An unfortunate but common reality in America is the commonality of single-parent households. Since 2023, 49% of Black households fall into this category, and mine is one of them. I was raised by my mother, Shakiya Steward, who also gave birth to my older sister, Azhante. Although the experience was difficult or even unfortunate, I wouldn't be who I am today without it. To truly answer the question, “How has growing up in a single-parent household shaped your goals, values, and ambitions?” I must ask myself something: “What did my mother do for me?” My mother is a God-fearing, hardworking, and dependable woman. She sacrificed a great deal to provide for me and my sister. My parents divorced when I was a baby. They split bills, so after they separated, we had no other choice but to move into my grandparents’ home. It was in a tough neighborhood where we also had to share the space with my aunt and her two children. While we were there, we struggled financially. My mom was unemployed at times, worked multiple jobs, supported my sister's athletic dreams, and even went back to college to finish her degree. As a kid, I didn’t fully understand everything she was going through; I just knew I was angry. I was upset that I couldn’t have the same luxuries my friends did, like my own bedroom, a gaming system, cable TV, or the freedom to play outside without my mom worrying. But after a while, that anger turned into motivation. I realized I wanted more, not just for myself, but for my family. I want to give my kids a life that I could only have imagined living. I wanted to achieve something greater for the world to see and give those similar to me hope that they can overcome their circumstances. Continuing, these experiences sparked my passion for community service. Most would say that exceeding the expectations of my environment is a “blessing.” I slightly disagree. While I’m truly grateful to the Lord for providing me with guidance and perseverance, I know I’m simply walking the path He set for me, and He’s only just getting started. My purpose on this earth is to create opportunities for others who come from similar circumstances. I know I’m called to advocate for them, not only by speaking up for them but by setting an example and proudly representing them wherever I go. If my family and I hadn’t gone through our hardships, I wouldn’t have the passion to help others succeed. Moving on, my upbringing not only shaped my goals, but it also shaped my perspective on the world. Growing up as a young man raised in a household dominated by females is a dynamic experience. It wasn’t always easy. Even though my father and I have a great relationship, his not being present left a permanent mark. Some of those effects were tough, feeling the pressure to grow up fast or figure things out on my own, but some were surprisingly positive. As I grew older, my perspective changed. Instead of being angry, I learned from it. What I lacked emotionally taught me strength, what I lacked physically taught me perseverance, and what I lacked spiritually taught me faith. It made me self-aware, emotionally in tune, and appreciative of the people who show up for me every day. Looking back on everything, I realize that every setback, every struggle, and every sacrifice had a purpose. The things that I went through didn’t make life harder, they forced me to be stronger. Seeing my mother doing so much with so little showed me what true resilience is. In conclusion, growing up in a single-parent household didn’t limit my dreams; it gave me an answer to the question, “Why?”. It gave me the necessary fuel to push forward, the heart and mind to care for others, and the courage to lead by example. I’m not just working towards personal accomplishments like a degree, I’m creating a future for myself where I can be a role model, a resource, and an inspiration to kids from similar circumstances.

To answer the question, 'How do you plan to make a positive impact on the world through your studies and career goals?’ you must ask yourself, 'What matters to me?'. My name is Nassir Steward. I am a rising sophomore at Hampton University, studying business marketing from Portsmouth, Virginia. I want to reshape my community AND world by advocating for the underrepresented and giving them a platform to access opportunities that they may have never thought were possible. Everyone loves a good underdog story. But what if I told you it wasn’t a story, it was my reality? I grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia, a city stricken with gang violence, poverty, drug addiction, and more. Most would say that exceeding the standard of my environment is a “blessing.” While I’m truly grateful to the Lord for providing me with guidance and perseverance, I know I’m simply walking the path He set for me, and He’s only just getting started. My purpose on this earth is to create opportunities for others who are from similar circumstances. I know I’m called to advocate for them, not only by speaking up for them but by setting an example and proudly representing them wherever I go. This past academic year, I had the honor of serving as Mr.Freshman at Hampton University, a role that involves organizing community service events, advocating for the freshman class, and supporting the initiatives led by Mr. and Ms. Hampton. Representing Black excellence in this capacity has been the greatest step toward my greater purpose. Throughout the year, I donated clothes to those in need, visited schools across the Hampton Roads area, and even helped clean a local beach. Each of these experiences has fueled my passion for service and reminded me that my journey is far from over. Furthermore, I understand that accolades mean nothing without purpose. I intend to use my achievements in college as a platform to gain influence, not for personal gain, but to inspire and uplift others. We see plenty of people in the world who have accomplished a lot for themselves but lack substance, heart, or character. I strive to be the opposite of that. I want to donate to urban communities, to invest in the places that shaped me. I want to be the face kids look up to when they feel like they can’t rise above their circumstances. Most of all, I want to be a living example that hope, faith, and determination are enough to take you exactly where you’re meant to be. Finally, I plan to remain active in my community. Too often, when people “make it,” they seem to forget about the places, people, and situations that shaped them. Not me. I’m extremely aware that I wouldn’t be on this path if I hadn’t gone through everything I did. That’s why I’m committed to giving back to my high school, my neighborhood, and to families who share experiences similar to mine. In conclusion, in everything I do, my goal is to uplift, empower, and lead with purpose. I believe real impact comes from staying rooted in where you came from while reaching forward to create change. My journey is just beginning, but with faith, dedication, and a heart for service, I’m committed to being a force for good. Although where I’m from is commonly seen as a place with a negative environment and nothing but downsides, I was put on this earth to show my community, the nation, and the world that greatness can be found in Portsmouth, Virginia.