When I think about what I want to build, I do not picture one specific product or even one specific business. I picture opportunities. I want to build a future where I can use business, creativity, and leadership to create something meaningful for myself while creating opportunities for other people. I began learning what it means to build something when I started my specialty cookie business. What began with baking became much more than selling cookies. I had to develop products, manage costs, market my business, communicate with customers, and learn from their feedback. Selling at farmers markets gave me an even better understanding of what it takes to build relationships and turn an idea into something people want to support. Most importantly, I discovered that I genuinely enjoy watching something grow because of the effort and creativity I put into it. That experience influenced the way I think about my future. As a Business Management student at the University of Connecticut, I have become especially interested in entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship. I want to learn how to take ideas, identify problems, and turn them into solutions that help organizations grow. My goal is not necessarily to build everything on my own. I want to become the kind of business leader who can recognize good ideas in others, help develop them, and create an environment where people feel encouraged to contribute. I am already building toward that future through my leadership experiences at UConn. As Vice President of the Creative Writing Club and Treasurer and Director of Business Strategy & Operations for the Black Women Career & Leadership Association, I am developing communication, financial, organizational, and leadership skills. I am also continuing to work and grow my cookie business while pursuing my degree. Ultimately, I want to build a career that has an impact beyond my own success. I hope to help organizations grow, create employment opportunities, mentor people who are beginning their own journeys, and contribute to communities that have supported me. Building that future will take patience, education, mistakes, and persistence. I am willing to put in the work because I have already learned that the most meaningful things are often the ones you build one step at a time.

Growing up in East Hartford, Connecticut, I learned early that leadership is not defined by a title but by the way you support and uplift the people around you. My experiences as a student, athlete, and leader have shaped my commitment to making a positive impact in my community and beyond. Throughout high school I challenged myself both academically and personally while maintaining High Honors and participating in multiple extracurricular activities. I competed in varsity track and soccer and was honored to serve as team captain for both teams during my senior year. In addition to athletics, I served as Drum Major for my marching band, where I was responsible for helping guide rehearsals, leading performances, and setting an example for younger band members. These roles taught me that leadership requires patience, accountability, and the ability to encourage others even when challenges arise. Outside of school, I also looked for ways to contribute to my community. One of the ways I did this was by working as a youth soccer referee for my town’s recreation league. Officiating games for younger players allowed me to promote fairness, sportsmanship, and confidence among children who were just beginning their athletic journeys. Experiences like this reinforced my belief that even small actions can positively influence others. My interest in leadership and initiative also led me to start a small business selling homemade specialty cookies. What began as a simple idea quickly became an opportunity to learn about responsibility, communication, and entrepreneurship. Running a small business while balancing school and athletics taught me the value of discipline and creativity. It also sparked my interest in pursuing a career in business where I can help create opportunities for others. Today I am continuing my education at the University of Connecticut as a Business Management major. My long-term goal is to build a career that allows me to contribute to economic growth while also supporting communities that may lack access to resources and opportunities. I hope to mentor young entrepreneurs, promote financial literacy, and help create pathways for individuals who may not always see themselves represented in leadership roles. As a Black woman pursuing higher education I recognize the importance of representation and the responsibility that comes with it. I want younger students, especially young women of color, to see that leadership and success are achievable. By using my education, experiences, and voice to uplift others I hope to contribute to a future where more individuals have the support and encouragement they need to pursue their own goals. The path toward creating meaningful change often begins with small acts of leadership and service. Through my education, my career, and my continued involvement in my community I am committed to making a positive impact and helping others realize their potential.

I am a motivated, community focused student who believes that leadership and access go hand in hand. As a Black woman pursuing a degree in Business Management, my goals are shaped not only by personal ambition but also by a desire to expand opportunity for others. My experiences in leadership, athletics and service have shown me how much influence strong management and informed decision making can have on individuals, organizations and entire communities. I chose Business Management because it allows me to combine leadership, strategy and impact. I have always been interested in how organizations function, how teams are led, how decisions are made and how effective management can create positive and sustainable outcomes. Through my work experience and leadership roles I have seen firsthand how thoughtful leadership improves morale, efficiency and long term success. Business Management provides the foundation I need to pursue leadership roles, entrepreneurship or consulting while developing practical skills that can be applied across industries. Representation plays a significant role in my motivation. Although progress has been made, Black professionals especially Black women remain underrepresented in business leadership. According to national data Black professionals hold fewer than 10 percent of management positions in the United States and Black women represent an even smaller percentage of executive and senior leadership roles. Entering this field means stepping into spaces where people who look like me are still uncommon but that reality motivates me rather than discourages me. My long term goal is to use my education to support economic empowerment within underserved communities. I plan to make an impact by working with minority owned businesses, helping them strengthen operations, develop leadership capacity and grow sustainably. Many small businesses struggle not because of lack of effort but because of limited access to strategic planning and management resources. By applying my education in Business Management I hope to help close that gap. I also want to help make the field of business more accessible to future generations. Representation matters especially for students who may not see themselves reflected in leadership roles. I plan to mentor younger students, participate in outreach programs and share my experiences navigating higher education and professional spaces as a Black woman. By being visible, approachable and supportive I hope to encourage others to pursue careers in business and leadership with confidence. Ultimately, my pursuit of a Business Management degree is about more than professional success. It is about leadership with purpose, increasing access and helping reshape who is represented in decision making spaces. By combining education, mentorship and service I aim to make a meaningful difference in my community and help increase opportunity and representation within the field of business.

When I first started college I thought success meant moving fast, checking off assignments, rushing through chapters, and memorizing information just well enough to pass a test. But very quickly I realized that this approach was not working. I was skimming instead of actually learning and I often forgot material as soon as the test was over. That is when I started practicing "close reading" and it completely changed how I study, how I lead, and how I approach life in general. As a business major there is always a lot to take in. The formulas and definitions to case studies and strategies. At first I treated my textbooks and notes like a checklist. I read a chapter, highlight a few sentences and moved on. The problem was I was not really understanding the material. It felt like I was just memorizing words. Close reading forced me to slow down and actually think about what I was reading. Instead of just highlighting I started asking questions as I read like "Why is this important? How does it connect to what we learned last week? How would this apply to a real business"? By doing this I started to see patterns and connections I had missed before. It didn’t just help me do better on tests it helped me really understand what I was learning. One time during a project in my Entrepreneurial class my group had to analyze a company and suggest improvements. Most of my group focused on the obvious issues like marketing or cost cutting. Because of my habit of reading carefully I noticed something others didn’t. It was that the company’s mission statement did not match what they were actually doing. This mismatch was causing bigger problems behind the scenes. I brought it up to the group and we built our recommendations around fixing that core issue. Our professor was impressed with our work and it felt good to know that my attention to detail had made a real difference. Close reading has also shaped me as a leader. In high school I was captain of my soccer and track teams which taught me a lot about teamwork and communication. Back then I did not think of it as “close reading,” but looking back that’s exactly what I was doing, paying attention to the small things people said and did so I could better understand what they needed. For example, if a teammate seemed quiet or frustrated I would watch for little clues like their tone of voice or body language. Sometimes they wouldn’t say anything directly but I could tell when they needed encouragement or advice. That same skill now helps me in college group projects. Conflicts come up especially when everyone has different ideas, but by really listening and paying attention I can help keep the group on track and make sure everyone feels heard. College life can be overwhelming. Between classes, assignments, and planning for the future it’s easy to get caught up in rushing from one thing to the next. Close reading has taught me to slow down and not just with my textbooks but with everything. When I read an email I make sure I fully understand it before responding. When a friend tells me about their day I try to really listen instead of just waiting for my turn to talk. These small moments matter and paying attention helps me build stronger relationships and make better decisions. I have also realized that close reading is not just about words on a page, it’s a mindset. It’s about noticing details asking questions and looking deeper. These are skills that will help me long after college especially as I move into the business world. A good leader doesn’t just react to what’s on the surface they take the time to understand the bigger picture. My time in college is limited and I want to make the most of it. Close reading helps me do that by making my work more meaningful and my learning more complete. Instead of rushing through these years I am taking the time to really grow as a student, a leader, and a person. Looking ahead I know that this skill will continue to shape my future. Whether I am analyzing a business plan, leading a team, or navigating life’s challenges close reading will help me slow down, think deeply, and make thoughtful choices. In the end college is not just about earning a degree. It is about building habits and skills that will last a lifetime. For me close reading has been one of the most important tools in that process. It has taught me that success does not come from rushing but from paying attention and from being willing to look beneath the surface to truly understand.

From a young age, my answer to “What do you want to be when you grow up?” changed almost daily. One day I wanted to be a police officer, the next a firefighter. By Thursday I was a spy, and by Sunday night after helping my dad cook dinner I was convinced I would be a chef. Basically, if you asked me on Monday you could expect a totally different answer by Wednesday. While the job titles changed what remained constant was my desire to do something meaningful, something that would make a real impact. In middle school I began to reflect more seriously on what I wanted to do. I still didn’t have a specific job title in mind but I knew I wanted a career that allowed me to express myself, to lead, and to make a difference. I wanted to be in a role where I could help people and where I could make sure everyone's voice was heard especially those who are often overlooked or ignored. I realized that no matter what I ended up doing I wanted to empower others. I wanted to create spaces where creativity is welcomed, ideas are valued, and people feel supported in reaching their goals. By the time I entered high school I found a clearer path, Business. More specifically Corporate Business. I became fascinated by how companies grow, how different roles function together, and how good leadership can inspire innovation and collaboration. I saw Business as more than just numbers or profits, it was about people, ideas, and impact. In this field I plan to use my voice and leadership to uplift others. Whether I am part of a team or running one I want to ensure everyone no matter their title or experience has the support and encouragement they need to succeed. Eventually I also hope to start my own business. Not just for personal success but to become an example for others especially young people who need a push to believe in themselves. I want to create opportunities for those who might not see a path forward and show that with dedication and support their dreams are within reach. Even if my career path evolves over time my core goal will remain the same, to help others. Whether I am motivating someone directly or inspiring them from afar, knowing that I have made a difference even in a small way is what matters most to me. I believe that the best way to build a better world is to invest in people, uplift voices, and never underestimate the power of encouragement.

Faith plays a powerful role in my life. It is not just something I turn to in hard times. It is a part of who I am. I try to start and end each day with prayer. I will be honest though,sometimes I forget. Life gets busy and I fall out of my routine. But even when I slip my faith stays with me.I always find my way back to God and every time I do I feel more grounded, focused, and hopeful. My relationship with God helps me through everything especially school. Whether I am stressed about an upcoming test, overwhelmed with responsibilities, or just feeling uncertain about the future prayer gives me peace. It reminds me that I am not alone and that everything I am working for has purpose. My faith encourages me to stay disciplined and focused and it reminds me that setbacks do not mean failure. I have learned that challenges are often part of the journey and can even be blessings in disguise. Faith has also played a huge role in shaping my academic and career goals. I plan to major in business because I know it will open the door to a wide range of opportunities. While I am not completely sure yet what specific path I will take whether it is entrepreneurship, marketing, or management I know I want to use my education to help others and make a lasting impact. My dream is to create or support something meaningful. Whether that means starting a business of my own or helping grow someone else’s vision, I want to lead with purpose and integrity. My faith constantly reminds me that true success is not just about what you achieve but about how you use your success to lift others up. That’s the kind of leader I hope to become. My mother has also been one of my greatest influences. As a college graduate herself she set an example for me early on. She showed me what determination, hard work, and education can lead to. She taught me that education is not just about earning a degree, it is a tool to build a better life,open doors,and create change. Her encouragement has been a constant reminder that I am capable of doing more, even when I doubt myself. She has always believed in me and her support pushes me to keep moving forward no matter what obstacles I face. In addition to my faith and my family, my cultural background has also played a major role in shaping my values and goals. I am proudly Jamaican and Nigerian, and from both sides, I have inherited a deep sense of pride, discipline, and resilience. My heritage teaches me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and honoring the sacrifices made by those who came before me.For me going to college is not just a personal milestone it is a way to continue my family’s legacy and to set an example for my younger brother who is watching and learning from me. While I am still figuring out the exact path I will take I know what is guiding me. It is my faith, my family, my culture, and a deep desire to grow, serve, and lead. I may not have all the answers yet, but I trust that with God’s help, hard work, and a clear sense of purpose, I will find my way and walk it with confidence. I believe college will be the next step in preparing me for a future where I can combine my passion for business with my desire to serve others. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application.

As a student of Jamaican and Nigerian descent, I have grown up surrounded by culture, tradition, and stories of strength passed down from my grandparents and parents. These experiences have shaped who I am and who I strive to become. The values I have learned including resilience, pride, discipline, and purpose guide my academic goals, influence my career interests, and inspire me to carry forward the legacy of those who came before me. That is why the mission of the Walter and Linnie Francis Memorial Scholarship speaks directly to my heart. From my Jamaican side, I have learned the importance of perseverance. My family’s journey to build a better life for my siblings and I reminds me that success comes through consistent effort. Whether it was late nights studying, pushing through tough practices, or staying focused during hard times, I have always leaned on that mindset to keep going. From my Nigerian side, I have gained a deep respect for education and leadership. In my home, academics are a priority but beyond grades, I was taught to use my education to uplift others and make a difference. I understand that success should not stop with me; it should be used to open doors and empower my community. This sense of purpose is why I plan to pursue a degree in business, with a focus on management. I have always loved leading, organizing, and helping people work together. In my senior year, I served as captain of all three sports I played, soccer, indoor track, and outdoor track. That leadership taught me how to communicate, stay calm under pressure, and bring out the best in others. It confirmed that I want to lead not just in sports, but in my future career. Being raised in two strong cultures while growing up in America has not always been simple, but it has given me a strong identity and a unique perspective. I have learned to connect with different people, adapt in different spaces, and stay proud of where I come from. I know my education is more than a personal achievement, it is a way to continue the story of progress my family started. I carry my culture with pride and step into my future with purpose. I hope to honor the legacy of individuals like Walter and Linnie Francis by doing what they did by paving the way for others. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue building a future that reflects where I come from and where I am determined to go.

Balancing school,life,and sports hasn’t always been easy for me but it’s been one of the most defining parts of my high school experience. For four years I dedicated myself to soccer, indoor track, and outdoor track while also navigating the pressures of academics, leadership roles, and my personal life. That juggling act taught me more than I could have imagined. It taught me not just about time management or hard work, but about resilience, discipline, and confidence. It made me stronger in every sense of the word. Being a student-athlete required a level of discipline I didn’t know I had in me at first. There were early morning practices, late night homework sessions, and weekends filled with meets and games instead of free time. I had to learn quickly how to prioritize, stay organized, and make sacrifices. I couldn’t always say yes to every social plan or procrastinate on assignments. Instead, I learned how to plan ahead, work efficiently, and stay focused on what mattered most. These habits have become second nature and they have made me stronger mentally and emotionally. What truly pushed me to grow was being named captain of all three sports during my senior year. That role came with extra pressure, but it also gave me the opportunity to step up and lead. I had to be there for my teammates, whether it was motivating them after a tough loss or helping them push through a rough practice. I realized that real strength isn’t just about pushing through your own struggles it’s about lifting others up, even when you are tired yourself. Sports also helped me build a sense of confidence. It could be setting a new personal record or stepping up in a high pressure moment.I learned to trust myself. As a girl in athletics, I have sometimes felt like I had to prove myself more, but over time I found that showing up prepared, composed, and confident is the most powerful way to push past any stereotype. Balancing everything did not just make me stronger it taught me who I am. I am someone who can handle pressure, stay organized, lead with heart, and keep going even when things get hard. I have grown into a young woman who knows her worth, uses her voice, and works hard not just for herself, but for the people around her. As I look ahead to the future, I know the strength I have built through this journey will stay with me no matter what comes next. Thank you for your consideration.