The individual who’s been an exceptional source of inspiration to me is none other than my beloved mother. Not only has she supplied me the physically necessary things—shelter, food, clothing, etc.—she has also given me the tools I need to thrive personally, intellectually, and spiritually. I know I am the woman I am today because of her steadfast support, tender care, and unconditional love. As a first-generation Jamaican immigrant, single parent to seven, and dedicated foster mother of five years, my mother is not a stranger to struggle. To add, she is also a part-time nursing assistant, and took on the responsibility of caring for her enfeebled mother full-time. My mother’s life journey has certainly been an arduous one, but also one she faces with exceeding courage and compassion. Seeing how she came from very humble beginnings herself, yet still consistently surrenders her time, energy, and livelihood to those less privileged, is immensely inspiring to me. Witnessing my mother devote herself to taking in at-risk youth in the foster care system, as well as providing almost constant care for my disabled grandmother has shown me how one does not need to be well-off financially or otherwise in order to actively contribute to the well-being of others. Growing up I did not understand why my mother, who was already in a place of immense struggle, would continuously choose to burden herself further with the needs of others. In response to my doubts, my mother would simply inform me it was her onus, placed upon her by God, to help those less fortunate, and through time, my own experiences, and seeing the impacts of her efforts, I saw the benefit of being committed to living a life serving others. My mother taught me that although my circumstances are quite challenging—my father’s willful estrangement, past psychological struggles, and significant financial hardships—they can yet be turned around for good. It has motivated me to pursue efforts to provide for those less fortunate in my university, and within neighboring communities. Coming to university, I made efforts to get involved on my campus, and in surrounding communities. My freshman year, I became a volunteer at my local food bank, Maize and Blue Cupboard, helping to unload Food Gatherers deliveries and stock shelves with emergency items for those in need. Additionally, I got involved with the Ann Arbor District Library, volunteering to read and judge children’s submissions for writing contests, and helping with preparations for children’s programming in the library. I also hold the position of vice president in the voluntary student organization, Project WriteOn, working to service local youth in Washtenaw County, primarily those from under-resourced neighborhoods, through helping them to develop their literacy skills, and to breed a love of literature and learning in new generations. I sincerely believe this passion I have for helping others through community service efforts, particularly children and youth, is due in no small part to my mother’s influence as a beacon of virtue, and a pillar of resilience.

My experiences working with children from diverse backgrounds in literacy development directly ties to the nonprofit organization I am involved in—Project WriteOn—as Co-President. Within this organization, I work alongside a team of wonderful, devoted individuals who stand by our mission of servicing children in Washtenaw County—primarily those from under-resourced neighborhoods—through volunteering to help them develop their literacy skills while breeding a love of literature and learning in new generations. We are working to publish and widely distribute a picture children's book to local schools and children’s hospitals to inspire children to write their own stories and believe in the power of dreaming. As part of this project, we incorporated a “Book Writing Committee” to help us work closely and consistently with the children as we create the book, bringing their imaginations to life and hopefully imbuing them with a love for the literary arts. Throughout this project, the children have been enthusiastic, and we are nearing the publication stage of our first book. Our volunteers are forming meaningful bonds with the children, we have received ample monetary support from various sponsors to fund these projects, and we have increased membership in our organization through these endeavors. I fully believe in the power of this project to inspire youths to write their own story and believe in their own abilities, particularly in the fact that they get to see their efforts come to fruition in a real, published book that features their unique voices, perspectives, and cultures. In addition to the success, we have also surmounted many difficulties navigating this cumbersome project. One particular challenge was keeping the children engaged throughout each part of the process. Our team was aware that the children we partner with would be excited for an opportunity to personally work on a picture book for publication, but we also knew the process could get tedious at some parts, and making sure the children stay interested and engaged was crucial. Thus, we discussed these issues as a team and also talked with additional collaborators from another organization who have been working with the children for longer than we have. We brainstormed multiple strategies to address these issues such as incorporating more elements into the project that will stimulate the senses of the children, like acting out various portions of the book and utilizing social media throughout as well. Through trial and error, we found success in our methods, and are happy to see the children enjoying this project thoroughly. This experience has taught me the importance of leveraging the talents and ideas of each member of a team in order to achieve a shared goal. Whilst some members of our team provided the innovative ideas, others more so offered the gift of having had more knowledge and experience with the children, thus providing needed context on their needs, and what they would benefit most from in this project. Lastly, receiving the #AllKidsNeedBooks Scholarship would be invaluable in allowing me to continue contributing to the literacy development and educational attainment of children and youth. As an English major aspiring to become a professional writer, my intended career entails pursuing more work in nonprofit and community initiatives to achieve these aforementioned goals. In addition, I am also interested in pursuing librarianship, which will involve an extensive amount of time and effort in serving diverse communities through service projects and storytelling events geared towards children. With this aid, I would be able to continue pursuing the education and qualifications necessary to realize these goals, and to help children realize the power of writing, and the power they have within themselves.

Academically, I plan on earning my Bachelor of Arts degree in English language and literatures from my university, and going on to pursue my Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. As a first-generation college student with first-generation immigrant parents, my family instilled in me from a young age the value of hard work and educational attainment, especially as it relates to effecting positive change in one’s own life, and the lives of others. Post graduation, becoming a professional writer—specifically in the areas of life-writing and self-help—is my most paramount professional goal. I hope to write and publish books, essays, memoirs, etc. focusing on my life experiences and how I have overcome particular obstacles in order to help those whose backgrounds or life trajectory is similar to mine. Because of my personal history of mental illness, in particular, as well as my experiences taking courses centered on the manifestations of psychological disorders, I have become inspired to incorporate my history of battling mental and emotional issues into my professional future. As a survivor of sexual assault, bullying, and significant mental health issues, I truly believe my story is one that needs to be shared, and I know my triumph over these challenges has the potential to inspire many. Additionally, my experiences with caretaking for at-risk youth from troubled backgrounds in the foster care system has also fueled my desire to use literature as a medium for healing and guidance. Constantly seeing the severe mental, emotional, and psychological troubles these children endure due to the abuse and neglect they were dealt at such helpless ages has really moved me to devote myself to efforts that will support the lives of those who were not given a fair chance from the beginning. Due to my own extensive research, as well as these firsthand experiences, I am extremely aware of the mental health crisis today, especially among children and adolescents in Western nations, and I believe publishing applicable works and working on the frontlines of efforts targeting these prevailing issues is essential to creating a future where kids are able to be healthy, happy, and productive. It is tremendously heartbreaking to me to see children consistently being abandoned or mistreated, either by their guardians, or by broken institutions that fail at giving them the care and support they desperately need. While these issues may unfortunately always exist, I do believe many are preventable, and as someone who can relate to these issues so personally, I find it imperative to contribute to such causes as would benefit those who are our most vulnerable. Thus, not only do I plan to use my literary talents and personal and educational experience to advocate for disadvantaged youth and others who have been victimized by less-than-ideal circumstances, I also intend to offer my time, knowledge, and resources to service projects, fundraisers, volunteer work, and related community initiatives that contribute to the mental, emotional, and overall well-being of under-privileged children and youth. I currently serve as Co-President for a non-profit organization known as Project WriteOn, whose primary mission is to supply children from under-resourced neighborhoods with the resources and skills they need to thrive, academically and personally. It is a blessing to be able to offer my time, energy, and resources to those who face significant barriers to success as I have. Working with these youth in developing their communication and literacy skills has truly been fruitful and inspiring on both parts, and with this aid, I can continue to touch the lives of those most vulnerable members of our communities.

Academically, I plan on earning my Bachelor of Arts degree in English language and literatures from my university, and going on to pursue my Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. As a first-generation college student with first-generation immigrant parents, my family instilled in me from a young age the value of hard work and educational attainment, especially as it relates to effecting positive change in one’s own life, and the lives of others. Post graduation, becoming a professional writer—specifically in the areas of life-writing and self-help—is my most paramount professional goal. I hope to write and publish books, essays, memoirs, etc. focusing on my life experiences and how I have overcome particular obstacles in order to help those whose backgrounds or life trajectory is similar to mine. Because of my personal history of mental illness, as well as my experiences taking courses centered on the manifestations of psychological disorders, I have become inspired to incorporate my history of battling mental and emotional issues into my professional future. Additionally, my experiences with caretaking for at-risk youth from troubled backgrounds in the foster care system has also fueled my desire to use literature as a medium for healing and guidance. Constantly seeing the severe mental, emotional, and psychological troubles these children endure due to the abuse and neglect they were dealt at such helpless ages has really moved me to devote myself to efforts that will support the lives of those who were not given a fair chance from the beginning. Due to my own extensive research, as well as these firsthand experiences, I am extremely aware of the mental health crisis today, especially among children and adolescents in Western nations, and I believe publishing applicable works and working on the frontlines of efforts targeting these prevailing issues is essential to creating a future where kids are able to be healthy, happy, and productive. It is tremendously heartbreaking to me to see children consistently being abandoned or mistreated, either by their guardians, or by broken institutions that fail at giving them the care and support they desperately need. While these issues may unfortunately always exist, I do believe many are preventable, and as someone who can relate to these issues so personally, I find it imperative to contribute to such causes as would benefit those who are our most vulnerable. Thus, not only do I plan to use my literary talents and personal and educational experience to advocate for disadvantaged youth and others who have been victimized by less-than-ideal circumstances, I also intend to offer my time, knowledge, and resources to service projects, fundraisers, volunteer work, and related community initiatives that contribute to the mental, emotional, and overall well-being of under-privileged children and youth. Furthermore, as a first-generation college student from a low-income background, this scholarship would be an invaluable aid in allowing me to continue my academic and educational journey with confidence, graduate on time, and fulfill my mother’s wishes by obtaining professional and financial security with the acquisition of a degree from a reputable institution. I know this generous aid will ensure I achieve those aforementioned goals I set for myself as well, and ultimately allow me to effect great change in the lives of others. I currently serve as Co-President for a local non-profit organization known as Project WriteOn, whose mission is to supply children from under-resourced neighborhoods with the resources and skills they need to thrive, academically and personally. Fruitful work such as this truly inspires me, and with this aid, I can continue to touch the lives of those most vulnerable members of our communities.

My mother is a first-generation immigrant, single parent to seven, foster mother of five years, and primary caretaker of her enfeebled mother. Growing up, I witnessed the many hardships she faced on account of these responsibilities and identities. Relying on nothing but her faith, my mother showed incredible resilience in the face of formidable obstacles. This fortitude and character she exhibited taught me to appreciate my identity as a second-generation immigrant, and inspired me to pursue opportunities to better myself, and those less privileged. As a second-generation immigrant myself, I've also had my share of hardships, particularly in pursuing advanced education. Because I also come from a low-income background, and am a first-generation college student, the logistical, academic, and financial aspects of my education primarily fell upon me. I was fortunate enough to receive help from various sources, but receiving adequate parental guidance in this unprecedented time was something I did not have the privilege of. Having to advocate for myself for the first time regarding my financial aid, housing, and academics was an incredibly challenging experience, and is one that has contributed to my desire to pursue a career centered on advocating for under-privileged youth. Through volunteer work, service projects, and general community involvement, I have done some work contributing to the educational attainment and overall betterment of members of under-resourced communities, particularly children and youth, and I intend to continue this momentum in my chosen career. Currently, I am working with a nonprofit organization in Michigan, Community Action Network, to help under-served youth develop their literacy and communication skills, and to breed a love of learning in new generations. The fruitful work we are doing within this organization inspires me to pursue more nonprofit work in my professional future.

Academically, I plan on earning my Bachelor of Arts degree in English language and literatures, and I am also considering a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Psychology. As a first-generation college student raised by a first-generation immigrant parent, it was instilled in me from a young age the value of hard work and educational attainment, especially as it relates to effecting positive change in one’s own life, and the lives of others. Post graduation, becoming a professional writer—specifically in the areas of life-writing and self-help—is my most paramount professional goal. I hope to write and publish books, essays, memoirs, etc. focusing on my life experiences and how I have overcome particular obstacles in order to help those whose backgrounds or life trajectory is similar to mine. Because of my personal history of mental illness, as well as my experiences taking courses centered on the mental illness and manifestations of psychological disorders, I have become inspired to incorporate my history of battling mental and emotional issues into my professional future. Further, as someone from a single-parent household and a low-income background, I understand firsthand how disadvantaged circumstances can easily work to impede or even fully prevent one’s growth, development, and ability to thrive. Growing up, my experiences helping my mother caretake for at-risk youth from troubled backgrounds in the foster care system has also fueled my desire to use literature as a medium for healing and guidance. Constantly seeing the severe mental, emotional, and psychological effects these children endure due to the abuse and neglect they were dealt at such helpless ages has also really moved me to devote myself to efforts that will support the lives of those who were not given a fair chance from the beginning. Due to my own extensive research, as well as these firsthand experiences, I am also extremely aware of the mental health crisis today, especially among children and adolescents in Western nations, and I believe publishing applicable works and working on the frontlines of efforts targeting these prevailing issues is essential to creating a future where kids are able to be healthy, happy, and productive. It is tremendously heartbreaking to me to see children consistently being abandoned or mistreated, either by their guardians, or by broken institutions that fail at giving them the care and support they desperately need. While these issues may unfortunately always exist, I do believe many are preventable, and as someone who can relate to these issues so personally, I find it imperative to contribute to such causes as would benefit those who are our most vulnerable. One particular cause I am a part of whose mission is youth-focused is the voluntary student organization, Project WriteOn, at the University of Michigan. I currently serve as the Co-president of this organization, and our purpose is to service local youth in Washtenaw County, particularly those from under-resourced neighborhoods, in order to assist them with developing their literacy and communication skills, as well as to breed a love of literature and learning in these new generations. Pursuing more community-focused efforts such as this in the future is my intention. Not only do I plan to use my literary talents and personal and educational experience to advocate for disadvantaged youth and others who have been victimized by less-than-ideal circumstances, I also intend to offer my time, knowledge, and resources to service projects, fundraisers, volunteer work, and related community initiatives that contribute to the mental, emotional, and overall well-being of under-privileged children and youth.

The individual who’s been an exceptional source of inspiration to me is none other than my beloved mother. Not only has she supplied me the physically necessary things—shelter, food, clothing, etc.—she has also given me the tools and resources I need to thrive personally, intellectually, and spiritually. I know I am the woman I am today because of her steadfast support, tender care, and unconditional love. As a first-generation Jamaican immigrant, single parent to seven children, and dedicated foster mother of five years, my mother is not a stranger to struggle. To add, she is also a part-time nursing assistant, and took on the responsibility of caring for her enfeebled mother full-time. My mother’s life journey has certainly been an arduous one, but also one she faces with exceeding courage and compassion. Seeing how she came from very humble beginnings herself, yet still consistently surrenders her time, energy, and livelihood to those less privileged, is immensely inspiring to me. Witnessing my mother devote herself to taking in at-risk youth in the foster care system, as well as providing almost constant care for my disabled grandmother has shown me how one does not need to be well-off financially or otherwise in order to actively contribute to the well-being of others. Growing up, I did not understand why my mother, who was already in a place of immense struggle, would continuously choose to burden herself further with the needs of others. In response to my doubts, my mother would simply inform me it was her onus, placed upon her by God, to help those less fortunate, and through time, my own experiences, and seeing the impacts of her efforts, I saw the benefit of being committed to living a life serving others. My mother taught me that although my circumstances are quite challenging—my father’s willful estrangement, past psychological struggles, and significant financial hardships—they can yet be turned around for good. It has motivated me to pursue efforts to provide for those less fortunate in my university, and within neighboring communities. Coming to university, I made efforts to get involved on my campus, and in surrounding communities. My freshman year, I became a volunteer at my local food bank, Maize and Blue Cupboard, helping to unload Food Gatherers deliveries and stock shelves with emergency items for those in need. Additionally, I got involved with the Ann Arbor District Library, volunteering to read and judge children’s submissions for writing contests, and helping with preparations for children’s programming in the library. I also hold the position of vice president in the voluntary student organization, Project WriteOn, working to service local youth in Washtenaw County, primarily those from under-resourced neighborhoods, through helping them to develop their literacy skills, and to breed a love of literature and learning in new generations. In the future, through my educational attainment, community involvement, and commitment to using literature as a medium for healing and guidance, I have no doubt I will be able to contribute to the betterment of the lives of those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Intending to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in English language and literatures, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, my career path includes getting involved in work to help bring awareness to the current mental health crisis, especially as it relates to children and youth who do not have access to adequate resources. I sincerely believe this passion I have for helping others through community service efforts, particularly children, is due in no small part to my mother’s influence as a beacon of virtue, and a pillar of resilience.

Nonfiction Writing Prompt: Being a black woman from a low-income, single-parent household posed significant challenges, and led me on an arduous journey to self-love, and finding my place in the world. My family and I encountered myriad difficulties surrounding financial instability; housing and food insecurity were issues we became well-acquainted with over the years. As the youngest of five siblings, I felt powerless to change our adverse circumstances, but simultaneously overburdened with the constant reminders of what we lack. Even worse than these ever-present financial woes were the looming psychological challenges I faced having been a victim of bullying, as well as not having a present father figure. Every child, but especially a young, black girl facing these excruciating trials, needs a guardian who is willing to protect, provide, and guide them through life’s most agonizing uncertainties. Having a single mother who was often either working tireless overnight shifts to make ends meet or taking much needed rest, meant that I did not receive the necessary counsel I so longed for. That, together with my parents being first-generation immigrants from a completely different culture, led me to having to navigate many financial, educational, and interpersonal problems alone, a feat that is near impossible for someone who hardly even knows who they are yet. Although my aforementioned identities certainly paved the way for many obstacles, I am beyond thankful to say I did not let myself succumb to these pressures. What I believe helped me most in contending with them was my insistence on finding sources of intellectual and spiritual enrichment, and pursuing them in the midst of my battles. Since a young child, I had a profound love for reading texts of almost any genre. Romance, history, adventure, psychology; I could easily engross myself in a plethora of varying works with relish. As I felt the pressure of my circumstances closing in on me, I put maximum effort into nurturing this passion throughout high school and college. I did this so much that it blossomed into me pursuing a degree in English language and literature with the intention of becoming a professional writer, specifically in the area of life writing and self-help, as a way to help those with similar backgrounds as me find hope and encouragement. I look forward to being an aid to those who are more receptive to learning through literature as I am. Regarding my experiences with spiritual fulfillment, growing up I also showed a greater interest in the faith that was instilled in me during my upbringing. I felt what I could only describe as a divine intervention in my life, and through this I was fueled by a desire to grow closer to God. I began reading the Bible more, spending more time in prayer, and changing things in my life to make sure my existence was in alignment with God’s purpose for me. Through this, I was rewarded with a realization that I exist for a much greater purpose than what I previously believed, which gave me a renewed vigor and love for God, life, and people; including myself. I then began to seek opportunities to be of service to my communities through extracurricular activities and volunteer work. I also came to learn how maintaining a spirit of gratitude for the many privileges I enjoy in life serves as a constant reminder of all the joy, beauty, and hope I truly have, and not the hardships that come with my under-resourced background. I credit all of these wonderful revelations to God, and my own unwillingness to waver under even the most intense pressure.