My name is Saskia Larsen, and I am a proud Haitian-American student who recently graduated high school with a 4.5 GPA. While academic success is something I strive for, my journey to this point has not been easy. English is not my first language, and although I had some familiarity with it before moving to the United States from Haiti, adapting to the academic and cultural environment here was a major challenge. Despite these obstacles, I pushed through with determination, driven by a belief in the power of education to open doors and change lives not just for me, but for the people around me. Graduating with a 4.5 GPA is one of my proudest accomplishments. It represents not only my academic dedication but also the countless hours I spent translating, re-reading, and practicing to ensure that language would never be a limitation to my success. This experience taught me resilience something Mark Green clearly embodied and instilled in me a work ethic that I plan to carry throughout college and into the future. In addition to my academic efforts, I have dedicated time over the past two years to serving as a youth stage host at Church by the Glades. This role allowed me to connect with young people in my community in meaningful ways. Every week, I had the privilege of helping lead services, share messages of encouragement, and create a welcoming space for children and teens to grow in confidence and faith. It was more than just speaking on stage it was about being a consistent, positive presence in their lives, listening to their concerns, and encouraging them to believe in themselves. This volunteering experience helped me discover my passion for leadership and service. It taught me the importance of giving back, and it reminded me that no matter how big or small, your actions can make a difference. I plan to carry this mindset forward by continuing to serve others whether that’s through mentorship, community outreach, or using my future career to advocate for those whose voices are often overlooked. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a college degree in [insert intended major if you know it], with the long-term goal of becoming a professional who not only succeeds individually but also uplifts others along the way. My dream is to help create opportunities for underrepresented communities, particularly for students like myself who come from immigrant or non-English-speaking backgrounds and need encouragement and support to reach their full potential. I believe I’m a strong candidate for the Mark Green Memorial Scholarship because my life reflects many of the same values that Mark and LaTonya Green stood for resilience in the face of adversity, an unwavering commitment to education, and a deep belief in serving others. Like Mark, I want to use education as a tool to transform not just my own life, but also the lives of those around me. I want to honor his legacy by continuing the cycle of empowerment and growth that he and LaTonya modeled. This scholarship would not only help ease the financial burden of college, but it would also serve as a meaningful acknowledgment of the journey I’ve been on and the goals I’m striving toward. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting students like me who are working hard to build a better future for ourselves and our communities.

One of the achievements I’m most proud of is graduating high school with a 4.5 GPA. While that number might seem like just an academic accomplishment, it represents something much deeper to me. A story of transition, persistence, and growth. I moved to the United States from Haiti, where English was not my first language, and adjusting to a new environment, culture, and education system was one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced. When I arrived in the U.S., I already spoke some English, but it wasn’t the language I used every day. My primary language growing up were Haitian Creole , and French. While I could understand English fairly well, I quickly realized that speaking conversational English and mastering academic English were two very different things. Writing essays, analyzing literature, and participating in class discussions all felt overwhelming at first. There were moments when I felt like I was always a step behind, not because I didn’t understand the material, but because I needed more time to process everything in a language that still didn’t feel completely natural. Despite these challenges, I refused to let language be a barrier to my success. I worked twice as hard to make sure I understood assignments and stayed on top of my work. I spent extra time reading textbooks, asking teachers for clarification, and watching educational videos to reinforce my understanding. I also made it a point to improve my academic writing by reviewing feedback carefully and rewriting my essays until they met the standards I set for myself. It wasn’t easy. There were late nights where I felt frustrated, tired, and even isolated. But every time I struggled, I reminded myself of the goals I had for my future—and of how far I had already come. I was determined to not only adapt, but to excel. That mindset pushed me to maintain a 4.5 GPA throughout high school, take on advanced coursework, and become an active contributor in my classes. What I’ve achieved has had a lasting impact on the way I see myself. Academically, it opened doors to opportunities I once thought were out of reach :AP classes, dual enrollment, scholarships, and college applications that welcomed students with strong academic records and unique stories. But more than that, it gave me confidence. I learned that I’m capable of rising above challenges, even when things feel unfamiliar or difficult. This experience also shaped the way I approach new situations in general. Moving to a new country, adjusting to a new culture, and succeeding in school despite the language barrier taught me resilience. I’ve learned how to be resourceful, how to adapt, and how to stay focused on long-term goals even when the journey feels tough in the moment. Graduating with a 4.5 GPA isn’t just a number on paper it’s a symbol of everything I overcame and everything I’ve built for myself. It reminds me that no matter where I come from or what challenges I face, I have the strength and determination to succeed. And as I move forward in life whether in college, in my career, or in my personal growth that lesson will continue to guide me.

Growing up in a household where money was often a source of stress, I didn’t have the privilege of learning about finances in a structured way. My single mother worked hard to make ends meet, but we never had the resources or opportunities to learn how to manage money effectively. I remember feeling overwhelmed when it came to budgeting, saving, or even understanding basic financial concepts. This uncertainty about money carried over into my early adulthood, where I found myself making financial decisions without fully understanding their long-term impact. Taking a personal finance class was a pivotal moment in my life. The class opened my eyes to the complexities of managing finances and gave me the knowledge I had been lacking. Learning about topics like budgeting, credit, debt management, investing, and saving for retirement was eye-opening. For the first time, I felt empowered to take control of my financial future. The class taught me how to break down the process of financial planning into manageable steps, and I realized that small, consistent decisions could have a significant impact on my long-term financial health. One of the most important lessons I learned was the power of budgeting. Before the class, I didn’t truly understand the importance of tracking income and expenses. I used to make purchases impulsively without considering how they might affect my financial stability in the future. The class taught me how to categorize my spending, set financial goals, and prioritize saving. This has not only helped me feel more in control of my finances, but it has also given me a sense of security, knowing that I’m actively preparing for future financial challenges. Additionally, learning about credit and debt management gave me the tools to build and maintain good credit, something that had always seemed intimidating. I now understand how to use credit responsibly and how it can affect my financial opportunities down the line, from purchasing a car to securing a mortgage. In the future, I plan to apply what I’ve learned to create a solid financial foundation for myself. I will continue budgeting and saving, while also seeking out investment opportunities to grow my wealth. Ultimately, I want to pass this knowledge on to others in my community who may not have had the same access to financial education. By sharing what I’ve learned, I hope to empower others to make informed financial decisions that can positively impact their futures.

Earning a college degree is not just a personal goal; it represents a transformative milestone that holds the hopes, dreams, and sacrifices of my entire family. As a first-generation college student and the daughter of a single mother who worked tirelessly to provide for us, I have seen the power of education to create opportunities and change lives. A college degree is more than just academic achievement it is the key to breaking generational barriers, rewriting our family’s future, and opening doors that were once out of reach. It is a testament to the struggles and sacrifices of those who came before me and a commitment to paving a better path for the generations that will follow. A degree would change the path of my life by opening doors to careers and experiences that were once out of reach. It would provide me with the skills, resources, and network necessary to create a future of financial stability and professional purpose. More importantly, it would allow me to become an example for my younger relatives and members of my community, showing them that their background does not define their potential. My achievement would serve as a reminder that no dream is too big when paired with determination and resilience. Personally, a college degree means independence, empowerment, and validation. It is the proof that my struggles, sacrifices, and perseverance were not in vain. It represents the moment I take control of my narrative, no longer limited by the challenges of my upbringing. It’s a promise to myself and my family that I will use the opportunities given to me to create lasting change both in my life and in the lives of others. I am passionate about advocacy, representation, and giving a voice to those who often go unheard. Growing up as a Haitian immigrant in underrepresented spaces, I experienced firsthand what it feels like to be overlooked. That’s why I became involved in organizations like the Caribbean Student Association, National Honor Society, and competitive mock trial, where I could advocate for inclusion, lead projects for my community, and represent diverse perspectives. Whether organizing toy drives for children’s hospitals or speaking in front of judges, I’ve sought out spaces where I can uplift others and bring about positive change. Pursuing a degree is not just for my benefit it’s the next step in using my voice to create better opportunities for others.

As a proud Haitian woman, my Caribbean heritage is the foundation of who I am. It represents resilience, strength, and a deep connection to community. Growing up in Haiti for 15 years, I was surrounded by a culture rich in history, tradition, and unshakable pride. Despite the struggles my country has faced from political instability to economic hardships the spirit of the Haitian people has always been one of perseverance and hope. My heritage has taught me the importance of faith, family, and standing together in the face of adversity. It’s in the way we gather for holidays, celebrate our traditions with music and food, honor our history, and uplift one another, no matter the obstacles. Being Caribbean means carrying the stories and sacrifices of my ancestors who fought for freedom, dignity, and independence. Haiti, as the first free Black republic, has a legacy of courage and defiance against oppression. That history reminds me daily that I come from a people who refused to be defined by their struggles and instead found strength in their unity and culture. This sense of pride and resilience influences how I approach my goals and the way I choose to navigate challenges. I am constantly reminded of my roots, and it fuels my determination to succeed not just for myself, but for my family and community. I am passionate about attending college because it represents more than a personal achievement it is a milestone for my entire family. As a first-generation college student, I have the opportunity to break generational barriers and create a future that my mother worked tirelessly to make possible. My mother’s sacrifices, long hours, and unwavering support are constant reminders of why education matters. For families like mine, college isn’t simply about earning a degree; it’s about opening doors that were once thought to be out of reach and rewriting the narrative for the next generation. Beyond personal growth, I see college as a platform for advocacy, leadership, and meaningful change. I want to use my education to empower other young people from immigrant and Caribbean backgrounds, helping them access resources and opportunities that can change their lives. My goal is to give back to the communities that raised me and to serve as a reminder that where you come from does not determine where you can go. Attending college is my way of honoring my heritage while building a future defined by resilience, purpose, and community.

Overcoming Adversity: Finding My Voice Through Vulnerability Adversity has a way of shaping a person in ways that they never expected. For me, adversity came not only from the world around me but also from within myself. As a first-generation Haitian student, I was born into a single-parent household where my mother worked tirelessly to get by on a small income. I lived in Haiti for 15 years, a country both beautiful and burdened by instability .Through the chaos, my mother instructed me in the value of perseverance and the importance of education as the way to a better life. When I arrived in the United States, I knew a different kind of adversity, one rooted in cultural adjustment, financial strain, and personal insecurity. I struggled fitting into my new environment. I found myself shrinking in spaces where others spoke loudly and confidently, convinced that my quiet nature and internal anxieties would keep me on the sidelines. The greatest adversity I’ve had to overcome, however, has been learning to manage my anxiety and to embrace my vulnerability instead of viewing it as a weakness. In the high-stakes environment of competitive mock trial tournaments and student organization leadership roles, I often found myself bearing the weight of expectation not just from others but even from myself. I thought that in order to be a leader, I needed to be bold, vocal, and unyielding. But what actually transpired was that I fought hard with self-doubt, pre-conjugating each sentence in my head before speaking and fearing that I would let others down. What changed for me was realizing that true strength is not in the capacity to have it all together. It's in being real. I began to share my anxiety story with close friends and mentors, and to my amazement, I was not judged but comprehended. I came to realize that there were so many other people who had unseen burdens as well. This shift in attitude allowed me to stop thinking about my anxiety as a weakness when it came to leadership and start to understand that it was a part of what made me understanding, reflective, and sensitive to the needs of others. During mock trial, instead of trying to out-scream my peers, I learned that being the team member who listened, heard when someone was struggling, and slipped in unnoticed to offer a word of encouragement or a tactical suggestion was where value lay. In the National Honor Society and Caribbean Student Association, I spearheaded initiatives that guaranteed that I would voice my opinions regarding things that mattered to me, like organizing toy drives for Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital and advertising cultural heritage events that allowed students like me to be heard. As I prepare to study in Madrid, I bring all those lessons with me. I know that hardship will never go away in life, but I also realize that I am strong enough to get through it, not by denying my fears, but by confronting them. Every hardship that I have faced has only made me a better, more compassionate, more enduring, and more committed person, one that I strive to be not in spite of adversity, but because of it.

Mental Health, Anxiety, and My Journey of Growth: Navigating Life’s Transitions Leaving Haiti and moving to the United States as a teenager marked two of the most significant transitions in my life, both of which deeply shaped my mental health, beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. Growing up in Haiti, I experienced the constant threat of gang violence near my home. The attacks created an environment of fear, and I struggled with anxiety as I witnessed the impact of violence on my community. These early experiences stayed with me when I relocated to the U.S. during my sophomore year of high school. The anxiety I faced during both periods has profoundly influenced my perspective on mental health and my desire to help others. In Haiti, the gang violence was an ever-present threat. I grew up hearing gunshots from nearby neighborhoods, and the fear of something terrible happening was a daily reality. The attacks were not just physical but psychological, leaving me with a constant sense of unease and dread. The anxiety I felt was paralyzing at times, and I found it hard to escape the weight of fear, even in the safety of my own home. This constant state of alertness and worry became an ingrained part of my existence. When I moved to the U.S., the anxiety that had been cultivated in Haiti only intensified. The transition was overwhelming. I was a sophomore in high school, faced with a new culture, language barriers, and the pressure to fit in. I often felt isolated, trying to navigate life in a foreign country while dealing with the emotional baggage of my past. The unfamiliarity of my new environment heightened my sense of anxiety, and I found myself retreating inward, struggling to connect with others and express myself. This period of adjustment highlighted the importance of mental health. My experiences taught me that anxiety, though difficult, was something I needed to address, not ignore. I realized that I wasn’t alone in facing these challenges. Many of my peers, especially other immigrants, were also struggling with their own mental health issues, often in silence. This realization sparked my interest in mental health advocacy and support, particularly for immigrant communities like mine. As I navigated high school, I became more aware of the need for open conversations about mental health. I began volunteering with local organizations that supported students from similar backgrounds, helping them cope with the pressures of acculturation and providing resources to support their mental well-being. I saw firsthand how important it was to create spaces where people could feel safe to talk about their struggles and receive the support they needed. My own journey has shaped my career aspirations. I want to pursue a career in counseling or psychology, focusing on trauma and mental health in immigrant communities. My experiences with anxiety have given me a deep understanding of the emotional challenges that come with displacement and cultural adjustment. I hope to provide support to those who, like me, face mental health challenges in silence. In conclusion, my experiences with anxiety rooted in the violence I faced in Haiti and the struggles of moving to a new country have shaped my beliefs, relationships, and aspirations. I have learned that mental health is a journey of growth and self-awareness, and I am determined to help others navigate that path, especially in immigrant communities where mental health is often overlooked. By using my experiences to advocate for mental health, I hope to make a meaningful impact on others’ lives.

Having spent my first fifteen years of life growing up in Haiti gave me the gift of vibrant cultural roots. Haitian culture is rich in art, music, language, and tradition. From the rhythms of konpa music filling the streets to the colors of Carnival, our culture is alive, expressive, and full of pride. It's this observance of identity and community that has shaped me into who I am today. In Haiti, I learned about the power of connection, how neighbors become family, how sharing a meal can bring people together, and how traditions are passed down from generation to generation, not just in word but in, rhythm, and story. Those early lessons taught me to listen with empathy, to lead from the heart, and to be proud of where you come from. I carry those lessons with me in everything I do. My cultural background fuels my motivation and sense of purpose. Haitian culture is founded on a strong emphasis on education as a catalyst for development and change, not for the individual alone, but for society at large. That same faith fuels my passion to study and my motivation to pursue a career in law. I've taken this path not only because I enjoy advocacy and critical thinking, but because I desire to use my voice and abilities to serve others. My culture has taught me that being vocal is a way of respecting your people, and I wish to bring that attitude with me into a legal career where I can assist underrepresented voices with confidence and empathy. Being Haitian has also helped me grow with an international perspective. We are a multicultural, multilingual nation, and that is what has helped me feel so comfortable switching from one language to another. I can speak English, French, and Haitian Kreyol, and that facility makes it so simple for me to connect with people from different backgrounds. Whether I'm working with groupmates or presenting in front of others, I'm bringing a cultural sensitivity and openness that have been influenced by the values on which I was raised. When it comes to community service, I've always sought out opportunities in which I can respect identity and give back. Through the Caribbean Student Association, I've helped plan cultural events that allow for space in which students feel seen and celebrated. I love sharing our food, music, and customs with others it’s a reminder that culture can build bridges and spark dialogue. I’m also involved in service through the National Honor Society, where I’ve participated in projects like toy drives for Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. These experiences have taught me that service doesn’t have to be heavy or complicated it can be joyful, intentional, and rooted in care. In the future, I hope to continue to lift up my community through advocacy and mentorship. I hope to work with students from diverse cultural backgrounds, especially those who may feel invisible or marginalized in school. I also hope to bring cultural competency and celebration to the practice of law making sure that diverse perspectives are not only seen but valued. My end goal is to be a source, a role model, and a reminder that where we come from is something to be proud of, not something to overcome. My Haitian heritage has blessed me with pride in myself, specificity regarding who I'm supposed to be, and a joyful sense of responsibility toward my people. It is the core of my self-assurance and the focal purpose of my ambitions and it's something that I carry with me, resolutely.