I first developed an interest in legislative and policy-related work after recognizing the direct impact of government decision-making on the lives of students, families, and communities. Governmental decisions affect whether the student has the means to attend college, whether the family can find housing, and whether community members have a chance to participate in the community's governance. It is important to participate in creating fair policies that can make the government serve people better. I currently serve as a Student Advocacy and Innovation Fellow at Morgan State University. As such, I try to gather information about students' problems and identify possible solutions to improve the student experience. I am also Mister Junior and act as an ambassador and representative of my class, promoting leadership, service, and student involvement. These positions taught me that the basis of leadership is listening to others and a willingness to address their needs. Another event that greatly contributed to my interest in government work was my internship with the Prince George's County Council. I gained a great deal of insight into local government, legislative research, and the duties of the council members and their staff. I learned how local policies affect transportation, housing, economic development, education, and public safety. This experience only strengthened my desire to become a lawyer and to serve in government. Specifically, I would like to serve in the government at the local and state levels. The local government is usually much closer to the people than any other level of government, and local laws and policies are likely to influence a person's daily life very quickly. I would like to participate in creating policies that protect communities and ensure sustainable economic growth. I would like to talk about one policy area that interests me a lot. It is affordable housing and developer accountability. Any new development might help a community by bringing business and investment and providing employment opportunities, but at the same time it might cause a rise in housing prices and the dislocation of longtime residents. Developers who receive help from government institutions in building should give back and support the communities where they operate. This might be expressed as certain affordable housing obligations, the provision of aid to local businesses, and employment opportunities for residents. Civil discourse is essential in the formation of good policies, since there will be no agreement when the topic involves money, land, education, or any other resource. Lawmakers should be prepared to listen to their fellow citizens, other business owners, and even those with different political views. Civil discourse enables the leaders to see the whole scope of influence of any proposition. In the end, I would like to become the type of public servant who listens to people instead of dismissing them from the discussion. I would like to provide people with an opportunity to speak for themselves and not just represent them in the legislative process. Through law, policy, and government service, I hope to create a system of representation in which each person will have their voice heard.

I chose to earn a degree in Business Management and Administration because of my natural interest in leadership, problem-solving, and creating opportunities for others. From my point of view, business implies not only generating revenue but developing innovative solutions and creating organizations capable of making a difference in people's lives. Every time I take up the challenge of being a leader, I understand that this is the field I should be in. During my studies at Morgan State University, I had the opportunity to join many organizations, which helped me develop a particular perspective on leadership. Currently, I am a Student Advocacy and Innovation Fellow, Mister Junior, and an active participant in different organizations that aim to contribute to student success and development. All those activities taught me to think clearly and make decisions, communicate, lead a team, and organize various projects and events. My enthusiasm for business is related to my intention to make our community better. Therefore, I founded two programs that would help me achieve that goal. One of them is called Krisp Ties; it aims to help young men boost their self-confidence through proper dress and manners. Moreover, I developed The Bear Drop to address food insecurity among off-campus students. Both projects were initiated with simple ideas that I managed to implement thanks to my leadership skills. However, studying business administration will give me additional tools to help transform these ideas into full-fledged organizations. By earning the degree, I will have a unique opportunity to continue my academic education, as I plan to attend law school after graduation and work in public service. At the same time, I will continue working with different organizations to make our community stronger. Knowledge of business administration and management will give me the opportunity to learn the basics of finance, budgeting, operations, and strategy, enabling me to make sound decisions. Furthermore, this degree will provide me with additional financial possibilities which will allow me to care for my family while leading organizations and contributing to the development of my community. Moreover, by becoming a successful businessman, I would like to inspire young people who dream of success and who are ready to work hard to achieve their goals. From my point of view, this degree means not only acquiring knowledge but also preparing to become a leader who will make a difference in the lives of every community where I will be working.

Your work experience while in college has shown me that talent is not the only factor to success. It also takes discipline, sacrifice, and the ability to keep putting one foot in front of the other when life gets tough. I am a full-time student at Morgan State University majoring in Business Management and Administration. Additionally, I work as a Student Advocacy and Innovation Fellow for 20 hours per week. The students I support are involved in initiatives that enhance the student experience, allow for student participation, and provide opportunities to connect with these resources. It helps me earn income and sharpen my other skills, such as leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving. Managing work and studies requires planning. Everything I have- classes, assignments, meetings and responsibilities on campus, and work hours all have to fit into a limited space with time. One thing I learned is that if I wait for motivation to strike before doing something, I will never complete it. Because I know that I have to stick to a schedule and can not be inconsistent, even when I'm tired. One of the hardest weeks was when multiple projects and exams were set in the same week as important work-related tasks. You had presentations to prepare for, papers to finish, and non-negotiable deadlines. I was also required to perform at work – semantically sober and undistracted. I used to look at my schedule and not understand how I was even going to get through the work. I segmented all of these responsibilities into smaller action items rather than feeling stressed about full execution. I wrote down my class times, work hours, study time, and when things needed to be turned in. I started waking up earlier than usual and using the small bits of time between classes to work on and review notes, respond to messages, and complete parts of assignments. I also learned that it is better to talk before a problem happens. I tried to speak with professors and supervisors about expectations as soon as possible so that I could plan accordingly. What that taught me was that seeking clarification is not an excuse. That is part of being individually competent. I also discovered that rest is important. There were nights when I wanted to keep working late, but I noticed my exhaustion showed in the quality of my schoolwork and job performance. Under all that pressure, I managed to fulfill my obligations amid the coursework and maintain a 3.5 GPA+. Even more importantly, though, I learned to cultivate good habits that have stuck with me to this date. I plan for busy weeks in advance, maintain detailed calendars, and prioritize based on importance and urgency. Balancing work and college is hard, but it has made me more focused on my grades and thankful for the opportunity to attend school. Each monitored hour of work helps sustain my progress towards an education that will enable a future with careers in leadership, law, business, and public service. I am not just grinding my way through school. I am learning to be responsible, serve, and prepare for the life I wish to create.

Before I ever wore a sash at Morgan State University, I learned what leadership looked like at home. Leadership looked like my mother making sacrifices so my brother and I could have opportunities she may not have had. It looked like her working, handling responsibilities, and still finding the energy to push us toward something greater. She taught me that love is not only what you say. It is what you do, especially when life becomes difficult. My family has always been close, honest, and hardworking. We have shared proud moments, but we have also gone through financial stress, arguments, personal struggles, and unexpected situations. Those experiences were not always easy, but they helped me learn how to communicate better, take responsibility for my actions, and be there for the people I care about. They expect me to put in the effort, learn from my experiences, and act with integrity. Those lessons followed me into school. In high school, I participated in athletics, leadership programs, and community service. I played football, served as a wrestling captain, and took part in leadership development programs. Athletics taught me discipline, but injury also taught me something just as important. Plans can change quickly. When they do, you must decide whether the setback will stop you or redirect you. I chose to keep moving. Today, I am a junior at Morgan State University majoring in Business Management and Administration. Morgan has given me more than an education. It has given me a place to discover how I can use my experiences to serve others. I previously served as Mr. Harper-Tubman Hall and Mister Altus. I now serve as Mister Junior, representing the junior class through the Student Government Association. These roles have taught me that leadership is not about being the loudest person in the room. It is about listening, following through, and being willing to work when no one is watching. I have also created initiatives that address needs I have seen firsthand. I founded Krisp Ties to help young men develop confidence through professional dress, etiquette, and leadership training. I also founded The Bear Drop, an initiative focused on food insecurity among Morgan students, especially those living off campus. The program is projected to serve more than 700 students next semester. These issues matter to me because I have seen how much they can affect a student’s daily life. It is hard to give your full attention in class when you are also thinking about whether you will have enough to eat. I also believe young men need more opportunities to learn how to carry themselves in professional settings, ask questions, and build confidence. I am not interested in only pointing out what is wrong. I want to be part of creating programs and opportunities that make a real difference. Once I graduate from Morgan State, I plan to go to law school. My long-term goal is to work in areas where law, business, real estate, and public service overlap. I want to help expand affordable housing, support local businesses, and encourage development that benefits the people who already live in the community. Families should not be forced out of neighborhoods they have spent years helping to build.. My family taught me how to persevere. My education taught me how to lead. My future will be dedicated to using both lessons to create opportunities for others. I am not pursuing success simply to change my own life. I am pursuing it so I can help change what is possible for the people and communities around me.

My HBCU experience at Morgan State University has shaped the way I see myself, my purpose, and my responsibility to others. Before coming to Morgan, I understood that HBCUs had a powerful history. I knew they produced leaders, professionals, advocates, business owners, educators, and public servants. But being on an HBCU campus helped me understand that this legacy is not just something we read about. It is something we are expected to carry forward. From Morgan, I have learned that leadership has nothing to do with being seen but service with intent. Through my different leadership opportunities at Mr. Harper-Tubman Hall, Mr. Altus, and currently Mr. Junior, I have learned the art of listening to students, representing their needs, and bringing people together through the platform of leadership. These experiences have forced me out of my comfort zone, serving my leaders who have entrusted me with their needs and expectations. The value of community is another thing I have learned from Morgan. As an HBCU, it ensures everyone realizes they cannot succeed alone. Watching students go through financial challenges, family problems, health issues, and other difficulties, yet show up determined and strong-willed has made me a better person with compassion and discipline. That is one reason I founded The Bear Drop, an initiative created to help address food insecurity among off-campus students at Morgan State University. I started this work because I saw a gap that needed attention. Many students live off campus and do not always have easy access to food, transportation, or basic resources. The Bear Drop is my way of turning concern into action. It reminds me that leadership does not have to wait until graduation. Legacy begins with what we are willing to do right now. I believe that my experience in HBCUs has also influenced what I aspire to do. I have chosen to pursue my education in business because I would like to learn about organizational growth, resource flows, and how great leadership can open up opportunities. In the long run, I would like to serve as a liaison among the business, legal, real estate, and public policy arenas. I believe that it would be important for me to contribute to building communities that thrive from the development they experience. I hope to continue the HBCU legacy by being the kind of leader who creates space for others. I want young people to see my journey and know that they do not have to come from perfect circumstances to make an impact. I want to mentor students, invest in my community, and use my education to solve problems that affect everyday people. HBCUs have never just been an institution. HBCUs are places where you are prepared, proud, and purposeful. Being at Morgan State has shown me that I am more than myself. The pioneers of my past have created opportunities with courage and sacrifice. It is my duty to step through those opportunities, keep those doors open for others, and create new ones where necessary.

I have always believed that education changes a person, but college has taught me that access determines how fully a student can step into that change. At Morgan State University, I have seen how far ambition can take a student, but I have also seen how difficult it can be when basic learning tools are not always affordable. That is why Tia Lukeya Woods’ story speaks to me. She understood that learning was not limited to one classroom, one book, or one place. She carried curiosity with her. She valued her roots, but she did not allow them to limit her view of the world. As an HBCU student, I understand the importance of being grounded in who you are while still reaching for more. Access became very clear to me during my time in Morgan. Like many other students, I have experienced times when the cost of books, academic materials, technological equipment, and other school related expenses put me under pressure. A course doesn't stop just because one's textbook costs too much. Assignments don't hold just because a student has to spend money on learning materials, food, or something else. Students' lives change when they are provided with everything they need. They are not struggling to get through the course anymore. They can engage actively, preview their assignments, ask questions, and prepare for classes in advance. Being able to access everything that is needed makes it possible to think rather than to worry. This insight also affected the way I look at leadership. During my time in Morgan, I've been a part of student leadership positions like Mr. Harper-Tubman, Mr. Altus, and Mr. Junior for the next academic year. It gave me an understanding of how important it is to recognize others' burdens and to use my leadership role to assist them. That is also part of why I founded The Bear Drop, an initiative that focuses on helping off-campus students. Some students are working hard academically while also dealing with food insecurity, transportation costs, housing expenses, and limited support. When I think about access, I do not only think about books. I think about the full student experience. A student cannot focus on becoming their best self if they are constantly trying to meet basic needs alone. This scholarship would help reduce an educational barrier for me by making it easier to cover academic expenses and continue pursuing my studies with greater focus. As a Business Management and Administration major at Morgan State University, I want to keep growing as a student, leader, and servant to my community. I want to engage my classes more deeply, strengthen my understanding of business, and use what I learn to create solutions that support people beyond myself. In moving forward with this award, I will do so in helping out students who may face obstacles that others may overlook. I understand the feeling of working hard while also needing assistance. At the same time, getting help does not mean weakness; it can be what keeps a person going. It was Tia Lukeya Woods's dream to read extensively, think widely, and engage the world with boldness and imagination. In paying tribute to her, I hope to use education to improve my life and, at the same time, create opportunities for others. To me, that is the true value of access. This value does not end with one individual but spreads through the whole family, institution, community, and even to the world as a whole.

When I was sixteen, I used to think that success was all about recognition. I used to assume that leadership was all about the designation and the status that comes with it, and the people who looked up to me for all the answers. When I was sixteen, I associated success with accomplishment. Over time, my perspective changed. As I grew older, I learned that leadership is not about being seen. It is about being responsible. It is about showing up when people are depending on you, even when no one is clapping for you. It is about serving people, listening before speaking, and making decisions that benefit more than just yourself. My experiences at Morgan State University helped change the way I think. Serving in student leadership, representing my residence community, working with student advisory groups, and helping plan programs for my peers showed me that leadership requires patience, discipline, and humility. I learned that people do not just need someone with ideas. They need someone who follows through. Starting initiatives like Krisp Ties and supporting students through The Drop also helped me understand that success has to be connected to impact. It is not enough to look successful. You have to help someone else move forward too. Whether it is teaching another young man how to tie a tie, helping students feel more confident, or raising awareness of food insecurity among off-campus students, I now see leadership as service. Problems have also been part of my development. At some point, things never turned out the way I wanted. I have experienced times of stress, disappointments, physical problems, and other situations that forced me to grow. This taught me that sometimes success does not make noise; success means rising again and continuing the work, no matter how difficult it is. Having gained this different perspective on life, I became willing to adjust my future goals as well. I no longer intend to pursue the titles merely to boast about them. Instead, I will strive for them because I have proven myself to be useful, reliable, and dedicated to a cause beyond my own person. This change is meaningful to me because it helped me grow from wanting recognition to wanting responsibility. At sixteen, I wanted people to see what I could become. Today, I want my actions to show who I am becoming. That shift has made me more focused, more grateful, and more serious about the kind of man and leader I want to be.

Leadership cannot be proclaimed just because someone has a position. It is earned through continuous performance and presence among others. To be a good leader, one should not try to convince others, but rather earn their trust, respect, and confidence. As far as my perception of leadership goes, there is no doubt that the sense of responsibility plays a critical role in determining one's capacity to become a good leader. As someone with certain leadership traits, I understand that I should not only be accountable for my own actions but also responsible for the impact they have on others. Responsibility implies being proactive and ready to act in any situation, even when no one calls upon it. Responsibility is also associated with humility, since every leader should be able to hear others' voices and reflect on what has happened. The most significant example of my leadership skills and traits was the creation of The Bear Drop project at Morgan State University. In addition to being a great college student, I began thinking about the problems my peers faced. For instance, some students living off campus had to combine studying and part-time jobs with addressing their food security concerns. I decided to develop a strategy to address this problem and help people. It is important to underline that this experience showed me that leadership starts with awareness. If one wants to address existing problems, one should be attentive to others and recognize their needs first. Another vivid example of my leadership abilities is my experience overcoming personal adversity. In particular, during my freshman year, I experienced some problems related to my health. It turned out I could no longer continue my career as a wrestler. However, instead of giving up, I redirected my energy towards developing my skills and becoming a good leader. It is essential to admit that this period has helped me build my mental resilience and learn to respond effectively to any challenge. It is crucial to highlight that leadership is also about having a positive influence on others. At the same time, it does not mean using one's authority to control others. On the contrary, every good leader is expected to set a good example for other people. Whether I work with my peers, organize initiatives, or speak on behalf of my fellow students, I always aim to give people the opportunity to follow my example and act consistently and responsibly. Moreover, my participation in various student leadership platforms, especially in advisory positions, allows me to develop my communication skills and to help people voice their opinions and discuss various questions. Finally, it is important to emphasize that, at its core, my idea of leadership is about serving people. I do not think that leadership means being recognized or appreciated for something. My goal is to serve others and make a positive impact on their lives. When I see that others feel encouraged and motivated, I realize I am doing everything correctly.

There is nothing more motivating to me in a career choice than seeing what has been achieved thanks to someone's effort and dedication. Having seen firsthand the effects of neglecting people's problems and noticed how a determined individual can change the situation, I decided to devote myself to nonprofit organizations to share the knowledge I have gained, help others, and ensure equal access to opportunities that can change their lives. Having joined the church community early in life, I had an opportunity to serve in different capacities. One particular project stands out, participation in the activities of the Crowder Owens Food Bank. Sorting, packaging, and distributing food to the hungry made a huge impression on me, as I witnessed firsthand the problems people face despite their efforts to make a living. This volunteer experience made me realize that service work cannot be done by accident. It takes effort and time to make a difference. When I entered college, I began implementing my ideas more effectively. For example, I created The Bear Drop, which aims to eliminate food insecurity among off-campus students. Many young adults are currently trying to manage multiple aspects of their lives simultaneously, while the lack of funds makes the situation worse for many of them. Working with The Bear Drop, I aim to provide food assistance and foster a positive environment that encourages students to ask for help. Moreover, I developed another initiative called Krisp Ties. This program focuses on teaching participants how to tie a tie and dress appropriately for an interview. These are minor things, yet they play a crucial role in improving students' self-confidence. From the above, it is clear that my experiences have already shaped my perceptions of the nonprofit sector, its mission, and goals. Providing emergency assistance is great, but that is not enough. To create lasting change, we should implement initiatives and systems that help individuals prepare for future success. Having considered all the information presented above, it is evident that the areas of interest in the nonprofit sector I would like to pursue include creating programs for economic empowerment, youth development, and resource provision. Having grown up in such a neighborhood, I strongly believe that the community has significant potential and should therefore receive assistance to capitalize on existing opportunities. Furthermore, I would like to draw on my experience in public service, which has given me valuable insights into the relationship between community involvement and politics. To conclude, my mission as a professional is to create an environment that promotes growth and success, provides support, and fosters the development of leadership and other important qualities.

My educational and professional goals are based on growth, leadership, and service. Currently, I am obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Business Management degree from Morgan State University. While I have tried to maintain a GPA above 3.5 and earn recognition by making the Dean's list, the essence of my education has never been academic achievement. I sought to apply the acquired information in practice while developing my leadership skills by participating in various organizations. My future aspirations include building a career in business where I can make decisions and create opportunities. I would like to explore domains related to business development, economic growth, and organizational leadership for the benefit of the public. Besides, I eventually plan to enter public service as a county councilman, delegate, or senator and have a direct impact on legislation. It should be mentioned that the experience which I gained during my internship in the office of Prince George's County Council had a profound effect on my decision. Seeing the process of local government from the inside, I realized that there was a need for representatives that care about their constituencies. Therefore, in the future, I want to make sure that people have equal opportunities and that there is room for growth in the communities I will be serving. My time in college helped me gain valuable experience in leadership and responsibility for the needs of others. Now, I hold the role of Mr. Junior Elect for the 2026 through 2027 academic school year and serve as a student leader in numerous student organizations, advocating for the benefit of my peers. Furthermore, being a member of the Vice President for Student Affairs Student Advisory Council allows me to participate in discussions concerning the issues affecting the student population. Thus, my experience in different organizations helped me understand that leadership requires consistently working for others and demonstrating accountability in one's actions. As a college student, I developed effective communication skills, improved my ability to organize initiatives, and increased my confidence in my leadership abilities. Moreover, the lessons I learned from volunteer activities helped me realize the significance of civic and public service. Specifically, volunteering at the Crowder Owens Food Bank through my church allowed me to observe that many people face problems that cannot be solved independently and require intervention. Therefore, being surrounded by such problems in a community work and volunteering environment taught me humility and an awareness of other people's needs. I continued to promote social justice and equality while attending college classes. For example, as part of the program aimed at identifying needs in our community, I launched several initiatives that are now actively used to address problems faced by some members of our community. Specifically, aware of the need for many students to wear business attire to various interviews and events, I decided to launch an initiative called Krisp Ties. Originally meant to teach students how to wear and tie business attire, this initiative now aims to increase students' confidence, teach them how to behave at important occasions, and ensure they are properly prepared for interviews and internships. Another initiative, namely The Bear Drop, also aimed to solve certain problems I observed during my time in college. While talking to students, I realized that some people struggle financially yet attend college without adequate support. As a result, seeing that they needed assistance, I launched the Bear Drop initiative, which aims to provide them with food and connect them with other resources so they would not have to sacrifice their education to eat. Apart from organizing initiatives to address needs I observed in our community, I also joined the team of Student Advocacy and Innovation Fellows with the Center for Career Development in Student Affairs and now assist students in connecting with various organizations and in hosting events that can be beneficial for students' professional development. Additionally, I also remain engaged in the activities of the NAACP organization and Morgan MILE, focusing on leadership, accountability, and community advocacy. All these experiences are essential to helping me achieve my future goals because, as I understand it, service and professional work are interconnected and require consistent involvement and a willingness to change the system for the better. Thus, as part of the process of obtaining a degree and participating in student organizations, I gained the necessary knowledge, skills, and understanding of the issues affecting our society. However, the main value of my education lies in learning how to make the world better through civic and public services.

Service has had an instrumental part in defining both who I am and how I lead. Throughout my life, I have understood that true leadership cannot exist without service. Leadership should consist of meeting community needs, seeing potential problems in society, and solving them. Some of my most valuable experiences came from volunteering, mentoring, and giving others opportunities. An example of such volunteerism was organizing the Bear Drop on the campus of Morgan State University. I initiated the program, recognizing that students off campus struggled with food insecurity while also balancing academic responsibilities and jobs. Many of them were worried about going hungry, yet they continued to attend classes and try to succeed. I decided to do what I could to support these students. In particular, through organizing outreach, connecting the students with relevant resources at my university, and encouraging them to look out for each other, I tried to help solve this problem. This initiative taught me that sometimes one needs to pay attention to the problems of people around oneself and then take action. I understand now that leadership may require more than just making decisions. In fact, volunteering in the Crowder Owens Food Bank through my church was what got me started in serving others and developing as a leader in my community. While working there, I had the opportunity to see the effect that small acts of goodwill could have on people struggling to live. These moments taught me many lessons of humility, compassion, and gratitude. In addition, I found that many people carried burdens silently, and thus there was a need to serve them. Moreover, one way I gave back to my community was by founding the Krisp Ties organization, which provided young men with mentoring on professionalism and self-confidence. At first, the program focused on learning to tie ties, but soon I realized that many students needed mentoring to become more confident in themselves. Thus, we started focusing our conversations and programs on how to be professionally presentable, communicate effectively, ace job interviews, and be confident in oneself. The importance of service-oriented leadership is evident in its ability to foster trust and unity. People are more likely to follow a leader who cares about them and serves along with them. Service-oriented leadership teaches humility, as one should never forget that one is merely here to assist others, not to control them. I believe that great leaders never forget their roots and use their abilities to help others develop. As I pursue my education in Business Management, I will continue to build these initiatives to create opportunities for my underserved communities. Whether I decide to mentor again, continue my outreach and food-related programs, or find another way to serve, I will remain committed to leading people by serving them and helping to solve their problems.

Service is perhaps one of the most important values I have developed over the years, recognizing that much support and encouragement go into any success in life. As I have been through quite a few tough times, both within my family and community, I have realized that success should not only mean achievement for a particular person but rather their ability to make a difference in people's lives. As a result, I am determined to develop my leadership potential and mentor young people, helping them serve my community by offering opportunities. I started serving my community through volunteering at the Crowder Owens Food Bank, where I served families during food distributions. Helping to organize and distribute food taught me humility and gratitude from a very early age. However, I also realized that service is not about seeking attention; it is about doing things that consistently contribute to other people's well-being. This volunteer work set me on the right path toward becoming a role model and leader. One initiative stands out among many that I initiated while studying at Morgan State University. The idea of teaching young men how to tie ties grew into Krisp Ties, where I found that many students needed my assistance as they prepared for internships, interviews, career days, and leadership roles. While some students were unskilled at presenting themselves professionally, others just needed someone to help them build confidence and guide them on this journey. Thus, I have started mentoring not only about how to look professional but also about confidence, effective communication skills, the importance of making a good first impression, self-discipline, and more. I was holding one-on-one training sessions, organizing campus demonstrations, and engaging in discussions with students, among other activities. Many of them did not care much about learning to tie ties, but needed someone to believe in them and tell them they deserved those opportunities. Another problem affecting many students at Morgan State University was off-campus food insecurity. Many students, despite their efforts to learn new things, were unable to cover their expenses and buy food. Thus, I decided to initiate The Bear Drop, a community that will support students who cannot afford necessities by anonymously donating items to them. It was all about supporting students and helping them realize they are not alone in going through tough times. Finally, I have gained leadership experience as a wrestler and as captain of the college wrestling team. I learned a lot about discipline, being accountable for one's actions, resilience, and mental toughness. At the same time, as a captain, I realized the importance of encouraging fellow wrestlers when needed. Moreover, the injury to my knee did not keep me from training and playing; rather, it motivated me to show others that I was strong enough to endure pain and pursue my goals. Pursuing a degree in Business Management, I hope to use it to develop programs, businesses, and other initiatives that provide opportunities for underserved communities. As a student-athlete, I still feel responsible for continuing to mentor and encourage students because it is a wonderful way to give back to the community and contribute to its well-being. Service, to me, means being there for people even when no one else is. Therefore, it is about sharing your experiences, applying your education, and leveraging your leadership potential to help others across various aspects of life.

Everything changed all at once in my life. From stable to uncertain conditions, I could see tensions within the whole family as the youngest son. Even though I am still young, I have been aware that everyone faces difficulties. Observing my mother fighting through various obstacles taught me about responsibility and strength. She helped me learn to believe in myself, go after what I want, and not lose hope in my success. Seeing that she fights hard and tries her best to maintain our well-being while working toward reaching our common goals, I became resilient before I even understood what it meant. This period in my life taught me how to concentrate on my studies and be self-disciplined. Regarding physical activity, wrestling played a pivotal role in shaping my mindset and character. Having been a team captain in my senior year, I learned to cultivate accountability, patience, and perseverance. Facing all those hardships, such as the knee injury and its rehabilitation, I learned that everything will eventually get easier if you learn to handle them properly. Not letting my issues demotivate me, I became even more responsible and diligent. All that gave me a desire to do something useful for my community. For instance, being a part of Morgan State University, I created Krisp Ties. The program was designed to teach young men how to behave professionally in various situations. Eventually, it began providing additional help to individuals preparing for interviews, internships, and other challenges. Additionally, I launched The Bear Drop to combat hunger among students living off campus because I know firsthand how many students struggle with poverty as they pursue higher education. This period of my life has changed my outlook on many different aspects. Now I see no challenges as obstacles in my future; every challenge is just another step toward success. Growing up under such conditions, I understand that success is not only about achieving your own objectives. Success in life means being responsible to others, helping people in need, and sharing your experience. As far as my business career is concerned, I intend to improve my business management skills to build a better future in which I can create new opportunities for my family and community. The hardships and difficulties have made me resilient, persistent, patient, and a believer in success, knowing that the best way to achieve it is to always move forward, no matter the situation. Apart from these, I have developed additional characteristics, such as adaptability and the ability to maintain my positivity in challenging circumstances. Every issue that has stood before me has only increased my motivation and desire to succeed. Now I want to share my experiences with others who have similar issues. I intend to use all the knowledge and experience I gained to become a leader. Apart from these experiences, another lesson that I learned was the importance of being tenacious, collaborative, and empathic. Each time I faced a challenge, I was pushed even harder to improve myself and inspire my peers. As I am aware that most young individuals go through situations that leave them feeling disheartened, I am motivated to continue mentoring and encouraging them through exemplary leadership. These experiences have shown me that nothing makes one grow like overcoming obstacles and staying persistent in the face of difficulties.

Achievement is often measured through individual successes. However, true success and positive impact are reflected in the number of people whose lives the achiever's efforts changed. Leadership consists of serving others, remaining consistent, and creating new opportunities. Leaving every space better than before is possible through your gifts, experience, knowledge, and education. I am Sultan Goodwine. I believe in the importance of service, leadership, and consistency in the smallest aspects of life as a foundation of positive impact on the world. Big things do not happen overnight, and many changes start from a person, problem, or idea that can be turned into an opportunity. While studying at Morgan State University with a degree in Business Management, I learned that the most important part of leading is being useful to people. This is what I will strive to achieve in my life and career. To make the biggest impact on other people's lives, I want to implement mentoring, service, and business strategies. The first of them was the creation of Krisp Ties, an organization that initially focused on educating young men on proper tie-tying. However, the more I worked with my mentees, the more I realized they needed more than just dressing well. They needed assistance building confidence and preparing to join professional circles, such as for job interviews and internships. Through Krisp Ties, I teach young African American men to value presentation, discipline, and self-respect. Sometimes, a few hours spent preparing for an interview can serve as a starting point for changing someone's perception. Another important aspect of my activities is my contribution to fighting food insecurity among off-campus students through the program called The Bear Drop. Hunger becomes a challenge that makes it impossible to focus on further studies or career advancement. I wanted to take active steps to resolve the issue rather than just discuss it. With The Bear Drop, I hope to help people who lack access to food and make them feel safe and cared for. In the future, I aim to continue making positive changes and implementing various strategies. I plan to become a businessman and devote myself to the issues related to economic empowerment and community growth. One of my priorities will be to create opportunities to become self-sufficient through entrepreneurial activities or educational initiatives. People's talents should not go unclaimed just because certain areas lack access to educational institutions and information. In this way, I aim to help talented but needy youth receive a chance to develop their skills and get closer to their goals. Besides the importance of a successful career and economic activity, I also believe that positive impact is inseparable from integrity, faith, and discipline. Therefore, I aim to be a responsible, honest leader to leave a good impression on the people I meet. No matter how high people climb the ladder of success, it would mean nothing if it did not help anyone around them rise. Finally, according to my faith, people were meant to serve others, so leading and serving are two sides of the same coin. No matter what kind of service people offer through leadership and volunteer activities, or how they behave during hard times, such acts create a positive impact. Positive changes and influence on others are the result of leadership and service. My future actions will include creating opportunities and leaving each place better than I found it.

My name is Sultan Goodwine, and I am a student at Morgan State University studying Business Management. I have been greatly impacted by the gift of education, as it has given me purpose, discipline, and vision. Education not only gives me an understanding of the type of man that I am, but also helps me plan out how I am to move forward. Education is not just about getting a degree; rather, it provides stability and endless possibilities for achieving greatness. As I grew up, I knew that success required more than just talent. I had to be consistent, have faith, and never give up. I know from firsthand experience that education is the most powerful tool anyone could have. This is why I decided to pursue higher education. It will allow me to serve, provide, and mentor others. In addition, it will give me an edge and help me build relationships that will be beneficial later on. As a Business Management major, I view education as preparation for my future, in which I will be able to lead and serve the community through various businesses. The best part is that, with the knowledge and wisdom I've gained through my education, I will create programs in underrepresented communities to encourage economic development. I think one of the most important lessons education taught me is that leadership is service. During my studies at Morgan State University, I have tried to live this lesson and have established several initiatives to serve others. I established an initiative called Krisp Ties back when I was a freshman. The main idea behind this initiative is to teach young men how to tie ties. However, as I began working with other students, I soon found that they could benefit from mentoring in other areas. I have realized that many students lack confidence, professionalism, and preparation for interviews, internships, and other activities. This is why I started mentoring other students and helping them gain confidence in themselves and in what they were doing. In addition, I also came up with another initiative named The Bear Drop. The purpose of this initiative was to address food insecurity among students. I knew first-hand that many students did not have the opportunity to eat regularly, which adversely affected their health. This is why I established this program so that those students could receive meals in times of hardship. With this initiative, I was once again reminded that service does not always mean big actions. Sometimes, all you need to do is reach out and lend a hand. Another challenge I faced in pursuing higher education was financial constraints. Pursuing higher education means that you are responsible for various costs. Besides paying for tuition, you have to pay for housing, food, transportation, and many other expenses. Balancing all of these demands together was sometimes challenging, but education taught me that perseverance and consistency are crucial. Despite financial struggles throughout my academic career, I focused on my studies and various initiatives. Another lesson education taught me is the necessity of resilience. It is true that sometimes things can get very difficult, but it is during such periods that your character is really revealed to others. Education taught me that no matter how bad situations become, I should persevere until success is achieved. In addition, I have learned to trust God, rely on Him, and not give up despite all adversities. Having a Christian worldview was essential throughout my whole academic period. Furthermore, education showed me the importance of representation and leadership. As a student leader, I realized that younger students look up to me, which is why it is important that I act consistently and set a good example. Therefore, whenever I engage in activities as a student leader, I represent someone who values discipline, integrity, and purpose. My dream for the future is to use my education to positively impact others' lives. One day, I would like to become a businessman who not only succeeds professionally but also helps others. I want to build various programs, businesses, and initiatives for young people so that they can benefit from them. I want my actions to serve as proof to other young people that success is possible as long as you prepare yourself accordingly. At the same time, my education will help me to create stability for my family. Personally, education has a special place in my heart since it has shown me the burden and responsibility of being a young man. Education will serve as a way for me to honor my relatives and to thank them for everything that they have done for me. Finally, the main thing I have learned from education is that you have to lead with purpose. Education has given me great direction, showing me who I am supposed to become. Moreover, education has taught me the truth about leadership. First, I realized that it is about responsibility. In addition, education has taught me that service is one of the greatest successes in life.

My name is Sultan Goodwine, and I am a student at Morgan State University, majoring in Business Management. To me, education means more than earning a degree. It means having the chance to create stability for myself and my family and building a future with purpose. I know success does not happen overnight. It takes discipline, consistency, faith, and the willingness to keep pushing even when things get hard. My goal is not only to graduate but also to leave a positive mark wherever I go. I have always believed leadership begins with service. At Morgan State, I have worked hard to live by that belief through the organizations and initiatives I have created. I started Krisp Ties during my freshman year with a simple idea: teaching young men how to tie a tie. What began as something small quickly turned into something much bigger. I realized many students needed help with confidence, professionalism, and preparing for interviews, internships, and leadership opportunities. Krisp Ties became a way for me to mentor others while helping them feel prepared for important moments in life. I also created The Bear Drop, an initiative focused on helping students facing food insecurity, especially those living off campus. Many students are trying to balance classes, work, and personal responsibilities, and sometimes even getting a meal can become stressful. I wanted to create a space where students could get support without feeling embarrassed to ask. The Bear Drop is important to me because it reminds people they are not alone. Along with these initiatives, I stay involved in leadership roles across campus. I serve as Mister Junior Elect for the 2026–2027 academic year, helping represent my class, encouraging student involvement, and promoting school pride. I also serve as a sitting council member on the Vice President of Student Affairs Student Advisory Council, where I work with university leadership to help improve the student experience. These roles have strengthened my passion for leadership, business, public service, and politics. In the future, I want a career that combines business, entrepreneurship, and community leadership. I want to be successful in business, but I also want my work to help people and create opportunities for others. I have a strong interest in politics because I believe leadership is about advocacy and making real change. I hope one day to work in a position where I can help connect business, government, and the community in ways that create lasting impact. This scholarship would help reduce the financial stress that comes with college. Expenses go far beyond tuition. Housing, books, transportation, and everyday living costs can become overwhelming, and that pressure can take focus away from school. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to stay focused on my education, continue serving in leadership roles, and prepare for my future with less financial burden. Furthering my education is important because it prepares me for life beyond the classroom. College teaches responsibility, discipline, and confidence. A degree gives you the foundation, but character and service determine how far you go. My goal is to use both to build a future that makes my family proud and creates opportunities for others along the way.

Service is not just about donating at some particular point. Rather, it is about being available and willing to help others when they need it, with a lasting effect. Service is when a person uses their skills and time to make other people's lives easier. Service to the community involved working with food distribution at the Crowder Owens Food Bank. In addition, I found out that although there are struggles, not all of them are visible. There are individuals and families who try hard yet sometimes struggle. The experience of participating in food distribution showed me that serving others brings me joy and humbles me. By helping others, I can remember my blessings, thank God for everything, and remain grateful. Serving is also about giving. As part of the Krisp Ties program, I teach students how to tie a tie. Over time, I came to understand that students need to be taught professionalism. The program involves sharing tips on conducting an interview and on how to behave when meeting someone for the first time. In addition, I advise and guide young men. There is always a demand for advice on professionalism and how to become confident. As a student leader at Morgan State University, I realized how necessary it was to contribute. Although tying a tie may not seem significant, it can help one feel confident entering the space. Confidence is always beneficial since fear prevents one from doing anything useful. Another type of service I offer involves mentoring and leading on the university campus. Being Mr. Harper-Tubman Hall and, currently, Mr. Altus involves more than just wearing those titles. I am responsible for serving as a role model, listening to the students' worries, and helping them. In addition, I serve as the Vice President for Student Affairs, a member of the Student Advisory Council, and a Student Advocacy and Innovation Fellow with the Center for Career Development. I want to help students be ready for the challenges they face after graduation. Giving back to the community is important because I understand how valuable help can be to one person. At times, someone might need support and belief in them rather than having everything fixed for them. Moreover, community service makes people want to help others and thus create better families, campuses, and communities. This is the reason I call myself a servant leader. For me, service creates meaning. Otherwise, success means nothing if it cannot help others. Regardless of whether I can influence others through mentoring, my role as a leader, doing business, etc., I try to make it useful. The most valuable aspect of service to me is the understanding that if I have the opportunity to help another person, I should. This is the meaning of my community service.

To me, legacy means leaving behind things or actions that continue to benefit others even after I die. As an individual, legacy is not defined by your title or the number of achievements you accumulate during your lifetime. To me, legacy should be about the impact one makes in their lifetime, specifically for young boys who need guidance, self-confidence, and the chance to make it big. My planned legacy involves creating spaces where individuals feel recognized, valued, and adequately prepared. Success involves helping other people. Throughout my life, I hope to use business and education as vehicles to leave my mark by impacting as many people as possible, particularly youth. As a Business Management major at Morgan State University, I have already begun preparing for my envisioned legacy. The different roles and initiatives I participate in as part of my learning process indicate my understanding of how to impact others. For example, Krisp Ties was not meant to teach young men how to tie their neckties, but to encourage professionalism and confidence in their appearance. In the future, I intend to establish a business focused on mentoring young people and equipping them with the skills they need to succeed in the professional world. Such a business will provide mentorship services and life skills training, including how to present themselves well during interviews, networking skills, business etiquette, leadership training, and much more. In addition, my business would ensure that young adults are mentored throughout their career path. The second part of my legacy involves creating opportunities within my company or organization in underserved areas. The lack of connections to opportunities is responsible for the failure to develop potential talent within society, thereby denying them a fair share in the region's economic activities. I want to ensure that, through my company, talented individuals have the opportunities they need through mentoring and internship programs. I shine my light by leading by example. I know that individuals tend to listen to actions rather than words; therefore, I try to lead by example as much as possible, whether at the university as a leader or in society. In addition, I lead by being consistent in my actions; this demonstrates self-discipline and my intentions and purposes in everything I do. Finally, my light shines through my consistent authenticity. I know that a good leader is not loud but reliable and trustworthy. Faith, family, and the experiences gained continue to guide me. I intend to leave behind a legacy that positively impacts others.

Success should be about sharing the opportunities that come along with it. This is why I strongly believe that business can be a vehicle for such purposes. Economic empowerment is not limited to accumulating wealth but also includes providing the tools, resources, and opportunities that individuals from marginalized communities need to improve their lives and those of their family members. As a Business Management major at Morgan State University, my aim is to pursue a career that allows me to apply my business knowledge to serve others. My objective is to provide individuals from communities that have been discriminated against with opportunities and resources to improve their social standing, including young men and students. Therefore, I will strive to empower others to build self-confidence and learn the importance of being well-presented, disciplined, and respectful of their surroundings. For instance, I created my initiative called Krisp Ties. Its primary aim was to teach young men how to tie a tie, and the initiative evolved into a platform for mentoring students who lacked confidence in interviews, internships, leadership roles, and other situations requiring proper presentation and professionalism. Some empowerment begins with small actions that build individuals' confidence to move forward in different spheres of their lives. Moreover, I engage in various activities through The Bear Drop. As mentioned above, many college students who live off campus experience issues related to food insecurity while studying hard. By providing them with food and other resources, we help lay the foundations for their future success. Therefore, economic justice begins by ensuring that individuals from such communities have the support they need to receive proper education, advance professionally, and pursue opportunities. The ultimate goal of my professional career is to become a business leader who creates programs, initiatives, and opportunities that uplift underserved communities. Economic development, entrepreneurship, and financial independence are aspects I would like to explore throughout my future career. Thus, in addition to ensuring companies' profitability, it is essential that they invest in improving the communities in which they operate. In addition, I would like to inspire younger students and show them that discipline, education, and strong faith are enough to achieve success. As I stated previously, I am interested in empowering individuals and encouraging them to move forward despite existing barriers. It is crucial to remember that talent lies within everyone, and we need to create a system that gives people the opportunity to showcase their potential. Therefore, business can be considered a powerful tool for promoting social equity and justice. It requires careful planning and consideration of various factors to ensure that communities receive appropriate benefits. For example, I believe businesses should consider their social responsibilities and promote economic development in underserved communities. I am currently preparing for the challenge by taking on various leadership roles at my university. Each task allows me to develop critical thinking skills, work with individuals, and plan and implement new initiatives. My education is aimed at preparing me for my future career, and each day I try to remind myself to use the knowledge I gain to serve others.

Everyone has something that makes them stand out. For a long time, mine was the last thing I wanted people to notice. I grew up with a gap in my teeth and a stutter that showed up whenever I got excited, which was often, because I was the kind of kid who got animated about everything. My voice was high-pitched. I talked constantly. And when the words didn’t come out right, people laughed. They pointed at my gap. They mimicked how I sounded. At that age, you don’t forget those moments. They stay with you. I started holding back. Not because I had nothing to say, but because I was too busy thinking about how it would come out. I was also small for most of my childhood, then went through a phase where I gained weight without the height to match. I never quite looked the way I thought I was supposed to. When I was around 12, I quit wrestling, a sport I loved. At the time, I blamed my weight class, but the truth was I didn’t want to be seen. Looking back, it had nothing to do with my size. It was how I saw myself. Things started to change in eighth grade. I got tired of shrinking myself. Tired of editing my words before I even spoke. That’s when I made a decision. I was going to show up as myself, fully, whether people accepted it or not. Over time, the physical things shifted. I grew after my sophomore year. My teeth started to straighten. But the real change didn’t come from that. It came from how I started thinking. I stopped calling my differences flaws. I started owning them. The same energy that made me “too much” became the reason I could stand out in a room. The excitement that once caused my stutter became something I embraced, because it showed passion. I wasn’t trying to hide anymore. I went back to wrestling, and it changed everything. Wrestling is what evolved me into who I am today: confident, bold, undeniable, and a true leader. The sport forces you to be honest with yourself. There’s no hiding on the mat. You either put in the work or you don’t. That accountability shaped me. I became captain of my team and learned what leadership really means. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being consistent, disciplined, and willing to grow, even when it’s uncomfortable. The things that once made me feel awkward are now the things that make me effective. They remind me of where I started and keep me grounded in who I’m becoming. Everyone has something that makes them different. You can spend your life trying to hide it, or you can learn how to use it. I chose to use it.

The first time I helped my younger cousin tie his football cleats before his game, I saw a little of myself in him. He was nervous, quiet, eyes glued to the field. I felt the same way before a wrestling match, unsure but ready. That small moment reminded me how far I’ve come and how important it is to reach back and help the next person up. My name is Sultan Goodwine, and I am a business major at the illustrious Morgan State University. I graduated from Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Maryland, where I was captain of the wrestling team and a student leader. I spent my high school years committed to athletics, academics, and community service. Sports taught me about discipline and dedication, and they also taught me about recovery. During my senior year, I tore a ligament in my knee, which ended my final wrestling season. That experience was physically and mentally painful, but it taught me how to stay focused and hungry for success even when things don’t go as planned. At Morgan, I’ve found new ways to lead. I currently serve as Mister Harper Tubman Hall, where I represent my residence hall and advocate for my peers. I am a member of Morgan MILE, an intensive leadership program for men of color, and I actively participate in the campus NAACP chapter and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Beyond that, I started an initiative called Krisp Ties, where I mentor young men on how to tie a tie, present themselves with confidence, and step into new spaces with pride. To me, helping someone see their own potential is one of the most meaningful things you can do. When I learned about Kalia D. Davis, I was inspired by the legacy she left behind. Her commitment to excellence, her leadership, her kindness, and her drive remind me of what I strive to embody every day. I didn’t know her personally, but reading about her made me feel like I do. I admire her ability to balance so much and still lead with heart. Receiving this scholarship would be more than just financial support. It would be a reminder that people who work hard and give back are seen and valued. Coming from a single-parent household, I understand how important every bit of support is. This scholarship would allow me to stay focused on my academics and leadership roles without putting more strain on my mother. It would also give me the flexibility to take on unpaid internships and continue developing Krisp Ties into something that reaches beyond campus. One day, I plan to invest in real estate and create spaces where young people can learn, grow, and be mentored. I believe that success is not just about what you achieve, but about how many people you bring with you. Thank you for considering my application. I am committed to honoring Kalia’s legacy by living with purpose, leading with kindness, and lifting as I climb.