My name is Nishna Benoit, and I was born in West Palm Beach, Florida, into a proud Haitian family. While my first language is English, I learned Haitian Creole by the time I was five. Growing up in a household where most of my family members are Haitian and speak Creole daily, learning the language was essential for communicating with relatives, understanding my culture, and maintaining strong family connections. Being bilingual has been both a challenge and a gift, shaping how I navigate the world and view opportunities for growth. One of the challenges of being bilingual is balancing both languages in different contexts. While English is the language of school and most social settings in my community, Creole is the language of home and family traditions. There were times when I had to switch rapidly between the two, translating in my mind to ensure clear communication. This required focus and mental flexibility, especially when speaking with older relatives who might only be fluent in Creole, or when translating cultural nuances that don’t always have direct English equivalents. However, the benefits of being bilingual far outweigh these challenges. Speaking both English and Creole has strengthened my communication skills, enhanced my cultural awareness, and allowed me to connect with a diverse group of people. It has also given me a sense of identity and pride in my heritage. Being bilingual enables me to serve as a bridge between generations in my family and community, preserving traditions while navigating life in the United States. These skills have been particularly useful in leadership roles at school and in my entrepreneurial ventures, allowing me to engage with a wide range of people with empathy and understanding. Looking forward, my plans post-graduation revolve around higher education, entrepreneurship, and using my skills to make a meaningful impact. I am committed to pursuing a degree in business, marketing, and communications, which will provide me with the knowledge and tools to build successful ventures while serving my community. One of my long-term goals is to open a one-stop-shop luxury beauty parlor, creating a safe and empowering space where women can feel confident, relaxed, and celebrated. Being bilingual will allow me to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds, including Haitian families, and provide inclusive services that respect and honor cultural diversity. Additionally, I hope to use my bilingual skills to advocate for accessibility and inclusivity in business and media. Understanding multiple languages and cultures gives me a broader perspective on marketing, communication, and audience engagement. It also encourages me to think creatively about problem-solving, collaboration, and leadership. Post-graduation, I plan to combine my bilingualism, business knowledge, and entrepreneurial drive to create opportunities that uplift others while staying true to my heritage. Overall, being bilingual has profoundly shaped who I am. It has taught me resilience, adaptability, and cultural pride, and it has opened doors to meaningful connections with family, peers, and community members. As I move into college and pursue my career, I will continue to use both English and Haitian Creole as tools for communication, leadership, and empowerment, ensuring that my heritage informs my work while my ambitions drive me to create positive impact.

In today’s digital age, online platforms, tools, and resources have become essential for learning and expanding knowledge. As a student with strong interests in business, mass communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, and entrepreneurship, I have used a variety of online resources to supplement my formal education and enhance my practical skills. These platforms have not only deepened my understanding of my subjects but also taught me how to apply knowledge in real-world contexts. For business and entrepreneurship, I regularly use platforms like Khan Academy, Coursera, and YouTube to explore topics such as marketing strategies, financial literacy, and management principles. These platforms provide structured lessons and practical examples that help me understand complex concepts, from supply chain management to consumer behavior. For example, through a Coursera course on entrepreneurship, I learned how to create a business plan and develop effective marketing campaigns, which directly informed the launch of my floral arrangement business. Applying these concepts in real life taught me the importance of research, strategy, and customer engagement. In the areas of mass communications, marketing, public relations, and journalism, I rely on platforms such as HubSpot Academy, Canva, LinkedIn Learning, and online news outlets. HubSpot Academy has been particularly valuable in teaching me about digital marketing, social media analytics, and content strategy. These tools allowed me to create promotional content for my business, develop social media campaigns, and analyze engagement metrics to improve audience reach. Canva, on the other hand, has been instrumental in helping me design professional graphics and marketing materials, translating theoretical knowledge into visually compelling applications. I also use Google Scholar, online libraries, and news platforms to stay informed about industry trends, current events, and case studies. Researching real-world examples has taught me how businesses and media organizations respond to challenges, develop campaigns, and communicate effectively with their audiences. For instance, analyzing case studies in public relations allowed me to see how messaging and branding impact public perception, which informed my approach to promoting my business and understanding consumer behavior. Another vital resource I use is educational podcasts, webinars, and virtual workshops. These platforms provide insights from industry professionals and experts, giving me perspectives that go beyond textbooks. Listening to entrepreneurs and marketers share their experiences has helped me understand the nuances of business decision-making, ethical considerations, and the importance of adaptability. This exposure has encouraged me to think critically, ask better questions, and apply creative problem-solving in my own projects. These online tools and resources have taught me not only to acquire knowledge but also to apply it effectively. By combining structured lessons with practical projects, I have developed critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills. I have learned how to translate theory into actionable strategies, whether it’s designing a marketing campaign, launching a small business, or communicating ideas effectively through digital media. Ultimately, the online platforms, tools, and resources I use have allowed me to take ownership of my learning and cultivate skills that are immediately applicable in professional and entrepreneurial contexts. They have reinforced my passion for business, communications, and media, while equipping me with the practical knowledge, confidence, and adaptability necessary to succeed. These resources have shown me that learning is continuous, hands-on, and most effective when combined with real-world experience, and they have empowered me to pursue my goals with intentionality, creativity, and purpose.

Mental health is deeply personal to me because I have faced trauma, moments of hopelessness, and periods of self-harm. There were times when I genuinely wanted to give up, feeling isolated and unsure if anyone could understand or help me. These experiences were overwhelming, and I struggled to find safe, accessible resources. The turning point came when I connected with a therapist. Having a space to process my emotions, heal from trauma, and learn coping strategies changed my life. It showed me that help is not a weakness—it is a lifeline. Therapy gave me hope and tools to navigate challenges, and it made me realize how critical it is for mental health care to be accessible to everyone. Because of my journey, I am passionate about creating solutions that remove barriers to mental health support. I envision community-based wellness hubs offering free or low-cost counseling, support groups, and workshops to provide guidance in a safe, judgment-free environment. I also want to use media and digital platforms to educate and normalize conversations about mental health, helping people access resources even if traditional care feels out of reach. My personal experiences, empathy, and leadership roles have shown me the importance of support and understanding. I want to make mental health care proactive, inclusive, and empowering, ensuring that anyone struggling has the opportunity to heal, grow, and live with hope.

My faith in God has been the foundation of my life, guiding me through challenges, shaping my decisions, and giving me purpose in everything I do. From a young age, I have relied on prayer, trust, and reflection to navigate both successes and setbacks. My faith has taught me patience, perseverance, and resilience, reminding me that obstacles are not failures but opportunities to grow, learn, and strengthen my character. Faith has guided me through some of my most formative experiences. In high school, I pursued cosmetology, attending cosmetology school during my junior year. I loved learning professional techniques and developing my skills, but due to mental health challenges, I was unable to complete my senior year. This setback was difficult, yet my faith reminded me that God’s timing is perfect and that I could continue pursuing my dreams. It helped me focus on self-care, growth, and using my skills to positively impact others, rather than allowing a temporary challenge to define me. Faith has also influenced the way I approach leadership and service. At Cheltenham High School, I have been a cheerleader for three years and had the honor of serving as Cheer Captain during my junior year. In this role, I focused on mentoring younger teammates, creating a supportive environment, and fostering confidence in every member. I also serve as a member of the Black Student Union (BSU) and have been a Blue & Gold dancer since freshman year, participating in school traditions that unite the community. In each of these roles, faith has guided me to lead with kindness, integrity, and empathy, ensuring that my influence uplifts others rather than simply being about recognition or achievement. Entrepreneurship has also been a key part of my journey, reflecting both my creativity and my commitment to serving others. I launched my floral arrangement business in January 2024, creating custom bouquets that bring joy and beauty to clients’ lives. Through this experience, I learned how to manage a business, communicate with clients, and provide meaningful service. Faith reminded me to stay diligent, patient, and ethical, teaching me that success is not only measured by profit but by the positive impact I make on others. These lessons directly connect to my long-term goal: opening a one-stop-shop luxury beauty parlor, a safe and welcoming space where women can feel confident, relaxed, and celebrated. My faith will continue to guide me in my career by providing a strong moral compass, inspiring ethical decision-making, and giving me the resilience to overcome challenges. In business, I plan to integrate values of responsibility and integrity, using sustainable practices and fostering a culture of care and respect. In cosmetology, marketing, or entrepreneurship, faith will remind me to prioritize the well-being of clients, employees, and my community, while pursuing excellence and growth. Ultimately, faith has shaped the person I am and the professional I aspire to become. It has given me the courage to persevere through setbacks, the compassion to support and uplift others, and the vision to pursue meaningful work that positively impacts the community. As I move forward in my career, I am confident that my faith will continue to guide me—helping me lead with purpose, create spaces that empower others, and build businesses and experiences that reflect integrity, excellence, and service.

Sustainability should be a priority in the fields of business, mass communications, marketing, public relations, and journalism because these industries have a unique power to shape public behavior, influence consumer trends, and promote social responsibility. Every decision a business makes—from product development to marketing campaigns—affects not only the economy but also the environment. Similarly, media and communications influence what people value, how they spend, and how they perceive social issues. Professionals in these fields have a responsibility to integrate sustainability into their work, not only to reduce environmental impact but also to set an example for others to follow. Throughout my experiences in school and entrepreneurship, I have seen firsthand the importance of creating awareness and making thoughtful decisions. For example, as the founder of my floral arrangement business, I learned how resource choices—from sourcing flowers to packaging—can affect both cost and sustainability. I intentionally aim to reduce waste and create high-quality, lasting products that minimize environmental harm. This experience has taught me that thoughtful planning and creativity can make a business both profitable and responsible. In the same way, professionals in marketing, public relations, and journalism can use their platforms to promote sustainable practices, highlight eco-friendly products, and influence companies to act ethically. In marketing and public relations, I envision myself creating campaigns that not only sell products or ideas but also raise awareness about the environmental and social implications of consumer choices. I want to develop messaging that encourages sustainability while maintaining creativity, engagement, and innovation. For instance, I could create campaigns for companies that highlight ethical sourcing, green manufacturing practices, or waste reduction initiatives, showing that responsible businesses can thrive while contributing positively to the planet. In journalism and mass communications, I see myself reporting on stories that bring attention to environmental challenges, sustainability innovations, and companies making responsible choices. By highlighting these issues, I can educate audiences, inspire action, and shift public perception toward valuing environmentally conscious decisions. I believe storytelling is a powerful tool, and when used strategically, it can transform awareness into tangible action. In business, I plan to lead by example by implementing sustainable practices in any company or venture I manage. This could include minimizing waste, using energy-efficient technology, sourcing ethically, and ensuring transparency in business operations. By embedding sustainability into the foundation of a company, I can demonstrate that profitability and environmental responsibility are not mutually exclusive—they can strengthen each other. Sustainability also aligns with my personal goals as a future entrepreneur. I aim to open a one-stop-shop luxury beauty parlor, and I am committed to integrating eco-conscious practices, such as biodegradable packaging, water-saving techniques, and ethically sourced products. Beyond my own business, I want to inspire clients and peers to embrace sustainability in their own lives, demonstrating that small choices in everyday practices can collectively make a significant difference. Ultimately, sustainability is not just an environmental concern—it is a responsibility for anyone entering fields that influence society. In business, mass communications, marketing, public relations, and journalism, I intend to use my skills, creativity, and leadership to reduce environmental impact, raise awareness, and promote ethical decision-making. By prioritizing sustainability, I hope to help create a future where success is measured not only by financial growth but by the positive, lasting impact we leave on our planet and our communities.

The movie that has had the greatest impact on my life is “The Hate U Give.” From the moment I watched it, I was deeply moved by its powerful message about justice, identity, and the importance of using your voice to create change. The story explores the struggles faced by Black communities, the effects of systemic inequality, and the personal courage it takes to stand up for what is right. Watching it made me reflect on my own life, my responsibilities to my community, and how I can make a positive impact in both small and significant ways. The character of Starr Carter inspired me the most. She demonstrates incredible courage and resilience in the face of injustice, and she uses her voice even when it feels risky or uncomfortable. Seeing her stand up for what is right, despite fear and opposition, reminded me that silence is not always the safest or most honorable choice. It encouraged me to be more aware of the challenges facing my own community and motivated me to find ways to speak out, support others, and lead with integrity. This film has also shaped the way I approach empathy and understanding. It reminded me to listen actively to the experiences of others and to recognize perspectives that differ from my own. Since watching it, I’ve made a conscious effort to be someone who uplifts and encourages others, whether in school, in my extracurricular activities, or in my personal life. I try to create spaces where people feel heard, seen, and valued—similar to how Starr worked to create understanding and unity in her own community. My experiences at Cheltenham High School have allowed me to put these lessons into practice. As a member of the Black Student Union (BSU), I’ve helped organize events, promoted cultural awareness, and supported student voices—efforts that align with the movie’s emphasis on advocacy and community empowerment. In cheerleading, I’ve served as a leader and mentor, especially during my time as Cheer Captain in my junior year. I made it a priority to create a team culture rooted in encouragement, support, and inclusivity, ensuring that every teammate felt confident and valued. These experiences taught me that leadership isn’t just about holding a title—it’s about actively supporting others and standing up for what is right. Beyond school, the movie reinforced my passion for creating spaces that empower and uplift others. My long-term goal is to open a one-stop-shop luxury beauty parlor, where women can feel safe, confident, and celebrated. Just as Starr’s courage inspired me to speak up for justice, I want to use my skills and resources to inspire confidence, self-expression, and empowerment in the women I serve. Overall, The Hate U Give impacted me because it challenged me to think critically, act courageously, and use my voice and abilities to make a difference. It taught me that leadership, empathy, and action are all necessary to create positive change, both in the community and in the lives of those around me. This film has not only shaped my perspective but has also strengthened my commitment to making an impact through both my school and future endeavors.

I have chosen to pursue cosmetology because beauty has always been a central part of who I am and how I connect with others. From a young age, I was drawn to creativity, self-expression, and helping people feel confident. When I was in middle school, I began experimenting with beauty by selling homemade lip glosses and making small products for friends and classmates. I also created VideoStar edits for others for a price, which taught me early on how to turn my skills into opportunities. These experiences sparked my interest in entrepreneurship and in using creativity to serve and uplift others. In high school, my passion for beauty grew even stronger. I started doing hair in my freshman year, helping friends and classmates feel confident and cared for. Hair, I realized, was not just about style—it was a form of empowerment. Each time I completed a hairstyle or gave someone a new look, I witnessed firsthand how beauty could transform their mood, self-esteem, and confidence. These moments inspired me to pursue cosmetology as a formal career. During my junior year, I had the opportunity to attend cosmetology school, where I began developing professional skills in hair, makeup, and skincare. I loved learning advanced techniques, understanding client care, and refining my craft. Cosmetology school gave me structure, hands-on experience, and the knowledge I needed to elevate my passion into a career. Unfortunately, due to challenges with my mental health, I was unable to complete my senior year of cosmetology school. While this was difficult, it taught me invaluable lessons in resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of balancing personal well-being with professional growth. Facing this setback strengthened my determination to pursue my goals despite obstacles. Even though I had to pause my formal cosmetology education, my passion for beauty has never diminished. I continued building skills through personal practice, hairstyling for friends and family, and applying lessons I learned during my time in school. I also expanded my entrepreneurial experience by launching a floral arrangement business in January 2024, where I create custom luxury bouquets for events and special occasions. Both beauty and entrepreneurship have given me the opportunity to make people feel valued, supported, and confident—experiences that have shaped my vision for the future. My long-term goal is to open a one-stop-shop luxury beauty parlor, a space where women can feel beautiful, relaxed, and cared for. I envision a salon that offers hair, nails, makeup, skincare, and wellness services all in one place, creating a sanctuary where clients leave feeling renewed and empowered. More than just providing services, I want my beauty parlor to be a space that promotes confidence, self-expression, and emotional well-being. Cosmetology is more than a career to me; it is a way to combine creativity, skill, and service while making a meaningful impact on others’ lives. It allows me to connect with people, build relationships, and help them feel their best. My journey—beginning with small creative ventures in middle school, continuing through hairstyling and entrepreneurship, and including my experience in cosmetology school—has taught me that passion, persistence, and care for others are essential for success. Ultimately, pursuing cosmetology is about more than mastering a craft; it is about using my talents to empower others, uplift communities, and create spaces where people feel confident and supported. I am committed to continuing my education, developing my skills, and building a future that reflects both my passion for beauty and my dedication to making a positive impact.

Throughout my life, I’ve always been someone who steps in to help others, whether it’s through leadership, encouragement, or lending my skills when people need support. Helping others comes naturally to me because I genuinely care about the people around me and the energy I bring into their lives. Whether at school, in my community, or in my personal relationships, I try to make a positive impact wherever I can. One of the biggest ways I’ve demonstrated helpfulness is through the roles I take on in school. As a cheerleader for three years—and captain during my junior year—I made it my priority to uplift my teammates, especially the underclassmen who were new and adjusting. I helped teach routines, offered encouragement during tough practices, and created a welcoming environment where everyone felt valued and included. Leadership to me wasn’t just about directing the team; it was about supporting each person emotionally and giving them the confidence to perform their best. Being a member of the Black Student Union has also allowed me to help others by advocating for unity, cultural awareness, and student voice. I’ve supported my peers by helping plan events, participating in discussions, and being someone they could talk to. These roles have strengthened my ability to guide, support, and positively influence those around me. Outside of school, I demonstrate helpfulness through my entrepreneurial spirit. Whether doing hair, creating floral arrangements, or offering beauty services, I focus on making people feel cared for, confident, and understood. I’ve had countless moments where someone sits in my chair feeling stressed or insecure, and by the time they leave, they’re smiling, relaxed, and feeling like themselves again. Helping people feel beautiful and uplifted is one of the biggest parts of who I am. An example of when persistence and perseverance led to success is when I launched my floral arrangement business in January 2024. When I first started, I faced challenges with pricing, marketing, and learning the technical skills needed to create high-end bouquets. There were moments when orders were slow or when arrangements didn’t come out the way I envisioned. But instead of giving up, I kept practicing, researching, improving my designs, and promoting my work. I invested time, energy, and patience into learning how to make my brand stand out. Because I stayed dedicated, my business began to grow. More people started ordering, sharing my work, and trusting me with special occasions. That success didn’t happen overnight—it happened because I stayed consistent, believed in myself, and pushed through every obstacle. The experience taught me that perseverance is one of the most powerful qualities an entrepreneur can have. Overall, being helpful and being persistent are two traits that define me. I genuinely enjoy supporting others, whether emotionally, academically, or creatively, and I’ve learned that success often comes from staying committed even when things get difficult. These qualities continue to shape who I am and who I’m becoming.

My name is Nishna Benoit, and I am a student who has always been passionate about business, beauty, and creating opportunities that uplift the people around me. Since I was young, I’ve been driven by creativity, leadership, and the desire to build something meaningful. That passion has shaped everything I’ve done—from selling lip glosses in middle school, to doing hair my freshman year, to launching my own floral arrangement business in January 2024. These experiences taught me how to work hard, think independently, and turn ideas into something real. Pursuing higher education is important to me because I want to take everything I’ve learned through hands-on experience and elevate it with the knowledge, tools, and credibility that a business degree offers. I know that education is the foundation for long-term success, especially for someone like me who wants to run multiple businesses, lead others, and create spaces that empower people. College will help me learn advanced business skills—marketing, management, finance, entrepreneurship—and give me the professional foundation I need to build a stable and impactful future. One of my biggest goals is to open a one-stop-shop luxury beauty parlor, a place where women can feel beautiful, relaxed, supported, and confident. I want to create a safe space that offers everything in one place—hair, makeup, nails, skin care, self-care services, and wellness experiences. To me, beauty is more than appearance; it is emotional, mental, and spiritual. I want my salon to be a sanctuary where women feel valued and taken care of. My degree will give me the business structure, financial knowledge, and strategic planning skills to turn this dream into a reality. Beyond owning a beauty parlor, I also want to continue growing the entrepreneurial spirit I’ve had since childhood. I hope to expand my floral business, develop additional beauty-related ventures, and build a brand that celebrates creativity and empowerment. My long-term goal is to create opportunities for others—especially young women who want to learn, grow, and pursue entrepreneurship. I want to offer internships, mentorship, and job opportunities that help future generations unlock their potential. Another major reason I’m committed to higher education is because of the example I want to set. I want to show younger girls—especially those who look like me—that they can turn their passion into their purpose. I want them to see that with hard work and education, they can build their own businesses, lead teams, and make an impact in their communities. Higher education will also allow me to grow as a leader. Through college experiences, networking, and professional development, I hope to strengthen the skills that will help me uplift others—communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and confidence. My goal is not only to succeed for myself but to use my success to help other people succeed too. Ultimately, pursuing a degree is about building a future where I can combine beauty, business, and empowerment. It represents my commitment to growth, stability, and purpose. I am dedicated to creating businesses that make women feel powerful, confident, and supported—and earning my degree is the next step in bringing that vision to life.

My name is Nishna Benoit, and throughout my time at Cheltenham High School, I have dedicated myself to leadership, school spirit, and uplifting the students around me. I’ve always believed that being involved is one of the most meaningful ways to make a positive impact, and I’ve worked hard to bring that energy, confidence, and encouragement into everything I do. My high school experience has been defined not only by the activities I joined, but by the way I used those roles to support and inspire others. One of my most impactful involvements has been my membership in the Black Student Union (BSU). Being a part of BSU has allowed me to help promote cultural pride, student voice, and unity within Cheltenham. I’ve participated in discussions, events, and initiatives that uplift Black students and highlight our perspectives, traditions, and experiences. Through BSU, I’ve been able to support my peers, celebrate Black excellence, and contribute to creating a stronger, more inclusive school community. This experience has helped me learn the importance of representation and standing up for what matters. Another major part of my journey has been cheerleading. I have been involved in Cheltenham Cheer for three years, and it has truly shaped my character and leadership style. Cheer is more than performing—it is teamwork, discipline, and being a source of spirit and motivation for the entire school. Junior year, I had the honor of serving as Cheer Captain for the 2024–25 school year, a role that allowed me to lead by example and support my teammates in meaningful ways. As captain, I made it a priority to create a positive team culture where everyone felt seen, appreciated, and confident. I encouraged younger cheerleaders, helped guide practices, and worked to make sure that every girl had the opportunity to grow in her skills and self-confidence. Leadership in cheer taught me how much kindness, patience, and encouragement can influence someone’s experience and help them believe in themselves. In addition to cheer, I have also been a Blue & Gold dancer since freshman year for the annual Blue vs. Gold Night, one of Cheltenham’s most spirited and memorable traditions. Each year, this event brings students, families, and the entire community together. Through dance, I’ve been able to contribute to the atmosphere of excitement and unity that defines the night. Performing in Blue vs. Gold has strengthened my appreciation for teamwork, creativity, and bringing joy to others through school spirit. Across all of these activities, my biggest goal has always been to uplift others. Whether I’m cheering from the sidelines, supporting friends through BSU, helping underclassmen feel welcome on the team, or performing at school events, I make sure to bring positivity and leadership into every space I’m part of. I want people to feel encouraged, included, and motivated to be themselves and get involved. I take pride in being someone others can look to for support, energy, or reassurance. Being involved at Cheltenham has helped me grow into a stronger, more confident, and more community-minded person. The roles I’ve taken on have allowed me to make a real impact—by inspiring school spirit, fostering unity, building supportive team environments, and helping create spaces where students can express themselves. I am proud of the legacy I’ve contributed to at Cheltenham High School and the positive influence I’ve had on the people around me.

Pursuing a business degree is more than an academic path for me—it’s the continuation of a journey that started when I was a little girl. My name is Nishna Benoit, and I’ve been passionate about business and beauty since I was 11 years old. Even at that young age, I was drawn to creating, selling, and building things on my own. In middle school, I sold homemade lip glosses to students and teachers. I took something simple, turned it into a product, and realized how much I loved the process of creating something people wanted. I also made VideoStar edits for classmates for a price, which taught me early on how to monetize my skills, manage small “orders,” and deliver work that people were excited about. That spark only grew stronger as I got older. By my freshman year of high school in 2022, I started doing hair. What began as practicing on myself and friends quickly turned into a real service. I saw how much confidence people gained just by getting their hair done, and how beauty could be a form of empowerment. It made me realize that entrepreneurship wasn’t just something I liked doing—it was something I was naturally meant for. In January 2024, I launched my floral arrangement business, creating custom luxury flower bouquets. That business taught me even more about branding, pricing, presentation, customer service, and delivering quality. Whether it was flowers, hair, or cosmetics, everything I touched connected beauty with business. During my junior year of high school, I took a major step and enrolled in cosmetology school, allowing me to deepen my skills and understand the industry from a professional level. All of these experiences shaped who I am today and confirmed that business isn’t just my passion—it’s part of my identity. This lifelong journey is why earning a business degree is so important to me. My goal is to take everything I’ve learned through experience and elevate it with real knowledge—knowledge that will help me grow sustainable, meaningful businesses that make an impact. One of my biggest dreams is to open a one-stop-shop luxury beauty parlor, a safe and welcoming space where women can feel beautiful, relaxed, and appreciated. I want to offer everything in one place: hair, nails, makeup, skincare, wellness treatments, and a comforting environment designed to make women feel valued and cared for. To me, beauty is about more than appearance—it’s about confidence, healing, and emotional empowerment. My beauty parlor will be a sanctuary where every woman leaves feeling renewed. But my impact won’t stop at the beauty industry. With my business degree, I also want to uplift women and young entrepreneurs by teaching financial literacy, offering mentorship, and creating job opportunities. I want to show people—especially those who come from communities that don’t always receive support—that success is possible with the right guidance and tools. Leadership is another major aspect of the impact I hope to create. My goal is to build businesses where people feel respected, supported, and inspired. I want to set a standard for what positive leadership looks like—rooted in empathy, purpose, and uplifting others. Ultimately, business is my passion because it allows me to turn creativity into opportunity, dreams into reality, and ideas into impact. My business degree will give me the foundation and confidence to continue growing, innovating, and creating spaces that empower others. From selling lip gloss at 11 to building a luxury beauty brand, I’ve always been driven by purpose—and I’m ready to use my education to make a real and lasting difference.