Black women and men are said to be the most hated people in America. Throughout generations, we've all witnessed some kind of stereotypical hatred or placed systematic barriers such as limiting access to healthcare, housing, and legal protection for minorities. I can say that I've experienced this firsthand. I've been shunned by family, church members, and strangers. I've been condemned and told that I will go to hell by my peers. As a bisexual woman of color in the predominately white, male field of STEM, diversity within the workplace is extremely important to me. I would like for my business endeavors to represent that as well. When I become a civil engineer, I would love to create buildings that create more jobs or provide housing for others. However, there are still a few things that I have to accomplish before I can make this dream job feasible, including graduating and taking the extensive tests that are required to obtain my engineering licensure. As I progress through my career, I will establish an engineering consulting firm to primarily recruit interns and employees who self-identify as underrepresented minorities, whether that is of race, gender, religion, ethnicity, age, etc. I also want to involve communities in the making of my designs. I want to push the opportunity to offer work to homeless civilians, nonviolent rehabilitating criminal offenders, or families in poverty by inviting them to help aid in cleanup projects in exchange for work. Doing so will also help find multiple ways to reduce the amount of construction and demolition waste released into the environment. According to the United States Census Bureau, "43.96 million Americans were living below the national poverty line in 2019". The Bureau's data also shows that African Americans represented 23.8% of the poverty population and Hispanics with 28.1%. Statistics like this motivate my pursuit of becoming a civil engineer. I wish I could eliminate poverty, but realistically it takes much more than one person to fix this nationwide issue. Even though I still have a long way to go, I've already started taking the initiative towards my goals. I have completed five semesters out of my four-year degree plan while maintaining a good-standing GPA. I am currently participating in an on-campus research internship to gain even more hands-on knowledge of the field. I also frequently attend virtual seminars and events to connect with people of various backgrounds. The only barrier that stands in my way of accomplishing my goals is the lack of funding for my education. After I graduate, I would like to focus on reducing poverty and increasing diversity in the workforce instead of worrying about my student loans. This scholarship would grant me an excellent opportunity to excel as a future civil engineer. If selected for this scholarship, I will continue to apply the same diligence to my studies as I have till now, making education and service to others my main focus.

Black women and men are said to be the most hated people in America. Throughout generations, we've all witnessed some kind of stereotypical hatred or placed systematic barriers such as limiting access to healthcare, housing, and legal protection for minorities. This discrimination is even worse for minorities that are LGBTQ+. As a bisexual woman of color in the predominately white, male field of STEM, diversity within the workplace is extremely important to me. I would like for my business endeavors to represent that as well. When I become a civil engineer, I would love to create buildings that create more jobs or provide housing for others. However, there are still a few things that I have to accomplish before I can make this dream job feasible, including graduating and taking the extensive tests that are required to obtain my engineering licensure. As I progress through my career, I will establish an engineering consulting firm to primarily recruit interns and employees who self-identify as underrepresented minorities, whether that is of race, gender, sexuality, religion, ethnicity, age, etc. I also want to involve communities in the making of my designs. I want to push the opportunity to offer work to homeless civilians, nonviolent rehabilitating criminal offenders, or families in poverty by inviting them to help aid in cleanup projects in exchange for work. Doing so will also help find multiple ways to reduce the amount of construction and demolition waste released into the environment. According to the United States Census Bureau, "43.96 million Americans were living below the national poverty line in 2019". The Bureau's data also shows that African Americans represented 23.8% of the poverty population and Hispanics with 28.1%. Statistics like this motivate my pursuit of becoming a civil engineer. I wish I could eliminate poverty, but realistically it takes much more than one person to fix this nationwide issue. Even though I still have a long way to go, I've already started taking the initiative towards my goals. I have completed five semesters out of my four-year degree plan while maintaining a good-standing GPA. I am currently participating in an on-campus research internship to gain even more hands-on knowledge of the field. I also frequently attend virtual seminars and events to connect with people of various backgrounds. The only barrier that stands in my way of accomplishing my goals is the lack of funding for my education. After I graduate, I would like to focus on reducing poverty and increasing diversity in the workforce instead of worrying about my student loans. This scholarship would grant me an excellent opportunity to excel as a future civil engineer. If selected for this scholarship, I will continue to apply the same diligence to my studies as I have till now, making education and service to others my main focus. Thank you for your consideration.

Black women and men are said to be the most hated people in America. Throughout generations, we've all witnessed some kind of stereotypical hatred or placed systematic barriers such as limiting access to healthcare, housing, and legal protection for minorities. As a woman of color in the predominately white, male field of STEM, diversity within the workplace is extremely important to me. I would like for my business endeavors to represent that as well. When I become a civil engineer, I would love to create buildings that create more jobs or provide housing for others. However, there are still a few things that I have to accomplish before I can make this dream job feasible, including graduating and taking the extensive tests that are required to obtain my engineering licensure. As I progress through my career, I will establish an engineering consulting firm to primarily recruit interns and employees who self-identify as underrepresented minorities, whether that is of race, gender, religion, ethnicity, age, etc. I also want to involve communities in the making of my designs. I want to push the opportunity to offer work to homeless civilians, nonviolent rehabilitating criminal offenders, or families in poverty by inviting them to help aid in cleanup projects in exchange for work. Doing so will also help find multiple ways to reduce the amount of construction and demolition waste released into the environment. According to the United States Census Bureau, "43.96 million Americans were living below the national poverty line in 2019". The Bureau's data also shows that African Americans represented 23.8% of the poverty population and Hispanics with 28.1%. Statistics like this motivate my pursuit of becoming a civil engineer. I wish I could eliminate poverty, but realistically it takes much more than one person to fix this nationwide issue. Even though I still have a long way to go, I've already started taking the initiative towards my goals. I have completed five semesters out of my four-year degree plan while maintaining a good-standing GPA. I am currently participating in an on-campus research internship to gain even more hands-on knowledge of the field. I also frequently attend virtual seminars and events to connect with people of various backgrounds. The only barrier that stands in my way of accomplishing my goals is the lack of funding for my education. After I graduate, I would like to focus on reducing poverty and increasing diversity in the workforce instead of worrying about my student loans. This scholarship would grant me an excellent opportunity to excel as a future civil engineer. If selected for this scholarship, I will continue to apply the same diligence to my studies as I have till now, making education and service to others my main focus.

I’m from the deep South where aggressively religious people are called “bible bangers.” In other towns, they are also referred to as “bible thumpers.” Although I don’t self-identify as either term, I share a similar belief in God. I also believe that every living thing, here on Earth, has been meticulously placed for a reason. Especially considering everything in this world is harmonious and dependent on other living and nonliving variables. From a scientific standpoint, it is fascinating to think about some of the world’s wonders that are still unknown to mankind. For instance: Where do thoughts come from? Did we come from an instantaneous event in space that eventually led us to now? What happens when organisms die? Why are things like nature and the brain so unpredictable? These are just a few questions that I often think about that make me question science vs. religion. I grew up going to church every other Sunday with my father (as a result of having divorced parents). Until I strayed away from religion during my teens and early twenties, I believed that I was in control of my life and of some of the things that were going on around me. I was humbled hard and quickly. Between 2023 and early 2024, I had multiple obstacles challenge my mental health and overall well-being. Stress and anxiety consumed me after facing financial hardship, educational difficulties, potentially becoming unhoused, and the traumatic events following after a tornado consumed my mother’s home. During this time, I hit what people call “rock bottom”. That was until I had an epiphany and started having a strange desire to improve my relationship with God. Once I started taking time out of my day to talk to and actively strive to put my faith in him, I felt better even under the same bad circumstances. I now believe that there is a creator who not only created life but also controls it somehow. My upbringing in an African Methodist Episcopal Church and my Southern roots undoubtedly influence my perspective. Ultimately, the question of the existence of a Creator is one that every individual must consider and answer for themselves. Like many of the unanswered questions we have about this oddly intriguing world, we must come to our own conclusions based on scientific reasoning and personal experience to determine our beliefs. For me, I’ve just so happened to conclude that the intricate design of the universe and my spirituality point unmistakable to the presence of a divine God.

As a child staying with my grandparents over summer break, my grandpa used to always put on his old cowboy shows. I once called them boring and begged him to turn on cartoons or anything else. At the mere age of 7, my pleading turned into a history lesson from my grandpa about black cowboys and how little TV and textbooks had mentioned them. As a dark-skinned man born and raised in the South, he faced many hardships and prejudice from others. As I grew, every summer I stayed over, he made it his intent to tell me more and more stories about my culture and history as well as his personal experiences as an African American man in America. But as time progressed, so did his health decline. In 2012, My grandfather was diagnosed with dementia. A year later he was then diagnosed with lung cancer. He had fought these illnesses for 5 years before passing away. During this time, he also became nonverbal. Watching this strong, blunt, intelligent, and caring man slowly lose his ability to care for himself, and forget almost everything was incredibly painful to witness over the years. He had become a shell of the man I once knew. When his dementia drastically worsened, my family had to put my grandpa into a nursing home. To this day, I regret not visiting him more frequently while he was in the nursing home and telling him how much he impacted my life. Yet, amid the pain of physically losing him, his storytelling instilled in me a profound empathy and a fierce determination to honor his legacy. In his fading recollections, I saw the importance of preserving stories, especially those marginalized by history. It ignited a passion within me to champion diversity, not just as an abstract concept, but as a tangible force for change. As I navigate the predominantly white, male domain of STEM, I am acutely aware of the disparities that exist. My grandfather's struggles serve as a reminder of the systemic barriers faced by minority communities. Thus, my journey in civil engineering is not merely about constructing buildings but dismantling barriers and creating opportunities. The vision for my future consulting firm is rooted in his legacy. I envision a space where underrepresented minorities are not just hired but empowered, where their voices are not just heard but amplified. By involving communities in the design process, I seek to democratize architecture, fostering a sense of ownership and pride. Furthermore, my grandpa's illness highlighted the intersecting issues of poverty and healthcare accessibility. The burden of student loans looms large, threatening to derail my aspirations. Yet, my desire to alleviate poverty propels me forward, driving me to seek solutions that uplift not just individuals but entire communities. This scholarship represents more than just financial assistance; it symbolizes validation, a recognition of my journey, and my commitment to service. If granted this opportunity, I pledge to pay it forward, to honor my grandfather's legacy by uplifting others and creating a more equitable future. In conclusion, my grandpa's illness was not just a personal tragedy but a catalyst for change. It ignited a fire within me, a burning desire to dismantle barriers and quite literally build bridges. Through my journey in civil engineering, I strive to honor his memory by creating spaces where everyone's story is not just heard but celebrated. And with each brick laid, each life impacted, I hope to weave a tapestry of resilience and inclusion.

On October 21, 2019, my oral communications professor from Arkansas State University, Dr. Holt, assigned our class a community service project that impacted my life. The project was to have groups choose a nonprofit organization and raise donations until December 18. 2019. On this day, we would present our earnings and inform our peers about our nonprofit of choice. The class would then vote on each presentation, and the winning team would get 10% of the other groups' earnings to give back to the winner's charity. My group chose a local charity called Whole Youth Services Inc. A program created to address the food insecurity of low-income, underprivileged and under-served kids in northeast Arkansas. They provide mentorship to kids in the community as well. Initially, we couldn't find much about the organization online, so we called and set up a meeting with the principal officer, Rennell Woods, for more information. He gave us fantastic insight into what Whole Youth Services Inc. has done in the past, what they do on a day-to-day basis, and what events they planned on having soon. My group organized multiple events to raise money for Whole Youth Services Inc. We set up booths at our school common areas, set up donations via social media, and even sold food and drinks. All profits we earned went towards the organization. On the day of the presentation, my group presented the class with $758. Unfortunately, another group raised around $900 so we had to give them 10% of our earnings. Mother Teresa once stated, "It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love is put in the giving." Even though we didn't win, I was still glad to give something back. I enjoyed my time with the nonprofit so much that I continued volunteering there until I moved to Texas in 2021. I assisted at numerous events and spread awareness about multiple club events through social media while on lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic. Volunteering at Whole Youth Services Inc. made me realize that I want to help alleviate the poverty rates in America. As I progress through my career, I will establish an engineering consulting firm to primarily recruit interns and employees who self-identify as underrepresented minorities, whether that is of race, gender, religion, ethnicity, age, etc. I also want to involve communities in the making of my designs by pushing the opportunity to offer work to homeless civilians, nonviolent rehabilitating criminal offenders, or families in poverty by inviting them to help aid in cleanup projects in exchange for work.

"The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all," is a quote from my favorite Disney princess movie, Mulan. At the film's beginning, Mulan is initially destined to become a housewife to a suitor. However, when every man in her village is called to war, including her physically unwell father, she goes in his place in fear that he will die in combat. Throughout the film, she proves that she is just as capable as her male counterparts, even under the impression that she is a man. Ultimately, she reveals her true identity and becomes a more powerful fighter and individual. She is the one which eventually leads the army to victory in the war, and they save China. Even though Mulan is not technically a princess, she rightfully earned her place in the franchise with her dedication and bravery, not to mention the top-tier soundtrack. I never realized it until now, but Mulan played a considerable role in my desire to defy gender norms. My biggest goal is to start an engineering consulting firm so I can primarily recruit interns and employees that self-identify as underrepresented minorities, whether that is of race, gender, religion, ethnicity, age, etc. Diversity has become extremely important to me as a woman of color in the predominately white, male field of STEM. I want my business endeavors to represent that as well. That is why I would also like to involve communities in the making of my designs. I want to push the opportunity to offer work to homeless civilians, nonviolent rehabilitating criminal offenders, or families in poverty by inviting them to help add art to my designs in exchange for work. If selected for this scholarship, I will continue to apply the same diligence to my studies as I have till now, making education and service to others my main focus. Thank you for your consideration.

At the beginning of the year, like most Americans, my new year's resolution was to go to the gym more. I was doing great for the first three months, but like most resolutions, I didn't stick to it. Months passed, and I started preparing for the upcoming Fall 2022 semester. Every day for weeks, I woke up feeling groggy, like a huge dark cloud was fogging over my brain. This feeling would then continue to consume me throughout the day. At first, I thought I wasn't getting enough sleep or becoming stressed due to the new semester. Then on September 1, 2022, I felt the urge to go to the gym inside my apartment complex. Immediate relief took over me as soon as I finished my workout. As corny as it sounds, it almost felt like someone pressed my 'reset' button. That's when I knew I needed to start taking better care of myself. I began exercising at least four times a week. Then a few weeks later, my fiancé and I watched a video on YouTube, and the vlogger took her audience to get a colon cleanse with her. During the cleanse, the colonic hygienist performing the procedure said something that changed my eating habits completely. She stated that the vlogger was likely overeating meat because there was mucus found in her intestines. I was then informed that the intestinal mucus buildup could cause many diseases. As I reflected on my eating habits, I realized that I eat meat with almost every meal. I decided to start eating more plant-based meals and sparingly eat meat. I also researched numerous vitamins and minerals that would benefit me. I even added liquid chlorophyll to my water to increase my white blood cell production and aid in my body's detoxifying process. After changing my eating and physical habits, I began performing better at work and school. My energy increased significantly. I noticed that I could study, concentrate for extended periods, and get a much better sleep quality. I used to think that there was no point in me working out or putting any thought about what I put into my body because I've always been skinny and petite. I couldn't have been more wrong. A young adult's college years can be one of the most stressful periods as they transition into adulthood and learn to become independent. We are also trying to balance work, academic, social, and personal life, all while finding a way to remain financially stable. Understandably, the last thing on our minds is eating healthy and exercising. However, that's the thing! How can you perform at your best if you are not taking care of yourself first?

I recently found a tweet from author Glennon Doyle about a conversation she overheard at a store. The father from the family beside her told his son: "It's brave to go on a rollercoaster. And it's also brave to say you don't want to go on a rollercoaster." After reading this for the first time, I immediately related this to my feelings of being unheard as a youth. Naturally, I am a very unproblematic person that tries to avoid conflict at all costs. However, growing up, whenever I tried expressing myself, I almost always received a negative response from family members. For instance, like most preteens, I was just starting to form my sense of style and identity. Although, on Sunday mornings before church, I would dress and style my hair the way I wanted just for another family member to degrade my choices and persuade me to carry myself otherwise. Another example would be for birthdays. If someone didn't want to go to my venue of choice, I would receive comments such as, "Well, wouldn't you like to go somewhere else?" I learned that admitting one's feelings and opinions can be frightening, especially if they are different from others. So I began this self-healing journey about three years ago by telling my family that this was how I once felt. I love my family immensely, but without realizing it, they accidentally molded me into a people-pleaser and a mere follower. I now put myself out there and express myself more because I genuinely want to leave a positive impact on the world. I cannot be a good role model to others if I continue to let others decide my life choices for me.

One of the biggest crises within the COVID-19 pandemic has been the unreadiness of nations across the globe. During the outbreak, it was discovered that many countries lacked medical resources and access to technology to aid citizens. No one expected this pandemic so no one was fully prepared. Therefore resulting in many global cases of death, unemployment, and financial hardship. Many workplaces and schools had to figure out how to operate remotely with very little time or technology to work with. Luckily, officials are slowly being able to tame the spread of COVID and we are now entering a post-pandemic world. However, to avoid this same spread from resurfacing, civilians will need people in STEM occupations to guide them into this new era through innovation. Science and mathematics are all around us and technology is constantly advancing. That is why the many people who specialize in STEM collectively go hand in hand to revolutionize the world. Whether we receive assistance from scientists, doctors, biochemists, or any other STEM field workers, civilians need them to build and develop their capabilities to levels beyond what was considered acceptable in the past. For instance, workers in the medical field will need to constantly explore and alter current practices to make way for better methods or medicines. Post-pandemic, these same medical field workers will continue to fight and protect the lives of many civilians across the globe by further exploring the best long-term cure for the many strands of COVID. During the peak of the pandemic, an alarming number of coronavirus cases appeared in cities where public transportation is very common, such as New York City and surrounding areas. As a solution to this problem, our engineers and designers may later design more sanitary or social-distance friendly means of public transportation. This would more than likely protect a lot of people if another epidemic were to occur; especially in large cities that accompany several passengers such as subways or buses. Furthermore, changing our modern-built environment to benefit the public. As stated previously, STEM occupations are important to help people adapt and thrive in a post-pandemic world because they will help rebuild, change, and advance, while also preparing the world in case other illnesses emerge similar to COVID-19.

My dream job is to become an entrepreneur within the field of civil engineering. I am striving to take part in the construction and design of our modern-day built environment in some of the most creative ways possible. I would love to create iconic structures such as the Golden State Bridge in San Francisco, the Space Needle in Seattle, or the Empire State Building in New York City. However, in contrast to these great American designs, I would like to draw inspiration from a few structures in other countries such as the radiant Saint Basil’s Cathedral, in Russia. I wish to create colorful and unique designs such as this in hopes that my work will unleash creativity and inspire others. However, there are still a few things that I have to accomplish before I can make this dream job feasible. I will first take the six-hour Fundamentals of Engineering (F.E.) exam during my senior year of college. Shortly after, I will receive my bachelor's degree in May 2023. As I advance into the field and gain more experience, I will also be taking the eight-hour Principles and Practice of Engineering (P.E.) exam. Once I pass both examinations, I will become a licensed professional engineer (P.E.). My biggest goal, however, is to start an engineering consulting firm so I can primarily recruit interns and employees that self-identify as underrepresented minorities, whether that is of race, gender, religion, ethnicity, age, etc. As a woman of color in the predominately white, male field of STEM, diversity has become extremely important to me and I would like for my business endeavors to represent that as well. That is why I would also like to involve communities in the making of my designs. I want to push the opportunity to offer work to homeless civilians, nonviolent rehabilitating criminal offenders, or families in poverty by inviting them to help add art to my designs in exchange for work. I would also like to explore the possibilities of investing in real estate and rental properties to provide low-income housing in areas where poverty runs high. Even though I still have a long way to go, I’ve already started taking initiative towards having my dream job. I have completed three semesters out of my four-year degree plan while also maintaining a good standing GPA, I am currently participating in an on-campus research internship to gain even more hands-on knowledge into the field, and I often attend virtual seminars and events to make connections with people of various backgrounds. I have already started working towards my goals because I am very passionate about my field of study. If selected for this scholarship, I will continue to apply the same diligence to my studies as I have till now, making education and service to others my main focus. I will represent your organization during my years in college and beyond. Thank you for your consideration.

Currently, I am involved with Acts4Rwanda and Whole Youth Services Inc., two incredible organizations that support human welfare and strive to bring communities together. In both of these groups, I have organized donations, participated in events and fundraisers, spread awareness, and acted as a mentor for numerous children. I am also participating in an on-campus research internship to gain even more hands-on knowledge into the field. Last year, on the week before Thanksgiving break, all on-campus classes had transitioned back to remote learning due to the possibility of more COVID-19 cases emerging. During this same week, I discovered that I had to pay off $2500 in fees before I would be able to register for the upcoming spring 2021 semester. Unfortunately, I was unable to get on a payment plan or take out any additional loans but instead was told that I needed to pay the total amount upfront. This left me with only seven weeks to reach this amount. After this, I decided to move back home for the remainder of the semester and work as much as possible. However, when I got back home, I found out that I was fired from my job while I was away at school. Without my knowledge, the leave of absence that I had requested weeks before my leave of absence was never approved or denied by management. Therefore appearing as a “no call, no show” on my next scheduled day within their system. Luckily, I was able to pay off all my expenses but to do so, I had to join DoorDash and use about 90% of my savings. Currently, I am working towards rebuilding my finances. However, I also have to pay roughly the same amount of fees for this semester as well. Also, paying for my schooling is especially harder to afford because my major requires eight more credit hours than the average required of most graduates. After I graduate, I plan to take multiple exams and gain at least four years of field experience to receive my professional engineering license. My biggest goal, however, is to start an engineering consulting firm so I can primarily recruit interns and employees that self-identify as underrepresented minorities, whether that is of race, gender, religion, ethnicity, age, etc. As a woman of color in the predominately white, male field of STEM, diversity has become extremely important to me and I would like for my business endeavors to represent that as well. That is why I would also like to involve communities in the making of my designs. I want to push the opportunity to offer work to homeless civilians, nonviolent rehabilitating criminal offenders, or families in poverty by inviting them to help add art to my designs in exchange for work. If selected for this scholarship, I will continue to apply the same diligence to my studies as I have till now, making education and service to others my main focus. Thank you for your consideration.

Within most of my civil engineering classes at Arkansas State University, there are typically less than 20 African American students enrolled per course. Since my major is made up of predominantly white males, I can easily say that the number of African American females enrolled per course can be counted on one hand alone. Currently, I am involved with Acts4Rwanda and Whole Youth Services Inc., two incredible organizations that support human welfare and strive to bring communities together. Acts4Rwanda is an organization that gives educational, physical, and spiritual assistance to orphaned children in and around Kigali, Rwanda. However, Whole Youth Services Inc. serves to provide meals and mentorship to the underprivileged youth in Arkansas. In both of these groups, I have organized donations, participated in events and fundraisers, spread awareness, and acted as a mentor for numerous children. During my time at these organizations, I became very passionate about helping younger generations and being more involved in my community. I've witnessed that no matter what obstacles someone has faced, they still possess the potential to become a future entrepreneur, innovator, revolutionary, etc. That is why giving back to others plays such a large role in what I would like to achieve in my educational and occupational goals. My educational aspirations primarily consist of acquiring a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. I am striving to take part in the construction and design of our modern-day built environment in some of the most creative ways possible. I would love to create iconic structures such as the Golden State Bridge in San Francisco, the Space Needle in Seattle, or the Empire State Building in New York City. However, in contrast to these great American designs, I would like to draw inspiration from a few structures in other countries such as the radiant Saint Basil’s Cathedral, in Russia. I wish to create colorful and unique designs such as this in hopes that my work will unleash creativity and inspire others. Hopefully, I will even be able to start my own firm as I advance into the field and obtain my Professional Engineering (PE) license. This way I can primarily recruit interns and employees that self-identify as minorities. I would also like to involve communities in the making of my designs and push the opportunity to offer work to homeless civilians, nonviolent rehabilitating criminal offenders, or families in poverty by inviting them to help add art to my designs in exchange for work. My parents and I, even with our finances combined, are unable to pay for my schooling. It is especially harder to afford because my major requires eight more than the average amount of hours required of most Arkansas State University graduates. With that being said, I must find other forms of funding to pay for my schooling. After I graduate, I would like to be able to focus strictly on renovating, designing, and creating our future environment instead of worrying about student loan debt. This scholarship would grant me an excellent opportunity to excel as a future civil engineer.