Success is a personal concept that can evolve as one grows and experiences life’s challenges and opportunities. For me, success is not defined solely by my physical achievements such as academic grades or professional success, but by a sense of fulfillment and purpose, driven by my passions and commitment to self-improvement. While traditional markers of success, like getting your degree or getting a high-paying job hold a lot of value they are only a small piece of the bigger picture. I believe that true success is in your ability to overcome obstacles, push your boundaries, and align your actions with your core values and long-term goals. These steps play a crucial piece in helping me shape myself into a successful person in the long run not just short term. In my life I know that everything that I may do or put my mind into may not be successful, so I try to keep a balance of my personal development as a young adult, my academic growth, and my social impact on not just the people around me but the world. A core value for me is having lifelong learning you can never not learn anything from the different things you do in life or the different people that you interact with every day. I like to use the knowledge that I learn every day and not just hear it but apply it to my everyday life. This is why I am driven to pursue education, not just for the degree it offers, but for the wisdom and skills that will help me contribute to my personal life and the lives of people around me. My academic journey is not just about getting an A on every assignment and test it is about putting my critical thinking to use, how to solve problems creatively, and seeing the areas I can seek improvement in. For me, success is tied to having resilience in life and in everything that you do because you never know when you need to take that plug out there and be resilient in anything that you do which can lead to great success. Life is extremely unpredictable and I have experienced many times how life can be unpredictable and my journey has had many setbacks and failures. However, I see these challenges as an opportunity for growth in the areas I failed in so I can go back and try again. The resilience to bounce back from many difficulties, to learn from my failures, and to be able to keep moving forward despite the big uncertainty is what truly defines success. This scholarship is an invaluable opportunity that will help me achieve these aspirations. With financial support, I will be able to pursue higher education without the burden of student debt. Allowing me to focus more on my studies and not worry about how am I going to pay for school. This opportunity will provide me with the tools to build the resilience and perseverance necessary for success. The challenges that I know I will face along the way with always test my abilities, but I know that I have enough knowledge and enough hope for me to succeed. In conclusion, success for me is not a singular destination but it will always be an ongoing journey that is fueled by my passion to succeed. It is about learning, growing, and contributing to society in ways that go beyond personal achievement. This scholarship represents an essential step toward realizing that vision. With this opportunity, I am one step closer to achieving the success I envision success that is not just about me, but the world around me.

This scholarship opportunity is deeply meaningful to me because it represents not just financial assistance but also recognition of a journey that has been shaped by faith, perseverance, and the grace of God. My story is one of overcoming challenges that, at times, felt like I was not going to overcome, and it was my unwavering faith in Jesus Christ that has carried me through those moments. Growing up in a household with my single mother there were challenges but luckily she had a village behind her to help support which consisted of my grandmother who is a pastor, my grandpa, and my godparents. Growing up especially staying with my grandparents from time to time God and my faith were the first things that came into my life. From going to clean the church with my grandma, helping her print programs out, and just going to church on Sunday morning. Everything was not always peaches and cream though there were some challenges that I faced alone and also my family faced together that did test my faith sometimes. In those dark moments, I leaned on my faith as a source of hope. One bible verse that carried me through was Jeremiah 29:11 which states "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This promise reminded me that God's plans for my life were good, even if I couldn't see the bigger picture at the time. With prayer and perseverance, I committed myself to my studies, believing that God would make a way. Through hard work, divine intervention, and prayer I am able to maintain high grades, work full-time, and have time outside of that to keep a social life and my bible studies. My faith gave me the courage to dream of a brighter future and the determination to pursue it, despite the obstacles. This journey has taught me that success is not defined solely by personal achievements but by the ability to uplift others and glorify God through actions. My faith inspires me to give back to the community helping one person at a time, even if it is small or big. I believe God has placed me on this path for a reason, and I am determined to use my experiences to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Looking ahead, I see my faith as an unshakable foundation that will guide me toward even greater heights. Whether I am navigating the complexities of my future career, making ethical decisions, or facing unforeseen challenges, I will rely on God's wisdom and strength to lead me. This scholarship is not just a step forward in my academic journey-it is an affirmation of God's faithfulness and a tool that will enable me to fulfill his purpose for my life. In everything that I do, I strive to reflect the love, grace, and resilience that come from walking with Christ. I am excited to see where this path leads and grateful for the opportunity to pursue my dreams with faith as my compass.

Choosing to pursue a degree in Business administration was a decision I made to help the betterment of myself. It stemmed from a desire to understand the mechanisms that drive organizations and to use that knowledge to create a meaningful change. As someone who has always been curious about leadership, management, and what it takes to run a successful business and strategy, this program provides the perfect foundation to develop the skills necessary for building and sustaining successful enterprises. The reasons for enrolling in the program are both personal and professional. I want to equip myself with a versatile skill set that transcends industries. Business administration offers a comprehensive education, covering areas like finance, marketing, operations, and human resources. My goal is to have a successful business so taking the knowledge from my studies and from other programs, internships, working in the job force, and talking to business owners to help broaden my education. This broad focus aligns with my goal of being adaptable in an ever-evolving job market. I have a strong passion for entrepreneurship. I envision continuing to work on my business that not only generates profit but also creates a positive social impact, particularly in underserved communities. This program provides me with the tools to understand market dynamics, develop business plans, and implement strategies that can turn ideas into sustainable ventures. I was drawn to this program because it emphasizes the importance of leadership and ethical decision-making. In today's world, businesses have a significant influence on society, and I believe it's crucial to approach business with integrity and a sense of responsibility. My coursework has taught me to consider the broader implications of business decisions, preparing me to lead with both vision and compassion. One of my primary goals after graduation is to create opportunities for others, particularly those who face systemic barriers to success. With the knowledge gained from my business administration degree, I plan to establish initiatives that support local entrepreneurs, provide job training, and foster economic growth in underprivileged areas. Additionally, I aim to advocate for sustainable business practices. As businesses increasingly recognize their role in addressing environmental challenges, I want to help organizations implement strategies that balance profitability with environmental stewardship. Whether through consulting or direct involvement, I hope to contribute to a future where businesses operate as forces for good. Working while pursuing my degree has been both a challenge and a transformative experience. Holding down a full-time job has taught me time management, discipline, and the importance of prioritization. Balancing work deadlines with academic responsibilities has pushed me to become more efficient and intentional with my time. While it has not been easy, working has also enriched my education. Many concepts I have learned in class, such as effective communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving, have been directly applicable to my job. However, the experience has not come without sacrifice. Late nights and early mornings have been normal to me, and social activities often take a backseat to my responsibilities. Despite these challenges, I would not trade the experience, as it has strengthened my resolve and made me more resourceful. Pursuing my degree in Business administration is not just about personal achievement; it is about preparing myself to contribute meaningfully to society. The knowledge and skills I acquire will enable me to create opportunities, advocate for ethical practices, and drive positive change. Working while studying has been a lesson in resilience and adaptability, qualities that will serve me well in both my career and life. This journey, though demanding, has solidified my commitment to using my education to make a lasting impact.

My name is Saniya Cureton, and I am a driven and dedicated individual with a passion for learning and community engagement. I grew up in Kenly, North Carolina where I go to school at Fayetteville State University. This is where I developed a love for music, art, criminal justice, and business, and where I cultivated a deep appreciation for hard work and perseverance. As a student and working full time as well, I have consistently strived to balance academic excellence with meaningful contributions to my community. Receiving this scholarship would be a transformative opportunity for me. As someone who has faced financial challenges, it would alleviate the burden of tuition costs and help enable me to focus wholeheartedly on my studies, extracurricular activities, and volunteering giving back to my community. It would serve as a validation of my efforts and fuel my motivation to continue pursuing my goals. This support would not only benefit me but also allow me to amplify my positive impact on others through community initiatives and future career achievements. Academically, I aspire to earn my degree in Business Administration with a minor in healthcare. After obtaining my bachelor's I do want to go back to school and get my certification to be an ultrasound technician. Through my education, I hope to bridge the gap between innovative technology and real-world applications to create a better future for all. This scholarship would enable me to access educational resources and opportunities that are critical to my growth in this field. Contributing to my community has always been a source of pride of fulfillment for me. I have volunteered at many different places from my high school career until now working in food banks, churches, and at school events. Which has taught me the value of compassion and teamwork. These experiences have reinforced my belief that collective effort and kindness can make a significant difference. One of the most profound lessons I have learned came from a failure during my sophomore year of high school because Covid 19 happened that year and it put everybody into quarantine. This was an extremely difficult time mentally and it took a toll on my academics. It was a humbling experience that forced me to reassess my priorities and time management skills. I learned the importance of setting realistic goals and seeking help when needed. Since then, I have become more organized and intentional in balancing my commitments, leading to a steady improvement in my grades and well-being. My greatest strength is my resilience. Life has presented me with numerous challenges, but I have consistently risen above them by maintaining a positive attitude and embracing opportunities to grow. Whether it is tackling a difficult project, supporting others through tough times, or overcoming personal setbacks, I approach every situation with determination and hope. In conclusion, I am deeply committed to excelling academically, contributing meaningfully to society, and realizing my dreams of creating a positive impact in the world. This scholarship would not only support my education but also empower me to achieve my full potential and continue making a difference in the lives of others.

Black History Month is a time for reflection and appreciation of the remarkable individuals who have shaped the course of history. There are many influences among the great figures that have changed the course of black history such as Malcolm X. Malcolm X stands out as a transformative leader who courage, intellect, and commitment to justice and he has left a great impact on society. With his journey from adversity to advocacy inspires me to embrace resilience, critical thinking, and a dedication to creating a meaningful change in the world. Malcolm X's journey in life is a testament to the power of transformation. Born Malcolm Little and from Omaha, Nebraska, he faced a tumultuous childhood, going through systemic racism and his own personal tragedies. Despite these challenges, he emerged as a powerful voice for Black empowerment. His speeches and writings emphasized the importance of self-reliance, education, and pride in black cultural heritage. His messages resonate deeply with me as I strive to define my own identity and purpose in a world that often undervalues Black voices. One of Malcolm X's most compelling qualities was his ability to evolve. Early in his career, he was a fiery proponent of Black nationalism, advocating for separation from a society steeped in racism. Experiencing the unity of people from diverse backgrounds, he adopted a more inclusive approach to civil rights, advocating for global solidarity against oppression. This willingness to grow and adapt inspires me to remain open-minded and embrace the idea that change is a sign of strength, not weakness. Malcolm X's fearlessness in confronting injustice challenges me to find my own voice. His speeches emphasized the urgency of action and the power of choice. He taught us that the systemic change requires not only speaking out but also taking deliberate, informed steps forward towards justice. This perspective motivates me to engage with my community and advocate for equity in education, healthcare, and the representation of people who look like me. On a personal level, Malcolm X's legacy underscores the value of education. He was largely self-taught, transforming himself through relentless reading and study during his time in prison. His example reminds me that knowledge is a vital tool for empowerment and is the only thing that people can not take away from you. By prioritizing my education and seeking opportunities to learn, I hope to honor his legacy and equip myself to contribute meaningfully to society. Malcolm X's life and work inspires me to pursue justice with determination and integrity. His legacy challenges me to be unyielding in my own principles while remaining open to growth and understanding. This Black History Month, I honor Malcolm X as a leader whose vision continues to guide and empower future generations.

Every entrepreneur's journey begins with a spark- a moment of inspiration that sets the wheels of innovation in motion. For me that spark came during COVID-19 we were all locked up in the house for months and from when I was a little girl I always loved doing my hair and nails just taking care of me and myself doing things that made me feel good. I got into doing my own hair teaching myself how to braid, washing, and conditioning, and actually taking care of my hair to maintain its health. Also learning how to do my other passion nails I started off with doing acrylic but it was starting to be bad for my nail health, so I started making and designing my own press-ons. The foundation of my entrepreneurial mindset can be traced back to my childhood. Growing up, I was surrounded by stories of resilience and creativity. My mom often recounted her challenges in life that she changed into opportunities, inspiring me to think outside of the box. I carried this mindset into my teenage years, where I did do a couple of custom orders of press-ons for my coworkers or people that I went to school with for their special events. These early experiences taught me the fundamentals of problem-solving, customer service, and the satisfaction of creating something meaningful. My current business idea is called PressedByNiya, emerged from my passion for affordable self-care for everyone. I want to have an affordable custom press-on nail brand. A lot of other brands that are selling in the mainstream stores people do not like because of the design, quality, and overall look of the product. So you are probably thinking who is wearing press-ons when they can just go to the salon? Well, you would think that but times have changed a lot of people are starting to either to do their own nails or going to press-on because of the price to get their nails done and because it is decaying people's nail health from the acrylic. So my brand would give women or men the opportunity to have that nail salon look and feel but they can take them off whenever they need to especially if they work in the health care field. The inspiration to pursue this idea comes from my personal values and desire to make a positive impact on the self-care industry. I believe entrepreneurship is more than just creating a profitable business-it's a tool for driving social change and empowering others. When I first shared my idea with friends and family their enthusiasm affirmed its potential. This encouragement fueled my determination to turn my vision into a reality. My ultimate goal is to transform my business into a global marketplace that not only provides a great service for others but to helps empower women. The journey toward my goal has been both challenging and rewarding at the same time. I have invested countless hours into research to help boost my brand and company to help get my business out there and what goes into running a successful business by talking to other business owners and taking courses. Looking ahead, I do hope to secure funding to help launch my platform. Beyond just having financial success, my dream is to create a business that uplifts communities, and inspires others to pursue purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship has taught me that big ideas often start small but can create a significant impact when driven by passion, perseverance, and a commitment to make the world better. With this mindset, I am ready to turn my vision into a reality and leave a lasting legacy through my business.

Throughout my life, giving back to others has been a major cornerstone of who I am. Growing up in a family that valued compassion and service, I've had numerous opportunities to contribute to my community, and these experiences have profoundly shaped my character and aspirations. Whether through doing volunteer work, mentoring, or just small random acts of kindness, I have seen firsthand how meaningful giving back can be, not only for those receiving the help but also for those who are giving back. One of my most impactful experiences was when I volunteered at a local food pantry with my old job while I was in my first year of school. We spent the day helping pack groceries in boxes and in bags for families so it ranged from 2-3 family households all the way up to 8 people in a household. We packed food that they could use and they got it all for free. While the task was simple, I was moved by the gratitude that was expressed by the workers at the pantry and the families. It reinforced the importance of supporting others during difficult times. Beyond just providing food, we offered hope and dignity, which is often overlooked but equally important. Another way of giving back is through mentorship, over the summer I was able to participate in a reading buddies program over the summer to help read with elementary students while they were in their summer program. This was also a positive light in my life because I read with different students every time but they were all attentive, especially one little girl she was the sweetest and said she loved my reading voice which made my day. While I do take pride in giving back when I can, my financial circumstances have posed challenges as I pursue higher education. My family has always prioritized education, but financial constraints have required us to make sacrifices. My mom worked tirelessly to support me and my brother, yet there were limits to what she could provide. To help support myself I did have a part-time job that I worked for my years in high school and my first year of college. So I would go to school for the week in college and then drive back home every weekend to work so I had some type of income still coming in to provide for myself. Which taught me time management, responsibility, and perseverance. Despite these challenges, I view them as opportunities to grow. They have instilled in me a strong work ethic and an appreciation for the value of education. My goal is to continue giving back by pursuing a career in business to help expand the job market. Scholarships like this one are crucial in helping students like me bridge the gap between financial barriers and academic aspirations. With your support, I will be able to focus more on my studies and community involvement, rather than the constant worry of making ends meet. In conclusion, giving back has not only impacted those around me but has shaped my identity and fueled my ambitions. My financial circumstances have made the journey challenging, but they have also made every achievement more meaningful. I am committed to using my education to create a positive change, ensuring that the cycle of giving continues for generations to come.

Well first let me introduce myself my name is Saniya Cureton, and I am currently pursuing my degree in Business administration at Fayetteville State University. Black excellence has always been a statement that I heard when it came to celebrities especially when they do something great. I then realized I show and have Black excellence every day. There are 8 attributes which are: Be a continual learner, Strive for servant leadership, Thrive with an indomitable will, Prosper with a purpose, Prioritize and manage time, Get it don't!, Develop and possess grit, and Dare to take calculated risks. I feel I do embody each of these attributes but to me, my top ones are to Thrive with an indomitable will, Prosper with a purpose, and Get it done! The attribute that I believe is my top one though is thriving with an indomitable will because having an indomitable will means preserving through challenges, refusing to give up in the face of adversity, and maintaining focus on my goals no matter how big the obstacle may be. Throughout my life, I have consistently demonstrated this attribute, and it has been a defining force in my academic, personal, and community endeavors. I was taught from a very young age that you earn what you work for and if you put your mind to it, work hard, and have determination you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. I quickly realized that success would not be handed to me that is something that you have to work for whether in your career, relationships, academics, or personal goals. I watched my mother work endlessly to care and provide for me as a single mother instilling into me that hard work, persistence, and determination are the keys you need to overcoming life's challenges. Despite having obstacles I always concentrated on my schoolwork. Ultimately, I thrive because I approach life with a will to succeed in everything that I do. I believe that this attribute embodies Black Excellence because it reflects the strength, perseverance, and courage of generations who paved the way for individuals like me. I want to carry this legacy forward by standing firm in the face of obstacles, remaining focused on my goals, and never giving up. Something that I would say that is not my strongest attribute that I continue to work on and have gotten better at is prioritizing and managing time. While I am proud of my ability to thrive with an indomitable will this is something that I want to continue to improve on. As someone who is passionate about learning and achieving excellence, I often find myself juggling multiple responsibilities, from academics, to working a full-time job, extracurricular activities, and family commitments. While my drive keeps me motivated, I sometimes struggle to allocate my time effectively for time for myself sometimes leading to stress and occasional burnout. Improving in this area is crucial to achieving balance and unlocking my full potential. To help address this weakness, I have developed a structured plan that incorporates time management strategies, practical tools, and a commitment to help with self-discipline. Starting off with implementing a daily schedule like using a daily planner, and calendar which can help me allocate specific times for schoolwork, personal development, and extracurriculars such as volunteering. By being able to visualize and organize my commitments that way I can ensure that I dedicate the appropriate time to high-priority tasks that I need to do. Setting up SMART goals which is a tool that I learned in school to help me set clear and achievable goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. So instead of saying "I need to study more" I can create a smart goal with a clear objective such as " I will review two chapters of biology for 90 minutes each evening this week". By breaking tasks into smaller, manageable pieces will prevent procrastination and make time management less overwhelming. An essential part of time management to me is recognizing time for me to take a pause. To help avoid burnout, I set aside time for hobbies, exercise, and mindfulness practices such as meditation and yoga. Taking care of my mental and physical health will ensure I remain productive and energized. By implementing this plan, I believe I can improve my ability to prioritize and manage my time effectively. Time management is not just about productivity; it is about creating balance and ensuring that I can achieve my goals without sacrificing my well-being. This attribute is essential to embodying Black Excellence because managing time allows individuals to pursue their purpose, serve their communities, and thrive in all aspects of life. I am committed to becoming more intentional with my time and ensuring I maximize every opportunity to grow, learn, and lead.

My name is Saniya Cureton, and I am pursuing my degree in Business Administration at Fayetteville State University. My journey towards my future success is deeply rooted in the great support and life lessons that my mother has taught me. Seeing her strength, resilience, and guidance has shaped me into the person that I am today, and with this scholarship, I would be able to honor the sacrifices that my mother made by building a brighter future for myself and my community. Growing up, I watched my mother navigate life's challenges with great determination to give me a better life. As a single parent, she worked endlessly to provide for me making sacrifices to continue to make sure that I was taken care of. Her ability to persevere throughout everything which has taught me the importance of resilience and hard work. One of the most profound lessons that my mother has taught me was the value of education. Seeing her work hard to obtain her degree while working her full-time job and taking care of me and my little brother, while also getting her degree in criminal justice was always inspiring to me. Seeing her walk across the stage helped push me to get my degree after I finished high school. She always reminded me to dream big and that I can do anything that I put my mind to with hard work and determination and that she will always have my back. I have seen my mother go through a lot in life from working endlessly to provide for me, being in a domestic relationship, car accidents, and many more events that can take a toll on her mentally and physically. Even with everything that has happened to her she still finds the strength to push through and continue every day. Her influence extends far past just my education she has shown me how to be compassionate for others, to give back to my community, and value relationships. My mom's selflessness and commitment to others inspires me to use my education and skills to make a positive impact. I want to create a future where I can create opportunities for others, just as my mother did for me. Receiving this scholarship would be a pivotal movement in my journey. With my mother's unwavering support with any and everything that I do, her resilience, and life lessons have shaped me into a driven and compassionate individual. She has always instilled in me the values of hard work, perseverance, and giving back which guide my aspirations every day. This scholarship would not only honor her sacrifices but also empowers me to achieve my dreams and make a meaningful impact on my community. I am committed to using this opportunity to carry forward her legacy and build a future that reflects the values she has lovingly instilled in me.

My mental health has always been a big struggle for me because honestly never knew what was wrong. I was always anxious as a child like something was always gonna happen, but it still happens to this day I am a huge overthinker and always think about the worst scenario. There were other things that played a big part such as anxiety, depression, overthinking, not eating sometimes, and overeating as well. Soon I just got used to it, it was my normal well I thought it was. I went into my first year of college and I had a horrible time focusing in class while doing schoolwork, or I was uninterested and did not want to do it which over time caused problems with my schooling. I really did not know what was wrong sometimes I would have great bursts of energy and the other times I would be extremely down and did not want to do anything at all just lay in bed all day and that is what I did. I wanted to know what was wrong because nothing felt right but then again I did not because I was scared of what they were gonna say. It was not until my friend told me to go to the school therapist so I could get the help that I needed to figure out what was wrong because I was getting so mentally out of it and depressed that I was afraid I was gonna do something again. She stood by my side every step of the way even waited in the waiting room for me on my first appointment. It was near the end of the semester so I was only able to go to one session and she referred me over to a psychiatrist because she said it was a possibility that I had Bipolar Two. So I had a meeting with her and that's what was wrong this whole entire time, when I first found out I was confused because it has always been a stigma that people with bipolar disorder were crazy or something was very wrong with them and I did not want to be viewed that way by anyone. She started me on medication that helped boost my mood, increase my appetite, and some other things. It was an adjustment and change, It did help at first it boosted my mood I wasn't as angry or sad anymore but it also felt forced after a while I started feeling drowsy and fatigued all the time I would run out of energy. It felt like I was back at square one all over again. Then one day I had took the medicine it had changed my health a lot I could tell I already had low iron so I think it did cause something there but I was at school and I passed out in the school cafe. After that, I stopped taking the medicine so it could get out of my system and I could try something different. My mental health has gotten somewhat better than it was before and after all that has happened some days are a struggle but others are good and I try to focus on the positives of life now. I try to develop more relationships because before that's just not something I was too focused on and it led to me pushing people out of my life. Learning from this has really made me want to push to advocate for the youth when it comes to mental health and therapy. I want to create a safe space for kids to feel comfortable enough to talk to other people and connect them to people that are like them so they do not feel alone in this constant battle with themselves. I want to be able to help them find their voice and courage to get help and to show them that nothing is wrong with them they are still a human beings just like everyone else and that no one will judge them.

I would love to start a foundation that helps with people in need or people without housing get the help that they need to get back on their feet. So really helping them with the financial support, getting a job, housing, and also the mental health support that they need. I also want to start a foundation for the youth from middle school age up until high school or college to help students get the mental help and support that they need. From a younger age, I knew that something was different with me and the way my mental health was but I never got the help I was scared, I recently in my first year of college went to our college therapist and was recommended to a psychiatrist and I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 and was put on medication for it. This was something that affected my every day with school it affected me by focusing on assignments, overspending money, and a lot more but I had gotten used to it and thought it was normal when it was not. I got the help that I needed because I found someone that I trusted and they listened to me and my concerns I want to be able to find that for other kids that could possibly be going through the same thing and they are scared and have no one to talk to.

I was raised by my mother she got pregnant with me when she was in college which was a challenge for her. She did the absolute best that she could, we stayed with my grandparents and me and my mom shared a room. She would work multiple jobs to take care of me so most of the time I was with my grandparents or at daycare or school. She pushed herself to make sure I had everything that I needed or wanted. She taught me throughout everything to be grateful for what you have and always have hard work and dedication in everything that you do in life. Which is something that I think about and try to do daily in my life. I always try to have a plan when I do something and then a backup plan and then another plan in case that does not work out also. I always try to make her proud in everything that I do with school, with work, and I try to accomplish every goal that I have for myself and my future to help make it successful.

My name is Saniya Cureton I was born in raised in a small town called Kenly, North Carolina. I am currently in my second year at Fayetteville State University where I am getting my degree in Business administration. That's just a little introduction of me that is something that I learned during my time here at Fayetteville State is to always leave a good first impression and introduce myself in the new rooms that you enter because you are special and no one is like you and so people also know who you are because you never know what opportunity is in the room with you. From the day that I was born, my family has always told and shown me kindness and respect for others goes a long way and that is something that I do stand by and live by in my adult years. I will say we do need more India's in the world someone who is loving, compassionate, kind, and dedicated in the work that they do but also as a person. Even though I did not know her before but I would say I am following in her footsteps of kindness, dedication, and compassion. Even though I am a full-time student and I also work full-time to help provide for myself I still try to find ways to help others even when I don't always have it. Even helping in small ways can change someone's life, when I do have time I have helped with a food bank in Dunn by helping box up free food for many different families, making donations mainly clothes and shoes to families in need, me and my family always donate to a church in our town that makes sure the people that need it get it. This is something that I truly do enjoy doing and want to do more to help give back not just in my community but everywhere else that also needs help. This has helped also with getting community service hours for something that I want to do in the future but that is not the reason I help. I help because you truly never know if you will ever be in that position yourself one day and you just need one person to help and change your life for the better. I would love to continue the legacy of India with my future plans in life after I finish my degree I do plan on going back to school to become an ultrasound technician that is something that I have always wanted to do because I have always wanted to be apart of the medical field in someway possible. With any job that I plan on in my future or in life, I always plan to treat people with respect, compassion, and dedication throughout anything that I do just like India did and I hope I make her proud.

My main goal when I graduate is to be able to help small businesses, especially black-owned businesses in my state. I live close to the Raleigh area which is one of our major cities in the state and I want to help elevate the growing city that we have or wherever my business ventures lead me to and help not only the business owners in the area but also the city itself because the more economy we have the more opportunities we have for the cities to grow but also improve and North Carolina is becoming one of the top states to live in and I want to be able to help the state and community grow. This would be my chance to help with major communities but also small communities like I am from. I come from a very small town called Kenly and there is a small handful of black businesses in our community. When we do have them they really do not have the community support that they need and also some of the business help that they need to help succeed and be successful which is one of the major reasons why I would like to help out especially in small communities so that we can grow as a community and also them as a business so they could hopefully expand more each day. I do also have a backup plan just in case something happens or if I want to go down another path. Which would be getting my Ultrasound Technician certificate so that I could become a sonographer which is another career path that I have always wanted to pursue. My plan is to get my bachelor's first but also do internships while I am in school to get my feet in the water and to really see what career I want to pursue more. Then possibly go back to a 2-year program to get my certificate. This scholarship would be very helpful in my obtaining my bachelor's because everyone knows college is expensive and is one of the reasons why most people do not even go to college which was almost the case for me. For me, I come from a single-income home with just me, my mom, and my little brother so this scholarship will help ease the cost of college even if it's just a little bit it would go a very long way and help in the future, especially with helping with debt. Even though to some my goals may seem small but to me it is something that I am really passionate about and really want to focus on more and find many different ways to help my community and also different communities in the future.

My name is Saniya Cureton I will be attending Fayetteville State University in the fall and will be receiving my BA in Business Administration. This scholarship would be very helpful in my education and also help take away some of the stress of finding funding for school because I do come from a single-income family. It is me, my mother, and my little brother, and always has been so this scholarship would be a great help so I would not have to take out student loans that will hold me back from building my future. This scholarship will help with my future plans and endeavors which will help me give back to my community in the long run. My plans and goals that I want for my future include me finishing and having my bachelor's degree in Business administration. At this moment I do not have a concentration, I want to explore the many different options and be skillful in all of them. My main goal when I graduate is to be able to help small businesses, especially black-owned businesses in my state. I live close to the Raleigh area which is one of our major cities in the state and I want to help elevate the growing city that we have or wherever my business ventures lead me to and help not only the business owners in the area but also the city itself because the more economy we have the more opportunities we have for the cities to grow but also improve and North Carolina is becoming one of the top states to live in and I want to be able to help the state and community grow. This would be my chance to help with major communities but also small communities like I am from. I come from a very small town called Kenly and there is a small handful of black businesses in our community. When we do have them they really do not have the community support that they need and also some of the business help that they need to help succeed and be successful which is one of the major reasons why I would like to help out especially in small communities so that we can grow as a community and also them as a business so they could hopefully expand more each day. I do also have a backup plan just in case something happens or if I want to go down another path. Which would be getting my Ultrasound Technician certificate so that I could become a sonographer which is another career path that I have always wanted to pursue. My plan is to get my bachelor's first but also do internships while I am in school to get my feet in the water and to really see what career I want to pursue more. Then possibly go back to a 2-year program to get my certificate. This scholarship would be very helpful in my obtaining my bachelor's because everyone knows college is expensive and is one of the reasons why most people do not even go to college which was almost the case for me which is why this scholarship would help so much for my future.

My experience with mental health has changed my life for the better and also for the worse. My battle with my mental health is something that never goes away, it is something that sticks with you everyday that you have to work through. Sometimes it does get in the way of some of my goals and relationships in the past and has been something that I do try and work on. Mental health was something I really did not think about until it affected me truly. I had my first panic attack in 2020 after failing my first quiz after we had transferred over to fully online schooling. I honestly did not know what was going on or even what to do I felt trapped and alone because I really had no one to turn too. I kept struggling in silence because I felt I had no where to turn or even someone to go too at all. It did not help the fact that I had to watch my mother go through her own battle of being in a domestic abuse relationship, it felt like my whole world was turning upside down completely. That same year I tried to take my life this is something that I never told anyone because I felt that I would be judge and they wouldn’t understand completely. I still struggle almost everyday some days are better than others but honestly I’m doing better than I was three years ago. I have not found that one method that has helped me but I’m getting there especially with me leaving on my own for college soon. This has also been my main reason as to why I want to keep going forward to start my career and moving forward with my life making sure that I’m actually going to be ok.