As a first-generation student, school is not only a priority for your success but a prerequisite to creating a better life. To successfully ride the wave of familial pressure and criticism, I had to exercise an optimistic mentality and see the struggles as challenges. My mom could afford gas money to get me to school and a homemade lunch Monday through Friday. Outside expenses were additional perks, hence not essential. The non-essential things (study prep books, premium subscriptions, unnecessary trips) had to come out of donation or my money. When my experiences became overbearing, my mom would reiterate the encouragement she used to continue. As a single guardian raising three kids, working two jobs, and taking classes at our local city college, so she understood my discomfort. She explained that my experiences would build my character and provide me with invaluable skills which would one day help me in the "real world." My family hoped that if they pushed me, I would persist past my limitations and find power and financial wealth in my purpose. There was a consistent push for perfection and no exception for excuses with shortcomings. They understood the discipline that academic and athletic success would cost. What they could not do was tell me how to overcome the difficulties along those paths. Knowing the gravity of my excellence, I learned to treat what I had with care, pushing through my challenges by viewing them as opportunities. A byproduct of the pressure was a dazzling index of accolades. In the fine print of those accolades also was a misconstrued understanding of my worth. I want to be a university graduate; my family knew the sheer grit it would take to get me there. To help me be resilient, wanting to make sure I did not give up, they pushed me to execute in high school without crumbling. Less and less, I took time to celebrate and appreciate my progress with my mom. Over time I became accustomed to thinking my student of the month, athlete of the year, and awards of extreme excellence were ordinary for me and predictable. With a haze of emotionless efforts growing over me, there was a need for purpose. Because I had trouble describing any complex emotions, I labeled them in basic terms and would try to solve my problem. Pushing harder in school and sports was how I knew to cope with the discomfort and agony I felt. Sleep became my escape after a full day of studying then training with my track team. Despite trying to strategize ways to move past my emotions with journaling and art, I still felt a heaviness. I tried to limit the amount that I would focus on my "negative" emotions. However, when ignoring the negativity did not counteract the weight, I began to view it as a lingering struggle that would not cease.Viewing my pain as weakness, I learned to suppress my emotions and " be okay" to fulfill my responsibilities. As the success of my efforts began to show, I began to reach back and try to communicate my pain. Many of my family members started college but did not finish. They perceived themselves as examples of what struggles I would face without succeeding in college. Their confidence in my abilities intensified their hope for me to bypass the issues they had to endure. In comparison to the weight of their experiences, I felt that my pain had little merit. I became disheartened trying to convey and verify my emotions. However, upon communicating my trials, my family listened to my hurt. We readjusted and collaborated to create a pathway that was both endurable and rewarding. In learning to seek, accept, and apply the love and advice they had to give, I reestablished my purpose. The enjoyment of the process to success is invaluable. I learned how to return to the value of a task to generate a reason to finish with integrity. Not every reward is the satisfaction of temporary emotions. As I pursue my degree in environmental sciences, I will strive to interact with challenges with an open mind. Remembering I am not alone and have valuable, I will reach out to those around me and use the power within me to persist.

I remember sitting in the small brightly colored chairs behind my mother’s desk waiting for the next assignment. At her table I would work through my green fourth-grade workbook, and in between teaching lessons, she would help me. Having my mom homeschool me set me up to see school through an open lense. Whether I desired to be an employee or a C.E.Os, she encouraged me to do any task to the best of my ability. Emphasizing that I should be both passionate and intentional, she taught me to serve my roles with gratitude and pride. Woodleaf Young Life Summer Camp, in the summer of 2019 my mom and I flew to Northern California to volunteer as the child care takers for teen mothers. At this gorgeous retreat center, young mothers had the opportunity to enjoy the camp as youth and experience Jesus Christ. While the teen mothers engaged in activities, seminars, and bible studies, my mother and I had the privilege of caring for their children. We prayed over these “tiny tots” and I got to experience life through the lenses of the teen mothers. It was an extraordinary and humbling experience, helping me to value my youth. My experiences during the summer lit a fire within me that later carried into the passion I had as a Black Student Union President. Through connections I made with other club leaders and presidents from surrounding highschools, I began to take interest in community activism. I took on research projects, began volunteering as a speaker in online conferences, and began to see a space I could contribute to in my school. Communicating the effects of the pandemic from the student perspective , and engaging in Q&A discussions brought me into a realization of my interest in positive and impactful change. A growing desire is increasing within me to use my knowledge, perspective, and availability to help shape and prosper my community. Using my time and the abundant energy levels that accompany my youth I want to try. Participating in research programs in college, touring new areas, and meeting new people are experiences I hope to add to my profession. Through a college education, there exists a window of opportunity to meet professionals, leaders, and impactful individuals from which I can learn from. Their experience and wisdom can fuel my store of wealth that will enable me to serve as a problem solver in future communities. The issues of the world are plentiful but even more so are the youthful and energetic minds of this generation. I plan to take part in that wave of innovation and wash over the future with technological, philosophical, and well rooted improvements. Every impactful effect had to begin with a start, no matter the size. This scholarship will initiate and guide a long lasting effect I hope to have on the future of a community.

I remember sitting in the small brightly colored chairs behind my mother’s desk waiting for the next assignment. At her table I would work through my green fourth-grade workbook, and in between teaching lessons, she would help me. Having my mom homeschool me set me up to see school through an open lense. Whether I desired to be an employee or a C.E.Os, she encouraged me to do any task to the best of my ability. Emphasizing that I should be both passionate and intentional, she taught me to serve my roles with gratitude and pride. Woodleaf Young Life Summer Camp, in the summer of 2019 my mom and I flew to Northern California to volunteer as the child care takers for teen mothers. At this gorgeous retreat center, young mothers had the opportunity to enjoy the camp as youth and experience Jesus Christ. While the teen mothers engaged in activities, seminars, and bible studies, my mother and I had the privilege of caring for their children. We prayed over these “tiny tots” and I got to experience life through the lenses of the teen mothers. It was an extraordinary and humbling experience, helping me to value my youth. My experiences during the summer lit a fire within me that later carried into the passion I had as a Black Student Union President. Through connections I made with other club leaders and presidents from surrounding highschools, I began to take interest in community activism. I took on research projects, began volunteering as a speaker in online conferences, and began to see a space I could contribute to in my school. Communicating the effects of the pandemic from the student perspective , and engaging in Q&A discussions brought me into a realization of my interest in positive and impactful change. A growing desire is increasing within me to use my knowledge, perspective, and availability to help shape and prosper my community. Using my time and the abundant energy levels that accompany my youth I want to try. Participating in research programs in college, touring new areas, and meeting new people are experiences I hope to add to my profession. Through a college education, there exists a window of opportunity to meet professionals, leaders, and impactful individuals from which I can learn from. Their experience and wisdom can fuel my store of wealth that will enable me to serve as a problem solver in future communities. The issues of the world are plentiful but even more so are the youthful and energetic minds of this generation. I plan to take part in that wave of innovation and wash over the future with technological, philosophical, and well rooted improvements. Every impactful effect had to begin with a start, no matter the size. This scholarship will initiate and guide a long lasting effect I hope to have on the future of a community.

I remember sitting in the small brightly colored chairs behind my mother’s desk waiting for the next assignment. At her table I would work through my green fourth-grade workbook, and in between teaching lessons, she would help me. Having my mom homeschool me set me up to see school through an open lense. Whether I desired to be an employee or a C.E.Os, she encouraged me to do any task to the best of my ability. Emphasizing that I should be both passionate and intentional, she taught me to serve my roles with gratitude and pride. Woodleaf Young Life Summer Camp, in the summer of 2019 my mom and I flew to Northern California to volunteer as the child care takers for teen mothers. At this gorgeous retreat center, young mothers had the opportunity to enjoy the camp as youth and experience Jesus Christ. While the teen mothers engaged in activities, seminars, and bible studies, my mother and I had the privilege of caring for their children. We prayed over these “tiny tots” and I got to experience life through the lenses of the teen mothers. It was an extraordinary and humbling experience, helping me to value my youth. My experiences during the summer lit a fire within me that later carried into the passion I had as a Black Student Union President. Through connections I made with other club leaders and presidents from surrounding highschools, I began to take interest in community activism. I took on research projects, began volunteering as a speaker in online conferences, and began to see a space I could contribute to in my school. Communicating the effects of the pandemic from the student perspective , and engaging in Q&A discussions brought me into a realization of my interest in positive and impactful change. A growing desire is increasing within me to use my knowledge, perspective, and availability to help shape and prosper my community. Using my time and the abundant energy levels that accompany my youth I want to try. Participating in research programs in college, touring new areas, and meeting new people are experiences I hope to add to my profession. Through a college education, there exists a window of opportunity to meet professionals, leaders, and impactful individuals from which I can learn from. Their experience and wisdom can fuel my store of wealth that will enable me to serve as a problem solver in future communities. The issues of the world are plentiful but even more so are the youthful and energetic minds of this generation. I plan to take part in that wave of innovation and wash over the future with technological, philosophical, and well rooted improvements. Every impactful effect had to begin with a start, no matter the size. This scholarship will initiate and guide a long lasting effect I hope to have on the future of a community.

I remember sitting in the small brightly colored chairs behind my mother’s desk waiting for the next assignment. At her table I would work through my green fourth-grade workbook, and in between teaching lessons, she would help me. Having my mom homeschool me set me up to see school through an open lense. Whether I desired to be an employee or a C.E.Os, she encouraged me to do any task to the best of my ability. Emphasizing that I should be both passionate and intentional, she taught me to serve my roles with gratitude and pride. Woodleaf Young Life Summer Camp, in the summer of 2019 my mom and I flew to Northern California to volunteer as the child care takers for teen mothers. At this gorgeous retreat center, young mothers had the opportunity to enjoy the camp as youth and experience Jesus Christ. While the teen mothers engaged in activities, seminars, and bible studies, my mother and I had the privilege of caring for their children. We prayed over these “tiny tots” and I got to experience life through the lenses of the teen mothers. It was an extraordinary and humbling experience, helping me to value my youth. My experiences during the summer lit a fire within me that later carried into the passion I had as a Black Student Union President. Through connections I made with other club leaders and presidents from surrounding highschools, I began to take interest in community activism. I took on research projects, began volunteering as a speaker in online conferences, and began to see a space I could contribute to in my school. Communicating the effects of the pandemic from the student perspective , and engaging in Q&A discussions brought me into a realization of my interest in positive and impactful change. A growing desire is increasing within me to use my knowledge, perspective, and availability to help shape and prosper my community. Using my time and the abundant energy levels that accompany my youth I want to try. Participating in research programs in college, touring new areas, and meeting new people are experiences I hope to add to my profession. Through a college education, there exists a window of opportunity to meet professionals, leaders, and impactful individuals from which I can learn from. Their experience and wisdom can fuel my store of wealth that will enable me to serve as a problem solver in future communities. The issues of the world are plentiful but even more so are the youthful and energetic minds of this generation. I plan to take part in that wave of innovation and wash over the future with technological, philosophical, and well rooted improvements. Every impactful effect had to begin with a start, no matter the size. This scholarship will initiate and guide a long lasting effect I hope to have on the future of a community.

I remember sitting in the small brightly colored chairs behind my mother’s desk waiting for the next assignment. At her table I would work through my green fourth-grade workbook, and in between teaching lessons, she would help me. Having my mom homeschool me set me up to see school through an open lense. Whether I desired to be an employee or a C.E.Os, she encouraged me to do any task to the best of my ability. Emphasizing that I should be both passionate and intentional, she taught me to serve my roles with gratitude and pride. Woodleaf Young Life Summer Camp, in the summer of 2019 my mom and I flew to Northern California to volunteer as the child care takers for teen mothers. At this gorgeous retreat center, young mothers had the opportunity to enjoy the camp as youth and experience Jesus Christ. While the teen mothers engaged in activities, seminars, and bible studies, my mother and I had the privilege of caring for their children. We prayed over these “tiny tots” and I got to experience life through the lenses of the teen mothers. It was an extraordinary and humbling experience, helping me to value my youth. My experiences during the summer lit a fire within me that later carried into the passion I had as a Black Student Union President. Through connections I made with other club leaders and presidents from surrounding highschools, I began to take interest in community activism. I took on research projects, began volunteering as a speaker in online conferences, and began to see a space I could contribute to in my school. Communicating the effects of the pandemic from the student perspective , and engaging in Q&A discussions brought me into a realization of my interest in positive and impactful change. A growing desire is increasing within me to use my knowledge, perspective, and availability to help shape and prosper my community. Using my time and the abundant energy levels that accompany my youth I want to try. Participating in research programs in college, touring new areas, and meeting new people are experiences I hope to add to my profession. Through a college education, there exists a window of opportunity to meet professionals, leaders, and impactful individuals from which I can learn from. Their experience and wisdom can fuel my store of wealth that will enable me to serve as a problem solver in future communities. The issues of the world are plentiful but even more so are the youthful and energetic minds of this generation. I plan to take part in that wave of innovation and wash over the future with technological, philosophical, and well rooted improvements. Every impactful effect had to begin with a start, no matter the size. This scholarship will initiate and guide a long lasting effect I hope to have on the future of a community.

I remember sitting in the small brightly colored chairs behind my mother’s desk waiting for the next assignment. At her table I would work through my green fourth-grade workbook, and in between teaching lessons, she would help me. Having my mom homeschool me set me up to see school through an open lense. Whether I desired to be an employee or a C.E.Os, she encouraged me to do any task to the best of my ability. Emphasizing that I should be both passionate and intentional, she taught me to serve my roles with gratitude and pride. Woodleaf Young Life Summer Camp, in the summer of 2019 my mom and I flew to Northern California to volunteer as the child care takers for teen mothers. At this gorgeous retreat center, young mothers had the opportunity to enjoy the camp as youth and experience Jesus Christ. While the teen mothers engaged in activities, seminars, and bible studies, my mother and I had the privilege of caring for their children. We prayed over these “tiny tots” and I got to experience life through the lenses of the teen mothers. It was an extraordinary and humbling experience, helping me to value my youth. My experiences during the summer lit a fire within me that later carried into the passion I had as a Black Student Union President. Through connections I made with other club leaders and presidents from surrounding highschools, I began to take interest in community activism. I took on research projects, began volunteering as a speaker in online conferences, and began to see a space I could contribute to in my school. Communicating the effects of the pandemic from the student perspective , and engaging in Q&A discussions brought me into a realization of my interest in positive and impactful change. A growing desire is increasing within me to use my knowledge, perspective, and availability to help shape and prosper my community. Using my time and the abundant energy levels that accompany my youth I want to try. Participating in research programs in college, touring new areas, and meeting new people are experiences I hope to add to my profession. Through a college education, there exists a window of opportunity to meet professionals, leaders, and impactful individuals from which I can learn from. Their experience and wisdom can fuel my store of wealth that will enable me to serve as a problem solver in future communities. The issues of the world are plentiful but even more so are the youthful and energetic minds of this generation. I plan to take part in that wave of innovation and wash over the future with technological, philosophical, and well rooted improvements. Every impactful effect had to begin with a start, no matter the size. This scholarship will initiate and guide a long lasting effect I hope to have on the future of a community.

I remember sitting in the small brightly colored chairs behind my mother’s desk waiting for the next assignment. At her table I would work through my green fourth-grade workbook, and in between teaching lessons, she would help me. Having my mom homeschool me set me up to see school through an open lense. Whether I desired to be an employee or a C.E.Os, she encouraged me to do any task to the best of my ability. Emphasizing that I should be both passionate and intentional, she taught me to serve my roles with gratitude and pride. Woodleaf Young Life Summer Camp, in the summer of 2019 my mom and I flew to Northern California to volunteer as the child care takers for teen mothers. At this gorgeous retreat center, young mothers had the opportunity to enjoy the camp as youth and experience Jesus Christ. While the teen mothers engaged in activities, seminars, and bible studies, my mother and I had the privilege of caring for their children. We prayed over these “tiny tots” and I got to experience life through the lenses of the teen mothers. It was an extraordinary and humbling experience, helping me to value my youth. My experiences during the summer lit a fire within me that later carried into the passion I had as a Black Student Union President. Through connections I made with other club leaders and presidents from surrounding highschools, I began to take interest in community activism. I took on research projects, began volunteering as a speaker in online conferences, and began to see a space I could contribute to in my school. Communicating the effects of the pandemic from the student perspective , and engaging in Q&A discussions brought me into a realization of my interest in positive and impactful change. A growing desire is increasing within me to use my knowledge, perspective, and availability to help shape and prosper my community. Using my time and the abundant energy levels that accompany my youth I want to try. Participating in research programs in college, touring new areas, and meeting new people are experiences I hope to add to my profession. Through a college education, there exists a window of opportunity to meet professionals, leaders, and impactful individuals from which I can learn from. Their experience and wisdom can fuel my store of wealth that will enable me to serve as a problem solver in future communities. The issues of the world are plentiful but even more so are the youthful and energetic minds of this generation. I plan to take part in that wave of innovation and wash over the future with technological, philosophical, and well rooted improvements. Every impactful effect had to begin with a start, no matter the size. This scholarship will initiate and guide a long lasting effect I hope to have on the future of a community.

I remember sitting in the small brightly colored chairs behind my mother’s desk waiting for the next assignment. At her table I would work through my green fourth-grade workbook, and in between teaching lessons, she would help me. Having my mom homeschool me set me up to see school through an open lense. Whether I desired to be an employee or a C.E.Os, she encouraged me to do any task to the best of my ability. Emphasizing that I should be both passionate and intentional, she taught me to serve my roles with gratitude and pride. Woodleaf Young Life Summer Camp, in the summer of 2019 my mom and I flew to Northern California to volunteer as the child care takers for teen mothers. At this gorgeous retreat center, young mothers had the opportunity to enjoy the camp as youth and experience Jesus Christ. While the teen mothers engaged in activities, seminars, and bible studies, my mother and I had the privilege of caring for their children. We prayed over these “tiny tots” and I got to experience life through the lenses of the teen mothers. It was an extraordinary and humbling experience, helping me to value my youth. My experiences during the summer lit a fire within me that later carried into the passion I had as a Black Student Union President. Through connections I made with other club leaders and presidents from surrounding highschools, I began to take interest in community activism. I took on research projects, began volunteering as a speaker in online conferences, and began to see a space I could contribute to in my school. Communicating the effects of the pandemic from the student perspective , and engaging in Q&A discussions brought me into a realization of my interest in positive and impactful change. A growing desire is increasing within me to use my knowledge, perspective, and availability to help shape and prosper my community. Using my time and the abundant energy levels that accompany my youth I want to try. Participating in research programs in college, touring new areas, and meeting new people are experiences I hope to add to my profession. Through a college education, there exists a window of opportunity to meet professionals, leaders, and impactful individuals from which I can learn from. Their experience and wisdom can fuel my store of wealth that will enable me to serve as a problem solver in future communities. The issues of the world are plentiful but even more so are the youthful and energetic minds of this generation. I plan to take part in that wave of innovation and wash over the future with technological, philosophical, and well rooted improvements. Every impactful effect had to begin with a start, no matter the size. This scholarship will initiate and guide a long lasting effect I hope to have on the future of a community.

I remember sitting in the small brightly colored chairs behind my mother’s desk waiting for the next assignment. At her table I would work through my green fourth-grade workbook, and in between teaching lessons, she would help me. Having my mom homeschool me set me up to see school through an open lense. Whether I desired to be an employee or a C.E.Os, she encouraged me to do any task to the best of my ability. Emphasizing that I should be both passionate and intentional, she taught me to serve my roles with gratitude and pride. Woodleaf Young Life Summer Camp, in the summer of 2019 my mom and I flew to Northern California to volunteer as the child care takers for teen mothers. At this gorgeous retreat center, young mothers had the opportunity to enjoy the camp as youth and experience Jesus Christ. While the teen mothers engaged in activities, seminars, and bible studies, my mother and I had the privilege of caring for their children. We prayed over toddlers and I got to experience life through the lenses of the teen mothers. It was an extraordinary and humbling experience, helping me to value my youth. My experiences during the summer lit a fire within me that later carried into the passion I had as a Black Student Union President. Through connections I made with other club leaders and presidents from surrounding highschools, I began to take interest in community activism. I took on research projects, began volunteering as a speaker in online conferences, and began to see a space I could contribute to in my school. Communicating the effects of the pandemic from the student perspective , and engaging in Q&A discussions brought me into a realization of my interest in positive and impactful change. A growing desire is increasing within me to use my knowledge, perspective, and availability to help shape and prosper my community. Using my time and the abundant energy levels that accompany my youth I want to try. Participating in research programs in college, touring new areas, and meeting new people are experiences I hope to add to my profession. Through a college education, there exists a window of opportunity to meet professionals, leaders, and impactful individuals from which I can learn from. Their experience and wisdom can fuel my store of wealth that will enable me to serve as a problem solver in future communities. The issues of the world are plentiful but even more so are the youthful and energetic minds of this generation. I plan to take part in that wave of innovation and wash over the future with technological, philosophical, and well rooted improvements. Every impactful effect had to begin with a start, no matter the size. This scholarship will initiate and guide a long lasting effect I hope to have on the future of a community.

A dream seems fake until you walk through the details that create a reality, a path to pursue. Graduating from college and my situation was a dream so grand that for me. Imagining it as a reality was comical. I would entertain and approach the thought in disbelief, thinking it was a twisted * joke life was trying to play on me. Miss Kymberly Taylor did not believe such assumptions*. The summer before my senior year, Miss Taylor began to enquire on behalf of my dreams, my future. “ Would you like to join the Black Student Union Network Leadership Team?” It was the invitation that would alter how I thought about my possibilities. For months she continuously put her time, energy, and heart aside to help herself and others. Miss Kym would invite local BSU leaders (like myself) to online conferences, scholarship opportunities, and weekly Wednesday preparatory conference meetings. This success not measurable by in-person experiences or accolades but rather personal changes in my mentality as a leader. “How can I be effective if I’m not the one in charge?” “Shouldn’t I be the one directing the event and distributing tasks and ideas.” These were my thoughts. I thought that organization meant that everything had to align with my plan. Otherwise, the result would not be quality work. I did not understand what it meant to lead as a contributor to a better cause. I went into new projects with the perception that no one wanted to step up. That led me to step out more often instead of inviting my peers to bring their unique perspectives and abilities to projects we all contributed. During the many relentless challenges of the pandemic, Miss Kym understood the impact of our time, potential, and service. Often she would express her gratitude for the group work we would do and our time spent in meetings. I remember her highlighting her pride in being our advisor and director. She would encourage us to continue approaching the pandemic in the way we did. She consistently brought perspective to the value of our voice and leadership in the community. Although I rarely felt that I was doing enough, her praise brought a smile and encouragement to my heart. My attention began to shift from what was to what could be. I began to take pride in being a helper to my fellow BSU presidents. My focus became on how I could support them as leaders by using what was inside me as a tool for their success and growth. This concept was what I took from Miss Kymberly Taylor’s actions. Although a successful Black Student Union Network was her dream, she intentionally planned to support my dreams. Through her consistent invitations and check-ins, I became aware that the definition of leadership is servitude.

Without the nourishment, the seed won’t sprout and grow past the dirt we plant it in. Growing up in a big family with plenty of people and problems taught me to always look for the next horizon and silver lining. My experiences taught me that there is value in quality and worth in excellence. I cannot be satisfied with simply hitting goals; I want to break through barriers. I strive to use any available hope, light, and possibility to take at least one step towards my goals. That is the vigor with which I have to approach change in my life. Between the summer of 2017 to 2019, I participated in Grace And truth Worship Ministry’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) Program as a helper/ volunteer. I would encourage the kids while they were participating in activities and games. Each summer, I sought after more roles and greater responsibilities within the church. With every achievement, my goal was to create a better version of myself and my environment. Earlier that same summer, my mom and I flew to Northern California to volunteer in childcare for the teen mothers at Woodleaf Young Life Camp. At this gorgeous retreat center, young mothers had the opportunity to enjoy the camp as youth and experience Jesus Christ. While the teen mothers engaged in activities, seminars, and bible studies, my mother and I had the privilege of caring for their children. Those experiences during the summer lit a fire within me that later carried into the passion I had as a Black Student Union President. During this school year, I pushed the club to create connections between historical and current events within Black History to be empowered and educated. Our activities and discussion encouraged the club members and community to consider their impact and use their influence to increase positive change. Sprouting within me is a growing desire to help my community change the world we see into the world we want to see. I need a pathway. After high school, I plan on accepting my admission offer and attending Cal Baptist University. What makes me different is what a friend I can be to others. In the workplace, the classroom, the field, my greatest desire is to create those meaningful bonds with people and apply my skills, knowledge, and attitude to the atmosphere. I don’t want to withhold any of my smiles; I want to spark a smile in others. My goal is to have a career in a profession that will prioritize making a difference in our community. Using college as that pathway to push me, I will enter into that world of professionalism and use what I have to enrich my community and pursue the future. I plan to use each day as an opportunity to excel and help build this future.

Without the nourishment, the seed won’t sprout and grow past the dirt we plant it in. Growing up in a big family with plenty of people and problems taught me to always look for the next horizon and silver lining. My experiences taught me that there is value in quality and worth in excellence. I cannot be satisfied with simply hitting goals; I want to break through barriers. I strive to use any available hope, light, and possibility to take at least one step towards my goals. That is the vigor with which I have to approach change in my life. Between the summer of 2017 to 2019, I participated in Grace And truth Worship Ministry’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) Program as a helper/ volunteer. I would encourage the kids while they were participating in activities and games. Each summer, I sought after more roles and greater responsibilities within the church. With every achievement, my goal was to create a better version of myself and my environment. Earlier that same summer, my mom and I flew to Northern California to volunteer in childcare for the teen mothers at Woodleaf Young Life Camp. At this gorgeous retreat center, young mothers had the opportunity to enjoy the camp as youth and experience Jesus Christ. While the teen mothers engaged in activities, seminars, and bible studies, my mother and I had the privilege of caring for their children. Those experiences during the summer lit a fire within me that later carried into the passion I had as a Black Student Union President. During this school year, I pushed the club to create connections between historical and current events within Black History to be empowered and educated. Our activities and discussion encouraged the club members and community to consider their impact and use their influence to increase positive change. Sprouting within me is a growing desire to help my community change the world we see into the world we want to see. I need a pathway. After high school, I plan on accepting my admission offer and attending Cal Baptist University. What makes me different is what a friend I can be to others. In the workplace, the classroom, the field, my greatest desire is to create those meaningful bonds with people and apply my skills, knowledge, and attitude to the atmosphere. I don’t want to withhold any of my smiles; I want to spark a smile in others. My goal is to have a career in a profession that will prioritize making a difference in our community. Using college as that pathway to push me, I will enter into that world of professionalism and use what I have to enrich my community and pursue the future. I plan to use each day as an opportunity to excel and help build this future.

Without the nourishment, the seed won’t sprout and grow past the dirt we plant it in. Growing up in a big family with plenty of people and problems taught me to always look for the next horizon and silver lining. My experiences taught me that there is value in quality and worth in excellence. I cannot be satisfied with simply hitting goals; I want to break through barriers. I strive to use any available hope, light, and possibility to take at least one step towards my goals. That is the vigor with which I have to approach change in my life. Between the summer of 2017 to 2019, I participated in Grace And truth Worship Ministry’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) Program as a helper/ volunteer. I would encourage the kids while they were participating in activities and games. Each summer, I sought after more roles and greater responsibilities within the church. With every achievement, my goal was to create a better version of myself and my environment. Earlier that same summer, my mom and I flew to Northern California to volunteer in childcare for the teen mothers at Woodleaf Young Life Camp. At this gorgeous retreat center, young mothers had the opportunity to enjoy the camp as youth and experience Jesus Christ. While the teen mothers engaged in activities, seminars, and bible studies, my mother and I had the privilege of caring for their children. Those experiences during the summer lit a fire within me that later carried into the passion I had as a Black Student Union President. During this school year, I pushed the club to create connections between historical and current events within Black History to be empowered and educated. Our activities and discussion encouraged the club members and community to consider their impact and use their influence to increase positive change. Sprouting within me is a growing desire to help my community change the world we see into the world we want to see. I need a pathway. After high school, I plan on accepting my admission offer and attending Cal Baptist University. What makes me different is what a friend I can be to others. In the workplace, the classroom, the field, my greatest desire is to create those meaningful bonds with people and apply my skills, knowledge, and attitude to the atmosphere. I don’t want to withhold any of my smiles; I want to spark a smile in others. My goal is to have a career in a profession that will prioritize making a difference in our community. Using college as that pathway to push me, I will enter into that world of professionalism and use what I have to enrich my community and pursue the future. I plan to use each day as an opportunity to excel and help build this future.

Without the nourishment, the seed won’t sprout and grow past the dirt we plant it in. Growing up in a big family with plenty of people and problems taught me to always look for the next horizon and silver lining. My experiences taught me that there is value in quality and worth in excellence. I cannot be satisfied with simply hitting goals; I want to break through barriers. I strive to use any available hope, light, and possibility to take at least one step towards my goals. That is the vigor with which I have to approach change in my life. Between the summer of 2017 to 2019, I participated in Grace And truth Worship Ministry’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) Program as a helper/ volunteer. I would encourage the kids while they were participating in activities and games. Each summer, I sought after more roles and greater responsibilities within the church. With every achievement, my goal was to create a better version of myself and my environment. Earlier that same summer, my mom and I flew to Northern California to volunteer in childcare for the teen mothers at Woodleaf Young Life Camp. At this gorgeous retreat center, young mothers had the opportunity to enjoy the camp as youth and experience Jesus Christ. While the teen mothers engaged in activities, seminars, and bible studies, my mother and I had the privilege of caring for their children. Those experiences during the summer lit a fire within me that later carried into the passion I had as a Black Student Union President. During this school year, I pushed the club to create connections between historical and current events within Black History to be empowered and educated. Our activities and discussion encouraged the club members and community to consider their impact and use their influence to increase positive change. Sprouting within me is a growing desire to help my community change the world we see into the world we want to see. I need a pathway. After high school, I plan on accepting my admission offer and attending Cal Baptist University. What makes me different is what a friend I can be to others. In the workplace, the classroom, the field, my greatest desire is to create those meaningful bonds with people and apply my skills, knowledge, and attitude to the atmosphere. I don’t want to withhold any of my smiles; I want to spark a smile in others. My goal is to have a career in a profession that will prioritize making a difference in our community. Using college as that pathway to push me, I will enter into that world of professionalism and use what I have to enrich my community and pursue the future. I plan to use each day as an opportunity to excel and help build this future.

Without the nourishment, the seed won’t sprout and grow past the dirt we plant it in. Growing up in a big family with plenty of people and problems taught me to always look for the next horizon and silver lining. My experiences taught me that there is value in quality and worth in excellence. I cannot be satisfied with simply hitting goals; I want to break through barriers. I strive to use any available hope, light, and possibility to take at least one step towards my goals. That is the vigor with which I have to approach change in my life. Between the summer of 2017 to 2019, I participated in Grace And truth Worship Ministry’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) Program as a helper/ volunteer. I would encourage the kids while they were participating in activities and games. Each summer, I sought after more roles and greater responsibilities within the church. With every achievement, my goal was to create a better version of myself and my environment. Earlier that same summer, my mom and I flew to Northern California to volunteer in childcare for the teen mothers at Woodleaf Young Life Camp. At this gorgeous retreat center, young mothers had the opportunity to enjoy the camp as youth and experience Jesus Christ. While the teen mothers engaged in activities, seminars, and bible studies, my mother and I had the privilege of caring for their children. Those experiences during the summer lit a fire within me that later carried into the passion I had as a Black Student Union President. During this school year, I pushed the club to create connections between historical and current events within Black History to be empowered and educated. Our activities and discussion encouraged the club members and community to consider their impact and use their influence to increase positive change. Sprouting within me is a growing desire to help my community change the world we see into the world we want to see. I need a pathway. After high school, I plan on accepting my admission offer and attending Cal Baptist University. What makes me different is what a friend I can be to others. In the workplace, the classroom, the field, my greatest desire is to create those meaningful bonds with people and apply my skills, knowledge, and attitude to the atmosphere. I don’t want to withhold any of my smiles; I want to spark a smile in others. My goal is to have a career in a profession that will prioritize making a difference in our community. Using college as that pathway to push me, I will enter into that world of professionalism and use what I have to enrich my community and pursue the future. I plan to use each day as an opportunity to excel and help build this future.