My greatest achievement is not me winning a contest or helping somebody with their tasks. My most significant and profound achievement is overcoming suicide and deciding to stay alive another day. I have struggled with mental health issues since I was a child, I was not born into the best family, and I am the child of two people that hate each other. Whenever one of my parents was angry at the other one, and they could not take their anger out on them, it was taken out on me verbally most of the time. So for an extended period, I could not process that the cruel words shouted at me were not for me. I always thought that I was wrong. That I did something wrong. That something was wrong with me, and my mother's life would be less stressful if I were no longer in it. My household did not believe in going to therapists or getting mental help. It was always "go to church and pray harder." My mother would call suicidal people "stupid," "selfish," and countless other names. So I never had the courage to speak with her about how I felt internally. As I got older, my feelings worsened, and I felt like I had nothing or no one to help me. The first time I attempted was in middle school, and the other two were in high school. To this day, my parents do not know about a singular attempt; the only people who know are a few of my friends and my current therapist. But I am happy to say that I am far, far away from that mindset, and I have found alternatives that help me whenever I feel down. To me, overcoming suicide/suicidal thoughts is a testament to an individual's unwavering determination to reclaim their life. It is a deeply personal journey that carries a ton of emotional weight. It involves seeking help, embracing therapy, and building a support network that nurtures growth and healing. The journey is grueling, but emerging on the other side demonstrates courage and the ability to transform misfortunes into strength. The experience also provides insights into one's identity, stability, and vulnerabilities. I have discovered the resilience that lies deep within me. Enduring the darkness of suicidal thoughts and emerging stronger has taught me that I possess an innate capacity to overcome challenges. I have developed an unyielding spirit and a belief in my ability to navigate life's difficulties. This experience has taught me to treat myself with kindness and understanding. And to acknowledge that mental health struggles do not define me but are a part of my journey. I have cultivated a greater capacity to offer compassion and empathy to others by extending kindness to myself. Furthermore, Through my battle, I have gained a deeper understanding of the pain and struggles experienced by others. This newfound empathy has compelled me to become an advocate for mental health, dedicated to erasing the stigma and supporting individuals on their journeys of healing. Having emerged from the depths of despair, I have been filled with a sense of purpose and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. In the future, I aspire to dedicate myself to mental health advocacy and awareness. One of my primary goals is to eliminate negative stigmas associated with mental health. I aim to promote open conversations and education, encouraging society to view mental health issues with empathy and understanding. Additionally, I hope to save lives and provide hope to those who need it most. I intend to share my story openly and honestly to inspire others battling similar challenges. I have attempted suicide numerous times, and I want people to know they have better options and can return from anything. Through my journey, I aspire to empower individuals to seek help, embrace self-care, and navigate their path toward healing and well-being. Overcoming suicide represents my greatest achievement, as it shows resilience, self-discovery, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. This journey has taught me invaluable lessons about strength, self-compassion, and empathy. In the future, I am determined to advocate for mental health and eradicate stigmas. Through sharing my story and collaborating with mental health organizations, I hope to contribute to a society where no one feels alone or hopeless, and triumph over adversity becomes a shared accomplishment.

Volunteering is a selfless act that not only benefits others but also has the power to transform one's mindset. Volunteering has the potential to change perspectives, foster personal growth, and cultivate a sense of empathy and social responsibility. It also offers unique opportunities for personal growth and transformation. By engaging in acts of service, I was exposed to diverse environments and gained firsthand experience of different societal issues. This exposure broadened my horizons and challenged preconceived notions, leading to a transformation in my mindset. Volunteering encourages individuals to step outside their comfort zones and actively participate in positively impacting society. To start, volunteering fosters empathy and compassion. Working with marginalized communities or individuals facing various challenges provides valuable insights into their struggles and hardships. This firsthand experience helped me develop a more profound sense of empathy when I was very young, and it allowed me to understand the needs and perspectives of others better. This empathetic understanding then translates into increased social responsibility and a commitment to work towards positive change. Furthermore, volunteering promotes personal growth and self-reflection. It allowed me to confront my biases and assumptions. Through this process, I gained a deeper understanding of my identity and values, leading to personal growth and developing a more inclusive worldview. Volunteering also offers valuable skill-building opportunities. By engaging in various activities, I was able to develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. Lastly, Scholarships play a pivotal role in bridging the financial gap for people pursuing higher education, enabling deserving individuals to pursue their educational aspirations and reach their full potential. Currently, I work two jobs to pay for my college tuition; I work 50+ hours a week and pick up extra shifts whenever possible. I have only been in college for a year, and I already have thousands of student loans and have to pay them off by myself. I only get a little financial aid, and my mom is not able to give me any money to help pay off my tuition, housing, or books because she has four younger children as well. All my siblings are very young; one is only two years old, and they're all under the age of nine. She doesn't have extra money to give to help me out. It's vital that I receive this funding so I can close the financial gap, accept fewer loans, continue my education with less stress, and stay involved on campus. This $2000 award is equal to about 200 hours of me working. That's 200 hours I can use to focus on studying, community service, and working toward my life goals. And I would prefer to do that than stress myself out about financials for school.

In today's world, the presence of disadvantaged individuals and communities is an unfortunate reality. As a society, we must reevaluate our response to their problems. In this essay, we will delve into the reasons why it is necessary for society to change its approach when addressing the challenges faced by the disadvantaged. By exploring the shortcomings of current responses and highlighting the benefits of a more empathetic and comprehensive approach, we can foster a society that is more inclusive, equitable, and supportive of all. To truly address the problems faced by the disadvantaged, it is imperative to recognize the existence of systemic inequalities. Disadvantages stem from a wide range of factors, such as poverty, discrimination, lack of access to resources, and limited opportunities. These issues are often deeply entrenched within societal structures, perpetuating cycles of prejudice that persist across generations. By acknowledging the presence of systemic inequalities, society can shift its focus from merely treating disadvantages (especially racial) as something that does not exist to addressing the root causes and implementing things to fix them. Acknowledging the problem necessitates a change in mindset, where we move away from blaming individuals for their circumstances and instead work towards dismantling the barriers. A crucial aspect of changing societal responses is cultivating empathy and compassion. It is essential to recognize that the challenges the disadvantaged face are not solely their responsibility but are interconnected with broader social, economic, and political dynamics. By fostering empathy, society can develop a deeper understanding of these challenges, promoting a more compassionate response. Empathy allows us to see beyond stereotypes and prejudices, enabling us to view disadvantaged individuals as multifaceted human beings with unique stories, aspirations, and potential. This shift in perspective helps dismantle stigmatization and fosters an inclusive environment where individuals are respected and supported rather than marginalized. Current responses to the problems of the disadvantaged often focus on short-term Band-Aid solutions. However, for lasting change to occur, a holistic and empowering approach is required. That involves simultaneously addressing multiple dimensions of disadvantage, including access to education, healthcare, housing, and employment opportunities. Instead of perpetuating a dependency mindset, society should prioritize empowering the disadvantaged by providing them with the tools, resources, and skills necessary to uplift themselves; This could involve comprehensive social programs, job training initiatives, affordable housing projects, and access to quality education. By investing in long-term solutions, society can break the cycles of disadvantage and foster self-sufficiency and upward mobility. Addressing the challenges of disadvantaged people requires collective efforts. Society must move from a top-down approach and actively involve all communities in the decision-making. Engaging marginalized communities allows for a better understanding of their unique needs and enables them to actively participate in shaping the solutions that affect their lives. Furthermore, collaboration among various stakeholders, including governments, non-profit organizations, businesses, and individuals, is essential. By working together, we can pool resources, share expertise, and develop innovative solutions. Collaboration also helps avoid duplication of efforts and ensures a more coordinated and efficient response. To build a more equitable and inclusive society, we must change how we respond to the problems faced by disadvantaged people. By recognizing systemic inequalities, cultivating empathy, adopting holistic and empowering approaches, and promoting collaboration and community engagement, we can address the root causes of prejudice, inequality, and classism and create a society that provides equal opportunities and support for all its members.

I have chosen to further my education because it is essential to achieving my career goals. As someone who is passionate about my field and eager to learn as much as possible, I recognize the significant impact that education can have on my future success. This scholarship will be instrumental in helping me achieve these goals, providing me with the financial support I need to pursue my studies without worrying about the burden of student loans. With this scholarship, I will be able to focus entirely on my education and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in my chosen profession. Ultimately, my education will enable me to make a meaningful contribution to my field and society as a whole. But, I am also facing severe financial struggles mainly because of all the expenses of being a college student. At the moment, I am working two jobs to pay off my student balance from the spring term that just ended; I work 50+ hours a week and pick up extra shifts whenever I can. I have only been in college for a year, and I already have thousands of student loans and have to pay them off by myself. I only get a little financial aid because my EFC is high, but my parents are not together, and my father does not contribute at all financially. My mom is not able to give me any money to help pay off my tuition, housing, and books because she has five kids. All my siblings are very young; one is only two years old. They're all under the age of 9. She doesn't have extra money to give to help me out. I must receive this funding so I can stay away from my home life and continue my education with less stress. This scholarship would help me close the financial gap, accept fewer loans, and give me the opportunity to focus more on my school work. These are important because I want to focus on building a stable career for myself so I can eventually give back to my mom and my siblings and help support them. And me not having to worry so much about financials would free up more of my time, and I will be able to be more active in my organizations and involve myself on campus. Because I really enjoy being a part of campus activities and putting them together This $1000 award is equal to about 100 hours of me working. That's 100 hours I can use to focus on studying, community service, and working toward my life goals. And I would prefer to do that than stress myself out about financials for school.

Greetings, I am Taliyah Johnson, a second-year Business Administration student at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. I am from a small town in Florida, the oldest of five children, and I work two jobs. I have always had a passion for entrepreneurship, and getting my degree in business will equip me with the necessary skills to start my own business in the future. I love being involved at my university. I am the manager of the women's volleyball team, a member of the Big Sister Little Sister Mentorship Program, and a member of the Close-Up Company. And I plan to be more involved this upcoming semester. Participating in multiple things on campus is time-consuming, but it gives me the opportunity to connect with more people and experience new things. As a student, I am constantly looking for opportunities to grow, develop my skills, and learn new skills. This scholarship would not only provide me with financial assistance but also the chance to further my education and gain valuable experience in the business field. This scholarship would also make a significant difference for me as it would alleviate some of the financial burdens of paying for tuition and allow me to focus more on my school work and extracurricular activities. It also shows me that my hard work and dedication to my education are being recognized and appreciated. My long-term goals and career aspirations are to establish myself as a successful entrepreneur in the business world. I aim to start my own company and make it a well-known brand. I want to be financially stable and be able to give my siblings money for their college educations so they are not stressing about their finances. And after I am well established, I would like to mentor and financially support students who grew up in the same conditions I did. I have multiple mental health issues, but the main one I struggle with is Bipolar Type 2. It is my biggest weakness, and every day is a battle attempting to balance my emotions and not let my mental illness define me. I come from a religious family that does not believe in getting professional help for mental issues, so I was not able to see a therapist and get help for my condition until the beginning of this year. I am using all the resources available to me to better myself mentally, and I have had significant improvement compared to when I first received my diagnosis. And in the near future, I hope to overcome this fully. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship, and I hope to use it as a stepping stone towards achieving my goals and making a positive impact in the world of business.

My mother has always ensured I had a skill in leadership. She said it is one of the most valuable skills you can have in your everyday life and career. I played a lot of sports when I was in primary school, and my mother always made me volunteer for the "team captain" role, and I did not like it at first. But as the years went by, I began to realize the qualities I was picking up. When I got to high school, I was always chosen as the leader for group things; rather it was sports or something academic. From my perspective, leadership is an essential practice that involves not only managing but also inspiring and guiding individuals toward a common goal. It is not just about telling people what to do; it is about showing them how to do it by setting a positive example. Effective leadership requires a combination of skills, including clear communication, vision, empathy, and the ability to delegate tasks efficiently. And if you do not execute all of those skills, whatever you are leading could run into a lot of issues. A high-quality leader understands the importance of solid relationships with their followers. They build trust and respect by listening to their concerns, recognizing their achievements, and offering support and encouragement. By doing so, they create a sense of community and belonging, which leads to a more productive and positive work environment. You do not have to agree with everyone's opinions, or thought processes to be considered a good leader. You have to be able to recognize everyone as equals and help find a solution that works for the whole team. Moreover, effective leadership is not just about achieving short-term results but also about developing individuals' potential. Leaders recognize their team's strengths and weaknesses and provide opportunities for growth and development. They empower their followers to take ownership of their work and make decisions, which not only benefits the organization but also helps individuals to become more self-confident and resilient. Acknowledging someone's achievements makes them feel good, and when people gain confidence in what they are doing there is a greater chance that will continue producing good results. In conclusion, leadership is a multifaceted practice that requires a range of skills and qualities. When done well, it can have a significant impact on individuals and organizations, fostering a sense of purpose, engagement, and fulfillment.

Greetings, I am Taliyah Johnson, a second-year Business Administration scholar at the illustrious Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. I am very involved on campus and enjoy assisting with community service events for my university and organization. I am a volleyball manager for my university's women's volleyball team and a member of the Big Sister Little Sister Mentoring Program and Close-Up Company. In my free time, I usually write poems and pick apart the meanings of my favorite songs. Currently, I am working two jobs to pay off my student balance from the spring term that just ended; I work 40+ hours a week and pick up extra shifts whenever I can. I have only been in college for a year, and I already have thousands of student loans and have to pay them off by myself. I only get a little financial aid because my EFC is high, but my parents are not together, and my father does not contribute financially. My mother cannot give me any money to help pay off my tuition, housing, and books because she has five kids. All my siblings are really young; one is only two years old. They are all under the age of 9. My mom doesn't have extra money to give to help me out. It is vital that I receive this funding so I can stay away from my home life and continue my education with less stress. This scholarship would help me close the financial gap, accept fewer loans, and give me the opportunity to focus more on my school work. These are important to me because I want to focus on building a stable career for myself so I can eventually give back to my mom and my siblings and help support them. I want my siblings to live an easier life than I did; they are my primary motivation for me to keep going with my education. And me not having to worry so much about financials would free up more of my time, and I will be able to be more active in my organizations and involve myself on campus. Because I really enjoy being a part of campus activities and putting them together. This $2000 award is equal to about 200 hours of me working. That's 200 hours I can use to focus on studying, community service, and working toward my life goals. I would much prefer to use that time to pursue my passions rather than stress myself out about finances for school.

There aren't many things to do in the city I grew up in. And because of boredom and bad influences, a lot of kids get into trouble. If I could improve my community, I would open up a nonprofit club for kids. It would be a safe place for all children under the age of 18 to get at least one free meal, participate in activities, and receive mentorship. I feel like this would be a great addition to the community because the public schools here are not the best, and for your child to get a good education and be safe in school, they usually have to be enrolled in an expensive private school, and everyone is not able to spend that type of money on simple education. This children's club can be a safe space for children to come and receive free things they need now and skills they can use later in life. Currently, I am in the School of Business and Industry program at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University. I learn and implement interview and business skills whenever I attend class or meetings. I would show the club members what I learn at my university and inform them about how this will give them a head start for their future, no matter what path they decide to pursue. I, for one, have a lot of younger siblings, and I am the oldest of all of them. I have learned that a safe place is essential for everyone to have, especially children. I would also want my club to be an escape for children that have a rough home life. So instead of avoiding home by being out on the streets getting into trouble, they can be inside a facility, safe, learning things that can better their future. And that is a better alternative to the countless negative things they can occupy themselves with. I also want my club to have tutors so children can get help with their schoolwork if they are not able to get that help at home. Everyone is not given the opportunity to have parental support, and I do not want them to let that discourage them and let that be a reason they stop getting their education. I want them to know that there are alternatives to everything. I would like this club to be a place they can feel comfortable coming to for almost anything; advice, mentorship, food, educational help, etcetera. This facility could be the push/support that some kids need to keep striving.

I have run into many mental health issues in the 18 years I have lived so far. I attempted suicide multiple times in the past and grew up with a very judgemental family. I am a non-binary, pansexual college student with bipolar type 2, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. I try my hardest every day not to let my diagnoses define me. Still, it is difficult, considering I was just able to get an official diagnosis a couple of months ago because my family does not believe in going to therapy, so I was not allowed to see a professional about my issues until now. Growing up, I always knew there were things about me that were different from the kids around me. My peers did not have a split-up home; their parents were married. Their fathers came to school to pick them up, or sometimes both of their parents would. All I had to show was my mom. In middle school, I deeply hated myself because my family members always told me that anybody a part of the LGBTQ+ community was evil and bound to go to hell. When I realized that I liked girls too, I tried to ignore it, and I would cry every day trying to figure out why I was "broken". I spent years hating myself for something that was natural; I was only focused on what my mom would think of me. It wasn't until high school that I learned to accept it. I was around a variety of people, and they made me feel better about myself and the things that I liked. But as I learned more about gender identity, I thought I identified more with no gender. I realized that I was comfortable with being identified by all pronouns and did not want to commit to just being a girl or a boy. I did not start telling people what I identified as until college because I felt like that was my new start in life, and if people judged me, I did not want them in my circle. But no one in my family knows that I am pansexual or nonbinary. I still do not want to face them and deal with any backlash because I am not sure how they will take it. Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community has brought many good things. I have made forever friends and have been offered specific opportunities just for being myself. My mental health has always been indifferent, and a few of my diagnoses are most likely hereditary. Still, I will not be able to know that because no matter how much I recommend to my family to get a psych evaluation, they refuse and say they do not need it. In middle school, I never opened up about how I felt mentally because I heard my mother say that people who commit suicide are selfish and stupid. She would always say negative things about people with mental struggles, so I was afraid to tell her that I was having negative thoughts or that I simply did not want to be alive anymore. When I finally did try to mention it in high school, she told me that she knew her children and that there was nothing wrong with me; I just needed to go to church and talk to God more. I have struggled a lot with jobs and school because of my mental state, but now that I am away from home and seeing a therapist, I have been taking the necessary steps to improve.