Lieba Joran’s compassion, courage, and creative brilliance resonates deeply with me, not just as a mother and student, but as someone who is passionately committed to building a more understanding and inclusive world for children. Like Lieba, I believe in standing up for those who are too often overlooked or misunderstood. That belief isn’t just part of my values, it ‘defines my life’s purpose. I am pursuing a Bachelors Social Work to advocate for gifted and twice-exceptional children, especially those whose needs are hidden beneath the surface. As a mother of two boys, I have seen firsthand how easily these children can be misunderstood in rigid school environments. Their emotions may be dismissed as overreactions, their curiosity mistaken for defiance, and their complexity overlooked entirely. My volunteer work as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) has only deepened my awareness of how crucial it is for children to have someone in their corner, someone who listens, believes in them, and fights for their right to thrive. In that role, I’ve stood beside children in the foster care system, helping to amplify their voices when others remain silent. Additionally, serving as a Policy Council Representative for Head Start has allowed me to collaborate with educators and families to promote equity in early childhood education. I’ve worked to ensure that no child is left behind simply because their gifts are not easily measured. Whether through advocacy, policy, or direct service, my goal has always been the same: to ensure that every child is seen for who they truly are. My ambition is to become a social worker who champions the needs of children whose brilliance is often hidden behind behaviors that schools don’t always know how to handle. These are the students who are told they are “too much”: too emotional, too intense, too different. I want to rewrite that story. I want to help these children thrive, not in spite of their differences, but because of them. Through strength-based approaches, I will help educators recognize and nurture creativity, empathy, and sensitivity as strengths. Lieba Joran once stood on chairs, literally and figuratively, to defend those who were mistreated. Her courage inspires me to do the same: to stand up in school systems, policy rooms, and communities for the children who need someone to say, “I see you. I believe in you. You matter.” Receiving the Lieba’s Legacy Scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of continuing my education, but it would also allow me to expand my capacity to carry forward Lieba’s mission. With this support, I will be one step closer to transforming schools and other environments into places where all children, especially the most misunderstood, are celebrated for their full, beautiful complexity. This is more than a career path for me, it is a calling, and one I intend to answer with all the heart, skill, and dedication it deserves.

As a Barbadian mum, who migrated with my children in search of better opportunities, I have faced the unique challenges of adapting to a new culture and educational system while balancing the responsibilities of raising my family. Coming from a Caribbean background where education was highly valued, I knew that pursuing higher education would be the next step for me. I’m pursuing a BSW Social Work, with the goal of advocating for immigrant families and supporting the educational needs of their children. I currently attend a community college, but I've been accepted to transfer to a Portland State University. Beyond my personal educational journey, I’ve sought to help others in my community who face similar obstacles. Through my involvement as a member of the Policy Council at the Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC), I’ve gained firsthand insight into the systemic barriers that immigrant families often face, particularly in accessing education and community resources. At OCDC, I advocate for policies that support children and families in their Migrant Seasonal Head Start program. Additionally, as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Eastern Oregon, I’ve had the privilege of advocating for children, many of whom come from immigrant backgrounds. Many of these children face the compounded challenges of language barriers, cultural differences, and the lack of representation in the legal system. I’ve seen firsthand how systemic inequities can negatively impact immigrant families. This experience has further fueled my passion for educational equity and social justice, as I have witnessed how a lack of access to resources can perpetuate cycles of disadvantage. My educational journey and volunteer experience with immigrant families have given me a clear purpose: to advocate for change and ensure that all children, especially those from immigrant and marginalized communities, can succeed. By gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to influence policies, I aim to help create a system that offers more equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of their background. Education is a powerful tool for social change. My experiences have reinforced my desire to use education as a means of empowerment for immigrant communities. I am committed to creating a positive impact by advocating for policies that provide greater access to educational resources, mentorship, and support for students from all backgrounds. Winning this scholarship would be transformative for me and my family. It would alleviate the financial burden of pursuing a college education as an immigrant. It would bring me one step closer to a social work career and advocating for marginalized communities.