Understanding why STEM is important to me first requires understanding my journey. I will achieve my STEM educational goals because I am an overcomer. Overcoming motivates me. As I think about overcoming, I reference my journey as a student-athlete and my aspiration of becoming a college student. This makes me think of the quote “Be so good that nobody can ignore you”. This quote connects with me, especially as an athlete. I’ve played basketball competitively since I was 4 years old and have had to prove my abilities to coaches mainly because of my calm demeanor and physical build. This was exceptionally hard to deal with during the pandemic which was already challenging. Even more challenging, at a time when I was also trying to ensure I was marketable for universities. I’ve had to remain persistent, displaying my exceptional skillsets, undeniable talents, and a no-quit attitude. I contracted COVID during the basketball season and while isolated, completed a Future Medical Leaders Youth Conference virtually, passed a mandatory examination, and obtained the Award of Excellence. I am determined to prove myself worthy even when circumstances are not the most optimal. I have learned to be an even stronger fighter, no matter what. Similarly, I think about Stephen Curry and find myself in the company of a future hall of famer who has been doubted and had to overcome his entire career. Today he is arguably one of the best guards to ever play the game, a 3x NBA champion, and the epitome of “don’t-quit, no matter the circumstance”. I am building on a cumulative GPA of 3.63, was inducted into the National Honor Society, and continue to work on my skills to ensure that I am viewed as just “so good” that I cannot be ignored or denied of my goals and dreams; and not even a global pandemic can stop me! Most tenaciously and persistently, I am looking at my future as a representation of unstoppable goal achievements. My educational goals are my focused than ever. I have committed to not falling below an A in my class load and also committing to working harder than I ever have on the basketball court and training. During the global shutdown, I realized the things that I had taken for granted. Now, with a newer appreciation for those things I missed such as in-person learning and training with my teammates, I focus and appreciate my drive to be successful even greater. And, I am laser-focused on excelling. From this point forward, I will wholeheartedly dedicate myself to being great at everything I put my hands to do starting with my educational quest. I will successfully matriculate in the fall at a prestigious university and graduate to be an influential alumnus within the community I serve as a sports medicine physician. As a sports medicine physician, I first have to follow a STEM pathway in college. Upon completion of that journey, I want to show that athletes have other substantial impacts in sports other than just playing sports. And, that black males can begin to infiltrate the medical field at an even greater capacity than there is today. This number of black males is not increasing at the rate that it should or could. This is all very important and inspiring to me because I want to be a leader by example in the medical field that shows an appreciation for hard-fought successes and overcoming, even in the face of challenges. STEM is an important piece in overcoming the challenges of my journey.

I will be a good representation of this scholarship reward based upon my character, grit, and inspirations in my life. Over the course of my life, I have learned to process effectively and overcome a lot. I am driven by my passion for always growing and overcoming times that are challenging. I believe my participation in sports has contributed to this and taught me a multitude of life-long, character-building skills and has influenced me in ways that at times are hard to even articulate. One of the best ways to describe the influence sports has had on me and is in parallel with my passion is a quote that says, “Be so good that nobody can ignore you.” This quote connects with me and guides my thought process and my desire to fight and overcome. I have played basketball competitively since I was 4 years old and unfortunately have had to prove my abilities to coaches, mainly because of my extremely calm demeanor and physical build. This was exceptionally hard to deal with during the pandemic which was already challenging on so many levels. This was even more challenging, at a time when I was also trying to ensure I was marketable for universities because of the negative impacts it had on my mind and confidence at times. I have had to remain diligent and focused, while consistently displaying my exceptional skillsets, undeniable talents, and a no-quit attitude. I also remained selfless and used this time to encourage my team members and be that voice of encouragement and support at times when I was not even getting playing time. Even when doubted I remained selfless and dug deep to overcome, and those are both great character builders. Having my abilities doubted and even being overlooked at times is a terrible feeling. Although this is not a good feeling, I find myself in the company of many noteworthy athletes who have been in similar situations and this has continued to inspire me. Stephen Curry was doubted leading up to his NBA draft and even after making it to the league. Once drafted, he was even doubted by his own NBA coach. But today, he is arguably one of the best guards to ever play the game, a 3x NBA champion, and a future hall of famer. He speaks publicly about his journey and now confidently speaks about his abilities. Today, similar to Stephen Curry, I can confidently speak of my worth and value. My worth and value is compounded by the support of my family as well as my life experiences. Early on, during this unprecedented global pandemic, I sadly contracted COVID-19. While isolated I was challenged to overcome yet again. I dug deep and participated and completed a Future Medical Leaders Youth Conference virtually, passed a mandatory examination, and obtained the Award of Excellence. This was a great conference filled with impactful guest medical speakers and helped me to realize that sports medicine is the career path I want to pursue. In this career, I envision that I will interact with many athletes and will speak to all the athletes who come into my care to give them alternative viewpoints and show them that athletes have other substantial impacts in sports aside from just playing sports. And, that black males can begin to infiltrate the medical field at an even greater capacity than there is today.

Throughout my life, I have learned to process effectively and overcome a lot. I believe my participation in sports has contributed to this and taught me a multitude of life-long, character-building skills and has influenced me in ways that at times are hard to even articulate. One of the best ways to describe the influence sports has had on me is in parallel with a quote that says “Be so good that nobody can ignore you”. This quote connects with me and guides my thought process and my desire to fight and overcome. I have played basketball competitively since I was 4 years old and unfortunately have had to prove my abilities to coaches, mainly because of my extremely calm demeanor and physical build. This was exceptionally hard to deal with during the pandemic which was already challenging on so many levels. This was even more challenging, at a time where I was also trying to ensure I was marketable for universities because of the negative impacts it had on my mind and confidence at times. I have had to remain diligent and focused, while consistently displaying my exceptional skillsets, undeniable talents, and a no-quit attitude. I also remained selfless and used this time to encourage my team members and be that voice of encouragement and support at times when I was not even getting playing time. My teammates, who are also my friends, have supported me and reciprocated this level of support. Selflessness is intertwined with allyship. I feel as though they move in parallel with one another. Even when doubted I remained selfless and dug deep to overcome, and those are both great character builders. Having my abilities doubted and even being overlooked at times is a terrible feeling. Although this is not a good feeling, I find myself in the company of many noteworthy athletes who have been in similar situations. Stephen Curry was doubted leading up to his NBA draft and even after making it to the league. Once drafted, he was even doubted by his own NBA coach. But today, he is arguably one of the best guards to ever play the game, a 3x NBA champion, and a future hall of famer. He speaks publicly about his journey and now confidently speaks about his abilities. Today, I can confidently speak of my worth and value. Upon completion of my college journey, I will ultimately begin and complete my goal of practicing Sports Medicine. In my career, I will remain selfless. I will have an opportunity to interact with many athletes who come into my care to give them alternative viewpoints and show them that athletes have other substantial impacts in sports aside from just playing sports. And, that black males can begin to infiltrate the medical field at an even greater capacity than there is today. My impactful influence will be great and will transcend within the community I serve.

As a result of taking two character assessments, I learned that I have a predominant characteristic makeup of having a servant’s heart. To have a servant’s heart, I realize that being selfless is key. Selflessness represents fighting for those that you may not even know with empathy for their history and journeys. I strive to live according to God’s word and in His Word, it says in Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interest but each of you to the interests of others. Using this as my foundation, I incorporate selflessness to speak up for what is right, not just for me but for others. I am committed to living according to God’s word, staying selfless, and being an advocate for the elevation and presence of those who may not have a voice and may suffer from injustices even if it is just underclassmen in our high school. Selflessly, I strive to help others.

As a result of taking two character assessments, I learned that I have a predominant characteristic makeup of having a servant’s heart. To have a servant’s heart, I realize that being selfless is key. Selflessness represents fighting for those that you may not even know with empathy for their history and journeys. I strive to live according to God’s word and in His Word, it says in Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interest but each of you to the interests of others. Using this as my foundation, I incorporate selflessness to speak up for what is right, not just for me but for others. Selflessly, I strive to help others. I am committed to living according to God’s word, staying selfless, and being an advocate for the elevation and presence of those who may not have a voice and may suffer from injustices even if it is just underclassmen in our high school. I received a great gift this year from my peers, in being voted for homecoming king. I have had to overcome a lot to get to this position. In the 7th grade when I first enrolled at my school, Southfield Christian School, I didn’t know anyone and I was completely outside of my comfort zone. I had originally attended Taylor Exemplar Academy from Pre-K, through 6th grade. I was not used to being out of my comfort zone. I had a firm foundation with my friends, and I was quite comfortable and familiar. I had no worries about the move to Southfield Christian School, but I had to adapt to a new environment. Everyone was welcoming and kind. By the 9th grade, I had many friends and felt like I had found a home at Southfield Christian School, just as I had during my years at Taylor Exemplar Academy. As the years went by, I strengthened friendship bonds and relationships that had started in the 7th grade and even began fostering new ones. I use these relationships for positive influence, encouragement, and building our Southfield Christian community through my Vice President leadership role in Student Government and National Honor Society membership as well as a team player as a four-year student-athlete. This influential honor may be viewed as small to some but is meaningful to me because my classmates welcome and see me for who I am. I value and appreciate all of them for seeing me as a good representation of our senior class. As I grow and expand outside of my comfort levels, I plan to embrace this role on my college campus next year. To do so, I will further devote myself and my time to expand relationships outside of my circle of friendship, to promote inclusion. And with that, I will make an even greater impact than if I selfishly chose not to. My impact and influence will begin with selflessness.

I keep a growth mindset by staying focused on overcoming. As I think about overcoming, I think about my journey as a student-athlete and my aspiration of becoming a college student. This makes me think of the quote “Be so good that nobody can ignore you”. This quote connects with me, especially as an athlete most especially. I’ve played basketball competitively since I was 4 years old and have had to prove my abilities to coaches mainly because of my calm demeanor and physical build. This was exceptionally hard to deal with during the pandemic which was already challenging. Even more challenging, at a time where I was also trying to ensure I was marketable for universities. I’ve had to remain persistent, displaying my exceptional skillsets, undeniable talents, and a no-quit attitude. I contracted COVID during the basketball season and while isolated, completed a Future Medical Leaders Youth Conference virtually, passed a mandatory examination, and obtained the Award of Excellence. I am determined to prove myself worthy even when circumstances are not the most optimal. I’ve learned to be a strong fighter, no matter what. Overcoming and conquering these challenges motivates me! Similarly, I think about Stephen Curry and find myself in the company of a future hall of famer who has been doubted and had to overcome his entire career. Today he is arguably one of the best guards to ever play the game, a 3x NBA champion, and the epitome of “don’t-quit, no matter the circumstance”. I am building on a cumulative GPA of 3.55, was inducted into the National Honor Society, and continue to work on my athletic skills. I will successfully matriculate in the fall at a prestigious university and graduate to be an influential alumnus within the community I serve as a sports medicine physician.

Overcoming motivates me. As I think about overcoming, I think about my journey as a student-athlete and my aspiration of becoming a college student. This makes me think of the quote “Be so good that nobody can ignore you”. This quote connects with me, especially as an athlete most especially. I’ve played basketball competitively since I was 4 years old and have had to prove my abilities to coaches mainly because of my calm demeanor and physical build. This was exceptionally hard to deal with during the pandemic which was already challenging. Even more challenging, at a time where I was also trying to ensure I was marketable for universities. I’ve had to remain persistent, displaying my exceptional skillsets, undeniable talents, and a no-quit attitude. I contracted COVID during the basketball season and while isolated, completed a Future Medical Leaders Youth Conference virtually, passed a mandatory examination, and obtained the Award of Excellence. I am determined to prove myself worthy even when circumstances are not the most optimal. I have learned to be an even stronger fighter, no matter what. Overcoming and conquering these challenges motivates me! Similarly, I think about Stephen Curry and find myself in the company of a future hall of famer who has been doubted and had to overcome his entire career. Today he is arguably one of the best guards to ever play the game, a 3x NBA champion, and the epitome of “don’t-quit, no matter the circumstance”. I am building on a cumulative GPA of 3.55, was inducted into the National Honor Society, and continue to work on my skills to ensure that I am viewed as just “so good” that I cannot be ignored or denied of my goals and dreams; and not even a global pandemic can stop me! Most tenaciously and persistently, I am looking at this year as one where I cannot be stopped. My educational goals are my focused than ever. I am determined to put myself in a position to be successful in the completion of high school, and entry into college. I have committed to not falling below an A in my class load and also committing to working harder than I ever have on the basketball court and training. During the global shutdown, I realized the things that I had taken for granted and now with a newer appreciation for those things I missed, such as in-person learning and training with my teammates, I focus and appreciate my drive to be successful even greater and am laser-focused on excelling. From this point forward, I will dedicate myself wholeheartedly to being great at everything I put my hands to do starting with my educational quest. I will successfully matriculate in the fall at a prestigious university and graduate to be an influential alumnus within the community I serve as a sports medicine physician. This is all very important and inspiring to me because I want to be a leader by example that shows an appreciation for hard-fought successes and overcoming, even in the face of challenges. This year, I was voted homecoming King as representation for my senior class. This was an honor because it represented that my peers saw me as the leader I want to be viewed as. I will continue to influence and inspire in the face of adversity.

Overcoming motivates me. As I think about overcoming, I think about my journey as a student-athlete and my aspiration of becoming a college student. This makes me think of the quote “Be so good that nobody can ignore you”. This quote connects with me, especially as an athlete most especially. I’ve played basketball competitively since I was 4 years old and have had to prove my abilities to coaches mainly because of my calm demeanor and physical build. This was exceptionally hard to deal with during the pandemic which was already challenging. Even more challenging, at a time where I was also trying to ensure I was marketable for universities. I’ve had to remain persistent, displaying my exceptional skillsets, undeniable talents, and a no-quit attitude. I actually contracted COVID during the basketball season and while isolated, completed a Future Medical Leaders Youth Conference virtually, passed a mandatory examination, and obtained the Award of Excellence. I am determined to prove myself worthy even when circumstances are not the most optimal. I have learned to be an even stronger fighter, no matter what. Overcoming and conquering these challenges motivates me! Similarly, I think about Stephen Curry and find myself in the company of a future hall of famer who has been doubted and had to overcome his entire career. Today he is arguably one of the best guards to ever play the game, a 3x NBA champion, and the epitome of “don’t-quit, no matter the circumstance”. I am building on a cumulative GPA of 3.55, was inducted into the National Honor Society, and continue to work on my skills to ensure that I am viewed as just “so good” that I cannot be ignored or denied of my goals and dreams; and not even a global pandemic can stop me! In the most tenacious and persistent manner, I am looking at this year as one where I cannot be stopped. My educational goals are my focused than ever. I am determined to put myself in a position to be successful in the completion of high school, and entry into college. I have committed to not falling below an A in my class load and also committing to working harder than I ever have on the basketball court and training. During the global shut down, I realized the things that I had taken for granted and now with a newer appreciation for those things I missed, such as in-person learning and training with my teammates, I now focus and appreciate my drive to be successful even greater and am laser-focused on excelling. From this point forward, I will dedicate myself wholeheartedly to being great at everything I put my hands to do starting with my educational quest. I will successfully matriculate in the fall at a prestigious university and graduate to be an influential alumnus within the community I serve as a sports medicine physician. As a sports medicine physician, I want to show that athletes have other substantial impacts in sports other than just playing sports. And, that black males can begin to infiltrate the medical field at an even greater capacity than there is today. This number of black males is not increasing at the rate that it should or could. This is all very important and inspiring to me because I want to be a leader by example in the medical field that shows an appreciation for hard-fought successes and overcoming, even in the face of challenges.

Overcoming motivates me. As I think about overcoming, I think about my journey as a student-athlete and my aspiration of becoming a college student. This makes me think of the quote “Be so good that nobody can ignore you”. This quote connects with me, especially as an athlete most especially. I’ve played basketball competitively since I was 4 years old and have had to prove my abilities to coaches mainly because of my calm demeanor and physical build. This was exceptionally hard to deal with during the pandemic which was already challenging. Even more challenging, at a time where I was also trying to ensure I was marketable for universities. I’ve had to remain persistent, displaying my exceptional skillsets, undeniable talents, and no-quit attitude. I actually contracted COVID during the basketball season and while isolated, completed a Future Medical Leaders Youth Conference virtually, passed a mandatory examination and obtained the Award of Excellence. I am determined to prove myself worthy even when circumstances are not the most optimal. I have learned to be an even stronger fighter, no matter what. Overcoming and conquering these challenges motivates me! Similarly, I think about Stephen Curry and find myself in the company of a future hall of famer who has been doubted and had to overcome his entire career. Today he is arguably one of the best guards to ever play the game, a 3x NBA champion, and the epitome of “don’t-quit, no matter the circumstance”. I am building on a cumulative GPA of 3.55, was inducted into the National Honor Society and continue to work on my skills to ensure that I am viewed as just “so good” that I cannot be ignored or denied of my goals and dreams; and not even a global pandemic can stop me!

As I think about overcoming, I think about my journey as a student-athlete and my aspiration of becoming a college student. This makes me think of the quote “Be so good that nobody can ignore you”. This quote connects with me, especially as an athlete most especially. I’ve played basketball competitively since I was 4 years old and have had to prove my abilities to coaches mainly because of my calm demeanor and physical build. This was exceptionally hard to deal with during the pandemic which was already challenging. Even more challenging, at a time where I was also trying to ensure I was marketable for universities. I’ve had to remain persistent, displaying my exceptional skillsets, undeniable talents, and no-quit attitude. I actually contracted COVID during the basketball season and while isolated, completed a Future Medical Leaders Youth Conference virtually, passed a mandatory examination and obtained the Award of Excellence. I am determined to prove myself worthy even when circumstances are not the most optimal. This year has taught me to be an even stronger fighter, no matter what. When I think about hard pressing times, such as this year, I think about overcoming and conquering. When thinking about overcoming, I think about Stephen Curry and finding myself in the company of a future hall of famer who has been doubted and had to overcome his entire career. However, today he is arguably one of the best guards to ever play the game, a 3x NBA champion, and the epitome of “don’t-quit, no matter the circumstance” and that is what 2020 represents for me. I finished the year building a GPA of 3.55, was inducted into the National Honor Society and continue to work on my skills to ensure that I am viewed as just “so good” that I cannot be ignored or denied of my goals and dreams; and not even a global pandemic can stop me! In the most tenacious and persistent manner I am looking at this year as one where I cannot be stopped. My educational goals are my focused than ever. I am determined to put myself in a position to be successful in the completion of high school, and the entry into college. I have committed to not falling below an A in my class load and also committing to working harder than I ever have on the basketball court and training. During the global shut down, I realized the things that I had taken for granted and now with a newer appreciation for those things I missed, such as in-person learning and training with my teammates, I now focus and appreciate my drive to be successful even greater and am laser focused on excelling. From this point forward, I will dedicate myself wholeheartedly to be great at everything I put my hands to do starting with my educational quest. I will successfully matriculate in the fall at a prestigious university and graduate to be an influential alumnus within the community I serve as a sports medicine physician. This is all very important and inspiring to me because I want to be a leader by example that shows an appreciation for hard fought successes and overcoming, even in the face of challenges. This year, I was voted homecoming King as representation for my senior class. This was an honor because it represented that my peers saw me as the leader I want to be viewed as. I will continue to influence and inspire in the face of adversity.

As I think about overcoming, I think about my journey as a student-athlete and my aspiration of becoming a college student. This makes me think of the quote “Be so good that nobody can ignore you”. This quote connects with me, especially as an athlete most especially. I’ve played basketball competitively since I was 4 years old and have had to prove my abilities to coaches mainly because of my calm demeanor and physical build. This was exceptionally hard to deal with during the pandemic which was already challenging. Even more challenging, at a time where I was also trying to ensure I was marketable for universities. I’ve had to remain persistent, displaying my exceptional skillsets, undeniable talents, and no-quit attitude. I actually contracted COVID during the basketball season and while isolated, completed a Future Medical Leaders Youth Conference virtually, passed a mandatory examination and obtained the Award of Excellence. I am determined to prove myself worthy even when circumstances are not the most optimal. This year has taught me to be an even stronger fighter, no matter what. When I think about hard pressing times, such as this year, I think about overcoming and conquering. When thinking about overcoming, I think about Stephen Curry and finding myself in the company of a future hall of famer who has been doubted and had to overcome his entire career. However, today he is arguably one of the best guards to ever play the game, a 3x NBA champion, and the epitome of “don’t-quit, no matter the circumstance” and that is what 2020 represents for me. I finished the year building a GPA of 3.55, was inducted into the National Honor Society and continue to work on my skills to ensure that I am viewed as just “so good” that I cannot be ignored or denied of my goals and dreams; and not even a global pandemic can stop me! In the most tenacious and persistent manner I am looking at this year as one where I cannot be stopped. My educational goals are my focused than ever. I am determined to put myself in a position to be successful in the completion of high school, and the entry into college. I have committed to not falling below an A in my class load and also committing to working harder than I ever have on the basketball court and training. During the global shut down, I realized the things that I had taken for granted and now with a newer appreciation for those things I missed, such as in-person learning and training with my teammates, I now focus and appreciate my drive to be successful even greater and am laser focused on excelling. From this point forward, I will dedicate myself wholeheartedly to be great at everything I put my hands to do starting with my educational quest. I will successfully matriculate in the fall at a prestigious university and graduate to be an influential alumnus within the community I serve as a sports medicine physician. This is all very important and inspiring to me because I want to be a leader by example that shows an appreciation for hard fought successes and overcoming, even in the face of challenges. This year, I was voted homecoming King as representation for my senior class. This was an honor because it represented that my peers saw me as the leader I want to be viewed as. I will continue to influence and inspire in the face of adversity.