Growing up in a low-income household has shaped the way I see money, responsibility and the importance of financial education. In my home, financial decisions are not just about planning for the future , they are about surviving the present. There were many times when my family had to make difficult choices that most people my age never think about. One of the hardest experiences I remember is when rent was not paid on time. There were days when we were behind and we had to wait and hope for extra time from the landlord while trying to gather enough money. During those moments, the stress in my home was heavy. I could see how worried my family was, even when they tried not to show it. It taught me early that one late payment can affect everything else. Food was another struggle. There were times when the fridge was nearly empty or when we had to stretch small amounts of food across several days. I learned what it felt like to go to school not fully focused because I was thinking about whether there would be enough to eat when I got home. These experiences made me realize how financial instability affects not just adults but children too emotionally, mentally and physically. Education was also impacted by financial struggles in my family. At one point, my siblings had to take a semester off college because we simply could not afford tuition and other expenses. Watching them pause their education was painful because I knew how hard they worked to get there. It showed me that financial barriers can delay dreams even when someone is fully capable and motivated. Despite these challenges, I have learned to be more aware and responsible with money. I try to understand where money goes, how to budget and how small decisions can add up over time. I also started paying more attention to financial topics like saving, credit and debt because I do not want my future to be limited by lack of knowledge. I want to break the cycle of financial stress in my family. With financial education, I plan to build a different future for myself. I want to learn how to manage credit wisely so I do not fall into debt traps. I want to understand how to save for emergencies so unexpected situations do not completely disrupt my life. Most importantly, I want to be in a position where I can support my family instead of worrying about how we will get through the next month. This scholarship would not just help me financially, it would be an investment in my future stability and success. I plan to use everything I learn about financial literacy to make smarter decisions, build long-term security and eventually help others in my community who are going through similar struggles.

1. When did you learn English? I began learning English when I moved to the United States from Haiti as a child. I still remember my first days in school, sitting quietly because I did not fully understand what was being said around me. It felt isolating at times but I paid close attention, listened carefully and slowly picked up words and phrases. I practiced by speaking with classmates and asking questions, even when I was nervous. Over time, English became more natural to me and I gained the confidence to express myself. Learning English was not just about language it taught me patience, resilience and how to step outside of my comfort zone. 2 (a). Describe an obstacle you encountered in your educational journey. One major obstacle I faced was trying to succeed academically while still learning English. Adjusting to a new school system while still learning English. It was difficult to keep up with lessons, participate in class, and express myself clearly. I often felt behind compared to other students, which made school stressful at times. 2 (b). How did you overcome this obstacle? I overcame this obstacle by refusing to give up on myself. I made the effort to ask teachers for help, stayed after class when needed, and practiced consistently. I also pushed myself to participate, even when I was unsure, because I knew that was the only way to improve. Over time, my hard work paid off. I became more confident, improved academically, and proved to myself that I was capable of succeeding despite the challenges. 3. Who is your educational role model and why? My educational role model is my family, especially those who immigrated and worked hard to build a better life. I have seen the sacrifices they made, leaving behind what was familiar and starting over in a new country. Their strength and determination inspire me every day to stay focused on my goals. They remind me that education is an opportunity that should never be taken for granted, and their example pushes me to keep striving for success. 4 (a). How do you plan to continue your education? I plan to attend college and major in psychology, where I can deepen my understanding of human behavior. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I intend to pursue graduate school to specialize in forensic psychology. I want to challenge myself academically and gain the knowledge and experience needed for my future career. 4 (b). What do you hope to do after you complete your formal educational journey? After completing my education, I hope to work in the field of forensic psychology, helping to analyze behavior within the criminal justice system. I want to use my skills to contribute to fairness and understanding especially for individuals whose backgrounds and experiences are often overlooked. 5. Outside of the traditional school environment, how do you give back to others in your community? Outside of the classroom, I give back by being someone others can rely on. As a youth leader in my school’s Student Success Center, I supported students who needed guidance, encouragement or simply someone to listen. Many of the students I worked with were facing their own challenges and I made it a priority to help create a welcoming and supportive environment. I carry that same mindset into my everyday life by helping peers stay motivated and offering support whenever I can. Giving back to me means using my experiences to uplift others.

When I first arrived in the United States from Haiti, I remember sitting in a classroom where everything felt unfamiliar: the language, the lessons, and even the way students interacted. I did not always understand what was being said, but I understood that I had to push myself to adapt. That moment marked the beginning of a journey that would shape my identity, my values, and my goals. My Haitian heritage has played a major role in who I am today. Growing up, I was taught the importance of perseverance, respect, and hard work. In Haitian culture, education is seen as a powerful tool for change, and that belief has stayed with me. Watching my family make sacrifices to build a better life in a new country motivated me to take my education seriously. My background has also made me more aware of the struggles people face when adjusting to new environments, which is one reason I am drawn to psychology. I want to understand how experiences, especially difficult ones, shape behavior and decision-making. This passion has led me to pursue a future career in forensic psychology, where I can connect my cultural understanding with my interest in the justice system. I have worked to give back to my community by becoming a youth leader in my school’s Student Success Center. In this role, I supported other students, many of whom were also adjusting to new challenges, whether academic or personal. I helped create a space where students felt comfortable asking for help and staying motivated. Being in this position showed me how powerful it is to uplift others, especially when they may feel unheard or overwhelmed. I saw myself in many of the students I helped, and that pushed me to be patient, encouraging, and dependable. In the future, I plan to continue giving back by using my education and career to support others, especially those from underrepresented or immigrant backgrounds. I want to work in a field where I can help uncover the deeper reasons behind people’s actions and advocate for fairness within the justice system. My goal is not only to succeed for myself, but to use my success to create opportunities and support for others in my community. My Haitian heritage is not just where I come from, it is the foundation of my strength, my motivation, and my purpose. It has taught me to keep going even when things are difficult, and to always find ways to lift others as I move forward.