My name is Nylah Smith-Rankine, and I am a rising freshman at Widener University, majoring in Marketing. I am passionate about using my education to make a positive impact on society, particularly in addressing the unfair cost of living in Philadelphia. As a Black woman, I have seen firsthand how economic disparities affect marginalized communities. This has driven me to study Economics alongside Marketing, so I can understand and address these issues. During college, I will focus on understanding the economic factors that contribute to the high cost of living in Philadelphia. I want to learn how policies and market dynamics affect housing, food, and other essential needs. By gaining this knowledge, I hope to identify ways to make these necessities more affordable for everyone, especially for those in marginalized communities. Marketing is a powerful tool that can drive social change. By combining my knowledge of Economics with Marketing, I aim to create campaigns that raise awareness about economic disparities and advocate for fairer policies. For example, I could work with local organizations to promote affordable housing initiatives or support businesses that provide essential services at lower costs. My goal is to use my skills to highlight the importance of economic justice and inspire others to take action. I also plan to engage with my community through internships and volunteer work. By working with local nonprofits and advocacy groups, I can gain practical experience and better understand the challenges people face. This hands-on approach will help me develop solutions that are both effective and realistic. Additionally, it will allow me to build connections with like-minded individuals who are also committed to making a positive impact. Education is not just about gaining knowledge; it is about using that knowledge to create change. I believe that by addressing the economic issues in Philadelphia, I can help improve the quality of life for many people. This is especially important for LGBTQ+ individuals, who often face additional barriers and discrimination. By advocating for fairer economic policies, I hope to create a more inclusive and equitable society for everyone. In conclusion, my education at Widener University will equip me with the tools I need to make a positive impact on society. By studying Economics and Marketing, I will gain a deep understanding of the factors that contribute to the high cost of living in Philadelphia. I will use this knowledge to advocate for fairer policies and support initiatives that make essential needs more affordable. Through internships, volunteer work, and community engagement, I will work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all. Thank you for considering my application for the VNutrition & Wellness’ Annual LGBTQ+ Vitality Scholarship.

One change that I would make is that I would prioritize fixing the unfair Philadelphia cost of living. As a rising freshman at Widener University majoring in Marketing, I see how the high cost of living impacts families and individuals, especially in the Black and African American communities. The cost of housing, food, and other essentials has skyrocketed in recent years, making it hard for many people to make ends meet. This is an issue that hits close to home for me, and I believe it is something that needs to be addressed urgently. Philadelphia is a city with a rich history and vibrant culture, but the rising cost of living is driving people out of their homes and making it difficult for them to stay in the neighborhoods they grew up in. This is not just about money; it is about community and identity. When people are forced to leave their homes because they can no longer afford to live there, they lose a part of themselves. They lose the connections they have built with their neighbors, the local businesses they support, and the schools their children attend. As a Marketing major, I understand the importance of creating value and meeting the needs of consumers. I believe that by addressing the cost of living in Philadelphia, we can create a more equitable and sustainable community. This can be done through policies that promote affordable housing, increase wages, and provide support for small businesses. By making these changes, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live and thrive in Philadelphia, regardless of their income level. I am passionate about this issue because I have seen firsthand how the high cost of living affects people. Growing up, I watched my family struggle to make ends meet, and I know how stressful it can be to worry about paying rent or putting food on the table. This is not something that anyone should have to go through, and it is something that I want to change. As a young Black woman, I am also aware of the systemic issues that contribute to the high cost of living in Philadelphia. Discrimination in housing, employment, and education has made it harder for people of color to get ahead. By addressing these issues, we can create a more just and inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. In conclusion, fixing the unfair Philadelphia cost of living is a change that I would prioritize because it affects so many people in so many ways. It is about more than just money; it is about community, identity, and opportunity. As a Marketing major at Widener University, I am committed to using my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on my community. I believe that by working together, we can create a better future for everyone. Thank you for considering my application for the Kenyada Me'Chon Thomas Legacy Scholarship.

No I personally was not in the foster system, but I have assisted my mother with being a foster parent, who was helping out a younger girl who did not have the means to take care of the child herself. I have chosen to study International Business and Marketing with a minor in Economics because I believe that our country needs professionals who can help fix and balance out the economy. As a black girl who grew up in Philadelphia, I have witnessed the devastating effects of inflation on low-income neighborhoods. I want to be a part of a group of experts who can find ways to solve this problem and help people who live in low-income cities with high taxes to be able to provide for their families. Since the surge in the cost of basic living in 2020, gentrification in Philadelphia has made it even harder for people to find housing in the city. This has increased the population of homeless people. Investors are buying out homes and apartment complexes and raising the prices by thousands of dollars, making it impossible for people who lived in the city before the price hikes to afford them. The average cost of an apartment is now around $11,000 to $19,000 per month, which is unrealistic for most people who live there. I want to find a solution to this problem and help children who grow up in inner cities to have a safer and better environment. I also want to take these solutions internationally and help people outside of the U.S. who are experiencing a lack of resources due to inflation in their countries. When I attended the Excelon STEM Leadership Academy in the summer of 2023, I learned how gas and electricity get distributed and how we can place pipes in places that have harsh climates. This experience opened my eyes and showed me that I can make an impact anywhere in the world. My goal is to provide safe and affordable housing to people who cannot afford anything else, offer jobs to people who have a hard time getting them, and provide education to children who do not have access to it. I believe that with a great team, I can change the global economy. I plan to achieve half of this while in college by networking with professionals and proposing my ideas to them. By the time I graduate, I hope to have most of these solutions established. I am excited to come back to my city in the future and see the impact that I have made on my community. My main goal in life is to make a positive impact on peoples lives and show that things do get better.

I have chosen to study International Business and Marketing with a minor in Economics because I believe that our country needs professionals who can help fix and balance out the economy. As a black girl who grew up in Philadelphia, I have witnessed the devastating effects of inflation on low-income neighborhoods. I want to be a part of a group of experts who can find ways to solve this problem and help people who live in low-income cities with high taxes to be able to provide for their families. Since the surge in the cost of basic living in 2020, gentrification in Philadelphia has made it even harder for people to find housing in the city. This has increased the population of homeless people. Investors are buying out homes and apartment complexes and raising the prices by thousands of dollars, making it impossible for people who lived in the city before the price hikes to afford them. The average cost of an apartment is now around $11,000 to $19,000 per month, which is unrealistic for most people who live there. I want to find a solution to this problem and help children who grow up in inner cities to have a safer and better environment. I also want to take these solutions internationally and help people outside of the U.S. who are experiencing a lack of resources due to inflation in their countries. When I attended the Excelon STEM Leadership Academy in the summer of 2023, I learned how gas and electricity get distributed and how we can place pipes in places that have harsh climates. This experience opened my eyes and showed me that I can make an impact anywhere in the world. My goal is to provide safe and affordable housing to people who cannot afford anything else, offer jobs to people who have a hard time getting them, and provide education to children who do not have access to it. I believe that with a great team, I can change the global economy. I plan to achieve half of this while in college by networking with professionals and proposing my ideas to them. By the time I graduate, I hope to have most of these solutions established. I am excited to come back to my city in the future and see the impact that I have made on my community. My main goal in life is to make a positive impact on peoples lives and show that things do get better.

With this scholarship, I plan to study Marketing and communications. I want to use my creativity to turn the marketing industry in a different and better direction. I have chosen to study International Business and Marketing with a minor in Economics because I believe that our country needs professionals who can help fix and balance out the economy. As a black girl who grew up in Philadelphia, I have witnessed the devastating effects of inflation on low-income neighborhoods. I want to be a part of a group of experts who can find ways to solve this problem and help people who live in low-income cities with high taxes to be able to provide for their families. Since the surge in the cost of basic living in 2020, gentrification in Philadelphia has made it even harder for people to find housing in the city. This has increased the population of homeless people. Investors are buying out homes and apartment complexes and raising the prices by thousands of dollars, making it impossible for people who lived in the city before the price hikes to afford them. The average cost of an apartment is now around $11,000 to $19,000 per month, which is unrealistic for most people who live there. I want to find a solution to this problem and help children who grow up in inner cities to have a safer and better environment. I also want to take these solutions internationally and help people outside of the U.S. who are experiencing a lack of resources due to inflation in their countries. When I attended the Excelon STEM Leadership Academy in the summer of 2023, I learned how gas and electricity get distributed and how we can place pipes in places that have harsh climates. This experience opened my eyes and showed me that I can make an impact anywhere in the world. My goal is to provide safe and affordable housing to people who cannot afford anything else, offer jobs to people who have a hard time getting them, and provide education to children who do not have access to it. I believe that with a great team, I can change the global economy. I plan to achieve half of this while in college by networking with professionals and proposing my ideas to them. By the time I graduate, I hope to have most of these solutions established. I am excited to come back to my city in the future and see the impact that I have made on my community. My main goal in life is to make a positive impact on peoples lives and show that things do get better.

I have chosen to study International Business and Marketing with a minor in Economics because I believe that our country needs professionals who can help fix and balance out the economy. As a black girl who grew up in Philadelphia, I have witnessed the devastating effects of inflation on low-income neighborhoods. I want to be a part of a group of experts who can find ways to solve this problem and help people who live in low-income cities with high taxes to be able to provide for their families. Since the surge in the cost of basic living in 2020, gentrification in Philadelphia has made it even harder for people to find housing in the city. This has increased the population of homeless people. Investors are buying out homes and apartment complexes and raising the prices by thousands of dollars, making it impossible for people who lived in the city before the price hikes to afford them. The average cost of an apartment is now around $11,000 to $19,000 per month, which is unrealistic for most people who live there. I want to find a solution to this problem and help children who grow up in inner cities to have a safer and better environment. I also want to take these solutions internationally and help people outside of the U.S. who are experiencing a lack of resources due to inflation in their countries. When I attended the Excelon STEM Leadership Academy in the summer of 2023, I learned how gas and electricity get distributed and how we can place pipes in places that have harsh climates. This experience opened my eyes and showed me that I can make an impact anywhere in the world. My goal is to provide safe and affordable housing to people who cannot afford anything else, offer jobs to people who have a hard time getting them, and provide education to children who do not have access to it. I believe that with a great team, I can change the global economy. I plan to achieve half of this while in college by networking with professionals and proposing my ideas to them. By the time I graduate, I hope to have most of these solutions established. I am excited to come back to my city in the future and see the impact that I have made on my community. My main goal in life in to make a positive impact on peoples lives and show then that things do get better.