My long-term aspirations as a graduate student seeking a degree in Political Science and Public Affairs with a focus on Public Policy and Administration are focused on bringing about significant change in my community. I'm dedicated to confronting the structural issues that marginalized populations face, supporting laws that advance social justice and equity, and trying to improve the general operation of government agencies. My passion for the intersections of race, power and social justice promptly began after the tragedy of Michael Brown. Being born and raised in St. Louis exposed me to the inequity of social systems that shapes the lives of marginalized communities. Since then, I have made it my personal mission to be the change I want to see in my community. From establishing a Black Student Union with my peers at my high school to becoming an Alumni of the social justice leadership program, L.E.A.D STL (formerly Cultural Leadership), I am dedicated to driving meaningful change in the world. Using my undergraduate background in psychology and sociology, I have a solid foundation to understand human behavior and societal structures. My work as an Environmental Justice Outreach Coordinator at earthday365 has given me the opportunity to be enlightened on the need for political action in addressing systemic inequalities. With this background, I am excited to pursue graduate work in political science in order to acquire the skills and information required to effect real change in the world. I began my academic journey at Southeast Missouri State University as a social studies education major. I have always been a lover of history and social systems and planned on sharing and spreading that attitude with the younger generation. As I dove deeper into my undergraduate journey, I was exposed to classes like Cultural Anthropology, Work & Family Life and Social Stratification & Inequality. I began to take a particular interest in mental health in the black community. In the pursuit of more knowledge on the topic, I decided to change my major to psychology. Both my major and minor offered unique insights into human behavior and societal dynamics. I deepened my understanding of how individuals and communities respond to issues of oppression and inequality. These studies underscored the complexity and depth of social inequities and sparked a passion for understanding how policies can address or exacerbate these disparities. I have gained a profound awareness of the complex interplay between policymaking and its actual effects on marginalized communities over my academic career. I have a strong desire to turn policy analysis into workable ideas that close inequalities in economic, healthcare, and educational possibilities. As the Environmental Justice Outreach Coordinator at earthday365, I have had the opportunity to work within the climate justice movement in the St. Louis area. In my role the main goal is to build capacity for the organization. I split my time between two programs, one being the Green Dining Alliance and the other being our Environmental Justice Days of Action. Although the environmental sector was completely new to me, my colleagues have been instrumental in the development of my understanding of the various topics. I have been able to connect with and learn from numerous leaders in the sustainability field. I recognize that the root of all environmental injustices are policy issues. I think that I am in a unique position to take the knowledge from my formal education and the knowledge that I am learning in the field and use that to better understand the materials at a graduate level and beyond. After completing my graduate program, I plan to dedicate my career to nonprofit organizations that focus on advancing public welfare, where I can leverage my skills in research, policy analysis, and program management to drive positive outcomes. It was an adjustment to go from being a psychology student to being a professional in the sustainability sector, but I adjusted & found a way to efficiently do my job while learning about environmental topics. I recognize the challenges I faced during my undergraduate studies and I am committed to improving as a student as I go into increasingly challenging course material. I don't expect the course work in a graduate program to be easy. In fact, I am eager for the challenge. I am motivated to continue breaking generational curses and bringing the knowledge that I gain back to my community. Mental health, education and environment all hold a special place in my heart. All of these topics are defined by policy and I refuse to be a bystander in a world where the people in power are determined to make policies that hurt the population’s access to mental health, education and a safe environment. I am eager to explore the ways in which political science can inform and transform policies particularly in relation to sustainability. I contend that effective policies can empower communities to advocate for their health and well-being. I believe in my graduate program I can gain an understanding of legislative law, administrative rule, and judicial order. My ability to accomplish these objectives will be greatly aided by the scholarship for which I am applying for. It will give me the resources I need to finish my education without having to worry about taking on too much debt, enabling me to devote all of my time to my studies and research. Additionally, it will allow me to take part in extracurricular activities and internships, which are crucial for obtaining practical experience in the nonprofit industry. By relieving financial strain, this scholarship will enable me to concentrate on my studies and career advancement, guaranteeing that I am adequately equipped to leave a lasting impression in the public policy sector. In time, I hope to use my graduate studies to be instrumental in the development of policies that center racial, economic, and environmental justice. I would love to continue working in the non-profit advocacy sector but I am confident that wherever I end up, I will be a part of a movement that creates equitable solutions for the communities most affected by systemic inequality. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” Martin Luther King Jr. This scholarship will support me in my pursuit of the tools, opportunities and guidance needed to accomplish my goals while also easing the financial burden of my graduate studies. I sincerely appreciate your consideration of my application and am thrilled about the chance to make a significant contribution to the nonprofit sector. I appreciate your encouragement of my academic and career goals.