To call my grandmother a phenomenal woman would be an understatement. In her lifetime, she raised 3 children while working full-time, and was an active member of her church. My grandmother believed in me and made me believe that I too, was phenomenal. While I believed, and still believe, that I have greatness inside of me and great things ahead, grieving her has been my greatest challenge. I set high goals for myself. I have maintained a 4.55 weighted GPA and a 3.49 unweighted GPA while taking advanced placement classes in High School. During my first year at Howard University, I earned a 3.67 GPA. Like many high achievers, I also engage extensively in community service, I volunteer most frequently with Habitat for Humanity. For my own enjoyment, I spent hours on my high school's dance team and was also in the band. All of this while keeping a part-time job at a local black-owned bakery where my co-workers and I solved the world’s problems in-between selling pastries. During school, I spend my volunteering frequently, picking up hobbies such as cooking, dance and music again, and trying new things like skating while also working part-time. I have a full day, every day, kind of perfect in a way. When my grandmother passed, I took up the challenge to honor her by teaching myself to grieve and live. In my junior year of high school, I began to prepare for the Senior Architecture class. In this class, we received hands-on experience in the field of architecture through projects as well as an internship. After a rigorous interview process, I was one of 13 students hand-picked from 26 others to take this course. This summer I plan to intern again and gain more experience. Only 17% of registered Architects are women, and only 4% of registered Architects are black women. I plan to both become one and impact change by using my role to implement affordable housing, creating safe spaces for the less fortunate. I have been using my time while in high school as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity to explore and learn how to engage communities in the construction of new homes. Leadership comes natural to me. In 2020, I was hand picked to serve as Vice President of Creative Volunteerism with the Zero Debt College Project. In my Sophomore year of high school, I led efforts to renew and improve my school’s Black Student Union. Together we were able to not only revive the Black Student Union, but we had 23 members that were dedicated not only to learning about the impact of African Americans on today’s society but also get resources to help them in their future careers. As any good leader knows, it is important to pass the torch. I identified the members the members that would be able lead the next year of the Black Student Union, and it still runs strong at the school today. My grandmother was a big believer in paying it forward. She passed on life lessons in leadership, integrity, and determination. I know she would be proud to see how I have, and will continue to use my gifts to influence the community around me. That is why, upon graduating from Howard University, I plan to continue my career in Architecture and add my name to the list of black female architects. My goal, by the end of my career, is to make sure that the amount of female architects continues to grow in number and being a black female architect is no longer unusual.

To call my grandmother a phenomenal woman would be an understatement. In her lifetime, she raised 3 children while working full-time, and was an active member of her church. My grandmother believed in me and made me believe that I too, was phenomenal. While I believed, and still believe, that I have greatness inside of me and great things ahead, grieving her has been my greatest challenge. I set high goals for myself. During my first year at Howard University, I earned a 3.67 GPA. Like many high achievers, I also engage extensively in community service, I volunteer most frequently with Habitat for Humanity. In my first year in college I wanted to spend most of my time on my studies and participated in less extra curriculars until I am comfortable with college life. This year, I have been volunteering frequently, picking up hobbies such as cooking, dance and music again, and trying new things like skating. I have a full day, every day, kind of perfect in a way. When my grandmother passed, my full life did not pause. I realized my life could leave me behind if I didn’t figure something out, so I took up the challenge to honor her by teaching myself to grieve and live. Only 17% of registered Architects are women, and only 4% of registered Architects are black women. I plan to both become one and impact change by using my role to implement affordable housing, creating safe spaces for the less fortunate. I have been using my time while in high school as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity to explore and learn how to engage communities in the construction of new homes. My grandmother was a big believer in paying it forward. She passed on life lessons in leadership, integrity, and determination. I know she would be proud to see how I have, and will continue to use my gifts to influence the community around me. Her death was definitely an obstacle, but in the end it was her example that helped me overcome it. That is why, upon graduating from Howard University, I plan to continue my career in Architecture and add my name to the list of black female architects. My goal, by the end of my career, is to make sure that the amount of female architects continues to grow in number and being a black female architect is no longer unusual.

Growing up I was always caring for others and their needs. The topic of homelessness has always weighed heavy on my heart. As a child, I did not understand why these people were outside and why they were not home with their families. Eventually, I learned the homelessness problem in America is not due to lack of housing, on the contrary, there are 553,742 homeless people and upwards of 17 million vacant homes. The issue lies in the fact that there is a lack of affordable housing in our country. To think the reason human beings are sleeping outside through torrential downpours, frigid winters, and sweltering summers is due to limited access to affordable and safe housing is sad. As an architect, I have the opportunity to create housing for the forgotten within our society. Ever since I was in the 8th grade, I knew that architecture was my calling. I signed up for the classes that would help me to continue my career throughout high school. Upon graduation, I had already interned at Huckabee Architects working on an affordable duplex for families in Dallas, Texas, mentored by the Architecture Construction and Engineering (ACE) Mentor Group working in a collaboration-based environment to make a theoretical community fine arts center by integrating practices of Architecture, Construction, and Engineering, and, in my senior year, I had participated in a class that I was one of 12, selected from 36 to take. I had also been a frequent volunteer at Habitat for Humanity to explore and learn how to engage communities in the construction of new homes. Because I know that my career can change people's lives, I have always applied myself to everything I have done with this goal in mind. In my first year of college, I was an active participant in the American Institute of Architecture Students and the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students' Howard University Chapters. I also learned very quickly and was able to apply my knowledge of architecture to my work quickly, earning me a 3.67 GPA. Only 17% of registered Architects are women, and only 4% of registered Architects are black women. I plan to both become one and impact change by using my role to implement affordable housing, creating safe spaces for the less fortunate. I have already begun my journey, but I plan to use my life's work to inspire a change that could impact millions. By moving forward in my career, I plan to join the 2% of licensed black architects by establishing my own firm. With this firm I plan to use architecture to change the lives of people for the better; allowing them to live their lives where they don't have to make tough decisions because of money. I feel my history in leadership and volunteerism has set the stage for my future in helping others and I will always use the knowledge I have gained to help others.

Growing up I was always caring for others and their needs. The topic of homelessness has always weighed heavy on my heart. As a child, I did not understand why these people were outside and why they were not home with their families? Eventually, I learned the homelessness problem in America is not due to lack of housing, on the contrary there are 553,742 homeless people and upwards of 17 million vacant homes. The issue lies in the fact that there is a lack of affordable housing in our country. To think the reason human beings are sleeping outside through torrential downpours, frigid winters, and sweltering summers is due to limited access to affordable and safe housing is sad. As an architect, I have the opportunity to create housing for the forgotten within our society. To begin this journey, I decided to take courses in architecture my freshman year of high school. During this journey, I realized my true passion for the field. Although rigorous, I learned codes, what goes into buildings, how to incorporate the relationships of positive and negative spaces into designs, relate form and function, and create experiences for the people using the building. Through all of this preparation, I began to search for the university that would provide the expertise I need to best accomplish my goals. I knew that I wanted to go to an HBCU because I feel it is important, as an African American, to connect with other African Americans to share in our cultural experiences and uplift one another to further influence our passions. After compiling a list of possible universities to attend, I narrowed it down to Howard University. Howard's nick-name, “The Mecca”, sticks out to me because I had always been drawn to diverse climates. Being an HBCU, the student population is made up of mostly black faces and black instructors/professors, however, we are not a monolith, we come from different walks of life, providing a diverse experience within our culture. By my own research, I also learned Howard’s architecture programs can provide me with the skills I would need to adapt my profession to the changing world. Only 17% of registered Architects are women, and only 4% of registered Architects are black women. I plan to both become one and impact change by using my role to implement affordable housing, creating safe spaces for the less fortunate. I have been using my time while in high school as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity to explore and learn how to engage communities in the construction of new homes. In college, I volunteer during service days in my community so that I can have first-hand,hands-on experience in helping through various means in my community. I have helped clean schools to prepare for students, and using my architectural knowledge, I have created a birdhouse for kids at a Montessori to use as a learning tool. Leadership comes natural to me and I am a member of the National Honor Society, engaging with my community through volunteerism. Last year, I was hand picked from a roster of 200 students to serve as Vice President of Creative Volunteerism with the Zero Debt College Project. Since my Sophomore year, I have been leading efforts to renew and improve my school’s Black Student Union. As any good leader knows, it is important to pass the torch. I am working with my team now to identify student leaders to keep the program going upon my graduation. I have already begun my journey, but I plan to use my life's work to inspire a change that could impact millions. By moving forward in my career I plan to join the 2% of licensed black architects by establishing my own firm. With this firm I plan to use architecture to change the lives of people for the better; allowing them to live their lives where they don't have to make tough decisions because of money. I feel my history in leadership and volunteerism has set the stage for my future in helping others and I will always use the knowledge I have gained to help others.

Growing up I was always caring for others and their needs. The topic of homelessness has always weighed heavy on my heart. As a child, I did not understand why these people were outside and why they were not home with their families. Eventually, I learned the homelessness problem in America is not due to lack of housing, on the contrary, there are 553,742 homeless people and upwards of 17 million vacant homes. The issue lies in the fact that there is a lack of affordable housing in our country. To think the reason human beings are sleeping outside through torrential downpours, frigid winters, and sweltering summers is due to limited access to affordable and safe housing is sad. As an architect, I have the opportunity to create housing for the forgotten within our society. Ever since I was in the 8th grade, I knew that architecture was my calling. I signed up for the classes that would help me to continue my career throughout high school. Upon graduation, I had already interned at Huckabee Architects working on an affordable duplex for families in Dallas, Texas, mentored by the Architecture Construction and Engineering (ACE) Mentor Group working in a collaboration-based environment to make a theoretical community fine arts center by integrating practices of Architecture, Construction, and Engineering, and, in my senior year, I had participated in a class that I was one of 12, selected from 36 to take. I had also been a frequent volunteer at Habitat for Humanity to explore and learn how to engage communities in the construction of new homes. Because I know that my career can change people's lives, I have always applied myself to everything I have done with this goal in mind. In my first year of college, I was an active participant in the American Institute of Architecture Students and the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students' Howard University Chapters. I also learned very quickly and was able to apply my knowledge of architecture to my work quickly, earning me a 3.67 GPA. Only 17% of registered Architects are women, and only 4% of registered Architects are black women. I plan to both become one and impact change by using my role to implement affordable housing, creating safe spaces for the less fortunate. I have already begun my journey, but I plan to use my life's work to inspire a change that could impact millions. By moving forward in my career, I plan to join the 2% of licensed black architects by establishing my own firm. With this firm I plan to use architecture to change the lives of people for the better; allowing them to live their lives where they don't have to make tough decisions because of money. I feel my history in leadership and volunteerism has set the stage for my future in helping others and I will always use the knowledge I have gained to help others.

Growing up I was always caring for others and their needs. The topic of homelessness has always weighed heavy on my heart. As a child, I did not understand why these people were outside and why they were not home with their families. Eventually, I learned the homelessness problem in America is not due to lack of housing, on the contrary, there are 553,742 homeless people and upwards of 17 million vacant homes. The issue lies in the fact that there is a lack of affordable housing in our country. To think the reason human beings are sleeping outside through torrential downpours, frigid winters, and sweltering summers is due to limited access to affordable and safe housing is sad. As an architect, I have the opportunity to create housing for the forgotten within our society. Humble yet hungry is a core value that I tend to cling to. Ever since the eighth grade, I have been dedicated to my career in Architecture, and every academic decision I have made since then has been for me to get further and establish myself in the field. I know that I have the potential to be great, but the reason that I know that this is my calling is not because I want to be famous or to be rich, but because I want to help those that others tend to look down upon. Though I am very dedicated to my studies, I still make time to have fun because I know that no one can be successful and healthy without a balanced lifestyle. I always make time for the things I enjoy such as cooking, dancing, skateboarding, playing bass guitar with my friends, and working part-time. However, I know that these things are not my main priority and I manage my time well by always getting my work done first. I am a fast learner and I apply the things I learn in class to my schoolwork, and my dedication to my craft has allowed me to maintain a 3.67 GPA. Though I have always been described as independent and as having an "If you want something done right do it yourself" attitude, I understand I could not have gotten this far without the help of my community. I mean, every superhero has a team such as the Avengers or the Justice League right? Like them, I realize that I have my own strengths, but I am not afraid to ask someone else to help where I am weak. I see my "team" in all types of people such as my family, classmates, professors, coworkers etc. I know that I have people counting on me to succeed, and knowing that I have people that see my strengths and are there for me when I am weak is the reason why I can continue pushing forward. Only 17% of registered Architects are women, and only 4% are black women. I plan to foster change by using my role to implement affordable housing, creating safe spaces for the less fortunate. By moving forward in my career, I plan to join the 2% of licensed black architects by establishing my own firm. With this firm I plan to use architecture to change the lives of people for the better; allowing them to live their lives where they don't have to make tough decisions because of money. I feel my history in leadership and volunteerism has set the stage for my future in helping others and I will always use the knowledge I have gained to help others.

Growing up I was always caring for others and their needs. The topic of homelessness has always weighed heavy on my heart. As a child, I did not understand why these people were outside and why they were not home with their families. Eventually, I learned the homelessness problem in America is not due to lack of housing, on the contrary, there are 553,742 homeless people and upwards of 17 million vacant homes. The issue lies in the fact that there is a lack of affordable housing in our country. To think the reason human beings are sleeping outside through torrential downpours, frigid winters, and sweltering summers is due to limited access to affordable and safe housing is sad. As an architect, I have the opportunity to create housing for the forgotten within our society. Ever since I was in the 8th grade, I knew that architecture was my calling. I signed up for the classes that would help me to continue my career throughout high school. Upon graduation, I had already interned at Huckabee Architects working on an affordable duplex for families in Dallas, Texas, mentored by the Architecture Construction and Engineering (ACE) Mentor Group working in a collaboration-based environment to make a theoretical community fine arts center by integrating practices of Architecture, Construction, and Engineering, and, in my senior year, I had participated in a class that I was one of 12, selected from 36 to take. I had also been a frequent volunteer at Habitat for Humanity to explore and learn how to engage communities in the construction of new homes. Because I know that my career can change people's lives, I have always applied myself to everything I have done with this goal in mind. In my first year of college, I was an active participant in the American Institute of Architecture Students and the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students' Howard University Chapters. I also learned very quickly and was able to apply my knowledge of architecture to my work quickly, earning me a 3.67 GPA. Only 17% of registered Architects are women, and only 4% of registered Architects are black women. I plan to both become one and impact change by using my role to implement affordable housing, creating safe spaces for the less fortunate. I have already begun my journey, but I plan to use my life's work to inspire a change that could impact millions. By moving forward in my career, I plan to join the 2% of licensed black architects by establishing my own firm. With this firm I plan to use architecture to change the lives of people for the better; allowing them to live their lives where they don't have to make tough decisions because of money. I feel my history in leadership and volunteerism has set the stage for my future in helping others and I will always use the knowledge I have gained to help others.

Since I was young, I always knew that I wanted to go to an HBCU because I feel it is important, as an African American, to connect with other African Americans to share in our cultural experiences and uplift one another to further influence our passions. After compiling a list of possible universities to attend, I narrowed it down to Howard University. Howard's nickname, “The Mecca”, sticks out to me because I had always been drawn to diverse climates. Being an HBCU, the student population is made up of mostly black faces and black instructors and professors, however, we are not a monolith, we come from different walks of life, providing a diverse experience within our culture. Through my research, I also learned Howard’s architecture programs can provide me with the skills I would need to adapt my profession to the changing world. Only 17% of registered Architects are women, and only 4% of registered Architects are black women. I plan to both become one and impact change by using my role to implement affordable housing, creating safe spaces for the less fortunate. I plan to add my name to Howard University's never-ending list of notable alumni by becoming a prominent leader in the field of architecture by using my education to change lives.

Growing up I was always caring for others and their needs. The topic of homelessness has always weighed heavy on my heart. As a child, I did not understand why these people were outside and why they were not home with their families? Eventually, I learned the homelessness problem in America is not due to lack of housing, on the contrary there are 553,742 homeless people and upwards of 17 million vacant homes. The issue lies in the fact that there is a lack of affordable housing in our country. To think the reason human beings are sleeping outside through torrential downpours, frigid winters, and sweltering summers is due to limited access to affordable and safe housing is sad. As an architect, I have the opportunity to create housing for the forgotten within our society. Throughout High School, I had already begun this journey by taking challenging architecture classes, and in my senior year, taking an Architecture class where I had to pass an interview to be enrolled. In this class I work on projects with architects in the field, and receive feedback and advice for planning my future in the field of architecture. I've even worked an internship where I have learned how to make affordable housing a reality in the professional world.. Upon enrollment into Howard University, I am continuing work in the field with a Masters of Architecture program. After completing the undergraduate studies for the first four years, in graduate school, I plan to further my education in the field of architecture in the context of working toward a solution to the homelessness crisis. When I graduate I plan to become a distinguished architect, joining the 2% of licensed black architects. Right now, the world would rather waste money on the rich than devise a plan to help the poor to become secure. I aim to work with like-minded people to change that. In my career, I will establish my own firm joining the very small number of women, let alone black women, that do the same. With this firm, I will continue work toward a solution to the homelessness crisis, creating affordable housing that promotes personal growth, and I will continue to educate people of the gravity of this problem. Every academic decision I have made throughout high school has had this goal in mind. Using my degree I hope to create positive change in the world, allowing people to live their lives without fear of affording shelter. I plan to become an architect whose goal is to use their major to solve a problem within their community; and I will not stop until I have helped people see that the issue of homeless is something that needs attention from the community and is an issue that can and will be solved.

Growing up I was always caring for others and their needs. The topic of homelessness has always weighed heavy on my heart. As a child, I did not understand why these people were outside and why they were not home with their families? Eventually, I learned the homelessness problem in America is not due to lack of housing, on the contrary there are 553,742 homeless people and upwards of 17 million vacant homes. The issue lies in the fact that there is a lack of affordable housing in our country. To think the reason human beings are sleeping outside through torrential downpours, frigid winters, and sweltering summers is due to limited access to affordable and safe housing is sad. As an architect, I have the opportunity to create housing for the forgotten within our society. Throughout High School, I had already begun this journey by taking challenging architecture classes, and in my senior year, taking an Architecture class where I had to pass an interview to be enrolled. In this class I work on projects with architects in the field, and receive feedback and advice for planning my future in the field of architecture. I've even worked an internship where I have learned how to make affordable housing a reality in the professional world.. Upon enrollment into Howard University, I am continuing work in the field with a Masters of Architecture program. After completing the undergraduate studies for the first four years, in graduate school, I plan to further my education in the field of architecture in the context of working toward a solution to the homelessness crisis. When I graduate I plan to become a distinguished architect, joining the 2% of licensed black architects. Right now, the world would rather waste money on the rich than devise a plan to help the poor to become secure. I aim to work with like-minded people to change that. In my career, I will establish my own firm joining the very small number of women, let alone black women, that do the same. With this firm, I will continue work toward a solution to the homelessness crisis, creating affordable housing that promotes personal growth, and I will continue to educate people of the gravity of this problem. Every academic decision I have made throughout high school has had this goal in mind. Using my degree I hope to create positive change in the world, allowing people to live their lives without fear of affording shelter. I plan to become an architect whose goal is to use their major to solve a problem within their community; and I will not stop until I have helped people see that the issue of homeless is something that needs attention from the community and is an issue that can and will be solved.

Growing up I was always caring for others and their needs. The topic of homelessness has always weighed heavy on my heart. As a child, I did not understand why these people were outside and why they were not home with their families? Eventually, I learned the homelessness problem in America is not due to lack of housing, on the contrary there are 553,742 homeless people and upwards of 17 million vacant homes. The issue lies in the fact that there is a lack of affordable housing in our country. To think the reason human beings are sleeping outside through torrential downpours, frigid winters, and sweltering summers is due to limited access to affordable and safe housing is sad. As an architect, I have the opportunity to create housing for the forgotten within our society. Throughout High School, I had already begun this journey by taking challenging architecture classes, and in my senior year, taking an Architecture class where I had to pass an interview to be enrolled. In this class I work on projects with architects in the field, and receive feedback and advice for planning my future in the field of architecture. I've even worked an internship where I have learned how to make affordable housing a reality in the professional world.. Upon enrollment into Howard University, I am continuing work in the field with a Masters of Architecture program. After completing the undergraduate studies for the first four years, in graduate school, I plan to further my education in the field of architecture in the context of working toward a solution to the homelessness crisis. When I graduate I plan to become a distinguished architect, joining the 2% of licensed black architects. Right now, the world would rather waste money on the rich than devise a plan to help the poor to become secure. I aim to work with like-minded people to change that. In my career, I will establish my own firm joining the very small number of women, let alone black women, that do the same. With this firm, I will continue work toward a solution to the homelessness crisis, creating affordable housing that promotes personal growth, and I will continue to educate people of the gravity of this problem. Every academic decision I have made throughout high school has had this goal in mind. Using my degree I hope to create positive change in the world, allowing people to live their lives without fear of affording shelter. I plan to become an architect whose goal is to use their major to solve a problem within their community; and I will not stop until I have helped people see that the issue of homeless is something that needs attention from the community and is an issue that can and will be solved.

When I graduate I plan to become a distinguished architect, joining the 2% of licensed black architects. In my career I will establish my own firm joining the very small number of women, let alone black women, that do the same. With this firm, I will continue work toward a solution to the homelessness crisis, creating affordable housing that promotes personal growth, and I will continue to educate people of the gravity of this problem. Every academic decision I have made throughout high school has had this goal in mind. To begin this journey, I've taken courses in architecture my freshman year of high school. During this journey, I realized my true passion for the field. Although rigorous, I learned codes, what goes into buildings, how to incorporate the relationships of positive and negative spaces into designs, relate form and function, and create experiences for the people using the building. I have used my time while in high school as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity to explore and learn how to engage communities in the construction of new homes. I see the need for more people and am in the midst of a project to help increase the number of volunteers in my area of the country for Habitat for Humanity. My goal is to get 50 new volunteers by March 2022. Using my degree I hope to create positive change in the world, allowing people to live their lives without fear of affording shelter. I plan to become an architect whose goal is to use their major to solve a problem within their community; and I will not stop until I have helped people see that the issue of homeless is something that needs attention from the community and is an issue that can and will be solved.

Growing up I was always caring for others and their needs. The topic of homelessness has always weighed heavy on my heart. As a child, I did not understand why these people were outside and why they were not home with their families? Eventually, I learned the homelessness problem in America is not due to lack of housing, on the contrary there are 553,742 homeless people and upwards of 17 million vacant homes. The issue lies in the fact that there is a lack of affordable housing in our country. To think the reason human beings are sleeping outside through torrential downpours, frigid winters, and sweltering summers is due to limited access to affordable and safe housing is sad. As an architect, I have the opportunity to create housing for the forgotten within our society. In a book I read recently, Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi, I was inspired by the main character Zelie and how she faced an issue and was determined to see change. Even when times got tough, or it seemed like all hope was lost, she was able to push through and accomplish her goal which changes the lives of many. The drive that I see in her is similar to something I see in myself. I am determined to use my career to change peoples lives no matter how hard things may seem. Throughout High School, I had already begun this journey by taking challenging architecture classes, and in my senior year, taking an Architecture class where I had to pass an interview to be enrolled. In this class I work on projects with architects in the field, and receive feedback and advice for planning my future in the field of architecture. Upon enrollment into an HBCU, I plan to continue work in the field with the M.Arch program. After completing the undergraduate studies for the first four years, in graduate school, I plan to further my education in the field of architecture in the context of working toward a solution to the homelessness crisis. When I graduate I plan to become a distinguished architect, joining the 2% of licensed black architects. In my career I will establish my own firm joining the very small number of women, let alone black women, that do the same. With this firm, I will continue work toward a solution to the homelessness crisis, creating affordable housing that promotes personal growth, and I will continue to educate people of the gravity of this problem. Every academic decision I have made throughout high school has had this goal in mind. Using my degree I hope to create positive change in the world, allowing people to live their lives without fear of affording shelter. I plan to become an architect whose goal is to use their major to solve a problem within their community; and I will not stop until I have helped people see that the issue of homeless is something that needs attention from the community and is an issue that can and will be solved.

Growing up I was always caring for others and their needs. The topic of homelessness has always weighed heavy on my heart. As a child, I did not understand why these people were outside and why they were not home with their families? Eventually, I learned the homelessness problem in America is not due to lack of housing, on the contrary there are 553,742 homeless people and upwards of 17 million vacant homes. The issue lies in the fact that there is a lack of affordable housing in our country. To think the reason human beings are sleeping outside through torrential downpours, frigid winters, and sweltering summers is due to limited access to affordable and safe housing is sad. As an architect, I have the opportunity to create housing for the forgotten within our society. Throughout High School, I had already begun this journey by taking challenging architecture classes, and in my senior year, taking an Architecture class where I had to pass an interview to be enrolled. In this class I work on projects with architects in the field, and receive feedback and advice for planning my future in the field of architecture. Upon enrollment into an HBCU, I plan to continue work in the field with the M.Arch program. After completing the undergraduate studies for the first four years, in graduate school, I plan to further my education in the field of architecture in the context of working toward a solution to the homelessness crisis. Architecture is definitely a field where I will not see many people I can relate to as a black woman. However, I don't plan on letting that discourage me from seeing the completion of my goals. When I graduate I plan to become a distinguished architect, joining the 2% of licensed black architects. In my career I will establish my own firm joining the very small number of women, let alone black women, that do the same. With this firm, I will continue work toward a solution to the homelessness crisis, creating affordable housing that promotes personal growth, and I will continue to educate people of the gravity of this problem. Every academic decision I have made throughout high school has had this goal in mind. Using my degree I hope to create positive change in the world, allowing people to live their lives without fear of affording shelter. I plan to become an architect whose goal is to use their major to solve a problem within their community; and I will not stop until I have helped people see that the issue of homeless is something that needs attention from the community and is an issue that can and will be solved.

Growing up I was always caring for others and their needs. The topic of homelessness has always weighed heavy on my heart. As a child, I did not understand why these people were outside and why they were not home with their families? Eventually, I learned the homelessness problem in America is not due to lack of housing, on the contrary there are 553,742 homeless people and upwards of 17 million vacant homes. The issue lies in the fact that there is a lack of affordable housing in our country. To think the reason human beings are sleeping outside through torrential downpours, frigid winters, and sweltering summers is due to limited access to affordable and safe housing is sad. As an architect, I have the opportunity to create housing for the forgotten within our society. Throughout High School, I had already begun this journey by taking challenging architecture classes, and in my senior year, taking an Architecture class where I had to pass an interview to be enrolled. In this class I work on projects with architects in the field, and receive feedback and advice for planning my future in the field of architecture. Upon enrollment into an HBCU, I plan to continue work in the field with the M.Arch program. After completing the undergraduate studies for the first four years, in graduate school, I plan to further my education in the field of architecture in the context of working toward a solution to the homelessness crisis. When I graduate I plan to become a distinguished architect, joining the 2% of licensed black architects. In my career I will establish my own firm joining the very small number of women, let alone black women, that do the same. With this firm, I will continue work toward a solution to the homelessness crisis, creating affordable housing that promotes personal growth, and I will continue to educate people of the gravity of this problem. Every academic decision I have made throughout high school has had this goal in mind. Using my degree I hope to create positive change in the world, allowing people to live their lives without fear of affording shelter. I plan to become an architect whose goal is to use their major to solve a problem within their community; and I will not stop until I have helped people see that the issue of homeless is something that needs attention from the community and is an issue that can and will be solved.

To call my grandmother a phenomenal woman would be an understatement. In her lifetime, she raised 3 children while working full-time, and was an active member of her church. My grandmother believed in me and made me believe that I too, was phenomenal. While I believed, and still believe, that I have greatness inside of me and great things ahead, grieving her has been my greatest challenge. I set high goals for myself. I have maintained a 4.55 weighted GPA and a 3.49 unweighted GPA while taking advanced placement classes. Like many high achievers, I also engage extensively in community service, I volunteer most frequently with Habitat for Humanity. For my own enjoyment, I spend hours on my school's dance team and was also in the band. All of this while keeping a part-time job at a local black-owned bakery where my co-workers and I try to solve the world’s problems in-between selling pastries. I have a full day, every day, kind of perfect in a way. When my grandmother passed, my full life did not pause. I realized my life could leave me behind if I didn’t figure something out, so I took up the challenge to honor her by teaching myself to grieve and live. I made my move upon returning to school after Spring Break when I began to prepare for the Senior Architecture class. In this class, we receive hands-on experience in the field of architecture through projects as well as an internship. After a rigorous interview process, I was one of 13 students hand-picked from 26 others to take this course. Only 17% of registered Architects are women, and only 4% of registered Architects are black women. I plan to both become one and impact change by using my role to implement affordable housing, creating safe spaces for the less fortunate. I have been using my time while in high school as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity to explore and learn how to engage communities in the construction of new homes. I see the need for more people and am in the midst of a project to help increase the number of volunteers in my area of the country for Habitat for Humanity. My goal is to get 50 volunteers signed up by the end of 2021. Leadership comes natural to me and I am a member of the National Honor Society, engaging with my community through volunteerism. Last year, I was hand picked from a roster of 200 students to serve as Vice President of Creative Volunteerism with the Zero Debt College Project. Since my Sophomore year, I have been leading efforts to renew and improve my school’s Black Student Union. As any good leader knows, it is important to pass the torch. I am working with my team now to identify student leaders to keep the program going upon my graduation. My grandmother was a big believer in paying it forward. She passed on life lessons in leadership, integrity, and determination. I know she would be proud to see how I have, and will continue to use my gifts to influence the community around me. That is why, upon graduating high school, I plan to continue my study in Architecture and add my name to the list of black female architects. My goal, by the end of my career, is to make sure that the amount of female architects continues to grow in number and being a black female architect is no longer unusual.

Growing up I was always caring for others and their needs. The topic of homelessness has always weighed heavy on my heart. As a child, I did not understand why these people were outside and why they were not home with their families? Eventually, I learned the homelessness problem in America is not due to lack of housing, on the contrary there are 553,742 homeless people and upwards of 17 million vacant homes. The issue lies in the fact that there is a lack of affordable housing in our country. To think the reason human beings are sleeping outside through torrential downpours, frigid winters, and sweltering summers is due to limited access to affordable and safe housing is sad. As an architect, I have the opportunity to create housing for the forgotten within our society. Throughout High School, I had already begun this journey by taking challenging architecture classes, and in my senior year, taking an Architecture class where I had to pass an interview to be enrolled. In this class I work on projects with architects in the field, and receive feedback and advice for planning my future in the field of architecture. Upon enrollment into an HBCU, I plan to continue work in the field with the M.Arch program. After completing the undergraduate studies for the first four years, in graduate school, I plan to further my education in the field of architecture in the context of working toward a solution to the homelessness crisis. When I graduate I plan to become a distinguished architect, joining the 2% of licensed black architects. In my career I will establish my own firm joining the very small number of women, let alone black women, that do the same. With this firm, I will continue work toward a solution to the homelessness crisis, creating affordable housing that promotes personal growth, and I will continue to educate people of the gravity of this problem. Every academic decision I have made throughout high school has had this goal in mind. Using my degree I hope to create positive change in the world, allowing people to live their lives without fear of affording shelter. I plan to become an architect whose goal is to use their major to solve a problem within their community; and I will not stop until I have helped people see that the issue of homeless is something that needs attention from the community and is an issue that can and will be solved.

Growing up I was always caring for others and their needs. The topic of homelessness has always weighed heavy on my heart. As a child, I did not understand why these people were outside and why they were not home with their families? Eventually, I learned the homelessness problem in America is not due to lack of housing, on the contrary there are 553,742 homeless people and upwards of 17 million vacant homes. The issue lies in the fact that there is a lack of affordable housing in our country. To think the reason human beings are sleeping outside through torrential downpours, frigid winters, and sweltering summers is due to limited access to affordable and safe housing is sad. As an architect, I have the opportunity to create housing for the forgotten within our society. Throughout High School, I had already begun this journey by taking challenging architecture classes, and in my senior year, taking an Architecture class where I had to pass an interview to be enrolled. In this class I work on projects with architects in the field, and receive feedback and advice for planning my future in the field of architecture. Upon enrollment into Howard University, I plan to continue work in the field with the M.Arch program. After completing the undergraduate studies for the first four years, I plan to use my fifth year to further my education in the field of architecture in the context of working toward a solution to the homelessness crisis. Architecture is definitely a field where I will not see many people I can relate to as a black woman. However, I don't plan on letting that discourage me from seeing the completion of my goals. When I graduate I plan to become a distinguished architect, joining the 2% of licensed black architects. In my career I will establish my own firm joining the very small number of women, let alone black women, that do the same. With this firm, I will continue work toward a solution to the homelessness crisis, creating affordable housing that promotes personal growth, and I will continue to educate people of the gravity of this problem. Every academic decision I have made throughout high school has had this goal in mind. Using my degree I hope to create positive change in the world, allowing people to live their lives without fear of affording shelter. I feel Howard University’s mission to produce an architect whose goal is to use their major to solve a problem within their community; and the Architecture programs aim to produce graduates that are capable of public service will foster, in me, the willpower to see my goals through and not stop until I have helped people see that the issue of homeless is something that needs attention from the community and is an issue that can and will be solved.

Growing up I was always caring for others and their needs. The topic of homelessness has always weighed heavy on my heart. As a child, I did not understand why these people were outside and why they were not home with their families? Eventually, I learned the homelessness problem in America is not due to lack of housing, on the contrary there are 553,742 homeless people and upwards of 17 million vacant homes. The issue lies in the fact that there is a lack of affordable housing in our country. To think the reason human beings are sleeping outside through torrential downpours, frigid winters, and sweltering summers is due to limited access to affordable and safe housing is sad. As an architect, I have the opportunity to create housing for the forgotten within our society. Throughout High School, I had already begun this journey by taking challenging architecture classes, and in my senior year, taking an Architecture class where I had to pass an interview to be enrolled. In this class I work on projects with architects in the field, and receive feedback and advice for planning my future in the field of architecture. Upon enrollment into an HBCU, I plan to continue work in the field with the M.Arch program. After completing the undergraduate studies for the first four years, in graduate school, I plan to further my education in the field of architecture in the context of working toward a solution to the homelessness crisis. When I graduate I plan to become a distinguished architect, joining the 2% of licensed black architects. In my career I will establish my own firm joining the very small number of women, let alone black women, that do the same. With this firm, I will continue work toward a solution to the homelessness crisis, creating affordable housing that promotes personal growth, and I will continue to educate people of the gravity of this problem. Every academic decision I have made throughout high school has had this goal in mind. Using my degree I hope to create positive change in the world, allowing people to live their lives without fear of affording shelter. I plan to become an architect whose goal is to use their major to solve a problem within their community; and I will not stop until I have helped people see that the issue of homeless is something that needs attention from the community and is an issue that can and will be solved.

To call my grandmother a phenomenal woman would be an understatement. In her lifetime, she raised 3 children while working full-time, and was an active member of her church. My grandmother believed in me and made me believe that I too, was phenomenal. While I believed, and still believe, that I have greatness inside of me and great things ahead, grieving her has been my greatest challenge. I set high goals for myself. I have maintained a 4.55 weighted GPA and a 3.49 unweighted GPA while taking advanced placement classes. Like many high achievers, I also engage extensively in community service, I volunteer most frequently with Habitat for Humanity. For my own enjoyment, I spend hours on my school's dance team and was also in the band. All of this while keeping a part-time job at a local black-owned bakery where my co-workers and I try to solve the world’s problems in-between selling pastries. I have a full day, every day, kind of perfect in a way. When my grandmother passed, my full life did not pause. I realized my life could leave me behind if I didn’t figure something out, so I took up the challenge to honor her by teaching myself to grieve and live. I made my move upon returning to school after Spring Break when I began to prepare for the Senior Architecture class. In this class, we receive hands-on experience in the field of architecture through projects as well as an internship. After a rigorous interview process, I was one of 13 students hand-picked from 26 others to take this course. Only 17% of registered Architects are women, and only 4% of registered Architects are black women. I plan to both become one and impact change by using my role to implement affordable housing, creating safe spaces for the less fortunate. I have been using my time while in high school as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity to explore and learn how to engage communities in the construction of new homes. I see the need for more people and am in the midst of a project to help increase the number of volunteers in my area of the country for Habitat for Humanity. My goal is to get 50 volunteers signed up by the end of 2021. Leadership comes natural to me and I am a member of the National Honor Society, engaging with my community through volunteerism. Last year, I was hand picked from a roster of 200 students to serve as Vice President of Creative Volunteerism with the Zero Debt College Project. Since my Sophomore year, I have been leading efforts to renew and improve my school’s Black Student Union. As any good leader knows, it is important to pass the torch. I am working with my team now to identify student leaders to keep the program going upon my graduation. My grandmother was a big believer in paying it forward. She passed on life lessons in leadership, integrity, and determination. I know she would be proud to see how I have, and will continue to use my gifts to influence the community around me. That is why, upon graduating high school, I plan to continue my study in Architecture and add my name to the list of black female architects. My goal, by the end of my career, is to make sure that the amount of female architects continues to grow in number and being a black female architect is no longer unusual.

My name is Simone Herbert, and I am currently a junior attending Centennial High School in Frisco,Texas. I'm working on getting enrolled in the ACE program, I am also taking Architecture classes and pursuing an internship at my district's Career center. I hope to pursue a masters degree in architecture at Howard University. Growing up in Frisco, I've realized how privileged I was to grow up in a small city with highly regarded k-12 schools and resources. I think realizing this privilege has had a major impact on my perspective of the world because it has opened my eyes to how I've basically grown up in a bubble and there are people that I can help by using this privilege to my advantage. With my Architecture degree, I hope to build a firm and make high quality, affordable housing for the less fortunate. I chose architecture as a field of study because I was always very creative according to my mom. I was frequently involved in arts such as dance, cooking, and band from a young age. By the time I was in 7th grade I had already planned out my future, and sure I've added things since then, like making affordable housing for instance. Since the death of George Floyd, the Black Lives Matter Movement of 2020 has taught me about other societal issues that disproportionately affect African Americans and other people of color outside of police brutality and the prison system such as affordable housing. Since I've been taught the basics of this issue through social media and articles, I've gotten to work researching how I can use my Architecture degree to make a difference in this issue and hopefully eliminate it. First, I would start a Firm by first, making a business plan that will include expenses, the target market and how to make it profitable.Then, setting up a legal entity,accounting,registering for taxes, getting insurance, defining the brand and making an online presence. Once this is started and running I can begin on my journey for change. Though the firm will be dedicated to other areas of architecture as well as this issue, I feel affordable housing requires the most attention. Since urban planning and what affordable housing looks like depends on the area, my plan for this is to partner with an Affordable Housing Trust and map out a plan and design what housing will look like, the costs, what will be in close proximity to it (i.e. schools, transportation, grocery stores, hospitals, and other resources) and how to make it high quality, because high quality doesn't always mean expensive. In conclusion, I feel like this issue is very important to address because not only will it give people a place to live, but planning what is near the housing can affect the mental health and success of the people in a given area. The problem is that what we have now is areas where the affordable housing is low quality and there aren't as many resources. Since it is mostly people of color in these areas this is how most negative stereotypes about people of color come from (i.e. poor academic ability) even though it isn't their fault. Making these places high quality and filled with resources will help people get the necessary components to be successful. With my degree I hope to make this possible.

My name is Simone Herbert, and I am currently a junior attending Centennial High School in Frisco,Texas. I'm working on getting enrolled in the ACE program, I am also taking Architecture classes and pursuing an internship at my district's Career center. I hope to pursue a masters degree in architecture at Howard University. Growing up in Frisco, I've realized how privileged I was to grow up in a small city with highly regarded k-12 schools and resources. I think realizing this privilege has had a major impact on my perspective of the world because it has opened my eyes to how I've basically grown up in a bubble and there are people that I can help by using this privilege to my advantage. With my Architecture degree, I hope to build a firm and make high quality, affordable housing for the less fortunate. I chose architecture as a field of study because I was always very creative according to my mom. I was frequently involved in arts such as dance, cooking, and band from a young age. By the time I was in 7th grade I had already planned out my future, and sure I've added things since then, like making affordable housing for instance. Since the death of George Floyd, the Black Lives Matter Movement of 2020 has taught me about other societal issues that disproportionately affect African Americans and other people of color outside of police brutality and the prison system such as affordable housing. Since I've been taught the basics of this issue through social media and articles, I've gotten to work researching how I can use my Architecture degree to make a difference in this issue and hopefully eliminate it. First, I would start a Firm by first, making a business plan that will include expenses, the target market and how to make it profitable.Then, setting up a legal entity,accounting,registering for taxes, getting insurance, defining the brand and making an online presence. Once this is started and running I can begin on my journey for change. Though the firm will be dedicated to other areas of architecture as well as this issue, I feel affordable housing requires the most attention. Since urban planning and what affordable housing looks like depends on the area, my plan for this is to partner with an Affordable Housing Trust and map out a plan and design what housing will look like, the costs, what will be in close proximity to it (i.e. schools, transportation, grocery stores, hospitals, and other resources) and how to make it high quality, because high quality doesn't always mean expensive. In conclusion, I feel like this issue is very important to address because not only will it give people a place to live, but planning what is near the housing can affect the mental health and success of the people in a given area. The problem is that what we have now is areas where the affordable housing is low quality and there aren't as many resources. Since it is mostly people of color in these areas this is how most negative stereotypes about people of color come from (i.e. poor academic ability) even though it isn't their fault. Making these places high quality and filled with resources will help people get the necessary components to be successful. With my degree I hope to make this possible.

My name is Simone Herbert, and I am currently a junior attending Centennial High School in Frisco,Texas. I'm working on getting enrolled in the ACE program, I am also taking Architecture classes and pursuing an internship at my district's Career center. I hope to pursue a masters degree in architecture at Howard University. Growing up in Frisco, I've realized how privileged I was to grow up in a small city with highly regarded k-12 schools and resources. I think realizing this privilege has had a major impact on my perspective of the world because it has opened my eyes to how I've basically grown up in a bubble and there are people that I can help by using this privilege to my advantage. With my Architecture degree, I hope to build a firm and make high quality, affordable housing for the less fortunate. I chose architecture as a field of study because I was always very creative according to my mom. I was frequently involved in arts such as dance, cooking, and band from a young age. By the time I was in 7th grade I had already planned out my future, and sure I've added things since then, like making affordable housing for instance. Since the death of George Floyd, the Black Lives Matter Movement of 2020 has taught me about other societal issues that disproportionately affect African Americans and other people of color outside of police brutality and the prison system such as affordable housing. Since I've been taught the basics of this issue through social media and articles, I've gotten to work researching how I can use my Architecture degree to make a difference in this issue and hopefully eliminate it. First, I would start a Firm by first, making a business plan that will include expenses, the target market and how to make it profitable.Then, setting up a legal entity,accounting,registering for taxes, getting insurance, defining the brand and making an online presence. Once this is started and running I can begin on my journey for change. Though the firm will be dedicated to other areas of architecture as well as this issue, I feel affordable housing requires the most attention. Since urban planning and what affordable housing looks like depends on the area, my plan for this is to partner with an Affordable Housing Trust and map out a plan and design what housing will look like, the costs, what will be in close proximity to it (i.e. schools, transportation, grocery stores, hospitals, and other resources) and how to make it high quality, because high quality doesn't always mean expensive. In conclusion, I feel like this issue is very important to address because not only will it give people a place to live, but planning what is near the housing can affect the mental health and success of the people in a given area. The problem is that what we have now is areas where the affordable housing is low quality and there aren't as many resources. Since it is mostly people of color in these areas this is how most negative stereotypes about people of color come from (i.e. poor academic ability) even though it isn't their fault. Making these places high quality and filled with resources will help people get the necessary components to be successful. With my degree I hope to make this possible.

My name is Simone Herbert, and I am currently a junior attending Centennial High School in Frisco,Texas. I'm working on getting enrolled in the ACE program, I am also taking Architecture classes and pursuing an internship at my district's Career center. I hope to pursue a masters degree in architecture at Howard University. Growing up in Frisco, I've realized how privileged I was to grow up in a small city with highly regarded k-12 schools and resources. I think realizing this privilege has had a major impact on my perspective of the world because it has opened my eyes to how I've basically grown up in a bubble and there are people that I can help by using this privilege to my advantage. With my Architecture degree, I hope to build a firm and make high quality, affordable housing for the less fortunate. I chose architecture as a field of study because I was always very creative according to my mom. I was frequently involved in arts such as dance, cooking, and band from a young age. By the time I was in 7th grade I had already planned out my future, and sure I've added things since then, like making affordable housing for instance. Since the death of George Floyd, the Black Lives Matter Movement of 2020 has taught me about other societal issues that disproportionately affect African Americans and other people of color outside of police brutality and the prison system such as affordable housing. Since I've been taught the basics of this issue through social media and articles, I've gotten to work researching how I can use my Architecture degree to make a difference in this issue and hopefully eliminate it. First, I would start a Firm by first, making a business plan that will include expenses, the target market and how to make it profitable.Then, setting up a legal entity,accounting,registering for taxes, getting insurance, defining the brand and making an online presence. Once this is started and running I can begin on my journey for change. Though the firm will be dedicated to other areas of architecture as well as this issue, I feel affordable housing requires the most attention. Since urban planning and what affordable housing looks like depends on the area, my plan for this is to partner with an Affordable Housing Trust and map out a plan and design what housing will look like, the costs, what will be in close proximity to it (i.e. schools, transportation, grocery stores, hospitals, and other resources) and how to make it high quality, because high quality doesn't always mean expensive. In conclusion, I feel like this issue is very important to address because not only will it give people a place to live, but planning what is near the housing can affect the mental health and success of the people in a given area. The problem is that what we have now is areas where the affordable housing is low quality and there aren't as many resources. Since it is mostly people of color in these areas this is how most negative stereotypes about people of color come from (i.e. poor academic ability) even though it isn't their fault. Making these places high quality and filled with resources will help people get the necessary components to be successful. With my degree I hope to make this possible.

My name is Simone Herbert, and I am currently a junior attending Centennial High School in Frisco,Texas. I'm working on getting enrolled in the ACE program, I am also taking Architecture classes and pursuing an internship at my district's Career center. I hope to pursue a masters degree in architecture at Howard University. Growing up in Frisco, I've realized how privileged I was to grow up in a small city with highly regarded k-12 schools and resources. I think realizing this privilege has had a major impact on my perspective of the world because it has opened my eyes to how I've basically grown up in a bubble and there are people that I can help by using this privilege to my advantage. With my Architecture degree, I hope to build a firm and make high quality, affordable housing for the less fortunate. I chose architecture as a field of study because I was always very creative according to my mom. I was frequently involved in arts such as dance, cooking, and band from a young age. By the time I was in 7th grade I had already planned out my future, and sure I've added things since then, like making affordable housing for instance. Since the death of George Floyd, the Black Lives Matter Movement of 2020 has taught me about other societal issues that disproportionately effect African Americans and other people of color outside of police brutality and the prison system such as, affordable housing. Since I've been taught the basics of this issue through social media and articles, I've gotten to work researching how I can use my Architecture degree to make a difference in this issue and hopefully eliminate it. First, I would start a Firm by first, making a business plan that will include expenses, the target market and how to make it profitable.Then, setting up a legal entity,accounting,registering for taxes, getting insurance, defining the brand and making an online presence. Once this is started and running I can begin on my journey for change. Though the firm will be dedicated to other areas of architecture as well as well as this issue, I feel affordable housing requires the most attention. Since urban planning and what affordable housing looks like depends on the area, my plan for this is to partner with an Affordable Housing Trust and map out a plan and design what housing will look like, the costs, what will be in close proximity to it (i.e. schools, transportation, grocery stores, hospitals, and other resources) and how to make it high quality, because high quality doesn't always mean expensive. In conclusion, I feel like this issue is very important to address because not only will it give people a place to live, but planning what is near the housing can effect the mental health and success of the people a given in the area. The problem is that what we have now is areas where the affordable housing is low quality and there aren't as many resources. Since it is mostly people of color in these areas this is how most negative stereotypes about people of color come from (i.e. poor academic ability) even though it isn't their fault. Making these places high quality and filled with resources will help people get the necessary components to be successful. With my degree I hope to make this possible.