Faith as My Guiding Light Through Challenges My adolescence was marked by uncertainty and struggle. I was neither a strong student nor someone who fit in easily with my peers. Because of this, I spent much of my youth feeling lost, burdened with doubts about my future. In those moments of despair, the person who reached out to me and gave me hope was my church’s youth pastor. At a time when I lacked motivation and direction, my pastor constantly reached out to me, often taking me out for meals and simply being present in my life. He didn’t just preach to me—he invested in me, checking in on me, and simply making sure I never felt alone. One day, he invited me to his home. Seeing him after work, dressed not in the formal suit he wore at church but in a simple undershirt, was a moment that left a deep impression on me. It made me realize that faith was not just something confined to the pulpit—it was lived out in relationships, in care, and in the willingness to walk alongside others in their struggles. Through his encouragement, I slowly began to open my heart to faith and learn about God. It was through this experience that I understood what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ—to be a source of love and encouragement for those who feel lost. When I read the short description of Nabi Nicole, I felt an immediate connection. Like my youth pastor, she probably might used her faith to guide, nurture, and uplift others, particularly the youth. Her heart for people and her commitment to ministry reflected the same love and mentorship that changed my life. The realization that God had a greater plan for me—even when I felt like I had no future—moved me deeply. It gave me the determination to work hard and pursue a calling greater than myself. Now, as a graduate student studying theology, I hope to follow in the footsteps of people like my pastor and Nabi Nicole. I want to dedicate my life to mentoring and guiding young people who, like me, are searching for hope and purpose. This scholarship is more than just financial aid to me—it represents the very spirit of faith in action, the same faith that transformed my life. By receiving this support, I will be one step closer to becoming the kind of leader Nabi Nicole was, someone who walks with others in their struggles, nurtures faith in their hearts, and reminds them that they are not alone. I pray and hope for the opportunity to continue her legacy, bringing light to others just as she did.

Pursuing Communication: A Passion for Connection and Impact Communication is more than just exchanging words—it is the foundation of understanding, connection, and transformation. My passion for communication stems from a deep desire to bridge gaps between people, foster meaningful relationships, and create positive change in society. Through my experiences in leadership, ministry, and academic study, I have come to appreciate the power of communication in shaping communities and influencing lives. Growing up, I was drawn to spaces where conversations shaped perspectives and strengthened relationships. My leadership experience in a youth mission school taught me that effective communication goes beyond delivering information—it requires empathy, active listening, and the ability to connect with diverse individuals. Rather than enforcing a rigid leadership structure, I fostered a space for open dialogue, where team members felt valued and heard. This experience reaffirmed my belief that communication is a transformative tool for building trust, collaboration, and personal growth. My academic journey further reinforced my passion for communication. While studying at Drew Theological School, I explored how communication intersects with faith, culture, and leadership. I realized that in any field—whether ministry, media, or organizational leadership—strong communication skills are essential for fostering understanding and inspiring action. This realization led me to pursue a Master’s in Communication, as I seek to deepen my expertise in strategic messaging, digital media, and intercultural communication. Beyond academics, my goal is to use communication as a means of empowerment. In today’s digital age, media and technology shape public discourse and influence perceptions. I aspire to work in a field where I can develop impactful messages that educate, inspire, and bring people together. Whether through media production, content creation, or community outreach, I want to create spaces where diverse voices are heard and meaningful conversations take place. My journey as an international student has also shaped my perspective on communication. Navigating a new culture and language has reinforced the importance of clear and effective messaging. I have experienced firsthand the challenges of cultural adaptation and the power of communication in bridging those gaps. This experience motivates me to contribute to global conversations on inclusion, representation, and cross-cultural understanding. Ultimately, my passion for communication is driven by my belief in its power to create change. I want to use my skills to build connections, tell compelling stories, and contribute to a more informed and united world. Through continuous learning and professional development, I am committed to using communication as a tool for impact, ensuring that messages are not only heard but truly understood.

The American Dream: A Land of Opportunity and Hope America has long been a land of opportunity, offering chances to those who once had little or nothing. Christopher Columbus, an unknown figure at the time, became one of history’s greatest explorers by discovering the American continent. The Pilgrims, who fled England due to religious persecution, established a nation built on faith, creating what is now one of the most influential Christian countries in the modern world. Immigrants from across Europe, escaping poverty and hardship, settled in America and worked tirelessly to transform it into one of the wealthiest and most powerful nations today. This historical pattern demonstrates that America is a place where new beginnings and perseverance can lead to success—a concept we call the American Dream. Although times have changed, and inequalities persist in modern society, I still believe that the American Dream is alive. That belief is what led me to study in the United States. Unlike some international students who come to America with financial stability or the sole goal of building an impressive academic career, my circumstances were different. I did not come to America because I had the financial means to do so, nor because I was solely focused on gaining prestigious academic credentials. Rather, I came because I deeply believed that America offers opportunities based on fairness, equality, and effort—values that I hold close to my heart. Studying in the United States as an international student has not been easy. The financial burden, language barriers, and visa restrictions have made this journey challenging. However, I have remained committed to my education, believing that my hard work will eventually bear fruit. I am not simply seeking personal success—I want to use the education I receive to give back to society, particularly by contributing to communities that need support and guidance. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease my financial burdens but also empower me to continue pursuing my dreams with determination. It would reaffirm my belief in the American Dream, showing that opportunities still exist for those who work hard and strive for a better future. Just as many before me have turned their struggles into success, I, too, hope to be part of the American Dream’s ongoing legacy. This scholarship would not just be financial assistance; it would be an affirmation that my efforts and aspirations matter. It would allow me to continue my education with the hope that one day, I can help create opportunities for others, just as this opportunity would be given to me.