Before starting this essay, I was tackling a challenging coding problem for my summer Computer Science course. My algorithm was a complete mess, and my code took forever to work properly. But strangely enough, this coding struggle got me thinking: my black identity is kind of like an algorithm. In computing, an algorithm is a step-by-step formula that guides how software solves a problem. Similarly, being black is like having this ingrained set of steps—shaped by history, culture, and my personal journey—that influences how I approach challenges and see the world. When it came time to choose a college, despite having plenty of safe, local options as a first-gen student, I took a chance and landed at Spelman College. It wasn't just about the academics; Spelman represented a whole new universe of opportunities, especially for black women like me. It felt like the perfect place to grow, both personally and professionally. Now, my career goals have shifted towards UI/UX design. I want to create products that not only work well but also speak to diverse communities. A big part of my mission is to support other black women in tech and first-gen students like myself, helping them navigate and thrive in this industry. At Spelman, we uphold an honor code: "I am a woman of Spelman: intelligent, beautiful, intrepid, confident, and socially conscious." To me, these are more than just words—it's a guiding principle that shapes how I approach everything I do, from coding challenges to designing for real-world impact.

Growing up in a first-generation household headed by my mother, who herself was a teen mom, I witnessed firsthand the intergenerational challenges and barriers that accompany pursuing higher education while balancing familial responsibilities. My mother, a dedicated Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) for over 2 decades, devoted the entirety of her life to providing for my older brother and me. Her tireless commitment to healthcare inspired me to make a difference in the field, albeit through a different avenue – computer science and design. Despite the financial constraints and time limitations that defined our household, I remained steadfast in my pursuit of education. However, the journey was not without its hurdles. Despite juggling numerous extracurricular activities and striving to maintain my position in the top 75 of my class amidst the challenges of senior year, my world was further shaken when my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. Witnessing her journey firsthand and experiencing the limitations of the healthcare facility she now resides in, which lacks adequate digital resources for patients and families, has deepened my resolve to bridge the gap between technology and healthcare accessibility. This further strengthened my decision to attend Spelman College and pursue a major in Computer Science in order to leverage my skills and passion to create intuitive healthcare interfaces tailored to the needs of underserved communities, particularly within the Black community. I firmly believe that by designing interfaces that are easy to understand and navigate, we can combat the disparities in health outcomes that disproportionately affect Black people. The Charles Cheesman Student Debt Reduction Scholarship holds immense significance for me as it offers a glimmer of hope amidst the financial strain of pursuing higher education. With the burden of a massive $43,000 loan looming over me after just my freshman year, this scholarship would provide much-needed relief and enable me to focus wholeheartedly on my academic and career pursuits. Furthermore, my aspirations extend beyond personal success to include uplifting my community and alleviating the financial burden on my mother. By pursuing a career in UI/UX design in healthcare, I aim to not only address the pressing health disparities but also create opportunities for my mother to transition from her demanding career as a CNA. The irreplaceable bond between my mother and I has served as a source of inspiration and resilience throughout my journey. I am determined to honor her sacrifices by utilizing my prowess in design and computer science to make a meaningful impact in healthcare and beyond. In addition to my academic endeavors, I am committed to growing my network from Atlanta to beyond, leveraging every opportunity to expand my reach and achieve my career goals. Through mentorship, internships, and active participation in professional networks, I aim to cultivate connections that will facilitate my growth as a UI/UX designer. In conclusion, the Charles Cheesman Student Debt Reduction Scholarship represents more than just financial assistance – it symbolizes an opportunity to break free from the cycle of financial struggle, pursue my dreams, and make a tangible difference in the lives of others. With determination, dedication, and the support of this scholarship, I am confident in my ability to pave paths beyond generational barriers and forge a path of success for myself and my community.

As a black female who is also a low-income and first-generation college student, my decision to further my education holds deep personal significance and is driven by a multitude of factors. First and foremost, I believe that education is a powerful tool that has the potential to break generational cycles of limited opportunities and socioeconomic challenges. By pursuing higher education, I aim to transcend the limitations imposed by my circumstances and create a better future not only for myself but also for my family. I believe that education is the key to empowerment, and it opens doors to a world of possibilities that may otherwise be inaccessible. Moreover, as a black woman, I recognize the importance of representation and the need to challenge the existing narratives and stereotypes that limit the aspirations of young black girls. By pursuing higher education, I am defying the statistics and societal expectations, demonstrating that black women are capable, intelligent, and deserving of success in all fields, including academia. Moreover, attending an HBCU will surround me with other ambitious black women who have similar goals. Being a first-generation college student, I am acutely aware of the transformative impact that education can have on not only my own life but also the lives of future generations in my family. By pursuing higher education, I am setting a precedent and inspiring my family to believe in their own potential and strive for educational success. I want to be a role model and prove that with determination, resilience, and access to educational opportunities, it is possible to break through the barriers that hold us back. Furthermore, receiving this scholarship would be instrumental in helping me achieve my future career goals as a UI designer. As I embark on my journey in the field of design, the financial support provided by this scholarship would alleviate the burden of educational expenses and enable me to fully focus on honing my skills and expanding my knowledge. Pursuing a career as a UI designer requires not only a solid foundation in design principles but also proficiency in various software and tools. The scholarship funds would allow me to access resources, workshops, and training programs that are crucial for developing my technical expertise. It would enable me to stay updated with the latest industry trends and acquire valuable certifications, giving me a competitive edge as I enter the job market. In summary, this scholarship would be a blessing for me on my path to becoming a successful UI designer and student. It would not only alleviate financial constraints but also provide the necessary resources, networking opportunities, and platforms to amplify my voice and make a meaningful impact.

I'm an average-looking black woman, and I'm perfectly content with it. In the new age world full of BBLs, botox, and bundles, black women are raging war against extreme beauty standards, and we're losing ground. Navigating societal expectations of how we should look is overwhelming and exhausting, but we cannot give up. I believe that my blackness is beautiful; however, it is my unpopular opinion that being an average-looking black woman is not only okay but also something to be celebrated. Now more than ever, I want to highlight the importance of embracing authenticity and finding beauty in one's average appearance, challenging the dominant narrative that promotes unattainable ideals of beauty. To begin, black women, in particular, are subjected to Eurocentric beauty standards that often exclude and marginalize those who do not fit within these norms. Not only are we discriminated against by others, but we judge each other based on who has the loosest curl, lightest skin, and best nose. By embracing our average looks, we reject the notion that our worth is determined solely by physical appearance. Instead, we embrace our individuality and challenge the harmful ideals that have long dominated the beauty industry. Celebrating average-looking black women is also essential for fostering representation and inclusion. The media often lacks diverse representations of black women, favoring those who conform to traditional beauty standards. By embracing our average appearances, we broaden the definition of beauty and create space for a more inclusive representation of black women. This allows younger generations to see themselves reflected positively and encourages them to embrace their natural beauty without feeling the need to conform to unattainable ideals. Moreover, I feel that embracing the average look will save many young black women from unnecessarily pursuing cosmetic surgery. Although I am in support of surgery to change deformities and transform someone's self-confidence, I am strongly against promoting surgery as an instant fix. Plastic surgeries are life-changing and some have permanent consequences. Furthermore, the pressure to be exceptionally beautiful can be emotionally and mentally draining, especially as marginalized individuals who face additional systemic challenges. Embracing mediocrity as a black woman allows for self-care and the prioritization of mental well-being. Go to the gym to feel good, not to compete with the body of an Instagram model. Do your skincare routine to relax and indulge in the little things, not because you want to look like an influencer on TikTok. Engaging in activities such as these encourages setting realistic goals, embracing imperfections, and finding joy in the beauty of life rather than a single glimpse. By focusing on self-care, black women can preserve their emotional resilience and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. In a society obsessed with physical appearance, embracing being an average-looking black woman is a revolutionary act of self-acceptance, authenticity, and empowerment. It challenges narrow beauty standards, redirects focus towards inner qualities, builds authenticity, inspires self-acceptance, and promotes representation. Let us celebrate the beauty of being average-looking black women, for our worth and value extend far beyond our physical appearances.