Being a bisexual Black woman, the current political climate has intensified both my fears and my motivation for activism. When Donald Trump got re-elected, I felt this deep sense of unease and even vulnerability, knowing the history of his administration’s policies and statements against marginalized communities, including the LGBTQIA+ community. His leadership poses a threat to that progress, so hard-won by so many, and his return to power feels like a step backward, a possible unraveling of rights and protections that LGBTQIA+ people and other minorities have only begun to secure. One experience that made me understand the importance of activism was when I had a close friend over—she’s a trans woman of color—who confided in me about the discrimination and danger she has to put up with every day. Through her, I was able to witness first-hand the ubiquity and intensity of struggles faced by members of the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly those who fall under more than one marginalized identity. The weight of her words made it very clear to me that, as someone who also exists at the intersection of so many different identities, I have both the privilege and responsibility to stand up for and with her and others within the LGBTQIA+ community. The threat of discrimination, violence, and erosion of rights hit closer to home when she shared with me her fears of erasure—fears that her rights, her safety, and even her very identity could be at risk under a government that doesn’t recognize her humanity. This deepened my commitment to using advocacy to ensure that fundamental rights and protections are in place for all. Her courage in showing up daily with those fears pushed me to use my voice for positive change and reminded me that activism isn’t just about fighting for ourselves. Still, it’s also about protecting the people and communities we care about having supported us. With Trump’s re-election, the risks to LGBTQIA+ people and other marginalized groups feel even more urgent. His rhetoric and policies have historically emboldened those who would harm our communities and made it easier for people to justify discrimination and hate. But in response to this threat, I feel even more resolved to fight for change, to make my voice heard, and to support the most vulnerable. That experience reshaped what I want to do with future activism. I want to zero in on the grassroots initiatives that promote education, acceptance, and understanding in these communities where support for LGBTQIA+ rights is still burgeoning. I have experienced the impact of having safe spaces where people are listened to and feel protected; I now want to open up more spaces within my community and others. I also plan to advocate for policies that promote the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals at the local and national levels because change must happen in laws just as much as in everyday life. As scary as the political landscape may be, we cannot afford to sit in silence. My identity and values make me move forward, support and lift the LGBTQIA+ community, and fight for equality and justice. If his re-election reignited fears for many of us, it has also lit a fire in my soul to work harder, fight more, and be more robust in the face of whatever might come our way.

It was one of the most isolating experiences of my life when I was sexually assaulted and then not believed by those who were supposed to protect me. I had faith that people, especially those in my institution, would listen and respond with care and empathy. Instead, I was faced with disbelief, doubt, and even punishment. When I reported the assault, rather than taking action against the person who harmed me, the institution banned me from their brother institution’s campus. The reality of my experience was ignored, while the narrative was shifted to one that put the blame, or at least the consequence, on me. This response from my institution left me feeling defeated and dehumanized. I started to question my worth and felt trapped within an environment that seemed to support the person who hurt me more than it supported me, the victim. An institution I believed in and respected failed to offer the protection or understanding I needed, which was excruciating. This experience showed me how much work still needs to be done to bring awareness and accountability within places that should be safe spaces for everyone, especially for survivors of assault. The turning point came when I decided to share my story publicly. Speaking out wasn’t an easy choice; it was terrifying. I feared that even more people would not believe me or that I would be judged for openly discussing such a personal and painful experience. But the act of sharing my truth was empowering. By putting my story out in the open, I took control of my narrative and allowed myself to be heard, even if it meant only by strangers who would see my story online. My voice was finally reaching others, and surprisingly, the response was filled with support and empathy from people I didn’t even know, as well as some who knew me personally but had been unaware of what I was going through. I didn’t expect the spiritual support that would come my way. Several Christian people contacted me, sharing that they had felt called to tell me I would receive justice soon. Some shared visions they had, expressing that they believed I would find peace and closure from this dark chapter. These messages offered comfort and reassurance that I didn’t know I needed. Whether it was a personal belief or divine intervention, their words reminded me that I wasn’t alone and that justice—even in forms other than legal or institutional acknowledgment—would find its way to me. Since publicly sharing my story, things have changed for the better. Although the trauma and institutional betrayal I faced will always be a part of my journey, I have found new support systems and have connected with other survivors who share similar stories. Together, we have built a community based on understanding and resilience that doesn’t rely on outside validation to prove our experiences are real. Through all this, I have seen how powerful sharing our stories can be. It can shift the narrative and highlight issues institutions might prefer to keep hidden. By finding my voice and allowing it to be heard, I reclaimed my power, paving the way for others who may find themselves in similar situations. While the journey toward justice is ongoing, I am no longer alone, and I am no longer silenced.

As a child, there was nothing particularly like the sensation of returning home from school and cheer practice, eager to unwind with a comforting routine: Jamaican-styled dinner accompanied by the enchanting world of Disney Channel. Specifically, I looked forward to indulging in the captivating shows "That’s SO Raven” and "My Babysitter’s a Vampire.” “That’s SO Raven” consists of the comedic adventures of Raven Baxter, a teenage girl with psychic abilities navigating the highs and lows of adolescence while keeping her supernatural powers confidential. Raven hilariously attempts to prevent the tragedies her visions foresee, often with unexpected and uproarious results. "My Babysitter’s a Vampire" follows the experiences of the protagonist, a teenage boy, Ethan, who discovers that his babysitter, Sarah, and his best friend, Benny, are vampires. Together, the characters navigate the challenges of high school while combatting metaphysical forces and protecting their town from evil. Unfortunately, my generation did not have the pleasure of witnessing a crossover episode between the two shows. Still, if we were blessed to receive one, the episode would be called: "That’s SO Fangtastic." The episode comprises the characters of My Babysitters a Vampire" embarking on a school field trip to San Francisco, California. Meanwhile, Raven Baxter, the psychic protagonist of “That’s SO Raven,” resides in this bustling metropolis, so her perceptive intuition is consistently ready. One fatal day, as Raven lounges at home, she suddenly gets a vivid vision, seeing Ethan, his babysitter Sarah, and his younger sister Jane receiving imminent threats from the native ancient vampires of Northern California. With her psychic powers as a guide, Raven charges out on a fearless pursuit to uncover and intercept the disgraceful schemes of the vampire clan. Alongside Ethan, Sarah, and Jane, Raven navigates the chaotic streets of San Francisco, her instincts strong and her perseverance relentless. As the day gets later, casting dark shadows across the cityscape, Raven and her new companions encounter the vampires in a heart-pounding showdown. Through wit, bravery, and a touch of supernatural intervention, they emerge victorious, ensuring their friends’ safety and the city’s peace. Raven and Ethan share a moment of victory and camaraderie, their bond forged through transmitted adversity and the triumph of good over evil. Therefore, “That’s SO Fangtastic" is a testament to the power of friendship, fearlessness, and the extraordinary adventures that await when worlds collide. The crossover between both episodes would remedy my inner child and reignite sparks of memories that gleam within me, hauling me back to a time of innocence and curiosity.

Driven by a genuine passion for promoting diversity, I am committed to effecting positive change in society. By incorporating my academic pursuits in English with an enthusiastic focus on Entrepreneurship & Innovation, I aim to harness my education to forge a path in Law and Business, with the overarching goal of revitalizing and reforming various industries. My ultimate aspiration is to catalyze cultural and societal transformation by inspiring my peers to champion diversity. Since childhood, I’ve harbored a deep-seated aspiration to amplify the voices of the marginalized. This enthusiasm is rooted in my active engagement in public speaking roles and advocacy against injustices minority communities face. I firmly believe in embodying the change I wish to see, a belief reinforced by Spelman College’s tagline of breaking barriers and nurturing black female leadership. My academic journey has been profoundly enriched by courses like Black Entrepreneurial Mindset and Marketing and Business, which have equipped me with the essential knowledge to navigate entrepreneurial experiences while fostering a spirit of community reinvestment. Inspired by this education and a passion for skincare, I aspire to establish my skincare line. This venture is not just about creating products; it’s a platform through which I strive to enlighten and uplift other black women, showcasing the various opportunities in the beauty industry and empowering them to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. My vision for my future skincare business extends beyond mere commerce; it is about redefining beauty standards, celebrating diversity, and advocating for sustainability and ethical practices within the industry. Furthermore, my aspiration to pursue a career in Entertainment Law stems from a desire to complement my creative endeavors while actively addressing judicial injustices. In Entertainment Law, I envision myself as a voice for underrepresented artists and creators, leveraging my legal expertise to navigate complex contracts, negotiate fair deals, and protect the rights of diverse talent. By advocating for inclusivity and fair representation in the entertainment industry, I aim to impact positive societal change and contribute to a more just and equitable world. Whether advocating for fair compensation for artists, challenging discriminatory practices, or promoting greater diversity in media representation, I am committed to leveraging my legal skills to champion jovial fairness and foster meaningful change. Throughout my journey as a student at Spelman College, I’ve remained loyal in my dedication to fostering assortment, amplifying marginalized voices, and instigating positive societal change. Through my academic pursuits in English and Entrepreneurship & Innovation or my aspirations in Entertainment Law, each endeavor reflects my unwavering dedication to effecting tangible, transformative impact. If privileged to receive the William A. Stuart Dream Scholarship, I would utilize the awarded funds to strengthen my academic pursuits during my undergraduate studies, law school, and entrepreneurial ventures. Such support not only propels my individual development but also enables me to serve as an inspiration to others, driving positive artistic change toward inclusivity, equity, and justice.

My younger self enabled me to recognize my full potential. In the past, I struggled with self-love and self-acceptance. Enduring bullying and social isolation from my peers, I found myself trapped in a perpetual cycle of self-doubt. I questioned my worth, beauty, and intellect, convinced I lacked the essential academic, physical, and mental success qualities. The unnecessary outside noises clouded my thoughts, leaving me fixated on others’ perceptions. I lived in a world for others instead of myself, leaving me to lose sight of who I was. I desperately wanted to experience belonging and acceptance in my community, so I chose to assimilate and conform to their expectations. I subconsciously molded myself into what I considered others desired me to be, even if that meant sacrificing the authenticity of my true self. Prioritizing fitting in over honoring my individuality was what I thought to be the only pathway to acceptance and validation. For years, I pretended to enjoy the same activities as the people around me. However, in this process, I inadvertently diluted my genuine nature and lost sight of my authentic self and personality. As the years passed, I realized that to truly feel comfortable with who I was, I had to express myself in activities and hobbies that accurately contributed to my personality and what I truly liked. I came to the profound realization that I needed to compose a lifestyle that mirrored my genuine essence and allowed me to embrace myself freely. This epiphany led me to pursue endeavors that brought me fulfillment and contentment. I expanded into the world of modeling; I began curating artistic content for social media; I started exploring cities, going out, and surrounding myself with people who love and accept my differences instead of trying to diminish my light. I became happier and more fulfilled when I outwardly expressed my creativity and lived for myself instead of for others. By prioritizing my happiness and fulfillment over the expectations of others, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Despite the tribulations of self-doubt, bullying, and intimidation to conform, I became more potent and more resilient. Every challenge and struggle was a stepping stone toward self-discovery and empowerment. As a 19-year-old college student, I embrace and appreciate my individuality, recognizing that it distinguishes me and makes me uniquely stand out. My younger self served as a catalyst for unlocking my full potential, enabling me to live authentically.

Financial literacy is a subject that was not taught during my academic career. Unfortunately, many schools do not conduct financial management, especially in schools with predominately more minorities. It is as if being financially stable is an expectation that most people can not reach. However, I strive to combat the ignorance and bliss in my household and amongst my peers of organizing finances through school and everyday life education. The harsh reality of financial conflicts, college debt, and crazy tuition amounts did not hit me until I entered the gates of my undergraduate school, Spelman College. While studying at my institute, I have realized how crucial it is to be financially stable due to my struggles with affording certain meals when the campus dining closes too early or the Uber prices because I do not have a car. My college tuition is almost $50,000 yearly, so depending on my family to provide for all my financial needs is a stretch, especially since my college is practically ten hours away from home. For most, Spelman is unaffordable, and my parents can barely afford to send me to this academy. However, that cost could have been less of a burden or more inexpensive if my parents were aware of programs such as opening up a 529 or college funds. My mother and father come from immigrant backgrounds, and I am their first child, so they had little economic literacy aid and were unaware of how to sustain themselves financially. Nevertheless, my parents are not the only guardians who ought to be more knowledgeable about options to set up their children for academic success without worrying about the monetary expense. Many families struggle with the same subject, if not worse, and it stems from a lack of education in the economic and financial world. Feeling like a hindrance financially to my parents is not a pleasing sentiment. In the future, I would never want my child to feel worried about affording college; that is why preparing myself to be financially stable is essential. Though Spelman College is costly, providing opportunities to support its students is something they pride itself on. In saying so, Spelman delivers many possibilities to be financially aware, independent, and innovative. For example, they have established on-campus programs to educate students on investing stocks. I have participated, which has also enlightened me on how being shrewd about funds can take you very far. I have also surrounded myself with peers who have already been aware of financial literacy due to their awareness of opening certificates and investment accounts with their banks. I am inspired by those who take the endeavor to allow themselves to be a financial success, and I learn something new every time I engage in activities or with people who also desire monetary literacy. By understanding finances, I can provide for and help others directly and in the future. By the time I become an established adult, I hope that the education system will prioritize economic education to prevent unaffordability from arising. Financial literacy is crucial in understanding and adapting economic skills to succeed.

My mother is who inspires me the most. Though many people are not blessed with the opportunity of having a loving and supportive mother, I vow to never take my mom for granted. What I admire most about my mom is that she is never satisfied; she constantly strives for more in life. When she fails at something she is committed to, she does not give up. She tries again, and again, and again, until her craft is improved. Her positive mindset to persevere has influenced me to constantly strive to be my best at anything I set out to establish. When I was younger, my mom never denounced my immense aspirations and dreams, she only provided support. For example, math is the subject of which I struggle the most. While in school, it was challenging for me to comprehend certain mathematical concepts and formulas. Unfortunately, this never failed to make me insecure about my academic performance, as I would doubt my intelligence and capabilities. Last year, I was not performing well in my Pre-Calculus Class. I would stay up for long hours each night studying for my math test, just to end up failing. This would frustrate me to the point where I had thoughts about giving up on my class. However, my mom reassured me that, “failure only leads to success.” Because when you fail at something, it provides an opportunity for you to learn how to improve and get better; the harder you work, the better you’ll become. Once I grasped this concept, I studied with the help of my mom until I fully understood my math assignments. Additionally, she encouraged me to reach out to my math teacher for extra assistance. Reaching out to my math teacher was very beneficial due to the fact that my teacher recognized the effort I was putting in to achieve success on my assignments. This recognition inspired my teacher to grant me an academic Math Award at my high school for “Hard Working,” and “Good Attitude.” Receiving this award for a subject that I was not particularly the best at, gave me the boost of self confidence I needed to perform greatly in other areas of my studies. It taught me that it is okay to seek help when needed as we do not need to struggle alone. Without my Mom, I would not have the motivation and ambition to pursue my goals and aspirations. I now use her philosophy of “failure only leads to success” towards every aspect of my life, especially those areas where I do not possess my best attributes. Attending college would not only make me proud, but my mom as well, particularly, since she is the first generation in my family to attend and graduate from college. Most of all, I now know that every obstacle is an opportunity to grow!