Community service has always been a fundamental part of my life, and my involvement in my local church has played a pivotal role in shaping my commitment to serving the community. My participation in my church has enriched and magnified the impact of the service I provide to the community. My parents are pastors so serving was something that happened naturally for me. Community service has always been an integral part of my life, and my involvement in my local church has played a significant role in shaping this commitment. My participation in various church activities, from volunteering to organizing events, teaching the little dance team, being the youth leader for 2 years, and leading praise and worship has not only deepened my faith but has also enabled me to make a meaningful impact on my community. One of the primary ways in which my church involvement has contributed to my community service is by instilling important values and fostering compassion. Through religious teachings and sermons, I have learned the values of empathy, kindness, and generosity. These values serve as a foundation for my community service efforts, motivating me to help others in need without expecting anything in return. My local church provides numerous volunteering opportunities that directly benefit the community. Whether it's participating in food drives for the homeless, organizing clothing donations, or volunteering at local shelters, my church has been a hub for community-oriented activities. These opportunities have allowed me to actively engage with and serve those in my community who are less fortunate. We give groceries every 3rd Saturday of the month and I held the "free groceries" sign for around 3 hours. My involvement in church activities has also contributed to the development of my leadership and organizational skills. Over the years, I have had the chance to take on various roles, such as organizing fundraisers, leading youth groups, and planning community events. These experiences have equipped me with valuable skills that I can apply to community service initiatives, making them more effective and efficient. My church has served as a platform for building a strong support network of like-minded individuals who are also committed to community service. Collaborating with fellow church members has enabled me to tap into a broader pool of resources, ideas, and manpower when working on community projects. This network has been instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of our service efforts. My church emphasized the importance of unity and inclusivity. By participating in activities that promote diversity and foster a sense of belonging, I have gained a deeper understanding of the diverse needs of my community. This understanding has motivated me to engage in community service that is inclusive and addresses the unique challenges faced by different groups within the community. In conclusion, my involvement in my local church has significantly contributed to the service I provide for my community. Through the values, volunteering opportunities, skills, support network, and emphasis on unity and inclusivity that my church has provided, I have been able to make a positive impact on the lives of those in my community. As I continue my journey of faith and community service, I am grateful for the invaluable lessons and experiences that my church has afforded me, enabling me to serve my community with dedication and compassion.

There is a vast reason why I am applying for this scholarship. Receiving this scholarship would assist me in a significant way in achieving my educational goals. By reducing financial concerns, it means for me more time for studying and learning, which can lead to better grades and retention of knowledge and increase my chances of continuing on to graduate school. I am planning to work during my undergraduate degree, but I do wish to focus a lot of my time on my studies. This scholarship will help by lowering the costs of college and the amount of hours I'll need to work throughout my studies. This way, I'll be able to continue with my academic achievements to receive a master's in Marketing. This scholarship would truly be a blessing that I would be so grateful to receive especially as a child of 2 Jamaican immigrants. Outside of financial assistance, I am eager to receive a scholarship from Hyacinth Malcolm Memorial Scholarship because, since its founding, this organization has been dedicated to the promotion of education, health and social development of our youth. These are all things that are important to me and can be proven by me being a recipient of the MLK Humanitarian Award by the Orlando City Mayor. None of us are free until we are all free and receiving a scholarship from a group of individuals who understand that would be a true honor indeed. I believe what sets me apart from the other scholarship candidates is that as a child I was the quintessential ‘bleeding heart’. I brought home stray animals, just wanted to give them all a home, donated my allowance to the needy, or begged my mom to let me give blankets to the homeless. All around me, I was seeing sadness that I wanted to turn into happiness. As I grew up I learned that this tendency of mine was called empathy, something that would forever change my life. Empathy is a blessing and a burden I have learned. I have experienced as much heartache as joy in addition to the frustrating moments of those who lack it around me. As I grew up I began to realize that what makes us all different, is also what makes us all special. I spent most of my days helping those around me become the best version of themselves. Unfortunately, I quickly found out that the more I gave support and encouragement, the more my own self fell to the wayside. My own mental health suffered and the more I tackled their problems, the more I started losing myself. I was soon to learn that if you are not filled back up, that cup you are pouring from will run empty. This scholarship will alleviate the stress that financial hardship can bring. This scholarship would truly mean so much to me.

Gun violence is an epidemic that has plagued communities across the United States, including New York, for far too long. My best friend's cousin passed from gun violence and she never was the same. It's a complex issue with deep-seated roots, but I believe that my college education can be a catalyst for change in my local community. By harnessing the knowledge, skills, and networks I gain in college, I aim to contribute significantly to reducing the epidemic of gun violence in New York. My college education will serve as the foundational pillar of my efforts to combat gun violence. Through my coursework, I intend to gain a comprehensive understanding of the social, psychological, and policy aspects of this issue. I'll take classes that teach public policy and conflict resolution to equip myself with the necessary knowledge to address the multifaceted nature of gun violence. Armed with a college education, I will actively engage with my local community in New York. This will involve organizing educational seminars, workshops, and awareness campaigns to educate the public about the consequences of gun violence and potential solutions. Collaborating with local schools, community centers, and religious institutions, I will reach out to youth and adults alike to foster a sense of responsibility and unity in addressing this crisis. Empowering the next generation is essential to breaking the cycle of violence. My college education will enable me to establish mentorship programs and extracurricular activities designed to provide guidance, support, and positive outlets for at-risk youth. These programs will emphasize conflict resolution, leadership development, and the importance of education. Armed with the analytical skills gained through my college education, I will actively participate in advocacy efforts aimed at enacting sensible gun control measures. I'll collaborate with local and national organizations dedicated to this cause and work to influence policy changes that prioritize public safety while respecting responsible gun ownership. Leveraging my college education, I plan to collaborate with law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and local leaders to develop community safety initiatives. These initiatives will focus on community policing, neighborhood watch programs, and initiatives to address the root causes of gun violence, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to mental health services. My college education will equip me with research and data analysis skills, allowing me to conduct in-depth studies on the factors contributing to gun violence in New York. I'll work with local universities and research institutions to gather and analyze data, enabling evidence-based decision-making for policymakers and community leaders. I will support and participate in grassroots movements that are actively working to reduce gun violence. My college education will enable me to contribute by providing strategic planning, communication, and organizational skills to these initiatives. In conclusion, my college education is not just a personal pursuit but a commitment to my community and society at large. I am determined to leverage the knowledge and skills I gain to give back to my local community in New York by actively participating in efforts to reduce the epidemic of gun violence. Through education, community engagement, advocacy, and mentorship, I aim to be a catalyst for positive change and contribute to a safer and more peaceful future for all New Yorkers.