I joined the Black Student Union to challenge stereotypes and influence my perspective. In the seventh grade I was informed by my Black friends that I wasn’t ‘Black enough’. This ruptured my understanding of what it meant to be Black. In middle school I was in the Lyceum magnet program; historically there is a very small percentage of Black students within the program. As someone who wasn’t around people that looked like her in school, their words deeply affected me. I had two Black friends in my math class that I was very close to, and it was from them I was hearing a barrage of comments negating my blackness. I distinctly recall instances where certain statements I made were met with contradictory responses like, "No, I'm black," or "No, she's black," or "No, he's black," as if my words somehow diminished my identity as a Black individual. Hearing this got to me. Even though I knew it wasn’t true, my parents told me it wasn’t true, but I had convinced myself otherwise. I would come home and tell my parents, crying, because I was confused and felt invalidated. And though my friends often masked their words as a joke, I wasn’t interpreting it as a joke. They were friends whose opinion mattered to me. Words hurt; they can often do more damage than one is intending. I hated this mentality and sought to free myself from the notion that my identity had to conform to preconceived ideas of what it means to be Black. In my sophomore year of high school, I joined the Black Student Union to be around peers my age who shared my appearance but have varying personalities, abilities, interests, and characteristics—confirming what I knew but hadn't truly believed. And it worked. Through the BSU, I've connected with many incredible people, and during my senior year I proudly served as President. I tried my very best to make sure all parts of Black culture were represented in our club, and to make Black Student Union an inclusive place. Being in the BSU influenced how I carry myself. Previously, I would alter my personality when socializing with my Black peers, feeling inadequate. However now I’m confident in who I am, comfortably presenting myself authentically to my Black community. My advice to someone facing the same circumstances: Anyone who tells you that you are not Black based off of how you act, and stereotypes are wrong. Black people are not a monolith. We are a group of unique individuals who share the same skin color…and gladly even that varies.

I chose to pursue an education in a STEM field because STEM has always been fun to me. As I encountered challenges within this discipline, I discovered not only did I excel at overcoming them, but I found genuine satisfaction in doing so. This realization led me to understand that STEM was the field for me. In particular, mechanical engineering captured my interest. Growing up I often would go in our recycle bins, pick a few items, and build new items out of them. Some were practical items that I had seen before, and some were completely new objects that I used to solve problems I noticed, or items to make ordinary tasks easier. I remember specifically, I built two bird feeders out of recyclables. But I desire to innovate on a larger and more technical level. My ethnicity has definitely fueled my ambition in pursuing my STEM education and goals. As a Black female aspiring engineer, I am aware of the scarcity of individuals like me in the field, especially those who are well-known and recognized. This awareness drives me to strive for success and visibility in my career, with my most ambitious goal being to earn a Nobel Prize. However, my ethnicity also makes me cognizant of the unique challenges I may face. I understand that achieving my goals will be difficult and that some obstacles will stem from my identity as a Black woman. I've had to come to terms with the fact that there are people who may doubt my potential and success, but this only strengthens my resolve to prove them wrong and excel in my field. During my time at university, I plan to explore topics such as solar energy and artificial intelligence. Through these topics I would like to explore manufacturing designs aimed at improving accessibility and sustainability. Solar energy and artificial intelligence are of the future, though both subjects have been existing for a quite a while, there is still not enough research on them. Both topics continue to evolve so fast that scientists, engineers, and others in the stem field are constantly conducting new research and I want to be at the forefront of that. I want to develop cost-effective solar technology that helps lower gas emissions and make living more affordable. I would also use AI to develop technology that makes daily life tasks more accessible for both those who don’t and do have accessibility issues. Additionally, I plan to engage in research on campus with my professors, and study abroad. Upon completing my bachelor's degree, I aspire to pursue further education by obtaining master's and doctoral degrees in Mechanical Engineering. This scholarship will benefit my academic pursuits by alleviating financial stress and allowing me to fully immerse myself in academic and extracurricular opportunities. Freed from the necessity of balancing a part-time job with my studies, I'll get to spend that time working in a research lab with a professor and getting hands on experience within the field of mechanical engineering. This financial support will ensure that I can fully focus on my coursework without the constant worry of meeting expenses such as room and board. By redirecting funds that would have gone towards student debt, I can participate in campus events and activities, creating a well-rounded college experience. Knowing that I have financial support for my undergraduate education means that I can allocate finances towards advancing my studies beyond a bachelor's degree, such as a master's and a doctorate. This scholarship could go towards possibly studying abroad, while exploring various cultures.

In the seventh grade, my Black friends informed me that I wasn’t ‘Black enough.’ This statement ruptured my understanding of what it meant to be Black. Growing up, I was often surrounded by people who didn’t look like me, and their words deeply affected me. Although I knew their claim wasn’t true, I convinced myself otherwise. This mentality frustrated me, and I sought to free myself from it. Eventually, I did, but this experience shaped my interactions with Black peers for years to come. I started altering my behavior to fit how I thought I was supposed to act, putting on a version of myself that wasn’t authentic. When I began high school, I attended classes online and created a Discord server for incoming freshmen in my program. Discord is a free platform that allows users to chat via text, voice, or video, combining internet-calling features with discussion boards. This server became a significant social hub for my peers, fostering romantic relationships, friendships, and close connections. However, it caused me considerable mental turmoil. I struggled to convey my true personality online and felt disconnected from others. This sense of inadequacy persisted when we finally met in person the following year. For nearly two years, I felt inadequate and wondered why I couldn’t make friends while my best friend was thriving socially. She met another best friend and spent more time with her, leaving me feeling isolated and unsure of myself. These experiences led me to adopt fake personas, force myself into social situations that didn’t suit me, and feel isolated in social settings. Despite the challenges, these experiences were crucial for my personal growth. I now have friends with whom I can be authentically myself, and I’m comfortable with my own company. My middle school experience, though painful, motivated me to join the Black Student Union (BSU) in high school. I knew my friends' accusations weren’t true, and I was determined to free myself from that limiting mentality. Through the BSU, I connected with incredible individuals who shared my appearance but had diverse personalities, interests, and characteristics. I proudly served as the President of the BSU. I want to be a beacon for my Black peers, showing them that who they are is okay and that we do not have to fit into a narrow perception imposed by others. Now that I am comfortable with my own presence, I am more confident in pursuing my goals and embracing my true self.

A Black woman who has inspired me is Princess Tiana from "The Princess and the Frog." Though fictional, from a young age, I found myself deeply identifying with Tiana. Not only does she look like me, but we both harbor big dreams. Tiana's unwavering determination to achieve her dream of owning a restaurant resonates deeply with my own commitment to becoming a mechanical engineer and, hopefully, earning the Nobel Prize. Like Tiana, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to reach my goals. Tiana was turned into a frog, and she still continued to find a solution and pursue her dreams. Many people, when faced with obstacles, give up or stop and sulk. The moment Tiana was turned into a frog, she acknowledged her situation and immediately started seeking a way out of it. Her resilience and problem-solving mindset are qualities I deeply admire and strive to emulate. Tiana had diligently saved money for her restaurant, and when she was ready to purchase it, she was refused because someone else was offering the full price in cash. Despite this setback and being transformed into a frog, her end goal remained unchanged. She adapted to her circumstances and continued to push forward with determination and resourcefulness. This unwavering focus and resilience in the face of adversity is something I aspire to embody. Like Tiana, I recognize that the path to achieving my dreams may not be straightforward. There will be challenges and unexpected turns, but I am committed to staying focused on my goals. Tiana’s story teaches me that perseverance, hard work, and a positive attitude can help overcome any obstacle. Her journey reminds me that while the road to success might be filled with hurdles, it's the determination to keep moving forward that truly defines our success. In my pursuit of becoming a mechanical engineer and earning the Nobel Prize, I draw inspiration from Tiana’s story. Her ability to stay true to her dreams despite numerous challenges motivates me to remain steadfast in my own ambitions. I want to be as resilient as Tiana, ensuring that no matter how my course is altered, my end goal remains the same. Her story inspires me to keep pushing forward, no matter the odds, and to maintain faith in my dreams and abilities. Furthermore, Tiana's journey highlights the importance of hard work and perseverance. She didn’t rely on shortcuts or wait for opportunities to come her way; she actively created them. This proactive attitude is something I strive to incorporate into my own life. Whether it’s through taking extra courses, seeking mentorship, or engaging in hands-on projects, I am committed to putting in the necessary effort to excel in my field. Tiana's strength also lies in her ability to remain optimistic and hopeful, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. Her positive outlook, combined with her relentless drive, serves as a powerful reminder that maintaining a hopeful attitude can make a significant difference in overcoming obstacles. This mindset is crucial for anyone striving to achieve ambitious goals, as it helps sustain motivation and resilience. In summary, Princess Tiana's story is a source of profound inspiration for me. Her determination, resilience, and optimism are qualities I aspire to embody in my journey towards becoming a mechanical engineer and earning the Nobel Prize. Just like Tiana, I am committed to pursuing my dreams with unwavering dedication and a positive mindset, knowing that every challenge I overcome brings me one step closer to my goals.

A girl is walking down the street. Her box braids displayed flat on her black, a white beanie on her head, a bright yellow sweater, white jeans, and yellow high-top Converse. It’s 85 degrees out, but she doesn't care, today she is making it fall. She opens the door to her favorite coffee shop and is greeted by the familiar smell of various coffee scents. She greets the employees whom she's become friendly with, sets her stuff down at a table by a window, and heads to the counter. She places her order, a grande pumpkin spiced steamed milk, she pays for it, looks around the shop for the umpteenth time while her order is being made, and watches the people who walk up and down the street through the window. Once her order is called she takes it, thanks the employee, and heads back to her table. Sitting at her table, she takes a moment to observe her drink, take a sip, and revel in the smooth, calm, happy feeling the drink brings her. She is at the cafe for a bit, so she tries to ration out how fast she drinks her latte, but she knows it will not be not long before she finishes it. That girl is me. Here in Florida we do not have seasons. Fall is practically non-existent. We have days and occasional weeks with fall-like weather, but we do not get a month-long fall. And since it is hot all the time, anywhere from 70-83 degrees Fahrenheit is considered to fall to us. My favorite season is fall. I like the mix of hot and cold weather that makes the cool weather. I like the crunchy leaves on the ground, the colorful trees, the crisp wind that blows through the air, the cute sweaters that people begin wearing, and the abundance of pumpkin-flavored products that appear. The pumpkin-spiced steamer holds a special place in my heart. It allows me to feel like it is fall even when it is 90 degrees outside. Something about the hot, spiced scent of pumpkin embodies fall and is all that I need to feel at peace. When I take that first sip it allows time to feel as if I am the main character in this up-and-coming-of-age movie about a young girl living her life, learning new things, and taking on the world one day at a time

Music has shaped the way I view the world by providing me with small glimpses into various cultures and the individual people within these cultures. Musicians sing about a wide range of subjects, including work, wealth, jewelry, celebrations, family, nature, friends, and much more. What they’re singing about helps me learn what is going on in the artist's life and their culture. It is like a window to their part of the world. The music, the beat, tempo, and instruments, the track itself tell me a little about where this came from. Music in Spain does not sound like music from Germany. American pop does not sound like K-pop. Music is a gigantic part of culture. Music allows me to experience different cultures without leaving my house. What people sing about, how they sing it, and the instruments behind it are how my view of the world is shaped. My view of the world is one word, variety because different things are happening in various places. It was with the help of music I’ve been able to view it that way. Not only cultures but individual people and their lives and how they go about it. How people handle heartbreak, loneliness, death, happiness, forgiveness, longing, and more. You can learn about an artist's personality and outlook on life from their music. Music allows you to connect with not only the singer but also others listening to the music. Someone across the globe may understand my situation and how I feel more than the person living next door to me. I love music. I often feel like music understands me more than myself. Even instrumentals take feelings that I can’t comprehend and "words" them in a way I couldn't. I listen to music every day at any moment I can. Music is a language. Music is a form of communication. Sometimes lyrics are unnecessary, an added benefit to the song, and just a factor in the enjoyable experience music creates. The music itself is communication. We can all feel the tempo. Hear the piano, the drum, and the bass. It means something to everyone. I produce beats myself and I post them on YouTube. I love that I can put my feelings into a song, and someone who doesn’t know a bit of English can know absolutely what I’m "talking" about in my song. All in all, music has helped me view the world by giving me a view of cultures and people. Culture is food, behavior, mannerisms, places, geography, people, music, and more. Music has allowed me to understand and connect with people all over the world. It has provided me and millions of other people outlets for expression.