When it came to my application for college, there was doubt written all over myself. From the financial to social standpoints, it felt like I was getting nowhere in picking the college for me and being able to attain it. It became harder to stay consistent with applications and counseling. It was as if there was no use in forcing something that couldn't truly happen. I'd compare myself to my peers, their grades better than mine. I found myself wondering what I did wrong all this years of high school to feel so unprepared. Even in all the turmoil, my eyes were set on one outcome. My wish was to go to the University of Connecticut. I couldn't explain it for the people who questioned this desire, but I knew I felt a pull and that I had to succeed, no matter what. So I worked harder than ever, spending months on my personal essay and supplements. I went to teachers for help and for letters of recommendation. Representatives visited and I made sure they knew my name, so that my odds were higher. I hoped my work wouldn't be in vain but I knew I had to try my hardest, so at least I could say I tried. I went all in. I applied to UConn as an early decision applicant, praying and hoping that my odds were higher and that my application would stand out. Still, I faced doubt. Doubts internally, questioning whether my application would be good enough. Doubts from the people around me, wondering why I thought this school was the one, telling me that I'd need a backup plan since this one wouldn't work out. I tried not to let it all get to me. Shutting out the voices of doubters became increasingly hard, especially when it came from my family who had high expectations from me. Being one of the few to make it this far to college and not dropping out was no small feat, so I knew everyone's eyes were on me. So when the day came that I was waitlisted for early decision, It felt as if my world went tumbling. I gave in to the voices of those around me, wondering if I'd get in at all. But one things kept me going. I was not denied. Even with all the people around me saying it wouldn't turn out well, I held my faith that I could do this. Now more than ever, I prayed. I prayed that the people revising my application would see the work I put in and know that I had to come to this school. I prayed the letters of recommendation from my teachers showed these recruiters exactly who I was so that I could live out my dream. Finally, the day came. My friend had told me to check the applicant portal, having got her response. It felt as though I was holding my breath when I told my mom that I was going to check it. Time was moving slower than ever as I checked my application status. Suddenly, it all came to a high. Confetti filled my screen and I'd done it. I made the impossible happen and I had my acceptance to show for it. I thanked God with my mom as I read the letter over and over, making sure that it was real. I knew then that my faith could take me anywhere and writing this essay from my dorm at UConn, I know that anything is possible when you pray.

Pursuing a communications degree, I will be able to learn about the ways and areas that people communicate on a daily basis. Whether it be mass media, professional, or persuasive, the ways in which ideas and feelings are portrayed differ for every sector of life. From an interpersonal standpoint, the understanding of how people perceive and manage their communication can determine how communities thrive. Especially when the relations of communication to race are brought up, it's enlightening to have an understanding of both sides of the coin. Being able to use what my academic understanding of communication and the context I have from my childhood into adolescence can come together to help me build up my community. By observing the way in which communities of color function internally and in relation to outside groups, I can transform the way in which those around me see others. Not only can this degree help me to understand the depth in which my community finds themselves communicating and interacting, but it can allow me to change the areas the lack care. Communities everywhere suffer when those in it do not have the proper tools to be successful and do not rely on each other. With my academic understanding of how communication works, I can rebuild parts of my community that have been torn down due to individuals needing to get their point across. Other times, it can mean that I have to show the community that we can stand up with each other in support because in the end it will strengthen us more than hurt us. From a professional standpoint, the businesses, schools, and councils of any community can always use work. being able to advocate for changes in school systems and communicating with principals and secretaries to push for the priority for the community can help students and families to excel. Within businesses, using the tactics that my degree will teach me about communication in different sectors such as health, science, and media, any sector of business can easily be repaired and advocated for. Overall, obtaining my communications degree will not only allow me to be successful professionally, benefiting public relations. But, I will be able to use the forms of communication and tactics within each sector to benefit the people in my community and build it up. Focusing on the academic standpoint, I can be a teacher for the younger generation of my community and advise the older generation to come together rather than stand apart.

Throughout my life, I have faced numerous challenges that have shaped me into the resilient and determined person I am today. Growing up in a low-income household, financial struggles were a constant reality. My parents worked tirelessly to provide for our family, but there were times when even basic necessities felt out of reach. Watching their sacrifices instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and a drive to succeed, not just for myself but for my family. One of the most significant challenges I faced was balancing academics with helping to support my household. While my peers focused solely on their studies, I often found myself juggling school work with long hours at work. This experience taught me invaluable lessons in time management, perseverance, and the importance of hard work. Despite the obstacles, I maintained strong grades, a 3.3 gpa, and actively participated in extracurricular activities to ensure I was building a foundation for a brighter future. Financial struggles continue to impact my ability to pursue higher education. As I plan out my relocation to the University of Connecticut for the next 4 years of my life, the cost of tuition, books, and living expenses is daunting, Chalking up to almost $70,000. And without external support, achieving my academic goals feels nearly impossible. This scholarship would alleviate the financial burden on my family and allow me to focus entirely on my studies. It would also bring me one step closer to achieving my dream of earning a degree in Marketing, enabling me to contribute meaningfully to society and break the cycle of poverty and lack of education for my family. Receiving this scholarship would not only be an investment in my education but also a testament to overcoming adversity with determination and hope.

Growing up in the inner city the main challenge that I’ve encountered time and time again is the shift of lifestyle compared to the people around me. Going to a predominantly white and Asian school, It’s hard enough as is trying to fit in with my culturally out-of-touch counterparts I call classmates. However, seeing the financial and academic difference makes me see how disadvantaged my childhood was in certain resources and mindsets of the people around me. There are smarter kids, richer kids, and funnier kids all shaped by the tremendous amounts of opportunities around them. At times it’s difficult to see myself as worthy when I’m surrounded by people better than me in more ways than one. The main way I attempt to overcome this is by remembering the way I can have an impact that might be less than ideal. I may not have all the answers or all the funds to do certain things and have special experiences but I’ve done as much as possible to make the playing field that is high school more even. Sometimes it’s studying harder in certain classes that are more challenging for me and harder to grasp. The more nonconventional ways have an even greater impact as well. Applying myself in extracurricular activities to make my voice heard in a sea of people. I’ve noticed my personality, shaped by the life I’ve lived, is one of my greatest assets. My counselor constantly tells me that, just by walking into a room, I can say so much and have such a powerful impact because of the standard I’ve set for myself as a person. So I’ve found new ways to develop myself academically and personally. From joining diverse and creative clubs to making my voice heard about the unity within our school, I’ve been able to mentally remove the mindset of being lesser than and not deserving of anything. My college process has been a reflection of my disadvantage but also my perseverance. The hard work and dedication that my family and I have shown to stop the pattern of a lack of degrees and education in our family is one I’ve been proud to break. The community surrounding me, though of small beginnings, has poured their attention into making sure I could excel to the highest level and secure a proper future for myself. Although I may not have the networking background of the richer kids’ parents, I have people who are backing me to lift me to scrape for any opportunity I can get. Growing up in the inner city has taught me to work harder, ten times harder than everyone else to prove myself. Growing up in the inner city has shown me that no matter how you start, it's always about how you end. For my family and I, we pray and work towards our ending being fulfilling and rewarding, a testament to our dedication to a life well lived and a future well accounted for to come.