Growing up as an African American woman and a first-generation college student, I faced many challenges and barriers in pursuing my education. My mother, who is disabled and a breast cancer survivor, has been my biggest inspiration and motivation. She taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and perseverance. Despite living on a low income and facing numerous health issues, she never gave up on her dreams and always encouraged me to pursue mine. However, pursuing higher education was not easy for me. I had to overcome many obstacles such as financial difficulties, academic pressures, social isolation, and cultural differences. I had to work part-time jobs to support myself and my family while balancing my studies and extracurricular activities. I had to cope with the stress and anxiety of being in a competitive and demanding environment, where I often felt like an outsider or an impostor, especially while pursuing my minor in a field dominated by white males. I had to adapt to a different culture and lifestyle, where I sometimes faced discrimination or prejudice because of my race and gender. Despite these challenges, I did not let them stop me from achieving my goals. I sought help and support from various sources such as scholarships, mentors, and peers. I also joined clubs and organizations that helped me develop my skills, network, and leadership. I participated in various research projects and internships that gave me valuable experience and exposure in my field of interest. Through these experiences, I learned to appreciate the diversity and richness of different cultures and backgrounds. Being a black woman has also given me a sense of pride, solidarity, and empowerment. I have been inspired by the legacy and achievements of many black women who have paved the way for me and others like me. I have even joined a non-profit organization called the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), whose mission is to lead, empower and advocate for women of African descent, their families and communities. Through the NCNW, I have contributed to the movement and activism of black women who are fighting for justice and equality. I am enthusiastic about furthering my education in the fields of public health and health informatics. I believe that by combining my passion for technology with my commitment to improving public health, I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those living in urban communities. I hope to use my skills and knowledge to create innovative solutions that can enhance access to care, quality of care, and health equity. In conclusion, being an African American woman and a first-generation college student has had a significant impact on my path. It has influenced my career choice, my leadership style, and my worldview. It has also given me a sense of purpose, identity, resilience, and perseverance. I am grateful for the opportunities and challenges that my identity has brought me, as they have made me who I am today.

As a member of an underrepresented minority population, I have faced many challenges and opportunities in my path. Being an African American woman and a first-generation college student, I have experienced discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes in various settings. I have also encountered barriers and obstacles in pursuing my education and career goals. However, I have also learned to embrace my identity and use it as a source of strength, resilience, and motivation. One of the ways that my identity has impacted my path is by inspiring me to pursue a career in health informatics, where I can use technology to improve healthcare in urban cities. My identity has given me a personal connection and a deep understanding of the health disparities and inequities that affect many underrepresented minority populations. I have witnessed how my mother and brother, who are both disabled, have struggled to access quality healthcare due to various factors such as income, location, transportation, insurance, and discrimination. Their experiences have motivated me to seek solutions that can enhance access to care, quality of care, and health equity for these communities. Another way that my identity has impacted my path is by empowering me to be a leader and a role model for others who share similar backgrounds and aspirations. Being an African American woman and a first-generation college student, I have overcome many challenges and achieved many accomplishments that I am proud of. I have also faced many doubts and expectations from others who did not believe in me or my potential. However, I have proven them wrong by excelling in my academic and professional endeavors. I have also mentored and supported other students who are facing similar challenges and barriers. I hope to inspire them to pursue their dreams and never give up on themselves. My identity has also impacted my path by shaping my values and perspectives. Being an African American woman and a first-generation college student, I have learned to appreciate the diversity and richness of different cultures and backgrounds. I have also learned to respect and empathize with the struggles and experiences of others who are different from me. I have developed a sense of social responsibility and civic engagement, as well as a passion for justice and change. I believe that by using my skills and knowledge in health informatics, I can contribute to the advancement and well-being of society. In conclusion, being a member of an underrepresented minority population has had a significant impact on my path. It has influenced my career choice, my leadership style, and my worldview. It has also given me a sense of purpose, identity, and pride. I am grateful for the opportunities and challenges that my identity has brought me, as they have made me who I am today.

Volunteering has been an integral part of my life since I was a young child. I have always enjoyed helping others and making a positive difference in the world. Through my volunteer experience, I have developed and strengthened my core values, such as compassion, service, leadership, and innovation. These values have influenced my career and life goals, as I aspire to use technology to improve healthcare and reinvent our living spaces to improve city safety, sustainability, and efficiency. One of the core values that volunteering has instilled in me is compassion. Compassion is the ability to empathize with others and to act with kindness and care. I have learned compassion by witnessing the struggles and hardships that many people face in their daily lives, especially those who are marginalized and underserved. For example, when I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, I helped build houses for low-income families who lacked adequate and affordable housing. This experience taught me to appreciate what I have and to share it with others who are in need. Another core value that volunteering has fostered in me is service. Service is the willingness to contribute to the common good and to make a positive impact on society. I have learned service by participating in various projects and initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life and health of people and communities. For example, when I volunteered by mentoring and teaching S.T.E.M. to students in underfunded middle schools, I helped inspire and empower the next generation of scientists and engineers. I also helped bridge the gap in educational opportunities and resources that many students face due to their socioeconomic background. This experience taught me to use my skills and knowledge to benefit others and to create change. A third core value that volunteering has cultivated in me is leadership. Leadership is the ability to influence others and guide them toward a common vision and goal. I have learned leadership by taking on various roles and responsibilities in different organizations and groups that I have volunteered with. For example, when I volunteered with the National Council of Negro Women, I became an executive board member and helped organize events and activities that promote the advancement of African-American women, their families, and communities. I also mentored incoming minority freshmen, helping them adjust to college life and succeed academically. This experience taught me to be a role model and a mentor for others and to inspire them to achieve their potential. A fourth core value that volunteering has encouraged in me is innovation. Innovation is the ability to create new ideas and solutions that address existing problems and challenges. I have learned innovation by working on various projects that use technology to improve public health in urban areas. For example, when I participated in a research project on redlining and generational wealth, I used geospatial technology to collect and analyze data on various factors that affect health and the creation of wealth in urban areas. I then used this data to create interactive maps that visualize the health status of different neighborhoods and communities. This experience taught me to think creatively and critically about how technology can be used to solve real-world issues. I believe that volunteering is not only a way of giving back, but also a way of learning and growing. Volunteering has enriched my life in many ways, such as enhancing my skills, expanding my network, broadening my perspective, increasing my confidence, etc. Volunteering has also shaped my identity, values, goals, etc., making me who I am today.

Being a non-traditional student means that I have a different path and perspective than most of my peers. I am a first-generation college student, which means that I am the first in my family to pursue higher education. I am also an African American woman, which means that I face many challenges and stereotypes in society. However, I do not let these factors define me or limit me. Instead, I use them as motivation and inspiration to do more and achieve more. I have always had a passion for learning and exploring new things. I have also always had a curiosity and compassion for people and the world around me. That is why I chose to major in urban and environmental planning with a minor in computer science. I want to use my skills and knowledge to improve the quality of life and health of people living in urban areas, especially those who are marginalized and underserved. My interest in this field stems from my personal experience and background. My mother and brother are both disabled and have faced numerous difficulties in accessing quality healthcare. They have also suffered from the effects of environmental pollution, such as asthma and allergies. Their struggles have made me aware of the disparities and injustices that exist in our society and have inspired me to pursue a career in health informatics, where I hope to use technology to bridge the gaps and create solutions. Being a non-traditional student has given me many advantages and opportunities. It has made me more resilient, adaptable, and resourceful. It has also made me more appreciative, grateful, and humble. I have learned to value every opportunity that comes my way and to make the most of it. One of the most rewarding opportunities that I have had is participating in a research project on smart cities and public health. I used geospatial technology to collect and analyze data on various factors that affect health outcomes in urban areas, such as air quality, traffic, noise, generational wealth, green space, and educational facilities. We then used this data to create interactive maps that visualize the health status of different neighborhoods and communities. After I concluded my research I presented at the Harrisburg capital, the area I studied, my hometown, in front of senators, representatives, and other faculty and staff from various universities! This project was not only an excellent learning experience for me but also a meaningful contribution to society. It helped me develop my skills in data collection, analysis, visualization, communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, etc. It also helped me apply my knowledge to real-world issues and challenges, and to generate innovative ideas and solutions that can improve public health. Being a non-traditional student also means that I have a responsibility and a vision. I have a responsibility to honor the sacrifices and efforts of my mother and other family members who have supported me throughout my journey. I also have a responsibility to give back to my community and to help others who are in similar situations as mine. I have a vision to create a more sustainable, equitable, and healthy future for myself and others. That is what drives me to do more: to learn more, to explore more, to discover more, to create more, to share more, and to inspire more. Being a non-traditional student is not a disadvantage or a burden; it is an advantage and an opportunity. It is what makes me unique and valuable. It is what makes me who I am.

As a senior majoring in urban and environmental planning, I have witnessed the effects of unsustainable living in many areas. I have seen how pollution, deforestation, waste, and climate change have harmed the health and well-being of people and nature. I have also learned how our everyday choices and actions can contribute to these problems or help solve them. That is why I try to live sustainably in my daily life, by making intentional choices that reduce my carbon footprint and environmental impact. One of the choices I make is to eat more plants and less meat. According to a Swedish scientific article, animal products have a higher carbon footprint than plant-based foods, because they require more land, water, and energy to produce. They also emit more greenhouse gases, such as methane and nitrous oxide, which are more potent than carbon dioxide. By eating more plants and less meat, I can lower my carbon footprint by up to 50 percent1, as well as improve my health and save animals’ lives. Another choice I make is to use public transportation instead of driving a car, especially while on campus. Cars are one of the major sources of carbon dioxide emissions, as they burn fossil fuels that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The Federal Transit Administration estimates that switching to public transportation instead of driving would allow the average American to reduce his or her carbon footprint by 10 percent. Biking is even better, as it does not emit any greenhouse gases and also provides physical exercise. By using public transportation or biking, I can also save money, avoid traffic, and reduce air pollution. A third choice I make is to use LED lighting or CFL bulbs instead of incandescent lighting, turn off appliances and devices when not in use, and adjust the thermostat to avoid overheating or cooling. By conserving energy, I can lower my carbon footprint and utility bills. I make these choices because I think it is important to reduce my carbon footprint for the sake of the environment and future generations. A large carbon footprint has detrimental effects on the environment, such as climate change, depletion of resources, and degradation of ecosystems. These effects threaten the survival and well-being of humans and other species. By reducing my carbon footprint, I can help mitigate these effects and contribute to a more sustainable future. I believe that living sustainably is not only a responsibility but also an opportunity. It is a responsibility because we must care for the planet that sustains us and to respect the rights of other living beings. It is also an opportunity because we can benefit from living sustainably in many ways, such as improving our health and saving money. Living sustainably is not a sacrifice, but a reward. Together, we can make a difference for ourselves and the world.

As a low-income student from a minority community, I have faced numerous challenges in my pursuit of higher education. Growing up, I often felt that the odds were stacked against me. Educational opportunities were not equally distributed, and many students like myself had limited access to higher education. Despite these challenges, I refused to give up on my dreams. I worked hard in school and dedicated myself to my studies. I have volunteered in my community, using my time and talents to help others and make a positive impact. In high school, I volunteered by mentoring and teaching S.T.E.M. to students in underfunded middle schools. Over the summer, I have volunteered with Habitat of Humanity helping to create a sense of home in houses being built, by decorating and painting. I have also mentored incoming minority freshmen, helping to create a seamless transition from high school to college. In addition, I am proud to hold a position on the executive board for the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), a highly influential organization that works to advance the opportunities and quality of life for African-American women, their families, and communities. Later this month, we will be hosting a bookbag drive in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, providing book bags and school supplies to locals. This upcoming semester, I will be a part of a team to bring a program called STARS to campus. STARS is a program that aims to cultivate leadership skills among college students, with a focus on promoting the participation of women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities in the field of computing. As part of the program, I will actively work to broaden participation in computing by leading service learning projects. These projects include peer outreach initiatives that introduce K-12 students to computing Through my perseverance and determination, I have overcome adversity and achieved success. I am now a proud, undergraduate student, looking into graduate schools pursuing my passion for learning and striving to make a difference in the world. I believe that by giving back and using my skills and knowledge to improve the lives of others, I can make a real difference. As an urban and environmental planning major with a computer science minor, I am driven by a deep desire to use technology to improve healthcare in urban cities. My passion for this field is deeply personal, as my mother and brother are both disabled and have faced numerous challenges in accessing quality healthcare. Their experiences have inspired me to pursue a career in health informatics, where I hope to use my skills and knowledge to make a difference in the lives of others. I believe that my interdisciplinary background in planning, computer science, and public health gives me a unique perspective on the challenges facing urban communities. I am determined to use this perspective to innovate and design technology that promotes healthy lifestyles, improves healthcare accessibility, and reinvents our living spaces to improve city safety, sustainability, and efficiency. I am excited to continue my education and work towards creating a healthier, more equitable future for all. I believe that by taking a non-traditional approach to medicine and science, I can bring a fresh perspective to the field and help drive innovation in health information technologies. I believe that I am the right candidate for this scholarship because of my need, drive, and potential for impact. As a low-income student from a minority community, I have faced numerous challenges and overcome adversity. I have demonstrated my drive and determination through my academic achievements, volunteer work, and leadership role with the NCNW.

One health technology that has the potential to provide equitable and affordable healthcare is telemedicine. Telemedicine refers to the use of digital communication technologies, such as video conferencing, remote monitoring, and mobile health apps, to deliver healthcare services remotely. This technology can improve access to care for people living in remote or underserved areas, where there may be a shortage of healthcare providers or facilities. Telemedicine can also help to reduce healthcare costs by enabling patients to receive care in their own homes, reducing the need for expensive hospital visits. It can also improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery by allowing doctors to see more patients in less time. In addition, telemedicine can help to address health disparities by providing access to care for underserved populations. For example, it can be used to deliver care to people living in rural areas, where there may be a shortage of healthcare providers or facilities. It can also be used to provide care to people with mobility issues or chronic conditions, who may have difficulty traveling to a doctor’s office. Overall, telemedicine is an innovative health technology that has the potential to provide equitable and affordable healthcare to people around the world. By leveraging the power of digital communication technologies, we can improve access to care and reduce healthcare costs, while also addressing health disparities and improving health outcomes. I am proud to be in my final year of undergraduate studies and excited to continue my education in the fields of public health and health informatics. My interdisciplinary background in planning, computer science, and public health has given me a unique perspective on the challenges facing these communities and the potential solutions that technology can offer. From a young age, I have always been fascinated by the power of technology to transform our lives and improve our world. As I grew older, this fascination led me to pursue a computer science minor alongside my major in urban and environmental planning. My passion for using technology to improve healthcare is deeply personal. Growing up in an urban community, I witnessed firsthand the challenges that many families face in accessing quality healthcare. I saw how a lack of access to care can have devastating consequences for individuals and communities. This experience has motivated me to dedicate my career to improving healthcare in urban cities.

As an urban and environmental planning major with a computer science minor, I am driven by a deep desire to use technology to improve healthcare in urban cities. My passion for this field is deeply personal, as my mother and brother are both disabled and have faced numerous challenges in accessing quality healthcare. Their experiences have inspired me to pursue a career in health informatics, where I hope to use my skills and knowledge to make a difference in the lives of others. I am not taking the traditional approach to medicine and science, but I believe that my interdisciplinary background in planning, computer science, and public health gives me a unique perspective on the challenges facing urban communities. I am determined to use this perspective to innovate and design technology that promotes healthy lifestyles, improves healthcare accessibility, and reinvents our living spaces to improve city safety, sustainability, and efficiency. The story of Anna and Ava Taylor, and the impact that preeclampsia had on their family, deeply moves me. I am inspired by the Taylor family’s commitment to honoring the lives of their daughters by supporting students like myself who are pursuing careers in healthcare, science, or education. Receiving the Taylor Family Scholarship would be an incredible honor and would greatly help me achieve my goals. The financial support provided by this scholarship would allow me to focus on my studies and pursue my passion for healthcare without worrying about the financial burden of college. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship and am committed to using my education to make a difference in the lives of others. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am also actively involved in community service and volunteer work. I believe that it is important to give back to my community and help those in need. Through my volunteer work, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and learn more about the challenges facing urban communities. During the summer, I worked with Habitat of Humanity and helped construct homes within my community. Although my route to healthcare is not at the front end, I am excited to continue my education and work towards creating a healthier, more equitable future for all. I believe that by taking a non-traditional approach to medicine and science, I can bring a fresh perspective to the field and help drive innovation in health information technologies.

At a young age, I discovered my passion for cities. From the endless tall buildings scraping the sky and bountiful interactions to the extensive supply of activities and illuminating nightlife, I loved it all. I knew for certain that I would end up living in or near a metropolis, a largely economic driven city with a rather high population density. But what I did not expect was for there to be an entire career dedicated to the study and improvement of cities. A few years later upon this discovery, I have anchored at West Chester University majoring in urban and regional planning as I venturen into my fourth semester at college. I am from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where I live with my mother and brother, who are both disabled. My mother has scleroderma, and my brother suffers from epilepsy. Due to her muscles and connective tissue continuing to harden, my mother has not possessed a steady job in over 10 years. We live in affordable housing and receive our income through social security. I also work at Target to afford additional expenses and to support our household when needed. But I would hardly call our current living situation an obstacle as we have experienced worse. A few years back we got evicted as the landlord pocketed the money and failed to make payments. The three of us ended up sleeping on my eldest sister’s couches; this lasted nearly a year, from July to May. Keep in mind she lived in a quaint two-bedroom townhouse. Nonetheless, even with the additional members, we made it work. The abrupt relocation caused a bit of chaos at the start as we had to settle to an entirely new area and family size. At first I was devastated, I was sleeping on the couch and only had whatever fit in a suitcase. But looking back, I realize how much fun I had. With the lack of privacy, every night was family night, movies, games, you name it, we did or watched it. But after having my childhood home swiped from beneath us, I grew intrigued in housing and discovered the housing crisis. Imagine every paycheck you earned; you had to dedicate more than one-third of it towards rent. That is the sad reality for a lot of residents in underinvested neighborhoods. Instead of wasting money creating cheap affordable housing, I wish to invest and preserve the units already in use. We can not keep running away from a problem, thinking that we made a solution. Especially when not nearly enough was done to support those we already agreed to help. As time continues, the housing crisis only seems to accelerate, especially with the pandemic. Meanwhile, in most states the thought of increasing the minimum wage has not seen the light of day. Thankfully, not all hope is lost. We can form rent control and alter zoning to increase affordability and density to combat under-construction and under-investments. It is also recommended that to encourage developers to want to build affordable housing. Because if not, displacement of low-income families and property abandonment will only continue. As a sophomore, I have already began researching the lasting effects of exclusionary zoning and redlining in areas surrounding my neighborhood. And after my time here at West Chester University, I want to continue my education and obtain my master’s concentrating on the housing crisis and urban revitalization. Once I become an official urban planner, I want to work in the DMV area as its not far from home and I can work to improve the transportation network and housing system.

I am the next generation in line to inherit the community. In other words, I am the future. At the moment, I have the whole world ahead of me in my efforts to make the world a better place. I have already begun the process of doing my part. I am the youngest of a rather large family of 8, and I grew up in the inner city. And since a young age, I realized I loved school; the only problem was what I wanted to do. But that became pretty clear after I learned about urban planning. Look at it this way, imagine every paycheck you earned; you had to dedicate more than one-third of it towards rent. That is the sad reality for many residents in underinvested neighborhoods like mine, which is why I am so passionate about becoming an urban planner. I want to help end the housing crisis and the discriminatory practice of exclusionary zoning. The practice has kept affordable housing out of most suburbs and well-funded neighborhoods through land use and building code requirements. It also helped establish the circle of poverty and allowed it to continue for decades. With no access to proper school funding, limited employment opportunities, high crime rates, and few recreational spaces, those within poverty-concentrated areas have difficulty escaping their circumstances. I am making it my mission to escape the cycle, but others do not have access to the same opportunities and support that I have. This is another reason why I am preparing to dedicate my professional career to making a change; not only will this benefit my neighborhood but other uninvested and minority communities too. Instead of wasting resources and money creating unsustainable affordable housing, we should try preserving the units already in use. We cannot keep running away from a problem, thinking that we have made a solution. Especially when we have not done nearly enough to support those we already agreed to help. Another necessity is addressing the realities of exclusionary zoning and eliminating it. Not only would it end concentrated poverty, but it would give low-income areas a better opportunity for better education and resources. But to become an urban planner, you need a bachelor's and masters in planning or something similar. Unfortunately, there are not many universities that offer the necessary major(s) near me. But I was lucky enough to find West Chester University, which has welcomed me with open arms and made me feel at home as soon as I stepped on campus. Nonetheless, everyone's aware that not every bachelor's degree guarantees a livable profit or a positive rate of return. But with the Ruth and Johnnie Mccoy Memorial scholarship, I will be able to graduate with a degree I love and be able to afford it. With tuition rising faster than the average family income, students become more dependent on loans, which can take decades to pay off. And every year, I find myself struggling with financing housing, and that's even after I take out federal loans. So, if I am ever so fortunate to become one of the recipients, it will most likely go towards housing. But even more, this scholarship will help secure my future here at WCUPA, and here is my future.

Imagine every paycheck you earned; you had to dedicate more than one-third of it towards rent. That is the sad reality for a lot of residents in underinvested neighborhoods like mine. Instead of wasting money creating cheap affordable housing, I would preserve the units already in use. We can not keep running away from a problem, thinking that we made a solution. Especially when we have not done nearly enough to support those we already agreed to help. I am attending West Chester University of Pennsylvania, majoring in urban and regional planning. With my degree, I plan to make culture permanent through structures and the physical environment, address the housing crisis, increase access to public transportation, invest in underfunded places, and strengthen the community through recreational spaces for all. But the most significant part of my profession is to do something about the housing crisis. As I’ve stated earlier, most people’s paychecks already have a set destination before they are formulated in the system and printed or deposited. As a nation must begin addressing and eliminating exclusionary zoning. Not only would it end concentrated poverty, but it would give low-income areas a better opportunity for better education and resources. Exclusionary zoning has kept affordable housing out of specific neighborhoods through the use of land and building code requirements. It has allowed for the circle of poverty to continue, with underfunded schools, limited employment opportunities, high crime rates, and few government recreational spaces. Hence why those within poverty-concentrated areas have a hard time escaping their circumstances. I am making it my mission to escape the cycle, but others do not have access to the same opportunities and support that I have. This is another reason why I am preparing to dedicate my professional career to making a change; not only will this benefit my neighborhood but other uninvested and minority communities too. As time continues, the housing crisis only seems to accelerate, especially with the pandemic. For example, the market price of houses has skyrocketed, preventing average citizens from owning their own homes, forcing them to rent. And the average cost of rent continues to rise nearly 3 percent month to month. Today, the average rent price has risen 11.4% higher than they were at the end of 2020 (Business Insider). Meanwhile, the thought of increasing the minimum wage in most states has not seen the light of day. Thankfully, not all hope is lost. We can form rent control and alter zoning to increase affordability and density to combat this war against under-construction and investments. It is also recommended that each state does its part to encourage developers to want to build affordable housing. Because if not, displacement of minorities and property abandonment will continue.

I have always enjoyed spending my time on something that creates positive change. I was involved in over eight clubs throughout my academic journey, including Key Club, International Club, Student Council, National Honors Society, Robotics, and more. My afterschool activities mainly include soccer and working at my current job, Target. But nothing compares to the volunteer work I have done at the Melrose Mentoring Program. Every week, 12 students, including me, would leave class at a previously determined time and spend a few hours at an underfunded school in our neighborhood. Each week, we would teach them science, technology, engineering, math, along with different career paths. Showing them that there is a whole world out there that they are encouraged to conquer. Every month, we went on field trips to see those in different fields change the world. Not only did this program open the minds of young students, but it left a mark on me forever. I learned that every day is a chance to do something remarkable. I live with my mother and brother, who are both disabled. My mother has scleroderma, and my brother suffers from epilepsy. Due to her muscles and connective tissue hardening, my mother has not had a job in over 10 years. We live in affordable housing and get our income through social security. I work at Target, so I do not have to ask my mom for certain items and to support her financially when needed. Everyone's aware that not every bachelor's degree guarantees a profit or a positive rate of return. But with the scholarship, I will be able to graduate with a degree I love without the concern of financing it. Even after I have chosen to attend a state school, I still can not afford it. With tuition rising faster than the average family income, students become more dependent on loans, which can take decades to pay off. My goal in life is to become an urban planner to end the housing crisis and exclusionary zoning. Exclusionary zoning has kept affordable housing out of specific neighborhoods through land use and building code requirements. Imagine every paycheck you earned; you had to dedicate more than one-third of it towards rent. That is the sad reality for a lot of residents in underinvested neighborhoods like mine. Instead of wasting money by creating cheap affordable housing, I would preserve the units already in use. We can not keep running away from a problem, thinking that we created a solution. Investing in these communities and providing education on revitalizing their neighborhoods and obtaining loans would benefit the community. It would ultimately give access to more funding and opportunities without gentrification and displacing residents. It would help local businesses gain more revenue, residents stay out of trouble and create proper schools for students To make a permanent change, addressing exclusionary zoning and making efforts to change it would genuinely benefit cities. Not only would it end concentrated poverty, but it would give low-income areas a better opportunity for better education and resources. Exclusionary zoning is responsible for the circle of poverty, underfunded schools, limited employment opportunities, high crime rates, and few government recreational spaces. Because I am apart of the future, I am prepared to make a change that will affect people today and future generations.