Recently, during my senior year of high school, I went through an identity crisis. I was struggling—losing my closest friends, feeling like an outcast, my father being in and out of jail, not excelling in my sport, and enduring relentless bullying. It all took its toll. I didn’t know what to do, but worse, I felt like no one truly listened. Raised by my mother as a single parent, I was taught that hard work and sacrifice were the keys to success. For a long time, I believed that meant suppressing my pain and anger. But one night, when I looked outside my bedroom window and saw my car had been destroyed, it was my breaking point. My closest friends had become my worst nightmare. Every day, school felt like a prison, and on top of my struggles, I was being bullied, harassed, and even assaulted. Eventually, the pressure became too much, and I lashed out—something completely out of character. That one moment of frustration led to my first-ever experience in alternative school. Suddenly, I had gone from being on homecoming court, the fastest runner at my school, and the “nice, pretty girl”—to feeling like no one. I remember asking God every day, “Why? Why do I have to go through this?” I had started a business to promote self-love at that very school, yet here I was, questioning everything about myself. My ten days in alternative school were unforgettable. I had always thought school felt like a prison, but now, I was in actual isolation. Strangely, I didn’t hate it—I found peace in the stillness. For once, my mind wasn’t racing with a million thoughts. It was just me, my reflections, and the harsh truth that I had allowed others’ actions to control my future and alter my reputation. I felt horrible, but I made a promise: I would learn from this experience and prove to myself—and everyone else—that I am unbreakable. My punishment didn’t stop at alternative school. When I returned, I was met with devastating news—I could no longer run my business at school as president of the Spanish Honors Society and I was no longer allowed to be part of the track team. It felt like everything I had worked for had been taken away. There were so many “I could no longers.” But what I refused to do was let this setback define me. What I could no longer allow was for this moment to stop me from moving forward, showing up for myself, and being the inspiration that people like me—who have made mistakes—desperately need. I continued my business—starting my online website and making my first out-of-state sales. I ran track unattached, coaching myself to break personal records I once thought were impossible. I turned my adversity into fuel, determined to uplift others. My goal is to show people they are not defined by their past or even by mistakes they’ve made. What truly matters is how you grow, evolve, and rise above setbacks to become stronger than before. In college, I plan to continue learning, growing, and using my experiences to uplift others. Education is not just about academics—it’s about developing resilience and wisdom to navigate life’s challenges. I want to use my journey to inspire others, proving that setbacks do not define us, but rather, how we rise from them does. Whether through my business, athletics, or leadership roles, I will continue being a positive force in society, striving to create spaces where others feel seen, supported, and empowered to overcome obstacles.

Resilience isn’t just about surviving hardships; it’s about inspiring change. My journey has been filled with obstacles, from experiencing bullying and racial discrimination to navigating financial struggles as a student from a single-parent household. However, rather than letting adversity define me, I turned my pain into purpose, working to uplift others and make a lasting impact on my community. Throughout middle and high school, I faced bullying, specifically due to me being African American at my predominantly white school, but also for having an outgoing personality- always eager to try anything new. Growing up in a single-parent household also showed me the true meaning of perseverance. My mother worked tirelessly to provide for my brother and me, while financial limitations made certain obstacles difficult, they never stopped me from chasing my dreams. Instead of letting these experiences break me, I created Simply Pretty Accessories, a brand that promotes self-love and empowerment. When I started my business, at 15, I had no funding- only passion and determination. I started from scratch, saved up my birthday money, and worked hard to turn it into a successful small business. Today, my brand not only provides financial support for my education but also inspires the young to embrace their identities. Through motivational messages and public speaking, I have encouraged young people- especially girls of color- to embrace their worth. My resilience in the face of bullying has helped others feel seen and valued. When I joined my school’s cross-country team, I became the first African American runner in the program. At times, it felt isolating, but I saw it as an opportunity to pave the way for others. Despite being underestimated, I pushed forward, proving that I belonged. By my senior year, I had inspired other minority students to join the team, breaking barriers that once existed. Seeing more diversity in the program showed me that representation truly matters, and my resilience encouraged others to step into spaces where they once felt unwelcome. As the president of the Spanish Honors Society and SkillsUSA, I have used my leadership roles to advocate for diversity and inclusion. I organized fundraisers that supported cultural awareness and worked to foster a sense of belonging for minority students. In a school where racial barriers still exist, I have remained steadfast in my mission to create change, despite resistance. My ability to push forward has inspired other students to speak up and embrace their heritage with pride. In addition to advocacy, I am a dedicated athlete, competing in the 400m, 800m, and 5k, while maintaining a 3.8 GPA in six AP courses. Training while managing a business and excelling in academics requires immense discipline and resilience. Even when faced with setbacks, I continue to push forward, proving that success is possible through perseverance. Resilience is about refusing to let hardships silence you. My journey has not only shaped me but has also inspired those around me to believe in their own potential. This scholarship would allow me to continue my education, expand my advocacy efforts, and create an even greater impact on my community. Just as Hester Richardson Powell dedicated her life to service and empowerment, I strive to follow in her footsteps- turning challenges into opportunities for growth and positive change.

For most of my high school experience, I often found myself wondering where I fit in the world- not just socially, but in terms of my future. I was the kid with big dreams who tried everything, even when others told me to ‘niche down’ because achieving such ambitions seemed impossible. As a young African American girl from a single-parent household, I was often reminded of the obstacles ahead. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my mother, it’s that sacrifices and hard work paves the way for success. Watching her work tirelessly to give my brother and me a better life has fueled my drive to pursue higher education- not just as a path to a degree, but as a way to break generational barriers and inspire others. For me, education is more than just ‘bragging rights’ or a degree- it’s the foundation for personal growth, opportunity, and change. It broadens our knowledge, challenges our perspectives, and empowers us to create meaningful impact by connecting with others from different backgrounds. As someone who has faced challenges like bullying and racial discrimination, I see education as a tool to uplift others, particularly young women and minority students who feel unheard or underestimated. The idea of change is powerful, but without action, it remains just that- an idea. That’s why I’ve committed myself to advocacy, even when taking the first step felt intimidating. Throughout my high school years, I have used my entrepreneurial skills through Simply Pretty Accessories to inspire self-worth and push for racial equity within my predominately white school and small community in Wetumpka, Alabama. Whether through public speaking, fundraising, or supporting minority students, I have learned that education extends far beyond the classroom- it is the key to building a more inclusive and empowered future. After graduation, I plan to attend college to study both medical and business fields, allowing me to merge my passion for advocacy with my professional aspirations. Through my work with Simply Pretty Accessories, I have seen firsthand how empowering others can create lasting change. In the medical field, I want to continue this mission by promoting self-love, advocating for equality in healthcare, and ensuring that underrepresented communities receive the care and support they deserve. Receiving this scholarship would be a significant step in helping me achieve my career goals. Coming from a single-parent household. I have witnessed firsthand challenges of balancing financial struggles with ambition. The rising cost of education makes it difficult for students like me to fully pursue their potential without financial burden. This scholarship would provide me with the financial support necessary to focus on my studies while also growing my business and community impact. With this opportunity, I can continue using education as a tool to uplift others, break barriers, and create a future where success is not limited by background but driven by passion and perseverance.

What does it mean to push past your limits? Is it measured by seconds shaved off a PR or by resilience gained? Track and cross-country have given me purpose—a reason to keep going. I wasn’t always the fastest, tallest, or strongest, but I built the dedication and perseverance to overcome challenges on and off the track. From overcoming bullying to proving that I belong, my journey has always been about more than running—it’s about resilience, self-belief, and inspiring others to chase their dreams. Every step on the track reminds me that my past doesn’t define me—my work ethic, attitude, and determination do. Running became my escape—my way of coping with bullying, feeling like an outcast, and struggling to find where I belonged. People say, “Our sport is another sport’s punishment.” When I first started, I treated it that way—overworking myself, believing that pushing harder would make me better. But I soon realized I wasn’t running for myself—I was running against myself. Track is 90% mental and 10% physical, unlike any other sport. I bounced between multiple sports, but something about track resonated with me. Late-night runs under the stars, muddy cross-country courses, and the shining medals by the podium—those moments shaped me. But more than anything, it was the people who shaped me. My first year on the cross-country team, I was the only African American. For most of my years in track, I was both the only female and African American distance runner. At times, I felt like I didn’t fit in, but my teammates never treated me differently. I felt at home—something I wasn’t used to. We supported each other through wins and losses. That made me think, if my teammates could give me this feeling of acceptance, why can’t the world do that for everyone? For so long, I struggled with self-doubt, letting others define me. But running taught me that growth comes from pushing past discomfort and proving to yourself that you are stronger than the obstacles in your way. I wanted others—especially those who felt like outcasts—to realize their worth, too. I want to be part of the small percentage that takes a step toward making a change, rewriting history, and breaking stereotypes—not just in sports, but in the world. Too often, I’ve heard what I “can” or “can’t” do because of my background. “You should be a sprinter; Black people aren’t fit for distance running.” “Cross-country isn’t for people like you.” But no matter where someone comes from, they should have the opportunity to pursue what they’re passionate about. I’m grateful that I didn’t let stereotypes define me. Running taught me how to take control of my future—more importantly, how to be disciplined and take tangible steps to achieve my goals. Track instilled valuable life skills in me: showing up on time, finishing strong, and making sacrifices for the greater good. I was the first African American cross-country runner at my predominantly white school, but after my first season, I inspired others like me to join. I plan to continue running cross-country and track in college while furthering my education. At the same time, I will keep advocating for self-love and the importance of pursuing goals. Despite challenges, I founded my own brand, Simply Pretty Accessories, to promote racial equity through handmade clothing and self-care products. Barriers are meant to be broken, stereotypes are meant to be challenged, and dreams are meant to be chased. Just as running has shaped me, I hope to shape the world—by inspiring others to believe in themselves, defy expectations, and never let anyone tell them they aren’t enough.

If my life was movie, it'd be titled " Running with Purpose": The camera zooms in on a set of track spikes being laced tightly. Deep, rhythmic breathing fills the air, mirroring the pounding heartbeat that echoes like a drum. The stadium lights cast a golden glow, illuminating the lane ahead—my lane. Everything is loud, yet silent. The distant murmurs of the crowd blur as I settle into the starting blocks. My fingers press against the track, cool and firm beneath my fingertips. This is it. Every moment of struggle, every setback, every late night spent training or building my brand has led me here. The official raises the gun. Time slows. One last deep breath. POW! The gun fires. I explode forward, legs driving, arms pumping. But this isn’t just a race. It’s a statement. A fight. A journey. Running has always been my escape—my way of coping with challenges: bullying, being an outcast, and not knowing where I belonged. People say, “Our sport is another sport’s punishment.” When I first started, I unknowingly treated it that way—overworking myself, believing pushing harder would make me better, that if I just ran more, I would be enough. But I soon realized I wasn’t running for myself—I was running against myself. Track is 90% mental and 10% physical: unlike any other sport I’ve done. I bounced between basketball, gymnastics, and cheer, but something about track resonated with me. Late-night runs under the stars, muddy cross-country courses, the shining medals by the podium—those moments shaped me. But more than anything, it was the people who shaped me. At first, I didn’t think I would fit in. I was the only African American runner on my cross-country team and often felt like an outsider—not just in sports, but in life. Yet, my teammates never saw me as different—they saw me as one of them. Through every grueling workout and finish-line collapse, they made me feel at home. That sense of belonging, of lifting each other up, made me realize something: everyone deserves to feel like they are enough. Not just on the track, but in everyday life. For so long, I struggled with self-doubt, letting the words of others define me. But running taught me that growth comes from pushing past discomfort, from proving to yourself that you are stronger than the obstacles in your way. I wanted others—especially those who felt like outcasts, like I once did—to realize their worth, too. That unexpected sense of belonging from my cross-country team changed me. If my team could make me feel at home despite my differences, then why couldn’t the world do the same for others? That question became the foundation of Simply Pretty Accessories—a brand built to remind people that their uniqueness is their power, that they are enough, no matter what society tells them. I took my passion further by designing handmade clothing and self-care products infused with motivational touches—a reflection of my journey. But Simply Pretty Accessories is more than just products; it’s a movement for racial equity and cultural appreciation. I incorporate facts about different ethnic groups—whether Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, or beyond—to foster awareness and inclusivity. My vision is to expand my brand into something that embodies all cultures—Black, Arabian, Hispanic, and more—because I truly believe that the first step to creating a better world is appreciating the unique traits each of us brings to the table. At school, I brought my mission to life through my pop-up shop, not just to share my message of self-worth but also to uplift my community. As president of the Spanish Honor Society, I took it further, helping raise funds and promote minority ethnic groups at our school. I wanted students of all backgrounds to feel seen, valued, and heard—just as my team once made me feel on the course. In college, I aspire to study medicine to better understand how to care for and uplift others while expanding my entrepreneurial knowledge to grow my business into a larger movement. I want to bridge both fields—using business to promote self-care and wellness, and medicine to advocate for equity in healthcare and accessibility. I’ve come to realize that true success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about how you help others see their own potential. Whether I’m sprinting to the finish line, building a movement through my brand, or pursuing higher education, my mission remains the same: to inspire, uplift, and create spaces where everyone knows they are enough.

My faith in God and my belief in fate and destiny have guided me through many challenges in life. As an African American growing up in a predominantly white community, I’ve experienced bullying and prejudice that left me to often feel out of place. However, my faith reminded me that I am enough, just as I am. It gave me the courage to keep going when it felt like the world was against me and helped me find my voice as an advocate for others experiencing similar struggles. Through these struggles, God has provided me the strength and ability to shape them into an experience that I can allow everyone to learn and grow from. And my fate has reminded me that everything happens for a reason- that even the hardest moments are part of a greater plan. Through these experiences, I was inspired to create Simply Pretty Accessories, a brand focused on promoting self-love, confidence, and racial equity. My faith fueled this mission, and at the age of 15 I decided to turn my challenges into something positive that could inspire others. My faith also played a significant role in building Simply Pretty Accessories, starting a business at 15 was not easy, especially while managing school and dealing with personal challenges. Many people doubted me and told me that it was an insane idea due to my age and background. There were even times when I doubted myself, but my belief that everything happens for a reason kept me moving forward. I knew that every setback was part of a bigger plan. I took every failure as a stepping stone towards success and reminded myself that challenges are what will continue to guide and build me as a young entrepreneur. With God’s strength and the belief in my purpose, Simply Pretty Accessories became more than just a business- it became a platform to spread my message of self-love and equality. Through sharing my handmade clothing and self-care items with motivational touches, my mission is to inspire others, showing them that they are enough, just the way they are. My faith continues to push me to think bigger and to see challenges as opportunities to create something meaningful. Actually, this journey of entrepreneurship has strengthen my relationship with God. This is because there were nights when I couldn’t sleep because I stayed up all night asking myself the same three questions: “What if it’s not worth it?”, “What if I fail?”, and “What’s next?”. But one day I just decided to pray and become more aligned with myself spiritually and religiously, and the pieces started to fall into place. In the future, I plan to expand my brand while staying true to my values. I want to continue using my business to uplift others and create lasting change. Beyond entrepreneurship, I aspire to pursue both business and medicine. My goal is to combine these passions to further help my peers and promote self-love and equality on a larger scale. I believe that with faith, compassion, and perseverance, I can continue to make a difference in the world around me. :) Thank you for this opportunity.

Q1: Currently, I'm planning to study both medicine and business. I've chosen these fields because I'm passionate about helping others while also chasing my visions- no matter how big they may seem. My goal is to inspire my peers and future generations to do the same. Both careers will allow me to uplift others, whether it's through healthcare or entrepreneurial ventures that promote self-love and confidence. Q2: Since I was a young girl, I've always been on the creative side and had high ambitions to showcase my talents and teach others to connect with what resonates deeply with them. I taught myself how to sew, create self care products, and make accessories like bracelets and clothing. But for me, it was always deeper than just "making things". It became my outlet- a way to prove that I could succeed despite others doubting me due to my background. Throughout my life, I’ve faced challenges that tested my strength, but none were more difficult than dealing with persistent bullying during high school. As an African American student at a predominantly white school, I often felt out of place and targeted for simply being myself. The bullying wasn’t just verbal—it attacked my sense of worth and left me feeling isolated. rather than letting it break me, I turned my pain into purpose and created Simply Pretty Accessories. A business with a mission to promote self-love, confidence, and equality, reminding others that "you are enough". On my 15th birthday, I saved all my money to launch the business. At first, it was overwhelming. I had no prior experience, no team to guide me, and limited resources. But I had a vision: to inspire others who were struggling, just like I was. I started with handmade keychains, clothing, and lip gloss, each with motivational messages that reflected my own journey toward self-acceptance. Every sale became more than a transaction—it was a message of hope and empowerment for someone else. Despite the positive response from many, there were moments when people doubted me, especially because of my age. But each obstacle only fueled my determination. Running Simply Pretty Accessories taught me invaluable lessons about business and life- how to manage finances, market a brand, and connect authentically with customers. More importantly, I learned how to turn my struggles into strengths and use my platform to advocate for racial equity and self-worth. I began speaking at schools to share my story and encourage others to embrace their differences. This journey has shown me that entrepreneurship isn't just about products- it's about creating change. Q3: I will become successful because I'm not afraid to fail or put in the work. At 17, my business has had its ups and downs. There were times when I made hundreds of sales and other times when I barely made one. But I never let that stop me from pursuing my dreams. For me, success isn't just about material gain- it's about the change and inspiration you can bring into the world. Looking back, I’m grateful for the challenges I faced because they taught me resilience, compassion, and the power of using my voice. Moving forward, I am excited to pursue a career in business that reflects my passion for empowering others. I'll always remember that the greatest challenges often lead to the most meaningful successes.