I am living in my adversities, but continue to overcome them. I lost my father recently, not literally, but mentally. And I prepare to lose him again. He has primary progressive MS and each day his abilities become less and less overtime. He currently struggles to walk without assistance. He is only in his forties, and his condition is progressing very fast. I worry who will take care of him when he can no longer care for himself. Yes I have other family members, but he is abusive. Both of my mom’s, stepmom and biological mom were both abused by him. His siblings and children were no exception. Growing up was hard, especially with autism. I never knew it was abuse because I didn't have friends growing up or interact much with others, so I had nothing to compare it to. But now I know. I have experienced psychological abuse, physical abuse, identity fraud, and emotional manipulation by my own father. I have no money for college not because there was no savings, but because he took all of our savings for it, my younger siblings, my older sisters, and mine. Gone overnight. At the same time I had to start my own life across the country alone. In order to attend my college, I had to secure housing so the only way was getting a lease. I pay for everything out of pocket, working 3 jobs making ends meet to get my degree. I have tried to get loans with no success, so I am trying my best to get scholarships to help cover the costs I can’t afford. He is currently in criminal court for many charges unrelated to me and that scares me. I love my father but not the things he does and lost him long ago. I hope and pray he does change if not for his family, but for himself and his health. Although I struggle, I will continue to fight for my future. I will not say I can’t achieve my goals because of the adversities, but I say I will achieve my goals despite them. With my college degree I want to start a non-profit architecture firm focused on affordable housing and accessible design. Creating affordable and sustainable housing solutions is essential. A home should be a right not a privilege. It is our duty to walk our life with purpose so we can make those changes in our society. I believe we need to also give more accessibility to those with disabilities. Creating a more inclusive world challenges the status quo. There are many talented individuals who our society deems as incapable the moment they have a label as being disabled. I believe we all have a gift and it is our duty to nurture that gift and not hinder it. By doing so, we have many great inventions and achievements coming our way. Taking a step towards a better society impacts not only our community but our interconnected world. Going to college and gaining the resources needed to earn my degree is so important to give me the tools needed to help our people today and future generations to come.

I lost part of my joy, my grandmother. She tried her best to bring together a family that was broken, she was our glue. Through many challenges I faced at home, with her, I found joy and peace. My grandmother was my rock, when I didn't have one. One day she was there, the next day she wasn’t. I thought of calling my grandmother and seeing how she was doing, we were very close. I forgot to reach out that day, not knowing that would be my last opportunity to speak with her. She had a sudden heart attack the next morning while she was home alone. My grandfather found her after work and tried his best giving her CPR. She was placed In the hospital and put into an induced coma. The moment I found out I was in the grocery store with my step-mom, she received a call and handed me the phone. I couldn't believe the words that I was being told, it felt like I was in a nightmare that got mixed up with reality. I was informed that she wasn’t going to make it, and they tried everything they could. I ran to the car crying and for the rest of that day I felt so empty. The next day my family and I met in the hospital. They had to make an exception for us to be there since it was when Covid was at its peak and they were limiting visitors at the time. We sat in a sitting area, trying to pass the time filled with sadness and fear. The only light of that day was seeing my younger brother and cousins which I hadn’t seen in a while. I remember seeing dry yet lost faces in the room, I had to excuse myself to the restroom to let out my tears. I didn't want to make others cry. We went one by one into the room, when it was my turn I went in with my older sister. I can remember seeing a large tube down my grandmother's throat, her hair braided in cornrows, closed eyes, and a machine that kept beating her chest. All I could think was that it wasn't my grandma. The room was too quiet for it to be her. The absence of her big hugs that encased me in her warmth, her smile that brightened the room, or the treats she would always offer me. My grandmother wasn't her, she was gone. I told her how I loved her trying to look past the way she looked. The only words my sister could mutter were “I’m sorry”. That day there were a lot of firsts, including the first time I have ever seen my sister cry. I hugged her until the nurse came into the room to escort us back. When we left and were in the car, my parents turned back at us and told us she was taken off life support and had passed away. I beat myself up over the idea that I had a chance to call her, to hear her one more time, but I didn't. I lost my chance. I lost part of my joy. Life can disappear in a blink of an eye, it takes only one moment. But we have a choice. To live life in sadness and fear, or we can take life’s lessons and challenges and move forward for a better future. From that day forward, I decided to fight for my mental and physical health. My mental and physical health became a priority when it wasn’t at the time and possibly saved my own life. My grandmother never went to college, nor did she ever go to high school. Earning a degree became even more important to me. Despite her life’s setbacks she was a huge support system for others and made the most of her life. Traveling the world, getting a house of her own, and preparing to return back to school to become a dental assistant. Although she did not achieve her career goal, I will fight to fulfill my dreams in memory of my grandmother, I will combat homelessness and job security in memory of my grandmother, I will be an architect in memory of my grandmother. I won't live my life feeling like a part of my joy was lost, because she is right here with me. Giving me her biggest hug with a radiant smile and showering me with her treats of love.

My vision is to start a non-profit architecture firm focused on affordable housing and accessible design. I also want to create more job opportunities for those with disabilities. Creating affordable and sustainable housing solutions is essential. A home should be a right not a privilege. Accessibility is essential to creating a more inclusive world. There are many talented individuals who our society deems as incapable the moment they have a label as being disabled. I believe we all have a gift and it is our duty to nurture that gift and not hinder it. Being black is like an abstract painting, where there are so many elements and perspectives that it contains. The textures, colors, vibrancy, shapes, brush strokes, and canvas all play a role in how a painting can look and feel to someone. It reflects on how being black can be so abstract but also simple. Being black is not always glamorous and sometimes is messy, but it creates a sense of content and genuine moments of happiness. Being black can be through times of suffering, when we understand the richness in life our community brings. From the womb we are extraordinary people with talents beyond our imagination. There is more to us than just the complexion of our skin that sets us apart. Our identity can be found in our ancestors, stories, tradition. Black people bring so much joy, we just have to take our time to see it.

We can empower others to change the world, lead people in truth, and give life to a society that is hindered by oppression, discrimination, lack of education, and people who are selfish. During the past few years, I've spoken with great leaders who laid out the struggles they faced and how they pulled through in times of adversity. They showed me the strength I have to overcome those challenges and helped me find my voice. I have also seen the challenges many have with finding not only affordable housing but sustainable housing. These are messages that have guided me on my journey to create a better future and changed the way I view myself. I want to help others to find their voice and feel empowered by creating sustainable housing and more job opportunities, especially for those with disabilities. I want to go to college to get my degree that will help me achieve these goals. My vision is to start a non-profit architecture firm focused on affordable housing and accessible design. The firm will also encourage hiring those with disabilities. Creating affordable and sustainable housing solutions is essential. A home should be a right not a privilege. It is our duty to walk our life with purpose so we can make those changes in our society. I believe we need to also give more accessibility to those with disabilities. Creating a more inclusive world challenges the status quo. There are many talented individuals who our society deems as incapable the moment they have a label as being disabled. I believe we all have a gift and it is our duty to nurture that gift and not hinder it. By doing so, we have many great inventions and achievements coming our way. Taking a step towards a better society impacts not only our community but our interconnected world. Going to college and gaining the resources needed to achieve these goals is important to help our people today and future generations to come. As a leader, I sometimes overlook the fact that people look up to me, whether I'm giving speeches, registering voters, or supporting legislation. Society often pressures me to stay quiet, conform, and waste my power. Despite growing up believing my voice didn't matter, I've learned that our worth isn't determined by societal norms. It is important for me to continue to be involved in civic engagement to help educate those around me about international and intergenerational problems we still face. Especially teaching others how they can make a difference in their communities and giving opportunities for people to help thorough my nonprofit. Dr. King emphasized our inherent power, which we all poses. Education is essential for breaking societal barriers, and sharing that knowledge empowers others to lead. Making mistakes is part of growth as a leader, but it's crucial to continually educate ourselves, set an example, and inspire others to do the same. I am a changemaker, and a powerful leader. I want to use my power to help find an end to homelessness, create more opportunities for those with disabilities, and educate other about our world. We cannot let the stereotypes of our society define us, we have to educate ourselves and create our own stories. My voice does matter, our voices collectively do matter. We all go through adversities in our lives but we are stronger than any opposition we may face. There is always an opportunity to positively impact our communities and our world, it takes the first step of believing in yourself.

We can empower others to change the world, lead people in truth, and give life to a society that is hindered by oppression, discrimination, lack of education, and people who are selfish. During the past few years, I've spoken with great leaders who laid out the struggles they faced and how they pulled through in times of adversity. They showed me the strength I have to overcome those challenges and helped me find my voice. I have also seen the challenges many have with finding not only affordable housing but sustainable housing. These are messages that have guided me on my journey to create a better future and changed the way I view myself. I want to help others to find their voice and feel empowered by creating sustainable housing and more job opportunities, especially for those with disabilities. This scholarship will assist me in completing college to get my degree that will help me achieve these goals. My vision is to start a non-profit architecture firm focused on affordable housing and accessible design. Creating affordable and sustainable housing solutions is essential. A home should be a right not a privilege. It is our duty to walk our life with purpose so we can make those changes in our society. I believe we need to also give more accessibility to those with disabilities. Creating a more inclusive world challenges the status quo. There are many talented individuals who our society deems as incapable the moment they have a label as being disabled. I believe we all have a gift and it is our duty to nurture that gift and not hinder it. By doing so, we have many great inventions and achievements coming our way. Taking a step towards a better society impacts not only our community but our interconnected world. Going to college and gaining the resources needed to achieve these goals is important to help our people today and future generations to come. As a leader, I sometimes overlook the fact that people look up to me, whether I'm giving speeches, registering voters, or supporting legislation. Society often pressures me to stay quiet, conform, and waste my power. This pressure is especially felt by young activists who are told they're too young to make a difference. Despite growing up believing my voice didn't matter, I've learned that our worth isn't determined by societal norms. Many young leaders have shown that age doesn't limit our impact. Dr. King emphasized our inherent power, which youth possess just as much as adults. Going to college will help build my knowledge and tools needed to do work that is necessary. Education is essential for breaking societal barriers, and sharing that knowledge empowers others to lead. Making mistakes is part of growth as a leader, but it's crucial to continually educate ourselves, set an example, and inspire others to do the same. I am a changemaker, and a powerful leader. I want to use my power to help find an end to homelessness and create more job opportunities for those in need. We cannot let the stereotypes of our society define us, we have to educate ourselves and create our own stories. My voice does matter, our voices collectively do matter. We all go through adversities in our lives but we are stronger than any opposition we may face. There is always an opportunity to positively impact our communities and our world, it takes the first step of believing in yourself.

We can empower others to change the world, lead people in truth, and give life to a society that is hindered by oppression, discrimination, lack of education, and people who are selfish. During the past few years, I've spoken with great leaders who laid out the struggles they faced and how they pulled through in times of adversity. They showed me the strength I have to overcome those challenges and helped me find my voice. I have also seen the challenges many have with finding not only affordable housing but sustainable housing. These are messages that have guided me on my journey to create a better future and changed the way I view myself. I want to help others to find their voice and feel empowered by creating sustainable housing and more job opportunities, especially for those with disabilities. I want to go to college to get my degree that will help me achieve these goals. My vision is to start a non-profit architecture firm focused on affordable housing and accessible design. Creating affordable and sustainable housing solutions is essential. A home should be a right not a privilege. It is our duty to walk our life with purpose so we can make those changes in our society. I believe we need to also give more accessibility to those with disabilities. Creating a more inclusive world challenges the status quo. There are many talented individuals who our society deems as incapable the moment they have a label as being disabled. I believe we all have a gift and it is our duty to nurture that gift and not hinder it. By doing so, we have many great inventions and achievements coming our way. Taking a step towards a better society impacts not only our community but our interconnected world. Going to college and gaining the resources needed to achieve these goals is important to help our people today and future generations to come. As a leader, I sometimes overlook the fact that people look up to me, whether I'm giving speeches, registering voters, or supporting legislation. Society often pressures me to stay quiet, conform, and waste my power. This pressure is especially felt by young activists who are told they're too young to make a difference. Despite growing up believing my voice didn't matter, I've learned that our worth isn't determined by societal norms. Many young leaders have shown that age doesn't limit our impact. Dr. King emphasized our inherent power, which youth possess just as much as adults. Going to college will help build my knowledge and tools needed to do work that is necessary. Education is essential for breaking societal barriers, and sharing that knowledge empowers others to lead. Making mistakes is part of growth as a leader, but it's crucial to continually educate ourselves, set an example, and inspire others to do the same. I am a changemaker, and a powerful leader. I want to use my power to help find an end to homelessness and create more job opportunities for those in need. We cannot let the stereotypes of our society define us, we have to educate ourselves and create our own stories. My voice does matter, our voices collectively do matter. We all go through adversities in our lives but we are stronger than any opposition we may face. There is always an opportunity to positively impact our communities and our world, it takes the first step of believing in yourself.

We can empower others to change the world, lead people in truth, and give life to a society that is hindered by oppression, discrimination, lack of education, and people who are selfish. During the past few years, I've spoken with great leaders who laid out the struggles they faced and how they pulled through in times of adversity. They showed me the strength I have to overcome those challenges and helped me find my voice. I have also seen the challenges many have with finding not only affordable housing but sustainable housing. These are messages that have guided me on my journey to create a better future and changed the way I view myself. I want to help others to find their voice and feel empowered by creating sustainable housing and more job opportunities, especially for those with disabilities. I want to go to college to get my degree that will help me achieve these goals. My vision is to start a non-profit architecture firm focused on affordable housing and accessible design. Creating affordable and sustainable housing solutions is essential. A home should be a right not a privilege. It is our duty to walk our life with purpose so we can make those changes in our society. I believe we need to also give more accessibility to those with disabilities. Creating a more inclusive world challenges the status quo. There are many talented individuals who our society deems as incapable the moment they have a label as being disabled. I believe we all have a gift and it is our duty to nurture that gift and not hinder it. By doing so, we have many great inventions and achievements coming our way. Taking a step towards a better society impacts not only our community but our interconnected world. Going to college and gaining the resources needed to achieve these goals is important to help our people today and future generations to come. I am a changemaker, and a powerful leader. I want to use my power to help find an end to homelessness and create more job opportunities for those in need. We cannot let the stereotypes of our society define us, we have to educate ourselves and create our own stories. My voice does matter, our voices collectively do matter. We all go through adversities in our lives but we are stronger than any opposition we may face. There is always an opportunity to positively impact our communities and our world, it takes the first step of believing in yourself.

We can empower others to change the world, lead people in truth, and give life to a society that is hindered by oppression, discrimination, lack of education, and people who are selfish. During the past few years, I've spoken with great leaders who laid out the struggles they faced and how they pulled through in times of adversity. They showed me the strength I have to overcome those challenges and helped me find my voice. I have also seen the challenges many have with finding not only affordable housing but sustainable housing. These are messages that have guided me on my journey to create a better future and changed the way I view myself. I want to help others to find their voice and feel empowered by creating sustainable housing and more job opportunities, especially for those with disabilities. I want to go to college to get my degree that will help me achieve these goals. My vision is to start a non-profit architecture firm focused on affordable housing and accessible design. Creating affordable and sustainable housing solutions is essential. A home should be a right not a privilege. It is our duty to walk our life with purpose so we can make those changes in our society. I believe we need to also give more accessibility to those with disabilities. Creating a more inclusive world challenges the status quo. There are many talented individuals who our society deems as incapable the moment they have a label as being disabled. I believe we all have a gift and it is our duty to nurture that gift and not hinder it. By doing so, we have many great inventions and achievements coming our way. Taking a step towards a better society impacts not only our community but our interconnected world. Going to college and gaining the resources needed to achieve these goals is important to help our people today and future generations to come. As a leader, I sometimes overlook the fact that people look up to me, whether I'm giving speeches, registering voters, or supporting legislation. Society often pressures me to stay quiet, conform, and waste my power. This pressure is especially felt by young activists who are told they're too young to make a difference. Despite growing up believing my voice didn't matter, I've learned that our worth isn't determined by societal norms. Many young leaders have shown that age doesn't limit our impact. Dr. King emphasized our inherent power, which youth possess just as much as adults. Going to college will help build my knowledge and tools needed to do work that is necessary. Education is essential for breaking societal barriers, and sharing that knowledge empowers others to lead. Making mistakes is part of growth as a leader, but it's crucial to continually educate ourselves, set an example, and inspire others to do the same. I am a changemaker, and a powerful leader. I want to use my power to help find an end to homelessness and create more job opportunities for those in need. We cannot let the stereotypes of our society define us, we have to educate ourselves and create our own stories. My voice does matter, our voices collectively do matter. We all go through adversities in our lives but we are stronger than any opposition we may face. There is always an opportunity to positively impact our communities and our world, it takes the first step of believing in yourself.

We can empower others to change the world, lead people in truth, and give life to a society that is hindered by oppression, discrimination, lack of education, and people who are selfish. During the past few years, I've spoken with great leaders who laid out the struggles they faced and how they pulled through in times of adversity. They showed me the strength I have to overcome those challenges and helped me find my voice. I have also seen the challenges many have with finding not only affordable housing but sustainable housing. These are messages that have guided me on my journey to create a better future and changed the way I view myself. I want to help others to find their voice and feel empowered by creating sustainable housing and more job opportunities, especially for those with disabilities. I want to go to college to get my degree that will help me achieve these goals. My vision is to start a non-profit architecture firm focused on affordable housing and accessible design. Creating affordable and sustainable housing solutions is essential. A home should be a right not a privilege. It is our duty to walk our life with purpose so we can make those changes in our society. I believe we need to also give more accessibility to those with disabilities. Creating a more inclusive world challenges the status quo. There are many talented individuals who our society deems as incapable the moment they have a label as being disabled. I believe we all have a gift and it is our duty to nurture that gift and not hinder it. By doing so, we have many great inventions and achievements coming our way. Taking a step towards a better society impacts not only our community but our interconnected world. Going to college and gaining the resources needed to achieve these goals is important to help our people today and future generations to come. As a leader, I sometimes overlook the fact that people look up to me, whether I'm giving speeches, registering voters, or supporting legislation. Society often pressures me to stay quiet, conform, and waste my power. This pressure is especially felt by young activists who are told they're too young to make a difference. Despite growing up believing my voice didn't matter, I've learned that our worth isn't determined by societal norms. Many young leaders have shown that age doesn't limit our impact. Dr. King emphasized our inherent power, which youth possess just as much as adults. Going to college will help build my knowledge and tools needed to do work that is necessary. Education is essential for breaking societal barriers, and sharing that knowledge empowers others to lead. Making mistakes is part of growth as a leader, but it's crucial to continually educate ourselves, set an example, and inspire others to do the same. I am a changemaker, and a powerful leader. I want to use my power to help find an end to homelessness and create more job opportunities for those in need. We cannot let the stereotypes of our society define us, we have to educate ourselves and create our own stories. My voice does matter, our voices collectively do matter. We all go through adversities in our lives but we are stronger than any opposition we may face. There is always an opportunity to positively impact our communities and our world, it takes the first step of believing in yourself.

My vision is to start a non-profit architecture firm focused on affordable housing and accessible design. Not only do those with disabilities need accessible spaces, but places that they can afford to live. I believe we need to give more accessibility to those with disabilities especially in buildings with much older infrastructure and making sure future buildings fit the needs of our community. Also, creating affordable housing to those who cannot work traditional hours or struggle to find jobs that are a right fit for them. As someone with a rare disorder called Hemiplegic Migraines, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and ADHD I understand some challenges buildings can create. I sometimes experience paralysis or severe muscle weakness that can make walking difficult and going upstairs near impossible. Also things like very bright lights and narrow spaces can cause a lot of anxiety. I can not wait for the day where you can proudly say your autistic or have a disability without people questioning your abilities or credibility. I want to be a role model to others showing that they can do it despite challenges they may face while helping to build up the world to be a better place for all.