tuition, my part-time jobs haven’t been enough. I’m willing and able to do whatever I have to do to achieve my goals to take that first step to having a better life. I do wish to focus a lot of my time on my studies and I truly believe that This scholarship will help by lowering the costs of college and the amount of hours I’ll need to work throughout my studies. This way, I’ll be able to continue with my academic achievements as well as learning more and more about my craft. By receiving this scholarship it would help me with books, and it will also make a big difference in my education. I can solely think about how to pay back student loans. I would not have to stress my mother and other family members out about how I will pay for college without financial assistance. I truly without a doubt believe that if I am granted this scholarship, it will be the start to a brighter future in which I am hoping for and it will give me the greatest opportunity as far as being a music producer or Music director. If I am granted this opportunity, I would like to make a difference in society, my community, and others around me. I will study hard and never miss an assignment or indulge in anything that could possibly hinder me from getting my degree. Accomplishing these goals that I want to achieve and taking advantage of these scholarships being offered will give me the opportunity to be the first in my family to complete college and eventually become a great music mogul and musician that could in the future offer opportunities for other inspiring people to do the same. I pray that I can be an example to many of our youth who thinks it is impossible to excel. Hard work, determination, and great willpower is all that you need to be successful. I have been very diligent with getting the things done to further my education. My impossible turns into possible. I always ask God to guide me as I am getting through high school in order that I be destined for greatness. By me holding on to God’s unchanging hand that will be possible. So In conclusion, after achieving my goals, I plan to use my degree to better my family financially, and hopefully, it will inspire others in my family, and those around me to chase their dreams as well. Where I am from a lot of children cannot go to college or further their education because lack of funds, and they do not take advantage of scholarships offered to them, so I want to be the first to do so. This opportunity is so much-needed and I want to be one of those who could say I had the opportunity, and I took advantage of it. I plan on striving to excel, not to settle for anything less and I was told to be the change that you wish to see, but I know it all starts within me. The road is not going to be easy, but I am going try my best to make my family proud and set examples for those under me.

Analyzing community problems is a way of thinking carefully about a problem or issue before acting on a solution. It first involves identifying reasons a problem exists and then, identifying possible solutions and a plan for improvement. For example, The downtown area of Malakoff Tx, where I live has a community that is slowly declining. Stores are closing, and moving out; no new stores are moving in. The people both young and old throughout the community want to revitalize that downtown, but the question remains, How should we do it? So I took initiative and got in touch with a few board members of the city and from what I gathered, we started thinking that We should start by analyzing why the decline is taking place, that is, why the problem is occurring. Without knowing causes, we cannot fix the problem. So Jumping in and trying to fix it without analysis can cause a bigger problem and waste resources. An in-depth analysis will lead to better long-run solutions. Having a plan of action is always better than taking a few random shots at the problem. If you know where you are going, you are more likely to get there. Having a deeper understanding of a problem before you start trying to solve it helps you cover all of your bases. There's nothing worse for member involvement and morale than beginning to work on a problem, and running up against lots of obstacles, especially when they are avoidable. When you take a little time to examine a problem first, you can anticipate some of these obstacles before they come up, and give yourself and your members better odds of coming up with a successful solution. The ultimate goal is to understand the problem better and to deal with it more effectively, so the method you choose should accomplish that goal. 1. Justify the choice of the problem. 2. Frame the problem. 3. Identify whose behavior and/or what and how environmental factors need to change for the problem to begin to be solved. 4. Analyze the root causes of the problem. 5. Identify the restraining and driving forces that affect the problem. 6. Find any relationships that exist among the problem you’re concerned with and others in the community. So with all that in mind, I began to develop a strategic plan that spoke to the real causes of the problem and focused on those targets and/or agents of change that were most likely the answer to contributing to the improvement of the situation. So in conclusion, we as a community have begun to put these plans into action to ensure a better future.