In October of 2022, I sustained a sports-related injury that resulted in life-threatening complications. Due to these complications, I had to postpone surgery until my treatment was complete. For much of the Fall semester, I was unable to remain involved in campus activities, and this injury created numerous barriers to completing my daily tasks. I had to find new ways to manage daily hygiene, attend classes, and navigate campus. With the help of my faculty and family, we created a plan that allowed me to complete my coursework online. Despite these challenges, I finished the semester strong, maintaining a 3.7 GPA. As a student-athlete on the WSSU women’s volleyball team, not being able to play the sport I love was particularly difficult. I had to find new ways to stay active and stay connected to campus life. Despite these limitations, the following semester, I was appointed to the executive boards of the Caribbean Student Association, the Sport Management Club, and the UNC Association of Student Governments. These leadership opportunities not only helped me stay involved but also strengthened my leadership skills. It became clear to my peers that I was resilient, and this experience fundamentally shifted my outlook on life. Although this injury was life-changing, I didn’t allow it to derail my educational and professional goals. I leaned into my strengths and relied on my support system to keep moving forward. My resiliency prevented this setback from interfering with my college education, and overcoming it has been one of my greatest accomplishments. Not many can say they’ve experienced something like this during their sophomore year and emerged stronger. Throughout this journey, my support system was invaluable. My family, friends, and professors continually reminded me of my end goals — particularly the importance of graduating. Their encouragement, love, and belief in my strength kept me focused and motivated, even when I felt exhausted and uncertain. They helped me look beyond the immediate challenges and kept me focused on the bigger picture. This was just one chapter of my story, not the whole story. This experience taught me resilience and the power of perseverance. It also forced me to slow down and appreciate the importance of mental fortitude. I learned that healing — both physically and emotionally — takes time, and that setbacks are a part of the journey. Although the process wasn’t easy, the strength gained from overcoming adversity has been invaluable. To anyone facing similar challenges, my advice is simple: focus on what you can control, take it one day at a time, and trust the process. Surround yourself with a strong support system, keep educating yourself, and never lose sight of your goals.

In my everyday routine, I strive to embody the five traits of resilience, empathy, adaptability, leadership, and commitment. As a child of a U.S. Army veteran and a first-generation college student, these traits are deeply ingrained in my approach to both personal and professional challenges. Resilience has been a guiding principle in my life. Growing up with the influence of a U.S. Army veteran, I learned early on the importance of perseverance and overcoming obstacles. My experience with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) during high school was a significant test of my resilience. Despite this serious health challenge, I remained focused on my goals by adapting my approach and continuing to seek opportunities, such as internships with the NFL, NBA, and NHL, even while managing my recovery. Empathy plays a crucial role in my interactions and community service. My involvement in local church initiatives, such as organizing winter clothing and canned food drives, has been driven by a deep understanding of others’ needs. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the power of compassion and the importance of addressing the immediate and long-term needs of those around me. Adaptability is essential in navigating the diverse challenges I face as a first-generation college student. Balancing academic responsibilities with extracurricular commitments requires flexibility and the ability to adjust strategies when necessary. This adaptability also extends to my career aspirations, where I am continuously learning and evolving to stay aligned with my goals of working in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within the sports industry. Leadership to me means inspiring and guiding others toward a common goal while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. It involves not only taking initiative but also empowering others to contribute their strengths. As a student leader on campus, I hold various leadership positions. I serve on the executive board for two organizations on campus, I am the Thurgood Marshall College Funs Yard Ambassador & Influencer, and on the UNC Association of Student Governments. These leadership roles allow me to make an impact on those at my university and in the communities surrounding it. Commitment is reflected in my unwavering dedication to my educational and career goals. Pursuing a degree is a crucial step toward my aspiration of working in CSR, where I aim to leverage my background and experiences to drive meaningful social impact through sports. My commitment to this field is rooted in my desire to address social issues, promote diversity, and create opportunities for underrepresented communities. These five traits are integral to my everyday routine and future goals. They guide my approach to overcoming challenges, serving others, and pursuing a career that aligns with my values. My experiences as a child of a U.S. Army veteran and a first-generation college student have instilled in me the importance of resilience, empathy, adaptability, leadership, and commitment in all aspects of my life.

When confronted with adversity, whether physical or mental, I have learned to approach challenges with resilience and a focus on my long-term career aspirations. One of the most significant hurdles I faced occurred during my sophomore year of high school, when I sustained a serious injury that led to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and a Pulmonary Embolism (PE). The severity of my condition required hospitalization and a lengthy recovery period, disrupting my athletic career and posing a significant mental and emotional challenge. During this time, I realized that overcoming adversity requires a multifaceted approach. Physically, I followed a rigorous treatment and rehabilitation plan, working closely with my medical team to regain my strength and mobility. I understood that recovery was not just about physical healing but also about addressing the psychological impact of such a life-altering experience. I sought support from mental health professionals, family, and friends, which was crucial in managing the stress and uncertainty that accompanied my condition. Despite these challenges, I remained committed to my career goals. I chose to focus on what I could control and continued to pursue my passion for sports and community impact. Even while I was recovering, I secured internships with major sports organizations such as the NFL, NBA, and NHL. These opportunities were instrumental in keeping me engaged with the sports industry and provided valuable experience in areas such as management, communication, and community outreach. My determination to maintain my career trajectory during this period taught me several important lessons. Firstly, I learned the value of adaptability. When my physical abilities were compromised, I shifted my focus to roles that allowed me to contribute to the sports world in different ways. This adaptability was essential in continuing to build my resume and gain relevant experience despite my limitations. Secondly, I developed a deeper understanding of the intersection between physical health, mental well-being, and career success. The adversity I faced highlighted the importance of holistic self-care and the need to balance professional aspirations with personal health. This experience has motivated me to advocate for mental health support, particularly within the sports community, where pressures can be intense and the need for mental health resources is significant. In summary, facing significant health challenges has reinforced my commitment to my career goals and deepened my resolve to make a positive impact in the sports industry. By embracing resilience, adaptability, and a focus on holistic well-being, I have navigated adversity and continued to pursue my aspirations with renewed determination and a greater appreciation for the complexities of health and career development.

As a Black female first-generation college student raised by a single mother who made the brave decision to leave her husband at the first instance of domestic violence, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of domestic violence on our lives. My mother's courage in prioritizing our safety and well-being has instilled in me a deep sense of resilience and determination. The trauma of domestic violence not only affected our immediate family dynamics but also influenced my perspective on relationships, self-worth, and the importance of mental health. Watching my mother struggle to rebuild her life and provide for us made me acutely aware of the gaps in support systems for African American women in similar situations. I have seen how a lack of resources, understanding, and proper communication can hinder recovery and perpetuate cycles of violence and poverty. My commitment to higher education is driven by a desire to address these issues head-on. I am pursuing a degree in sport management with a concentration in communications. Although my major does not directly address domestic violence, it can help to prevent it. In the contemporary landscape, sports have transcended their traditional boundaries, becoming powerful tools for social change and community development. One of the most compelling arenas in which sports can make a profound impact is in the prevention of domestic violence. The relationship between sports and the mitigation of domestic violence can be explored through various dimensions including education, empowerment, and the promotion of positive values. Firstly, sports serve as an educational platform that raises awareness about domestic violence. Many sports organizations and athletes leverage their visibility to advocate against domestic violence, creating campaigns that educate the public on the signs of abuse and the importance of healthy relationships. For example, initiatives like the NFL’s "No More" campaign and the NBA’s "It’s On Us" have successfully brought domestic violence into the public discourse, encouraging fans and communities to take a stand. These campaigns spread awareness and provide resources for those affected, fostering a more informed and proactive society. Moreover, participation in sports empowers individuals, particularly women and youth, fostering self-esteem and resilience. Individuals engaging in sports develop critical life skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership. These skills are vital in cultivating a sense of autonomy and confidence, which can be pivotal for those who might be vulnerable to domestic violence. Sports programs aimed at young people, like Girls on the Run or the Positive Coaching Alliance, provide safe spaces where participants can grow emotionally and mentally, learning to stand up for themselves and others. Pursuing a higher education degree in sports offers a unique and powerful platform to effect meaningful change in the lives of African American women impacted by domestic violence. By leveraging the skills and opportunities provided through a sports-focused education, I can contribute to enhancing care, coordination, and communication, ultimately improving outcomes for this vulnerable population. In conclusion, my experiences and education have fueled my commitment to using sports as a vehicle for social change. I am determined to use my degree to create awareness, empower individuals, and promote positive values that can prevent domestic violence and support African American women in their recovery. Through this work, I hope to honor my mother's bravery and contribute to a future where all women can live free from violence and fear.

“When you learn, teach, when you get, give.” -Maya Angelou As a first-generation college student at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), the importance of community and legacy profoundly impacts me. My path to higher education has been built on the sacrifices and dreams of those who came before me. To give back, I aim to establish a scholarship fund supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds. Growing up, I saw many talented students unable to pursue higher education due to financial constraints. By creating this scholarship fund, I want to ease that burden for future students, especially those who, like me, are first-generation college attendees. Education is a powerful tool for social mobility and empowerment. This fund will help ensure that all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, can access quality education. It will cover tuition and other essential expenses such as books and living costs, crucial for student success. A key aspect of the scholarship fund will be a mentorship program. Recipients will be paired with mentors in their fields of interest, providing guidance, support, and networking opportunities. Mentorship profoundly impacts a student's academic and professional journey, fostering a sense of community and support. This program will cultivate graduates who are not only successful in their careers but also committed to giving back. Attending an HBCU has instilled in me pride in my cultural heritage and my ancestors' legacy. The scholarship fund will honor this heritage by supporting students dedicated to community service and cultural enrichment. Investing in these students means investing in future leaders who will uplift our community. Additionally, I manage an Instagram page that shares resources for HBCU students, including scholarship postings, tips, and opportunities. This online presence complements the scholarship fund, creating a comprehensive support system for students. The long-term vision for the scholarship fund is to create a self-sustaining model through partnerships with local businesses, alumni, and philanthropic organizations. By building a robust network of supporters, we can ensure the fund's longevity and expand its reach. This initiative is vital to me because it embodies the values of resilience, determination, and community that have guided my journey. Establishing this scholarship fund is a meaningful way to give back, honor my ancestors, and create lasting, positive change in my community. I believe we have a duty to pay it forward, and I have a duty to fulfill. Thank you so much for your consideration for this scholarship.

I am elated to be applying for The Jennifer Hartwig Scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year. I am a rising senior Sport Management student with a 3.52 GPA, honored to share my vision for impacting the world. Currently serving as the President-elect of the Sport Management Major's Club, I am deeply committed to leveraging my leadership role to foster growth and innovation within the field. My journey in sport management has been enriched by diverse experiences, including participation in the NFL HBCU Experienceship and various volunteer opportunities within the sports industry, such as the NFL Draft, Carolina Panthers game day, and The Las Vegas Golden Knights. These experiences have not only broadened my perspective but also equipped me with valuable skills and insights that I am eager to apply in my future endeavors. With a GPA of 3.52, I have demonstrated a strong academic record and a dedication to excellence in my studies. This academic achievement reflects my commitment to continuous learning and personal development, qualities that I believe are essential for success in the sport management industry. As the President-elect of the Sport Management Major's Club, I am poised to make a meaningful impact on my peers and the broader sport management community. I am passionate about creating opportunities for students to connect, learn, and grow, and I am excited to lead initiatives that will enhance the educational experience for all members of our program. My participation in the NFL HBCU Experienceship has provided me with invaluable hands-on experience and networking opportunities within the sports industry. Through this program, I gained insight into the inner workings of a professional sports organization and developed skills that will serve me well in my future career. In addition to my experiences with the NFL HBCU Experienceship, I have been actively involved in volunteer opportunities within the sports industry. These experiences have allowed me to give back to my community while gaining practical experience and building relationships with industry professionals. My most recent experience working as a game day intern with the Las Vegas Golden Knights exposed me to a sport that I was not familiar with and introduced me to some of their community initiatives. This experience opened my eyes to a new sport and taught me so much about the organization as well as the Las Vegas community. My future career aspirations include working within the community relations and foundation field. I have a passion for the intersectionality of sports and community. I hope to secure a future career working within this field and make an impact on the community by way of sports. I would love to create more opportunities for students living in the inner city to maintain a healthy lifestyle through affordable programs and increase their access to educational resources. The Jennifer Hartwig Scholarship will play a vital role in supporting my academic and professional goals, allowing me to further my education and pursue opportunities for growth and advancement within the industry. I am committed to making a meaningful impact in the sports industry. Through my leadership, academic achievements, and hands-on experiences, I am confident that I can contribute to the advancement of the field and inspire positive change within the communities it serves. If awarded this scholarship, it will assist in alleviating some of the financial burden associated with attending college out of state. Thank you so much for your consideration of my application.

As I pursue a career in sports, my vision extends beyond personal success on the field. I aim to leverage my platform to drive significant impact through corporate social responsibility. I am passionate about using sports as a catalyst for positive change, addressing social issues, and fostering community development. My goal is to work with sports organizations to implement CSR initiatives that promote education, and social justice. I hope to create programs that provide youth with access to quality education, promote healthy lifestyles, and advocate for equality and inclusion. Being Black is a profound part of my identity. It signifies resilience, strength, and a rich history. It is a reminder of the triumphs of those who came before me, and it fuels my determination to succeed. Choosing to attend an HBCU was a deliberate decision to honor the legacy of my ancestors and immerse myself in an environment that celebrates Black excellence, culture, and education. HBCUs have historically been beacons of opportunity and empowerment for Black students, and being a part of this tradition is both a privilege and a responsibility. I am surrounded by a supportive community that understands and nurtures my unique experiences as a Black individual. I am committed to doing what those before me could not, breaking barriers, and creating a brighter future for the next generation. This scholarship will enable me to further these aspirations, ensuring I can make meaningful contributions to the sports industry, the HBCU community, and my family.

I am a junior Sport Management student at Winston-Salem State University, concentrating on sport communication. I am a 3x Dean's list recipient and Spring 2023 initiate of the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. During my undergraduate years, I will work towards earning a spot in the National Football League's (NFL) Internship Program. This would allow me to gain experience in my chosen career field, and work alongside experienced sports professionals. Upon completing my bachelor's degree, I plan to obtain my master's degree in communications. I was a Fall 2022 Black Sports Business Academy (BSBA) initiate. I met virtually with other aspiring HBCU sports professionals and executives. As a student in BSBA, I had the opportunity to job shadow the NFL Carolina Panthers community relations team on game day. Here I got hands-on experience in community relations and gained insight from experienced sports professionals. I would love to work in the sports industry as I have a passion for sports and will enjoy a career in this field. My ultimate career goal is to combine my experiences over the next five years to become a sports agency entrepreneur. I would love to work in one of the NFL's front office teams and start a precedent of black women working in executive roles within the sports industry. My educational goals consist of being a first-generation magna cum laude college graduate. If chosen as a recipient, this scholarship program will assist me in achieving my goal of graduating college debt-free and obtaining financial freedom. This Scholarship will allow me to continue my dream of obtaining higher education, in a field (sports management) that I am very passionate about. Any amount I might receive will decrease the financial burden that the costs associated with attending college will have on my family. The scholarship would also leverage me toward my ultimate life goal of graduating college debt-free. The majority of my family members have been unable to complete their undergraduate degrees, due to lack of funds. With the help of this scholarship, I will be able to take one step closer to achieving this goal and changing my family’s narrative. During the 2023-2024 academic school year I was the community outreach coordinator for the Caribbean Student Association. I assemble a canned food drive and was able to collect over 100 non-perishable food items. I was able to donate these items to the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission and meet some of the individuals who help run the organization. Being able to talk with them, gave me a new perspective on food insecurity. Food insecurity in the triad area of North Carolina was something I was not well educated on. Today, I can continue to do my part in the areas surrounding my university, and continue to help alleviate the struggles of food insecurity in my school and home communities.

I am a first-generation Jamaican-American woman, (future) college student, and the daughter of a single Black mother. Oftentimes, I have seen how the world has treated my mother. While also being the child of a Jamaican immigrant herself, she raised me on her own with no college degree. I have witnessed how she has pushed through, no matter the obstacle. She puts on a façade to succeed in her male-dominated field, while also attending school part-time, and juggling both her activities and mine. She has shown me what perseverance is. Throughout high school being a part of multiple extracurriculars, and working part-time, has given me insight into a fraction of what many black women like my mom's face. Witnessing the sacrifices my mother has made, they’ve shown me that even when the odds are stacked against you every goal you set for yourself is attainable. These sacrifices push me to accomplish every goal I have set for myself. Although a college education will not define me, my Jamaican heritage does. It represents my hard work throughout the years. It represents the ultimate threat in America; an educated black woman represents the hardships that come with being a black woman in America. With the help of this scholarship, my identity will someday become a precedent for other little black girls in America who may not have it all figured out yet. But still, dream of attending college. This scholarship will help fund my college education, allow me to collaborate with other Black women in higher education. I will also be able to engage in extracurriculars that revolve around the black community such as Black Student Union. Being apart of this organization will allow me to amplify my voice on campus, give back to my community, and potentially create life-long relationships with other black women.

I am a first-generation Jamaican-American woman, (future) college student, and the daughter of a single Black mother. Oftentimes, I have seen how the world has treated my mother. While also being the child of a Jamaican immigrant herself, she raised me on her own with no college degree. I have witnessed how she has pushed through, no matter the obstacle. She puts on a façade to succeed in her male-dominated field, while also attending school part-time, and juggling both her activities and mine. She has shown me what perseverance is. Throughout high school being a part of multiple extracurriculars, and working part-time, has given me insight into a fraction of what many black women like my mom's face. Witnessing the sacrifices my mother has made, they’ve shown me that even when the odds are stacked against you every goal you set for yourself is attainable. These sacrifices push me to accomplish every goal I have set for myself. Although a college education will not define me, my Jamaican heritage does. It represents my hard work throughout the years. It is the ultimate threat in America; an educated black woman represents the hardships that come with being a black woman in America. With the help of this scholarship, my identity will someday become a precedent for other little black girls in America who may not have it all figured out yet. My mom and I practically grew up together, being that she had me at the age of 21. We have both taught each other many things along the way. I have learned to become more independent as an only child, how to cook myself dinner when she works late hours, and best of all how to treat others kindly because you never know what they may be going through. My mom has given me her very last, even when she didn't have it. She made sure I had a normal childhood unlike hers, went to the best schools, and kept me well-rounded throughout elementary, middle, and high school. In college, I plan to major in Business Administration, with a minor in sports management. I will be in the 2-in-4 program, meaning I will obtain both my Bachelors and Masters of Business Administration. In the future, I see myself as a successful businesswoman who can give back to my community at all times, help my mom out financially, and obtain financial freedom. My ultimate career goal is to become an entrepreneur, owning a sports agency, and investing in both commercial and residential real estate. I hope that in the future I can give back everything my mom has ever done for me and more. I would love to buy her dream house, dream car, and cover all of her needs; because she deserves it. To accomplish these goals, I have begun building my financial portfolio and applied to various college scholarship programs. This scholarship will help me towards my goal of a debt-free college education. My mom is also working towards her college degree and has already accumulated student loans of her own. This scholarship will help alleviate some of the financial burdens that come with paying for college tuition. If selected to receive this scholarship, I plan to make my mom proud and show her that all of the sacrifices were worth it.