The Giles family motto, “the two most important things are to be nice and hard working,” reflects values that have guided me throughout my life. As a first generation college student, the oldest of four siblings, and someone from a low to middle income family, I have learned that kindness and hard work are essential for overcoming obstacles and achieving success. The Honors courses I have taken throughout high school have strengthened these qualities and prepared me for the next chapter of my educational journey. Throughout high school, I challenged myself by enrolling in Honors courses while maintaining a 4.1 GPA and earning Honor Roll recognition every year. These accomplishments did not come easily. They required dedication, discipline, and countless hours of studying. There were many times when I balanced rigorous coursework with leadership responsibilities, community service, and extracurricular activities. Through these experiences, I learned that success comes from consistent effort, determination, and a willingness to keep pushing forward even when things become difficult. In addition to teaching me how to work hard, my Honors courses helped me become a kinder and more supportive person. Working with classmates taught me the importance of teamwork, patience, and encouraging others. Whether helping a classmate understand an assignment, sharing notes, or simply offering support, I learned that kindness can have a lasting impact. These experiences reinforced my belief that true success is not just about personal achievement but also about helping others succeed. While I am proud of my accomplishments, financial challenges have created obstacles on my path to higher education. As a first generation college student, navigating the college process was unfamiliar for my family. The costs associated with college, including tuition, books, housing, and other expenses, often felt overwhelming. There were times when I worried about how I would afford to pursue my educational goals. Because of these challenges, I worked hard to earn scholarships and seek opportunities that would help make college possible. Rather than allowing financial barriers to discourage me, they motivated me to work even harder. They inspired me to maintain strong grades, pursue leadership opportunities, and remain focused on my future. This fall, I will attend the College of Charleston to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology while working toward my goal of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. The Honors courses I have taken have prepared me to be both nice and hardworking by teaching me perseverance, collaboration, and empathy. Combined with the financial challenges I have faced, these lessons have shaped me into a determined student and leader who is committed to making a positive impact on my community and helping others achieve their goals.

Books have taught me lessons that extend far beyond the classroom. They have shown me the importance of perseverance, leadership, empathy, and the power of using my voice to make a difference. Through reading, I have learned that challenges do not define a person. Rather, it is how they respond to those challenges that shapes their future. These lessons have influenced the impact I hope to make on the world as a future healthcare professional, business owner, and community leader. One of the most influential books I have read is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. Her story taught me the importance of resilience, courage, and self-worth. Despite facing hardships and obstacles, Maya Angelou refused to let her circumstances define her future. Her journey showed me that education, determination, and confidence can help individuals overcome barriers and create opportunities for themselves and others. Her story inspired me to continue pushing forward, even when challenges arise. As a first-generation college student and the oldest of four siblings, I understand the importance of setting an example. Maya Angelou’s story reminded me that success is not always determined by where a person starts, but by their willingness to persevere. Through my experiences as President of FBLA, Spirit Chair of Student Council, and a leader in JROTC, I have learned to encourage others, serve my community, and lead with integrity. Reading has also strengthened my sense of empathy. Books allow readers to see the world through someone else’s perspective and better understand the experiences of others. This lesson is especially important because I plan to pursue a career in healthcare as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. I want to provide compassionate care to patients while making them feel seen, heard, and valued. The impact I hope to make on the world is centered on service. I aspire to create a nonprofit organization that provides resources and opportunities for individuals in underserved communities. I also hope to build a successful business that allows me to invest back into the people and places that helped shape me. Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, I have always believed in the importance of giving back and strengthening my community. The lessons I have learned from books, especially the resilience and determination demonstrated by Maya Angelou, have shaped the person I am today. They continue to inspire me to break barriers, create opportunities for others, and leave a lasting impact through leadership, service, and compassion

When I first walked into high school at fourteen years old, I thought it would just be about classes, friends, and making memories. I didn’t understand how much these years would shape my future. Back then, college felt far away and unrealistic. I didn’t think much about money, careers, or what life after graduation would look like. Now, as a senior, I realize how fast time moves and how serious the real world becomes once high school ends. Over the years, I’ve learned that getting an education is not as simple as it should be. Many students work hard, get good grades, and stay focused, yet still struggle to afford college. I believe that education should be something every student has access to, not something they have to worry about paying for. At our age, we are still learning who we are and what we want to become. We are not fully developed adults yet, but we are expected to make life-changing financial decisions. That doesn’t seem fair to me. Because of this, I want to become an entrepreneur and create a nonprofit organization that helps students pay for college and continue their education. My goal is to build a business that raises money through partnerships, events, and programs, then uses those funds to provide scholarships and resources for students in my community. I want to support students who have big dreams but limited opportunities, just like many people I have grown up around. Academically, I plan to major in business with a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. I am an active member of FBLA, where I have placed twice in Business Management competitions. Through this organization, I have developed leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills that prepare me for future success. Learning how businesses operate in real-world situations has motivated me even more to pursue my goals. Understanding finances, leadership, and marketing will help me grow my nonprofit and make sure it lasts for many years. I have already begun giving back through volunteering and helping others whenever I can. Whether it is participating in school activities, supporting community events, or helping classmates when they need it, I believe in being present and involved. These experiences have taught me the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and leadership. They have also shown me how much impact one person can have when they truly care. Entrepreneurship gives me the opportunity to turn my passion for education into action. Through my nonprofit, I hope to remove financial barriers and give students confidence in their future. This scholarship would help me continue working toward my goals and remind me that my vision is possible. I am determined to use my education and ambition to create change and give back to the community that helped shape me.