Whether it was during Vacation Bible School or Sunday service, we’ve all heard the song, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” For many, those lyrics are just a childhood memory, but for me, they serve as a guide as I navigate my life. When I was in the tenth grade, I was given the opportunity to enroll in a vocational course of my choice. I was not sure what I was called to do, but I did know that God blessed me creatively. Following that, I chose to join the audio, video, and film pathway. Although I had some prior experience with visual arts, I was amazed by how expansive the field really was. Some days we analyzed films; other days we learned cinematic techniques. Within weeks, I fell in love with film and caught glimpses of the calling God had placed on my life. After completing the class, I developed strong skills in photography and filmmaking, earned two state medals for video productions, and gained a clear sense of purpose. In that season, all was well and I could confidently say that God was guiding me. However, a few months later, I lost one of my life's pillars, my grandmother. Losing my grandmother was nowhere near easy. Because of her, I began to create, excelled through school, and lived a good life. In my grief, I lost motivation and stepped away from my creative work entirely. During that time, I felt disconnected from my calling and myself. Nevertheless, I made sure to never let go of my faith, attending church was a non-negotiable, even when I did not understand God's plan. During a midweek service, my youth leader spoke about Matthew 5 and Jesus' command to “let our light shine.” Initially, I struggled to fully receive the message. But as he continued, he spoke about how hiding our light is a disservice to ourselves and to others. In that moment, I realized that I had allowed my grief to dim something God had given me. That message changed my perspective. The very next day, I picked up my camera again, and it was almost like I was rediscovering a part of myself that I lost. As I returned to my God-given purpose, new opportunities began to unfold. This time, I approached them differently, leaning on God for direction and strength. Through His grace, I started my own business, served on my church’s media team, and was accepted into Georgia State University. These opportunities were not only personal achievements; they were ways for me to serve others, reflecting God’s light through everything I did. Now, as a Film and Media major, I continue to build on the foundation that my grandmother and my faith helped establish. I have worked on branded projects, photographed community events, and joined campus organizations that allow me to grow both professionally and spiritually. In these spaces, I ensure to use my creativity as a tool to uplift others, sharing messages that inspire hope. Even in moments when I felt lost, God remained constant. He has guided me through grief, restored my passion, and opened doors I never imagined possible. This opportunity is meaningful to me because it would allow me to continue pursuing my education while staying rooted in my purpose. As I move forward, I plan to use my faith as my foundation, creating work that reflects my talents while serving others and glorifying God. All in all, I am committed to letting my light shine, not just for myself, but so that others may see His love through me.

Currently, I am a Film and Media Major at Georgia State University. There are two main reasons I chose this field. Firstly, I plan to create multi-million dollar productions that highlight originality and creativity in African American spaces. For too long, there has been an inadequate amount of Black filmmakers, actors, and crew members despite the skills and education that is obtained. Using my college degree and entrepreneurial skills, gained through courses and experience, I plan on creating a space where this is no longer the case. Secondly, I plan on using my collegiate education to teach people, young and old, that they can be whatever they put their minds to. Oftentimes, people forfeit their dreams prematurely because they simply do not believe they are capable of achieving them. Taking my post-secondary education and my life's story, coming from a poverty stricken single-parent home, I hope to show that success is for everyone, no matter what they look like. ___ I believe entrepreneurship to be more than a career path one takes, its something that is lived and breathed. I would to love to say that I "chose" the entrepreneurial life, but I cannot. The entrepreneurial life chose me. As mentioned earlier, I was no stranger to struggle growing up. There were times where I went without a hot meal and others where I could not afford new clothes. During those times, it may have been easier to give up, but that is not who I am. I knew that I would not settle for anything less than the absolute best. So, I made a change. Like many others, my first "business" was the typical homework scheme. It was not until my high school years that I would start my first legitimate business. Around that time, making a clothing brand was the new thing, so I followed. I designed the shirts, sourced an overseas manufacturer, appropriately budgeted, marketed the shirts, and, once they arrived, I sold them all. Although uneducated on business, I would argue that I earned my stripes as an entrepreneur. From that moment on, I was sure that being an entrepreneur was my life's purpose. Time passed and I eventually picked up a camera. Using the skills developed from my first business adventure, I worked hard, invested into my self, and reached the top of my market. My commitments resulted in me grossing a few thousand my first year of business. Having the success I did, I continued working and chose to seek further education in the skill. Using the education received from college and my pre-existing entrepreneurial knowledge, my end goal is to create films and serve as a role model, proving that dreams can come true, even when life shows you different. __ To simply put it, I believe I will be a successful entrepreneur because I have already done so. Although simpler, my previous businesses did well. I will combine what I learned then and what I know now to reach higher levels. Sure, there is a possibility that things do not go as planned, but that does not scare me, it is just what business is. I think a successful life is more than a rich one, I believe it is determined by the positive effects I have on other's lives. While it is a goal of mine to not have financial issues, I find helping others to be much more important. As long as it is undeniable that I helped change lives, I think that I served well as businessman and an entrepreneur.

"I am the master of my fate, the captain of my soul." These powerful words from a poem titled Invictus were a principle my father ensured I lived by. After my mother's passing, my father took on the daunting task of being both parents all at once. Although it was proven difficult, my father persevered. As a result of his persistence and desire to see me do well, I am who I am today. Using the skills, knowledge, and experiences he has given me, I will help others who come from situations like mine. Life on the Southside of Macon, Georgia was not a life that people asked for. Many families faced financial instability, and many lives were lost prematurely. There, struggle was the norm. Nevertheless, my father ensured that I would not experience those perils. He remained a positive influence, kept me involved in school, and provided me with opportunities that changed my life. In the tenth grade, my dad encouraged me to join the Audio, Video, and Film course my high school offered. Although I knew little about cameras and sound boards, I did know a lot about hip-hop music and Black entertainment. So, I joined the class and I am forever grateful that I did. In the course, I was taught the basics of filmmaking. As I continued the class and developed my skills, I gained a love for film. From that point forward, I knew what I wanted have my career to be in: cinema. Currently, I am a first-year Film and Media major at Georgia State University. In the span of one year, I have produced multiple short films, assisted on ads for big companies, and led photoshoots for various organizations. Outside of my creative works, I am also involved on campus. I have joined leadership initiatives, like GSU's PantherLeap, where I learn about social issues and then develop solutions to help. As I learn about these different predicaments, I am reminded of the one I come from. Combining the creative expertise gained through schooling and the social awareness developed through leadership programs, I will, after graduation, start my own organization supporting disenfranchised African American communities through creative arts. More often than not, Black children forfeit their dreams because of situations they cannot control. Sometimes fees are too expensive and others do not have adequate guidance in their lives. Knowing this, I will offer mentorship programs and creative schooling, giving the youth opportunities they deserve. Being raised by a single father taught me persistence, excellence, and achievement, lessons I now want to share to those after me. His determination to see me successful has allowed me to reach the places I have today and has opened doors for me to have a successful career. Using cinema and social advocacy, I want to set the example my father set for me: that anything can be done, as long as you make it happen. Although I grew up in a place that destined children like me to destruction, I have taken control over my life and steered onto a path of success. Using what my father and this life has given me, I hope to teach other Black children how to do the same.

Survivor's Remorse. A feeling of guilt for surviving while others did not. A feeling that plagues me as I reflect on my life. While I am grateful for the opportunities I have today, I cannot ignore those who did not get the same opportunities. Because of that, I am actively working to ensure others do not face the same struggles I did. Growing up in Macon, Georgia was not easy. I lived a life faced with financial struggles, minimal resources, and treacherous surroundings. Despite those challenges, I graduated at the top of my class, started my own business, and enrolled into a great college. Externally, my life may look like a story of success. While that is true, people would fail to see the countless peers I left behind who cannot say the same. As early as elementary school, I witnessed realities no child should endure. I lost classmates prematurely, knew friends with no food on their tables, and watched others fall into a cycle of violence and crime. Although I was in the same predicaments, I never took a step down the wrong path. I always kept my grades high, stayed away from bad influences, and even read books in my pastime. Even though we stayed in the same neighborhood, our outcomes were totally different. Realizing this, I began to ask myself what made my story different from theirs. I then found the answer: positive African American role models. Everyone needs someone to look up to and many cling to what is set before them. Fortunately, I found a mentor in my high school film instructor. Through his guidance, I learned discipline, creativity, and Black excellence. He showed me how powerful storytelling really is. Unfortunately, some of my peers found a mentor in someone in the streets instead. While I was on a path to building my future, they were doing their best to survive the present. Because of this realization, I feel inclined to give back to communities like the one that raised me. I am currently a Film and Media major at Georgia State University, developing my skills of cinema and storytelling. Along with my studies, I manage my own business producing films and directing photoshoots that allow people to express who they really are. These experiences have allowed me to see what a camera can really do in the right hands. My goal is to create productions that highlight racial inequalities, systemic oppression, and the challenges underserved communities face. Cinema has the power to shape perspectives, and I want to use my skills to make sure these communities’ voices are acknowledged and their circumstances improved. Beyond filmmaking, I hope to establish an organization that mentors and supports children from disenfranchised communities. Through workshops, mentorship, and creative opportunities, I want to provide others with the guidance that changed my life. Many people grow up not knowing success is achievable only because they have not seen it. By becoming a visible example of what is possible, I hope to inspire others to believe in their own potential. Being raised in an area where struggle was expected and success was rare taught me that representation and guidance can change lives. Using the lessons I learned from my mentors and my own experiences, I plan to uplift the next generation, showing them they can be successful. Initially, survivor’s remorse felt like a burden. Now, it is a responsibility to reach back and help others rise as well. Through storytelling, mentorship, and leadership, I intend to ensure that the path I found is one that others can walk themselves.

All thanks to my father, I am the man I am today. It is my life's goal to continue the legacy and example he has set before me in gratitude for the sacrifices and support he has given me. He is the reason I have made it this far and is why I will forever continue. At the early age of three, my mother passed. Although I was too young to understand what happened, the loss of my mother still affected me. My father, now a single-parent of two, knew he had to take an even higher level of responsibility to raise my sister and me; and that he did. With sleepless nights and financial struggles, my father supported me, placing me on a path that is bound for success. Whether it had been chess club, quiz bowl, football, or my jobs, my dad was there. There would be times he would rush off of work to make sure I was okay. He would take a late lunch in order to take me from practice to practice. When I was younger, I did not understand the amount of work he was doing for me. That changed as I got older. Over time, I began to recognize and appreciate so much more what my father has done for me. Because of his commitment to me, I learned the skills to manage time well as I worked 40 hour weeks as a junior and senior. I was provided with a quality education, graduating in the top 5% of my class. Combining the lessons he taught me with the example he has set, I have become a quality filmmaker, high achiever, and so much more. There is no way that I could ignore all that my father has done for me. The question now is: How will I give him the honor that he deserves? The answer is simple: I will continue my college education as a Film and Media major, joining clubs and earning internships, in order to get a degree, a quality career, and lifestyle that reflects everything he has taught me. Even though I am only in my first year of college, I have done so much. That is only thanks to my father who set a precedent of scholarship, achievement, and commitment. I earned my way onto the Dean's List, I have produced multiple well-received short films, and I have experienced life to its fullest. Granted, there are times when it gets hard. Nevertheless, I strive because striving was the thing my father taught me to do when times got hard. Also, I owe it to him. Imagine if he gave up when my mother passed because it was hard. If he threw in the towel because caring for my sister and me was too much. If either of those were the case, I would not be here today. Seeing his determination and commitment, I have applied it to my life. With his help, I made it to college and with everything he has taught me, I will be sure to graduate so I can honor who he is, continue the legacy he began, and instill those same standards in people who come after me.