Understanding and overcoming adversity was my biggest challenge as a student. I faced adversity for the first time in the third grade. As a young black girl in a predominately white school, it was a challenge. I did not have porcelain skin that turned red after exhaustion, instead, I had brown skin that bruised after being attacked by my classmates. Attempting to hide my bruises and cuts due to embarrassment, blood dripped from my mouth, staining the white tiles in the seemingly never-ending hallway. As I cried out for help, I realized that I have no allies, I was alone. That day, I did not receive help from anyone. A few hours passed, my teacher finally looked at me and asked what happened. I wept with two swollen lips, "They jumped me. Why didn't you help me?" She replied, "You're so quiet, your bout near invisible." At this moment, I wanted to sink into my chair. Soon, the bell rang, dismissing all students to retrieve back to their abodes. That day, my father was late picking me up from school. The afternoon Florida sun beaming on my brown skin, he immediately saw the cuts on my arms and my swollen lips. I informed him what happened. He parked the car and rushed into the glossy white double doors at the entrance of the school. He showed the principal what happened to me, but the only words that could come out of her mouth were, "I'm sorry that happened to you; you must be in so much pain." As I viewed the expression on her face, I shed a tear, she obviously didn't care. This event changed the trajectory of my life, I developed a stronger mindset. I did personal research on what to do in events like this and how to stop it. I took Karate, read plenty of self-care books, and began developing personal relationships with my teachers throughout the remainder of my school years, to prevent an occurrence like this from happening again. I developed a stronger mindset, this transition influenced me to encourage others to practice building a healthier mind. Today, I use my platform to encourage women and men of color to stand their ground and to love their skin. My expectations and standards for myself, are consistently on the rise. I understand my value and my worth. I set boundaries with others and I don't allow others to negatively my outlook on my life. I aspire to become an entrepreneur. I currently use my social media platforms to encourage mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial growth. As a Native American woman, I believe that spreading hope is vital to preserving my culture. I am working to receive my real estate license and physical therapy license. Through these two occupations, I want to help others live a life worth living. I believe that everyone has a purpose and the ability to manifest the best possible future for themselves.

Taria B. Newkirk December 20, 2021 As individuals, there is a multitude of actions we can do to make a difference in our society and community. The question arises, what difference will I make in someone’s life? Ever since I was a young girl, I wanted to make an impact in my community. I decided that Health and Wellness was the career field that best suited me. I began by volunteering and mentoring children at my local community center. My goal was to install hope, wisdom, and knowledge in their sponge-like minds. Angela Davis once said, “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” This quote inspired me to become the change I wanted to see in others. During the summer, I spend a great deal of my time giving back to the homeless. I recognized the growing issue of homelessness in my community, in the summer of 2018. One sunny afternoon, I was volunteering with my grandmother in Downtown Jacksonville, Florida. As we walked along the streets offering paper bags full of food and body essentials, we were disturbed by the number of people with nothing but clothes on their backs. I turned to my grandmother and stated, “Why doesn’t the city do something to help them?” she replied, “Because they don’t care. So, it’s our job to help them.” Since then, my grandmother and I volunteer at three churches and two organizations offering food services to those who need it most. The biggest impact we’ve made thus far is finding jobs and safe and affordable homes for single mothers and fathers. Volunteering is important because it benefits the community. This action can make a generous difference in shaping the community, and those in it. Throughout history, African Americans have endured a number of disadvantages such as segregation, uneven access to services, racism, discrimination, unequal housing, etc. Due to these inequalities, many African American families have struggled since the seventeenth century. In times of crisis, it is vital that we all do our part to make a difference in an individual's or individuals' life. I am deserving of a scholarship because I will use the funding to help improve my community. Through receiving a college education and scholarships, I will further my education, continue networking with business owners and investors, and improve the daily lives of those who need financial and health assistance. This scholarship is vitally important for me to attain my goals as an entrepreneur because it will assist in providing an opportunity for me to earn a free college education. Previously, I have received the honor as an award recipient for two internship programs in Jacksonville, Florida. As an award recipient, I gained knowledge in the business field of networking, business management, and health and wellness. I also worked full-time my senior year as a receptionist and gym instructor at a local health and wellness center. I am a responsible professional with a passion for wellness. I aspire to work in an environment that will allow me to utilize my knowledge, skills, and abilities to promote and encourage physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness.

It is a gift from life to enjoy simple pleasures. As I rise from my bed and begin to stretch, I give thanks to God for the gift of life. It is so easy for us to get side distracted from the simple pleasures God has provided us with. To acknowledge the beauty of life, I have created a morning routine. I begin my day by listening to positive affirmations and peaceful frequencies. I then make my way to my garden, I begin practicing yoga and my breathing. Mindful breathing produces a radiant day. Lastly, I make my way to my shower and water myself in a blissful spirit. As I matured, my mom shared a powerful quote that inspires me to find peace in the chaos, "Happiness is a choice." Four simple words can be profound. This quote does not interpret to fake your joy, but to find jubilation over time. Focusing exclusively on the negative aspects of my life would make me feel depressed. However, by living in the present moment, and not the future or past, I can find joy in the simple pleasures of life. Expressing and showing love through my actions promotes my level of happiness. “The simple pleasures of life give us lasting satisfaction.” ― Avijeet Das

Skills and abilities are vital to mastering our goals. Achieving goals installs confidence, my best skill is confidence. I could potentially brag about my vast number of achievements, however, none of which would be possible without God and confidence. From a young age, I was repeatedly told, "Stand strong. Never allow anyone or anything to knock you down. Be confident." As a young black girl, these words never resonated until I got older. I began to understand that these few simple words, were not as simple as they sounded. Adversity faced me, I had to decide to be proud of my roots or allow society to install fear and hatred in my heart. With all odds against me, I chose love and confidence. I understood that I was breaking generational curses. Improving confidence is a skill we should each attempt to build. I began building my confidence by monitoring my progress. I bought my first journal at fifteen, and since then I have recognized a spike in my confidence levels. In the beginning, I could not initiate a conversation, and now I carry the conversation with confidence. I've learned that the key to improving confidence is setting aside my ego. By remaining humble, understanding, self-aware, and connected to God, I will continue to improve my confidence with grace. Knowing my value has taught me to aim for the highest award of them all, peace. By: Taria B. Newkirk November 15, 2021

The goal of college is to receive an education; however, many people don’t acknowledge the challenges many students endure in their college careers. These problems include depression, family expectations, lack of confidence, sexuality, etc. However, the most common and significant issue college students face today is anxiety. Anxiety can be triggered by many things. Many studies have shown that mental health plays a large role in students' academic and social life. Work, school, relationships, and enjoyment of life can all be restricted by anxiety. I am studying in the education field because I want to increase awareness for mental health in black students. Today, black teachers are not fairly represented in the classroom. Only 7% of public school teachers in the United States are black. (Terada, 2021) This statistic results in the majority of children of color feeling invisible. I aspire to be the voice, for those who have not yet found their voice. In the black community, there is a rise in mental health issues. Through teaching and inspiring students to nurture their minds and hearts, I hope to enlighten the new generation. Students who suffer from anxiety often face many obstacles socializing with their peers in public places and interacting with their professors. Anxiety might also result in unstable academic performance. A student, for example, may do outstanding work one day and struggle to complete a single job the next. Black students are more likely to endure depression or anxiety than their peers. (Anderson, 2020) Black students face several challenges such as discrimination, bigotry, racism, and the list goes on. Receiving a proper education should not be an obstacle they have to endure. Resources: 1. Terada, Y. (2021, March 26). Why black teachers walk away. Edutopia. Retrieved November 15, 2021, from https://www.edutopia.org/article/why-black-teachers-walk-away. 2. Anderson, G. (2020, October 23). Racism fuels poor mental health outcomes for black students. Racism fuels poor mental health outcomes for Black students. Retrieved November 15, 2021, from https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/10/23/racism-fuels-poor-mental-health-outcomes-black-students.

A college education gives students the opportunity to become financially independent, become exposed to career opportunities, and take charge of their life. College provides a plethora of education opportunities, which could translate into a career field. Obtaining an education is important because it provides stability, academic growth, improves communication, and so much more! The purpose of many universities' education is to meet students' liberal arts needs, to enable them to compete and understand the relationship between degrees and jobs. This response enables them to compete with other economies and individuals, to provide them with comprehensive education, earn higher incomes, and live a life rich in knowledge. Since the tender age of fourteen, I knew what career I wanted to pursue, entrepreneurship. Since I was born, I was surrounded by entrepreneurs, and I knew from my observations, that entrepreneurship was the career field that best suited me. My career aspirations are to become a realtor as my first source of income, and as my second source of income, I want to open up a health and wellness company. My intentions are to inspire people to nurture their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. However, my goals are impeded by funding. Since I was seventeen, I had to assist in providing for my family. The financial burden has affected my relationship with my family and the funding I receive for education. I am deserving of a scholarship because I will use the funding to help improve my community. Through receiving a college education and scholarships, I will further my education, continue networking with business owners and investors, and improve the daily lives of those who need financial and health assistance. This scholarship is vitally important for me to attain my goals as an entrepreneur because it will assist in providing an opportunity for me to earn a free college education. Previously, I have received the honor as an award recipient for two internship programs in Jacksonville, Florida. As an award recipient, I gained knowledge in the business field of networking, business management, and health and wellness. I also worked full-time my senior year as a receptionist and gym instructor at a local health and wellness center. I am a responsible professional with a passion for wellness. I aspire to work in an environment that will allow me to utilize my knowledge, skills, and abilities to promote and encourage physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness.

Self-care is an influential element in understanding your heart, mind, and body. This indulgent habit ensures that I am taking care of myself. The task in itself is an investment, but often ignored and labeled as "self-indulging" or "self-obsessed". However, I am the only person that has to spend 24/7 with me. Why shouldn't I show myself the same love that I show unto others? Embracing self-care is a beautiful process. Although it takes a great deal of dedication and time, the results speak for themselves. I began practicing self-care at the tender age of fifteen. Despite my lack of knowledge on skincare, haircare, meditation, and stress management, I dove into the depths of Youtube. Here I learned how to take care of my sensitive skin, which was just as sensitive as my soul. I watched hours of hair tutorials to save money on styling my kinky-curly hair. I began meditating and practicing stress management by researching frequencies that could assist in my journey of finding balance. Balance; this is the goal of my self-care. To achieve balance, I began enhancing my mental health, emotional health, spiritual health, and physical health. I practice meditation, expression, affirmations, feeding my soul and body through nutritious foods, and honesty. Through these practices, I can refuel my body with positive energy. Self-care is about reflection and appreciating who I am in this current moment. I can improve my life every day. I may not be perfect, but those were never my intentions.

As individuals, there is a multitude of actions we can do to make a difference in our society and community. The question arises, what difference will I make in someone’s life? Ever since I was a young girl, I wanted to make an impact in my community. I decided that Health and Wellness was the career field that best suited me. I began by volunteering and mentoring children at my local community center. My goal was to install hope, wisdom, and knowledge in their sponge-like minds. Angela Davis once said, “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” This quote inspired me to become the change I wanted to see in others. During the summer, I spend a great deal of my time giving back to the homeless. I recognized the growing issue of homelessness in my community, in the summer of 2018. One sunny afternoon, I was volunteering with my grandmother in Downtown Jacksonville, Florida. As we walked along the streets offering paper bags full of food and body essentials, we were disturbed by the number of people with nothing but clothes on their backs. I turned to my grandmother and stated, “Why doesn’t the city do something to help them?” she replied, “Because they don’t care. So, it’s our job to help them.” Since then, my grandmother and I volunteer at three churches and two organizations offering food services to those who need it most. The biggest impact we’ve made thus far is finding jobs and safe and affordable homes for single mothers and fathers. Volunteering is important because it benefits the community. This action can make a generous difference in shaping the community, and those in it. Throughout history, African Americans have endured a number of disadvantages such as segregation, uneven access to services, racism, discrimination, unequal housing, etc. Due to these inequalities, many African American families have struggled since the seventeenth century. In times of crisis, it is vital that we all do our part to make a difference in an individual's or individual's life.

A college education gives students the opportunity to become financially independent, become exposed to career opportunities, and take charge of their life. College provides a plethora of education opportunities, which could translate into a career field. Obtaining an education is important because it provides stability, academic growth, improves communication, and so much more! The purpose of many universities' education is to meet students' liberal arts needs, to enable them to compete and understand the relationship between degrees and jobs. This response enables them to compete with other economies and individuals, to provide them with comprehensive education, earn higher incomes, and live a life rich in knowledge. Since the tender age of fourteen, I knew what career I wanted to pursue, entrepreneurship. Since I was born, I was surrounded by entrepreneurs, and I knew from my observations, that entrepreneurship was the career field that best suited me. My career aspirations are to become a realtor as my first source of income, and as my second source of income, I want to open up a health and wellness company. My intentions are to inspire people to nurture their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. However, my goals are impeded by funding. Since I was seventeen, I had to assist in providing for my family. The financial burden has affected my relationship with my family and the funding I receive for education. I am deserving of a scholarship because I will use the funding to help improve my community. Through receiving a college education and scholarships, I will further my education, continue networking with business owners and investors, and improving the daily lives of those who need financial and health assistance. This scholarship is vitally important for me to attain my goals as an entrepreneur because it will assist in providing an opportunity for me to earn a free college education. Previously, I have received the honor as an award recipient for two internship programs in Jacksonville, Florida. As an award recipient, I gained knowledge in the business field of networking, business management, and health and wellness. I also worked full-time my senior year as a receptionist and gym instructor at a local health and wellness center. I am a responsible professional with a passion for wellness. I aspire to work in an environment that will allow me to utilize my knowledge, skills, and abilities to promote and encourage physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness. Throughout my high school career, I maintained a 3.9 GPA while leading my varsity volleyball team to victory as captain. I formerly held the position as president of the Student Council at Seacoast Christian Academy and the President of the National Honors Society. I am an award recipient of The AnnieRuth foundation and through this organization, I gained a summer internship (June 2020 - July 2020) at The Center for Confidence. I also held several titles at Seacoast Christian Academy, such as Miss Congeniality and Miss Loyalty. I am constantly striving to gain more experience and knowledge in the classroom

Understanding and overcoming adversity was my biggest challenge as a student. I am fortunate enough to admit that I have not fared the worst in life. However, I have had my fair share of obstacles. Adversity faced me for the first time in the third grade. As a young black girl in a predominantly white school, it was a challenge. I did not have porcelain skin that turned red after exhaustion, instead, I had brown skin that bruised after being attacked by my classmates. Attempting to hide my bruises and cuts due to embarrassment, blood dripped from my mouth, staining the white tiles in the seemingly never-ending hallway. As I cried out for help, I realized that I had no allies, I was alone. That day, I did not receive help from anyone. A few hours passed, my teacher finally looked at me and asked what had happened. She replied, "You're so quiet, your bout is practically invisible." I wanted to sink into my chair at this moment. Soon, the bell rang, dismissing all students to retrieve back to their abodes. That day, my father was late picking me up from school. The afternoon Florida sun beaming on my brown skin, he immediately saw the cuts on my arms and my swollen lips. I informed him what had happened. He parked the car and rushed into the double doors at the entrance of the school. He showed the principal what happened to me but the only words that could come out of her mouth were, "I'm sorry that happened to you; you must be in so much pain." I looked her in the eye and shed a tear. She didn't care. This event changed the trajectory of my life, I developed a stronger mindset.

The great James Baldwin once stated in the essay ‘The White Problem’ and the lies of white America, “If we've built a country predicated upon the idea that white people matter more than others, and that belief and that idea evidences itself in our dispositions and in our characters and our practices, it shapes our social, political and economic arrangements. We protect that belief with a series of lies, with an architecture of lies that protects our innocence. And so here we are in this moment. At this moment where demographic shifts are putting pressure on how we imagine the country. You know, those commercials on television with those racially ambiguous children and same-sex marriages. There's this cultural unsettling that's happened. And people are worried about, ‘Well, is this the America that I know?’ A vital responsibility of our nation is to protect and serve its citizens. America has existed for a total of 245 years. Due to the power America has gained over time, we have endured an unreasonable number of pressing issues. These issues include income inequality, climate change, taxes, and government spending, health care, the economy, national security, and so forth. However, the biggest challenge facing America as we move forward in the 21st century is repeating history. Despite the growing issues America is facing due to Covid-19, many challenges our ancestors faced, we are repeating. This is caused by the confederate foundation America was built on. During the revolutionary war, the idea that all men were created equal, is a myth. Through the eyes of God, this is true, but not through Slavery and white supremacy. Many issues such as immigration, civil rights, abortion, government spending, justice reform and so much more stem from the power structure centered around white supremacy.

As individuals, there is a multitude of actions we can do to make a difference in our society and community. The question arises, what difference will I make in someone’s life? Ever since I was a young girl, I wanted to make an impact in my community. I decided that Health and Wellness was the career field that best suited me. I began by volunteering and mentoring children at my local community center. My goal was to install hope, wisdom, and knowledge in their sponge-like minds. Angela Davis once said, “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” This quote inspired me to become the change I wanted to see in others. During the summer, I spend a great deal of my time giving back to the homeless. I recognized the growing issue of homelessness in my community, in the summer of 2018. One sunny afternoon, I was volunteering with my grandmother in Downtown Jacksonville, Florida. As we walked along the streets offering paper bags full of food and body essentials, we were disturbed by the number of people with nothing but clothes on their backs. I turned to my grandmother and stated, “Why doesn’t the city do something to help them?” she replied, “Because they don’t care. So, it’s our job to help them.” Since then, my grandmother and I have volunteered at three churches and two organizations offering food services to those who need it most. The biggest impact we’ve made thus far is finding jobs and safe and affordable homes for single mothers and fathers. Volunteering is important because it benefits the community. This action can make a generous difference in shaping the community, and those in it.

Understanding and overcoming adversity was my biggest challenge as a student. I am fortunate enough to admit that I have not fared the worst in life. However, I have had my fair share of obstacles. Adversity faced me for the first time in the third grade. As a young black girl in a predominantly white school, it was a challenge. I did not have porcelain skin that turned red after exhaustion, instead, I had brown skin that bruised after being attacked by my classmates. Attempting to hide my bruises and cuts due to embarrassment, blood dripped from my mouth, staining the white tiles in the seemingly never-ending hallway. As I cried out for help, I realized that I had no allies, I was alone. That day, I did not receive help from anyone. A few hours passed, my teacher finally looked at me and asked what had happened. I wept with two swollen lips, "They jumped me. Why didn't you help me?" She replied, "You're so quiet, your bout near invisible." At this moment, I wanted to sink into my chair. Soon, the bell rang, dismissing all students to retrieve back to their abodes. That day, my father was late picking me up from school. The afternoon Florida sun beaming on my brown skin, he immediately saw the cuts on my arms and my swollen lips. I informed him what had happened. He parked the car and rushed into the double doors at the entrance of the school. He showed the principal what happened to me but the only words that could come out of her mouth were, "I'm sorry that happened to you; you must be in so much pain." I looked her in the eye and shed a tear. Shehe obviously didn't care. This event changed the trajectory of my life. I developed a stronger mindset. I did personal research on what to do in events like this and how to stop them. I took Karate, read plenty of books, and began developing personal relationships with my teachers throughout the remainder of my school years, to prevent an occurrence like this from happening again. I developed a stronger mindset. This transition influenced me to encourage others to practice building a healthier mind. Today, I use my platform to encourage women and men of color to stand their ground and to love their skin. My expectations and standards for myself, are consistently on the rise. I understand my value and my worth. By setting boundaries with others, I do not allow others to negatively affect my outlook on life. I aspire to become an entrepreneur. I currently use my social media platforms to encourage mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial growth. I am working to receive my real estate license and physical therapy license. Through these two occupations, I want to help others live a life worth living. I believe that everyone has a purpose and the ability to manifest the best possible future for themselves.

Taria B. Newkirk SkipSchool Scholarship September 26, 2021 A profound artist that I admire is Elizabeth Marie Tallchief, also popularly known as Maria Tallchief. In 1947, she was the first American ballet dancer to have performed with the Paris Opera Ballet. I admire Maria for her elegance, poise, and versatility. Maria's ability to excite and captivate her audience through beautiful movements is undeniably a form of art.

Understanding and overcoming adversity was my biggest challenge as a student. I am fortunate enough to admit that I have not fared the worst in life. However, I have had my fair share of obstacles. Adversity faced me for the first time in the third grade. As a young black girl in a predominantly white school, it was a challenge. I did not have porcelain skin that turned red after exhaustion, instead, I had brown skin that bruised after being attacked by my classmates. Attempting to hide my bruises and cuts due to embarrassment, blood dripped from my mouth, staining the white tiles in the seemingly never-ending hallway. As I cried out for help, I realized that I had no allies, I was alone. That day, I did not receive help from anyone. A few hours passed, my teacher finally looked at me and asked what had happened. I wept with two swollen lips, "They jumped me. Why didn't you help me?" She replied, "You're so quiet, your bout near invisible." At this moment, I wanted to sink into my chair. Soon, the bell rang, dismissing all students to retrieve back to their abodes. That day, my father was late picking me up from school. In Florida's afternoon sun, he immediately noticed the deep cuts and bruises on my arms and lips. I informed him what had happened. He parked the car and rushed into the double doors at the entrance of the school. He showed the principal what happened to me but the only words that could come out of her mouth were, "I'm sorry that happened to you; you must be in so much pain." I looked her in the eye and shed a tear. She obviously didn't care. This event changed the trajectory of my life, I developed a stronger mindset. I did personal research on what to do in events like this and how to stop it. I took Karate, read plenty of books, and began developing personal relationships with my teachers throughout the remainder of my school years, to prevent an occurrence like this from happening again. I developed a stronger mindset, this transition influenced me to encourage others to practice building a healthier mind. As a woman and a person of color, I use my platform to encourage others to be strong and to love their skin. My expectations and standards for myself, are consistently on the rise. I understand my value and my worth. As a result, I set boundaries with others and allow others not to negatively influence my outlook on life. I aspire to become an entrepreneur. I currently use my social media platforms to encourage mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial growth. I am working to receive my real estate license and physical therapy license. Through these two occupations, I want to help others live a life worth living. I believe that everyone has a purpose and the ability to manifest the best possible future for themselves.

As individuals, there are a multitude of actions we can do to make a difference in our society and community. The question arises, what difference will I make in someone’s life? Ever since I was young girl, I wanted to make an impact in my community. I decided that Health and Wellness was the career field that best suited me. I began by volunteering and mentoring children at my local community center. My goal was to install hope, wisdom, and knowledge in their sponge like minds. Angela Davis once said, “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” This quote inspired me to become the change I wanted to see in others. During the summer, I spend a great deal of my time giving back to the homeless. I recognized the growing issue of homelessness in my community, in the summer of 2018. One sunny afternoon, I was volunteering with my grandmother in Downtown Jacksonville, Florida. As we walked along the streets offering paper bags full of food and body essentials, we were disturbed by the amount of people with nothing but clothes on their backs. I turned to my grandmother and stated, “Why doesn’t the city do something to help them?” she replied, “Because they don’t care. So, it’s our job to help them.” Since then, my grandmother and I volunteer at three churches and two organizations offering food services to those who need it most. The biggest impact we’ve made thus far, is finding jobs and safe and affordable homes for single mothers and fathers. Volunteering is important because it benefits the community. This action can make a generous difference in shaping the community, and those in it. Throughout history, African Americans have endured a number of disadvantages such as segregation, uneven access to services, racism, discrimination, unequal housing, etc. Due to these inequalities, many African American families have struggled since the seventeenth century. In times of crisis, it is vital that we all do our part to make a difference in an individual or individuals lives.

A college education allows students to become financially independent, become exposed to career opportunities, and take charge of their life. College provides a plethora of education opportunities, which could translate into a career field. Obtaining an education is important because it provides stability, academic growth, improves communication, and so much more! The purpose of many universities' education is to meet students' liberal arts needs, to enable them to compete and understand the relationship between degrees and jobs. This response enables them to compete with other economies and individuals, to provide them with comprehensive education, earn higher incomes, and live a life rich in knowledge. As individuals, there are a multitude of actions we can do to make a difference in our society and community. The question arises, what difference will I make in someone’s life? Ever since I was young girl, I wanted to make an impact in my community. I decided that Health and Wellness was the career field that best suited me. I began by volunteering and mentoring children at my local community center. My goal was to install hope, wisdom, and knowledge in their sponge like minds. Angela Davis once said, “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” This quote inspired me to become the change I wanted to see in others. At the tender age of fourteen, I knew what career I wanted to pursue, entrepreneurship. Since I was born, I was surrounded by entrepreneurs, and I knew from my observations, that entrepreneurship was the career field that best suited me. My career aspirations are to become a realtor as my first source of income, and as my second source of income, I want to open up a health and wellness company. I intend to inspire people to nurture their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. However, my goals are impeded by funding. Since I was seventeen, I had to assist in providing for my family. The financial burden has affected my relationship with my family and the funding I receive for education. I am deserving of a scholarship because I will use the funding to help improve my community. Through receiving a college education and scholarships, I will further my education, continue networking with business owners and investors, and improving the daily lives of those who need financial and health assistance. This scholarship is vitally important for me to attain my goals as an entrepreneur because it will assist in providing an opportunity for me to earn a free college education. Previously, I have had the honor of being recognized as an award recipient for two internship programs in Jacksonville, Florida. As an award recipient, I gained knowledge in the business field of networking, business management, and health and wellness. I also worked full-time my senior year as a receptionist and gym instructor at a local health and wellness center. I am a responsible professional with a passion for wellness. I aspire to work in an environment that will allow me to utilize my knowledge, skills, and abilities to promote and encourage physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness.

A college education allows students to become financially independent, become exposed to career opportunities, and take charge of their life. College provides a plethora of education opportunities, which could translate into a career field. Obtaining an education is important because it provides stability, academic growth, improves communication, and so much more! The purpose of many universities' education is to meet students' liberal arts needs, to enable them to compete and understand the relationship between degrees and jobs. This response enables them to compete with other economies and individuals, to provide them with comprehensive education, earn higher incomes, and live a life rich in knowledge. At the tender age of fourteen, I knew what career I wanted to pursue, entrepreneurship. Since I was born, I was surrounded by entrepreneurs, and I knew from my observations, that entrepreneurship was the career field that best suited me. My career aspirations are to become a realtor as my first source of income, and as my second source of income, I want to open up a health and wellness company. I intend to inspire people to nurture their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. However, my goals are impeded by funding. Since I was seventeen, I had to assist in providing for my family. The financial burden has affected my relationship with my family and the funding I receive for education. I am deserving of a scholarship because I will use the funding to help improve my community. Through receiving a college education and scholarships, I will further my education, continue networking with business owners and investors, and improving the daily lives of those who need financial and health assistance. This scholarship is vitally important for me to attain my goals as an entrepreneur because it will assist in providing an opportunity for me to earn a free college education. Previously, I have received the honor as an award recipient for two internship programs in Jacksonville, Florida. As an award recipient, I gained knowledge in the business field of networking, business management, and health and wellness. I also worked full-time my senior year as a receptionist and gym instructor at a local health and wellness center. I am a responsible professional with a passion for wellness. I aspire to work in an environment that will allow me to utilize my knowledge, skills, and abilities to promote and encourage physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness. I am deserving of a scholarship because I will use the funding to help improve my community. Through receiving a college education and scholarships, I will further my education, continue networking with business owners and investors, and improving the daily lives of those who need financial and health assistance. This scholarship is vitally important for me to attain my goals as an entrepreneur because it will assist in providing an opportunity for me to earn a free college education. Previously, I have received the honor as an award recipient for two internship programs in Jacksonville, Florida. As an award recipient, I gained knowledge in the business field of networking, business management, and health and wellness. I also worked full-time my senior year as a receptionist and gym instructor at a local health and wellness center. I am a responsible professional with a passion for wellness. I aspire to work in an environment that will allow me to utilize my knowledge, skills, and abilities to promote and encourage physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness.

Understanding and overcoming adversity was my biggest challenge as a student. I am fortunate enough to admit that I have not fared the worst in life. However, I have had my fair share of obstacles. Adversity faced me for the first time in the third grade. As a young black girl in a predominantly white school, it was a challenge. I did not have porcelain skin that turned red after exhaustion, instead, I had brown skin that bruised after being attacked by my classmates. Attempting to hide my bruises and cuts due to embarrassment, blood dripped from my mouth, staining the white tiles in the seemingly never-ending hallway. As I cried out for help, I realized that I have no allies, I was alone. That day, I did not receive help from anyone. A few hours passed, my teacher finally looked at me and asked what happened. I wept with two swollen lips, "They jumped me. Why didn't you help me?" She replied, "You're so quiet, your bout near invisible." At this moment, I wanted to sink into my chair. Soon, the bell rang, dismissing all students to retrieve back to their abodes. That day, my father was late picking me up from school. The afternoon Florida sun beaming on my brown skin, he immediately saw the cuts on my arms and my swollen lips. I informed him what happened. He parked the car and rushed into the double doors at the entrance of the school. He showed the principal what happened to me but the only words that could come out of her mouth were, "I'm sorry that happened to you; you must be in so much pain." I looked her in the eye and shed a tear, she obviously didn't care. This event changed the trajectory of my life, I developed a stronger mindset. I did personal research on what to do in events like this and how to stop it. I took Karate, read plenty of books, and began developing personal relationships with my teachers throughout the remainder of my school years, to prevent an occurrence like this from happening again. I developed a stronger mindset, this transition influenced me to encourage others to practice building a healthier mind. Today, I use my platform to encourage women and men of color to stand their ground and to love their skin. My expectations and standards for myself, are consistently on the rise. I understand my value and my worth. I set boundaries with others and I don't allow others to negatively my outlook on my life. I aspire to become an entrepreneur. I currently use my social media platforms to encourage mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial growth. I am working to receive my real estate license and physical therapy license. Through these two occupations, I want to help others live a life worth living. I believe that everyone has a purpose and the ability to manifest the best possible future for themselves.

As individuals, there are a multitude of actions we can do to make a difference in our society and community. The question arises, what difference will I make in someone’s life? Ever since I was a young girl, I wanted to make an impact in my community. I decided that Health and Wellness was the career field that best suited me. I began by volunteering and mentoring children at my local community center. My goal was to install hope, wisdom, and knowledge in their sponge-like minds. Angela Davis once said, “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” This quote inspired me to become the change I wanted to see in others. During the summer, I spend a great deal of my time giving back to the homeless. I recognized the growing issue of homelessness in my community, in the summer of 2018. One sunny afternoon, I was volunteering with my grandmother in Downtown Jacksonville, Florida. As we walked along the streets offering paper bags full of food and body essentials, we were disturbed by the amount of people with nothing but clothes on their backs. I turned to my grandmother and stated, “Why doesn’t the city do something to help them?” she replied, “Because they don’t care. So, it’s our job to help them.” Since then, my grandmother and I have volunteered at three churches and two organizations offering food services to those who need it most. The biggest impact we’ve made thus far, is finding jobs and safe and affordable homes for single mothers and fathers. Volunteering is important because it benefits the community. Actions like this can contribute generously to shaping the community and its members.

A college education allows students to become financially independent, become exposed to career opportunities, and take charge of their life. College provides a plethora of education opportunities, which could translate into a career field. Obtaining an education is important because it provides stability, academic growth, improves communication, and so much more! Many universities' education aims to meet students' liberal arts needs, to enable them to compete and understand the relationship between degrees and jobs. By doing so, they are able to compete with other economies and individuals, to provide them with comprehensive education, to earn higher incomes, and to live a life rich in knowledge. Today mental health is ignored in many centers of learning. Students who suffer from anxiety often face many obstacles socializing with their peers in public places and interacting with their professors. Anxiety might also result in unstable academic performance. A student, for example, may do outstanding work one day and struggle to complete a single job the next. Anxiety or sadness is often indicated by this unpredictable behavior. A student might get upset due to anxiety's inconsistency, and teachers may be confused as to how to handle the situation. Although anxiety can lead to a fear of human interaction, social events can encourage students to interact with individuals who share similar interests. My goal for the future is to become Vice President of the Student Council of FSCJ. Through this leadership position, I hope to coordinate and manage events on and off campus to promote safe distance interaction. Due to COVID- 19, many students and individuals have increasingly developed social anxiety. Throughout the pandemic, four in ten adults in the U.S. have shared they have suffered from anxiety or depression. (Panchal, Kamal, Cox, and Garfield, 2021) Human interaction is vital for both our mental and emotional health. Students of all ages and backgrounds would be able to build relationships through these coordinated events. However, addressing the growing issue is just the start of helping my community. There are many mental health clinics in Jacksonville, Florida, however many students are not making time to focus on their overall health. Many students have a large number of priorities such as managing bills, a part-time or full-time job, college courses, and family/social life. Due to this large checklist, students are unable to seek help. Receiving help from licensed therapists and counselors can be pricey, hosting monthly seminars with local counselors and therapists, may encourage students to focus on loving and taking care of their overall health. To make education better for future generations, we must begin addressing mental health in students. Over 60% of students in America struggle with anxiety. This rate continues to grow annually. Anxiety is a common issue many children, teenagers, and adults suffer from. Through having conversations about mental health, I hope that addressing the growing issue will cause students worldwide to know that they matter.

The great James Baldwin once stated in the essay ‘The White Problem’ and the lies of white America, “If we've built a country predicated upon the idea that white people matter more than others, and that belief and that idea evidences itself in our dispositions and in our characters and our practices, it shapes our social, political and economic arrangements. We protect that belief with a series of lies, with an architecture of lies that protects our innocence. And so here we are in this moment. In this moment where demographic shifts are putting pressure on how we imagine the country. You know, those commercials on television with those racially ambiguous children and same sex marriages. There's this cultural unsettling that's happened. And people are worried about, ‘Well, is this the America that I know?’ A vital responsibility of our nation is to protect and serve its citizens. America has existed for a total of 245 years. Due to the power America has gained overtime, we have endured an unreasonable number of pressing issues. These issues include income inequality, climate change, taxes and government spending, health care, the economy, national security, and so forth. However, the biggest challenge facing America as we move forward in the 21st century, is repeating history. In conclusion, as changes occur throughout America, the more things resurface. Sydney J. Harris once stated, “History repeats itself, but in such cunning disguise that we never detect the resemblance until the damage is done.” Some lessons are not taught immediately, especially when the same mistakes are repeated. America has conducted many injustices against women, African Americans, Native Americans, immigrants, and so on. Although mistakes from the past aren't always able to prevent the future, they provide discernment into the future.

The great James Baldwin once stated in the essay ‘The White Problem’ and the lies of white America, “If we've built a country predicated upon the idea that white people matter more than others, and that belief and that idea evidences itself in our dispositions and in our characters and our practices, it shapes our social, political and economic arrangements. We protect that belief with a series of lies, with an architecture of lies that protects our innocence. And so here we are in this moment. In this moment where demographic shifts are putting pressure on how we imagine the country. You know, those commercials on television with those racially ambiguous children and same-sex marriages. There's this cultural unsettling that's happened. And people are worried about, ‘Well, is this the America that I know?’ A vital responsibility of our nation, is to protect and serve its citizens. America has existed for a total of 245 years. Due to the power America has gained overtime, we have endured an unreasonable number of pressing issues. These issues include, income inequality, climate change, taxes and government spending, health care, the economy, national security, and so forth. However, the biggest challenge facing America as we move forward in the 21st century, is repeating history. Despite the growing issues America is facing due to COVID-19, many challenges our ancestors faced, we are repeating. This is caused by the confederate foundation America was built on. During the revolutionary war, the idea that all men were created equal, is a myth. Through the eyes of God, this is true, but not through Slavery and white supremacy. Many issues such as immigration, civil rights, abortion, government spending, justice reform and so much more stems from the power structure centered around white supremacy. In conclusion, as changes occur throughout America, the more things resurface. Sydney J. Harris once stated, “History repeats itself, but in such cunning disguise that we never detect the resemblance until the damage is done.” Some lessons are not taught immediately, especially when the same mistakes are repeated. America has conducted many injustices against women, African Americans, Native Americans, immigrants, and so on. Although mistakes from the past aren't always able to prevent the future, they provide discernment into the future.

The goal of college is to receive an education; however, many people don’t acknowledge the challenges many students endure in their college careers. These problems include depression, family expectations, lack of confidence, sexuality, etc. However, the most common and significant issue college students face today is anxiety. Anxiety can be triggered by many things. Many studies have shown that mental health plays a large role in students' academic and social life. Work, school, relationships, and enjoyment of life can all be restricted by anxiety. Students who suffer from anxiety often face many obstacles socializing with their peers in public places and interacting with their professors. Anxiety might also result in unstable academic performance. A student, for example, may do outstanding work one day and struggle to complete a single job the next. This unpredictable conduct is a common indicator that anxiety or sadness is present. Because of the inconsistency anxiety causes, students might become upset, and teachers can become perplexed and unclear of how to address the situation. Although anxiety can lead to a fear of human interaction, social events can encourage students to interact with individuals who share similar interests. My goal for the future is to become Vice President of the Student Council of FSCJ. Through this leadership position, I hope to coordinate and manage events on and off campus to promote safe distance interaction. Due to COVID-19, many students and individuals have increasingly developed social anxiety. Throughout the pandemic, four in ten adults in the U.S. have shared they have suffered from anxiety or depression. (Panchal, Kamal, Cox, and Garfield, 2021) Human interaction is vital for both our mental and emotional health. Through these coordinated events, would give students of all ages and backgrounds a fair opportunity to build relationships. However, addressing the growing issue is just the start of helping my community. There are many mental health clinics in Jacksonville, Florida, however many students are not making time to focus on their overall health. Many students have a large number of priorities such as managing bills, a part-time or full-time job, college courses, and family/social life. Due to this large checklist, students are unable to seek help. Receiving help from licensed therapists and counselors can be pricey, hosting monthly seminars with local counselors and therapists, may encourage students to focus on loving and taking care of their overall health. Through using my platform as a mental health advocate, I would hope to inspire those in my community and school to prioritize their health. Anxiety is a common issue many children, teenagers, and adults suffer from. Through having conversations about mental health, I hope that addressing the growing issue will cause students worldwide to know that they matter. Through using my platform as a mental health advocate, I would hope to inspire those in my community and school to prioritize their health. Anxiety is a common issue many children, teenagers, and adults suffer from. Through having conversations about mental health, I hope that addressing the growing issue will cause students worldwide to know that they matter.

At the tender age of fourteen, I knew what career I wanted to pursue, entrepreneurship. Since I was born, I was surrounded by entrepreneurs, and I knew from my observations, that entrepreneurship was the career field that best suited me. My career aspirations are to become a realtor as my first source of income, and as my second source of income, I want to open up a health and wellness company. I intend to inspire people to nurture their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. However, my goals are impeded by funding. Since I was seventeen, I had to assist in providing for my family. The financial burden has affected my relationship with my family and the funding I receive for education. As individuals, there is a multitude of actions we can do to make a difference in our society and community. The question arises, what difference will I make in someone’s life? Ever since I was a young girl, I wanted to make an impact in my community. I decided that Health and Wellness was the career field that best suited me. I began by volunteering and mentoring children at my local community center. My goal was to install hope, wisdom, and knowledge in their sponge-like minds. Angela Davis once said, “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” This quote inspired me to become the change I wanted to see in others. During the summer, I spend a great deal of my time giving back to the homeless. I recognized the growing issue of homelessness in my community, in the summer of 2018. One sunny afternoon, I was volunteering with my grandmother in Downtown Jacksonville, Florida. As we walked along the streets offering paper bags full of food and body essentials, we were disturbed by the number of people with nothing but clothes on their backs. I turned to my grandmother and stated, “Why doesn’t the city do something to help them?” she replied, “Because they don’t care. So, it’s our job to help them.” Since then, my grandmother and I volunteer at three churches and two organizations offering food services to those who need it most. Thus far, our most notable impact has been finding jobs and safe and affordable homes for single fathers and mothers. Volunteering is important because it benefits the community. This action can make a generous difference in shaping the community, and those in it.

A college education allows students to become financially independent, become exposed to career opportunities, and take charge of their life. College provides a plethora of education opportunities, which could translate into a career field. Obtaining an education is important because it provides stability, academic growth, improves communication, and so much more! The purpose of many universities' education is to meet students' liberal arts needs, to enable them to compete and understand the relationship between degrees and jobs. This response enables them to compete with other economies and individuals, to provide them with comprehensive education, earn higher incomes, and live a life rich in knowledge. At the tender age of fourteen, I knew what career I wanted to pursue, entrepreneurship. Since I was born, I was surrounded by entrepreneurs, and I knew from my observations, that entrepreneurship was the career field that best suited me. My career aspirations are to become a realtor as my first source of income, and as my second source of income, I want to open up a health and wellness company. I intend to inspire people to nurture their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. However, my goals are impeded by funding. Since I was seventeen, I had to assist in providing for my family. The financial burden has affected my relationship with my family and the funding I receive for education. As individuals, there is a multitude of actions we can do to make a difference in our society and community. The question arises, what difference will I make in someone’s life? Ever since I was a young girl, I wanted to make an impact in my community. I decided that Health and Wellness was the career field that best suited me. I began by volunteering and mentoring children at my local community center. My goal was to install hope, wisdom, and knowledge in their sponge-like minds. Angela Davis once said, “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” This quote inspired me to become the change I wanted to see in others. During the summer, I spend a great deal of my time giving back to the homeless. I recognized the growing issue of homelessness in my community, in the summer of 2018. One sunny afternoon, I was volunteering with my grandmother in Downtown Jacksonville, Florida. As we walked along the streets offering paper bags full of food and body essentials, we were disturbed by the number of people with nothing but clothes on their backs. I turned to my grandmother and stated, “Why doesn’t the city do something to help them?” she replied, “Because they don’t care. So, it’s our job to help them.” Since then, my grandmother and I volunteer at three churches and two organizations offering food services to those who need it most. Thus far, our most notable impact has been finding jobs and safe and affordable homes for single fathers and mothers. Volunteering is important because it benefits the community. This action can make a generous difference in shaping the community, and those in it.

A vital responsibility of our nation is to protect and serve its citizens. America has existed for a total of 245 years. Due to the power America has gained over time, we have endured an unreasonable number of pressing issues. These issues include income inequality, climate change, taxes, and government spending, health care, the economy, national security, and so forth. However, the biggest challenge facing America as we move forward in the 21st century is repeating history. Despite the growing issues America is facing due to -19, many challenges our ancestors faced, we are repeating. This is caused by the confederate foundation America was built on. During the revolutionary war, the idea that all men were created equal, is a myth. Through the eyes of God, this is true, but not through slavery and white supremacy. Many issues such as immigration, civil rights, abortion, government spending, justice reform and so much more, stem from the power structure centered around white supremacy. In conclusion, as changes occur throughout America, more things resurface. Sydney J. Harris once stated, “History repeats itself, but in such cunning disguise that we never detect the resemblance until the damage is done.” Some lessons are not taught immediately, especially when the same mistakes are repeated. America has conducted many injustices against women, African Americans, Native Americans, immigrants, and so on. Although mistakes from the past cannot always prevent the future, they can provide insight into it.

As individuals, there are a multitude of actions we can do to make a difference in our society and community. The question arises, what difference will I make in someone’s life? Ever since I was young girl, I wanted to make an impact in my community. I decided that Health and Wellness was the career field that best suited me. I began by volunteering and mentoring children at my local community center. My goal was to install hope, wisdom, and knowledge in their sponge like minds. Angela Davis once said, “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” This quote inspired me to become the change I wanted to see in others. During the summer, I spend a great deal of my time giving back to the homeless. I recognized the growing issue of homelessness in my community, in the summer of 2018. One sunny afternoon, I was volunteering with my grandmother in Downtown Jacksonville, Florida. As we walked along the streets offering paper bags full of food and body essentials, we were disturbed by the amount of people with nothing but clothes on their backs. I turned to my grandmother and stated, “Why doesn’t the city do something to help them?” she replied, “Because they don’t care. So, it’s our job to help them.” Since then, my grandmother and I have volunteered at three churches and two organizations offering food services to those who need it most. The biggest impact we’ve made thus far, is finding jobs and safe and affordable homes for single mothers and fathers. Volunteering is important because it benefits the community. This action can make a generous difference in shaping the community, and those in it.

The goal of college is to receive an education; however, many people don’t acknowledge the challenges many students endure in their college careers. These problems include depression, family expectations, lack of confidence, sexuality, etc. However, the most common and significant issue college students face today is anxiety. Anxiety can be triggered by many things. Many studies have shown that mental health plays a large role in students' academic and social life. Work, school, relationships, and enjoyment of life can all be restricted by anxiety. Students who suffer from anxiety often face many obstacles socializing with their peers in public places and interacting with their professors. Anxiety might also result in unstable academic performance. A student, for example, may do outstanding work one day and struggle to complete a single job the next. This unpredictable conduct is a common indicator that anxiety or sadness is present. Because of the inconsistency anxiety causes, students might become upset, and teachers can become perplexed and unclear of how to address the situation. Although anxiety can lead to a fear of human interaction, social events can encourage students to interact with individuals who share similar interests. My goal for the future is to become Vice President of the Student Council of FSCJ. Through this leadership position, I hope to coordinate and manage events on and off campus to promote safe distance interaction. Due to Covid, many students and individuals have increasingly developed social anxiety. Throughout the pandemic, four in ten adults in the U.S. have shared they have suffered from anxiety or depression. (Panchal, Kamal, Cox, and Garfield, 2021) Human interaction is vital for both our mental and emotional health. Through these coordinated events, would give students of all ages and backgrounds a fair opportunity to build relationships. However, addressing the growing issue is just the start of helping my community. There are many mental health clinics in Jacksonville, Florida, however many students are not making time to focus on their overall health. Many students have a large number of priorities such as managing bills, a part-time or full-time job, college courses, and family/social life. Due to this large checklist, students are unable to seek help. Receiving help from licensed therapists and counselors can be pricy, hosting monthly seminars with local counselors and therapists, may encourage students to focus on loving and taking care of their overall health. Through using my platform as a mental health advocate, I would hope to inspire those in my community and school to prioritize their health. Anxiety is a common issue many children, teenagers, and adults suffer from. Through having conversations about mental health, I hope that addressing the growing issue will cause students worldwide to know that they matter. Through using my platform as a mental health advocate, I would hope to inspire those in my community and school to prioritize their health. Anxiety is a common issue many children, teenagers, and adults suffer from. Through having conversations about mental health, I hope that addressing the growing issue will cause students worldwide to know that they matter.

A college education gives students the opportunity to become financially independent, become exposed to career opportunities, and take charge of their life. College provides a plethora of education opportunities, which could translate into a career field. Obtaining an education is important because it provides stability, academic growth, improves communication, and so much more! The purpose of many universities' education is to meet students' liberal arts needs, to enable them to compete and understand the relationship between degrees and jobs. This response enables them to compete with other economies and individuals, to provide them with comprehensive education, earn higher incomes, and live a life rich in knowledge. Since the tender age of fourteen, I knew what career I wanted to pursue, entrepreneurship. Since I was born, I was surrounded by entrepreneurs, and I knew from my observations, that entrepreneurship was the career field that best suited me. My career aspirations are to become a realtor as my first source of income, and as my second source of income, I want to open up a health and wellness company. My intentions are to inspire people to nurture their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. However, my goals are impeded by funding. Since I was seventeen, I had to assist in providing for my family. The financial burden has affected my relationship with my family and the funding I receive for education. I am deserving of a scholarship because I will use the funding to help improve my community. Through receiving a college education and scholarships, I will further my education, continue networking with business owners and investors, and improving the daily lives of those who need financial and health assistance. This scholarship is vitally important for me to attain my goals as an entrepreneur because it will assist in providing an opportunity for me to earn a free college education. Previously, I have received the honor as an award recipient for two internship programs in Jacksonville, Florida. As an award recipient, I gained knowledge in the business field of networking, business management, and health and wellness. I also worked full-time my senior year as a receptionist and gym instructor at a local health and wellness center. I am a responsible professional with a passion for wellness. I aspire to work in an environment that will allow me to utilize my knowledge, skills, and abilities to promote and encourage physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness. Throughout my high school career, I maintained a 3.9 GPA while leading my varsity volleyball team to victory as captain. I formerly held the position as president of the Student Council at Seacoast Christian Academy and the President of the National Honors Society. I am an award recipient of The AnnieRuth foundation and through this organization, I gained a summer internship (June 2020 - July 2020) at The Center for Confidence. I also held several titles at Seacoast Christian Academy, such as Miss Congeniality and Miss Loyalty. I am constantly striving to gain more experience and knowledge in the classroom. Through using my platform as a mental health advocate, I would hope to inspire those in my community and school to prioritize their health. Anxiety is a common issue many children, teenagers, and adults suffer from. Through having conversations about mental health, I hope that addressing the growing issue will cause students worldwide to know that they matter.

The goal of college is to receive an education; however, many people don’t acknowledge the challenges many students endure in their college careers. These problems include depression, family expectations, lack of confidence, sexuality, etc. However, the most common and significant issue college students face today is anxiety. Anxiety can be triggered by many things. Many studies have shown that mental health plays a large role in students' academic and social life. Work, school, relationships, and enjoyment of life can all be restricted by anxiety. Students who suffer from anxiety often face many obstacles socializing with their peers in public places and interacting with their professors. Anxiety might also result in unstable academic performance. A student, for example, may do outstanding work one day and struggle to complete a single job the next. This unpredictable conduct is a common indicator that anxiety or sadness is present. Because of the inconsistency anxiety causes, students might become upset, and teachers can become perplexed and unclear of how to address the situation. Although anxiety can lead to a fear of human interaction, social events can encourage students to interact with individuals who share similar interests. My goal for the future is to become Vice President of the Student Council of FSCJ. Through this leadership position, I hope to coordinate and manage events on and off campus to promote safe distance interaction. Social anxiety has become increasingly common among students and individuals since Covid was introduced. Throughout the pandemic, four in ten adults in the U.S. have shared they have suffered from anxiety or depression. (Panchal, Kamal, Cox, and Garfield, 2021) Human interaction is vital for both our mental and emotional health. Through these coordinated events, would give students of all ages and backgrounds a fair opportunity to build relationships. However, addressing the growing issue is just the start of helping my community. There are many mental health clinics in Jacksonville, Florida, however many students are not making time to focus on their overall health. Many students have a large number of priorities such as managing bills, a part-time or full-time job, college courses, and family/social life. Due to this large checklist, students are unable to seek help. Receiving help from licensed therapists and counselors can be pricy, hosting monthly seminars with local counselors and therapists, may encourage students to focus on loving and taking care of their overall health. Through using my platform as a mental health advocate, I would hope to inspire those in my community and school to prioritize their health. Anxiety is a common issue many children, teenagers, and adults suffer from. Through having conversations about mental health, I hope that addressing the growing issue will cause students worldwide to know that they matter.

Since the tender age of fourteen, I knew what career I wanted to pursue, entrepreneurship. Since I was born, I was surrounded by entrepreneurs and I knew from my observations, that entrepreneurship was the career field that best suited me. My career aspirations are to become a realtor as my first source of income, and as my second source of income, I want to open up a health and wellness company. I intend to inspire individuals to nurture their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. However, my goals are impeded by funding. Since I was seventeen, I had to assist in providing for my family. The financial burden has affected my relationship with my family and the funding I receive for education. As individuals, there is a multitude of actions we can do to make a difference in our society and community. The question arises, what difference will I make in someone’s life? My goal was to install hope, wisdom, and knowledge in their sponge-like minds. Angela Davis once said, “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” This quote inspired me to become the change I wanted to see in others. I am deserving of a scholarship because I will use the funding to help improve my community. Through receiving a college education and scholarships, I will further my education, continue networking with business owners and investors, and improving the daily lives of those who need financial and health assistance. This scholarship is vitally important for me to attain my goals as an entrepreneur because it will assist in providing an opportunity for me to earn a free college education. Previously, I have received the honor as an award recipient for two internship programs in Jacksonville, Florida. As an award recipient, I gained knowledge in the business field of networking, business management, and health and wellness. I also worked full-time my senior year as a receptionist and gym instructor at a local health and wellness center. I am a responsible professional with a passion for wellness. I aspire to work in an environment that will allow me to utilize my knowledge, skills, and abilities to promote and encourage physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness. I maintained a 3.9 GPA throughout my high school career while leading my varsity volleyball team to victory as captain. I formerly held the position as president of the Student Council at Seacoast Christian Academy and the President of the National Honors Society. I am an award recipient of The AnnieRuth foundation and through this organization, I gained a summer internship (June 2020 - July 2020) at The Center for Confidence. I also held several titles at Seacoast Christian Academy, such as Miss Congeniality and Miss Loyalty. I am constantly striving to gain more experience and knowledge in the classroom.

As individuals, there is a multitude of actions we can do to make a generous difference in our society and community. The question arises, what does generosity mean to me? Ever since I was a young girl, I wanted to make an impact in my community. I decided that Health and Wellness was the career field that best suited me. I began by volunteering and mentoring children at my local community center. My goal was to install hope, wisdom, and knowledge in their sponge-like minds. Angela Davis once said, “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” This quote inspired me to become the change I wanted to see in others. During the summer, I spend a great deal of my time giving back to the homeless. I recognized the growing issue of homelessness in my community, in the summer of 2018. One sunny afternoon, I was volunteering with my grandmother in Downtown Jacksonville, Florida. As we walked along the streets offering paper bags full of food and body essentials, we were disturbed by the number of people with nothing but clothes on their backs. I turned to my grandmother and stated, “Why doesn’t the city do something to help them?” she replied, “Because they don’t care. So, it’s our job to help them.” Since then, my grandmother and I volunteer at three churches and two organizations offering food services to those who need it most. The biggest impact we’ve made thus far is finding jobs and safe and affordable homes for single mothers and fathers. Volunteering is important because it benefits the community. This action can make a generous difference in shaping the community, and those in it.

Understanding and overcoming adversity was my biggest challenge as a student. I am fortunate enough to admit that I have not faced the worst in life. However, I have had my fair share of obstacles. Adversity faced me for the first time in the third grade. As a young black girl in a predominately white school, it was a challenge. I did not have porcelain skin that turned red after exhaustion, instead, I had brown skin that bruised after being attacked by my classmates. Attempting to hide my bruises and cuts due to embarrassment, blood dripped from my mouth, staining the white tiles in the seemingly neverending hallway. As I cried out for help, I realized that I have no allies, I was alone. That day, I did not receive help from anyone. A few hours passed, my teacher finally looked at me and asked what happened. I wept with two swollen lips, "They jumped me. Why didn't you help me?" She replied, "You're so quiet, you're bout near invisible." At this moment, I wanted to sink into my chair. Soon, the bell rang, dismissing all students to retrieve back to their abodes. That day, my father was late picking me up from school. The afternoon Florida sun beaming on my brown skin, he immediately saw the cuts on my arms and my swollen lips. I informed him what happened. He parked the car and rushed into the double doors at the entrance of the school. He showed the principal what happened to me but the only words that could come out of her mouth were, "I'm sorry that happened to you; you must be in so much pain." I looked her in the eye and shed a tear, she obviously didn't care. This event changed the trajectory of my life, I developed a stronger mindset. I did personal research on what to do in events like this and how to stop it. I took Karate, read plenty of books, and began developing personal relationships with my teachers throughout the remainder of my school years, to prevent an occurrence like this from happening again. I became a proud pro-black woman. Today, I use my platform to encourage women and men of color to stand their ground and to love their skin. My expectations and standards for myself, are consistently on the rise. I understand my value and my worth. I set boundaries with others and I don't allow others to negatively my outlook on my life. I aspire to become an entrepreneur. I currently use my social media platforms to encourage mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial growth. I am working to receive my real estate license and physical therapy license. Through these two occupations, I want to help others live a life worth living. I believe that everyone has a purpose and the ability to manifest the best possible future for themselves.

Since the tender age of fourteen, I knew what career I wanted to pursue, entrepreneurship. Since I was born, I was surrounded by entrepreneurs and I knew from my observations, that entrepreneurship was the career field that best suited me. My career aspirations are to become a realtor as my first source of income, and as my second source of income, I want to open up a health and wellness company. I intend to inspire individuals to nurture their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. However, my goals are impeded by funding. Since I was seventeen, I had to assist in providing for my family. The financial burden has affected my relationship with my family and the funding I receive for education. I am deserving of a scholarship because I will use the funding to help improve my community. Through receiving a college education and scholarships, I will further my education, continue networking with business owners and investors, and improving the daily lives of those who need financial and health assistance. This scholarship is vitally important for me to attain my goals as an entrepreneur because it will assist in providing an opportunity for me to earn a free college education. Previously, I have received the honor as an award recipient for two internship programs in Jacksonville, Florida. As an award recipient, I gained knowledge in the business field of networking, business management, and health and wellness. I also worked full-time my senior year as a receptionist and gym instructor at a local health and wellness center. I am a responsible professional with a passion for wellness. I aspire to work in an environment that will allow me to utilize my knowledge, skills, and abilities to promote and encourage physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness. I maintained a 3.9 GPA throughout my high school career while leading my varsity volleyball team to victory as captain. I formerly held the position as president of the Student Council at Seacoast Christian Academy and the President of the National Honors Society. I am an award recipient of The AnnieRuth foundation and through this organization, I gained a summer internship (June 2020 - July 2020) at The Center for Confidence. I also held several titles at Seacoast Christian Academy, such as Miss Congeniality and Miss Loyalty. I am constantly striving to gain more experience and knowledge in the classroom.

The most helpful financial advice I have received was to maximize my employment benefits. As we mature we are encouraged to search for high-salary jobs. However, we were not taught how to find value in our work ethic and time. Today, many corporations and businesses often take advantage of their employees. This includes asking employees to work overtime without compensation, to perform tasks that are about their pay grade, taking advantage of an employee's flexibility, etc. Due to this growing list of inequalities, many individuals are not able to afford health care for themselves or their children. Employee benefits are a strategy that companies use to recruit new employees, enhance employee happiness, lower overall employee turnover, and stay competitive. Medical and dental coverage, time off, retirement, and additional support at life-changing events are all common perks offered by most companies. Employees have access to health benefits via their employers, and most offer an annual enrollment period during which they may choose their coverage and make any necessary adjustments. When considering maximizing benefits, it is important to consider what benefits are important to you. Through maximizing benefits, individuals could receive tuition assistance, health, and dental care, or life insurance. Taking the time to understand and negotiate benefits for a job can be helpful outside of the workplace. Employees who receive adequate benefits typically perform better than those who do not receive such benefits. In conclusion, through proper communication and research, an employee who maximizes their benefits tends to be happier and more productive. The volume of information can overwhelm employees, resulting in invaluable benefits that go unused. While high pay is vital, so are decent benefits. Employees aren't the only ones who want benefits. Benefits might also be beneficial to the business. Providing benefits may increase employee retention, concentration, and participation.

My name is Taria Blessing Newkirk, I am 17 and an aspiring entrepreneur. I am a goal-oriented and motivated individual who yearns for success. I am a responsible professional with a passion for wellness. I aspire to work in an environment that will allow me to utilize my knowledge, skills, and abilities to promote and encourage physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness. I am currently enrolled at Seacoast Christian Academy, as a Senior. I currently hold the position as president of the Student Council at Seacoast Christian Academy. I am an award recipient of The AnnieRuth foundation and through this organization, I gained a summer internship (June 2020 - July 2020) at The Center For Confidence. I maintain a 3.9 GPA and I am constantly striving to gain more experience and knowledge in the classroom. I hold several titles at Seacoast Christian Academy such as Miss Congeniality and Miss Loyalty. Since the tender age of fourteen, I knew what career I wanted to pursue, entrepreneurship. Growing up, I was surrounded by entrepreneurs and I knew from my observations, that I too want to become a business owner. My goal is to own a fitness and wellness center called, Taria's Devotion. I want to encourage my employees and customers to think about if they are devoted to improving their future. I want to inspire individuals that look like me, to nurture their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. My business will include two multi-function rooms for community events, two certified therapists, a nail salon, a waxing station, a gym, and a vegan smoothie bar. My goal is to create a healthy atmosphere in which people can come and have a relaxing day. As a young black teen, I recognize that the mental health in my community is fragile. My business is inspired by Ida B. Wells. She was an abolitionist and feminist who led an anti-lynching crusade in the United States in the 1890s. She devoted her life to protecting African Americans from being murdered by white supremacists. Ida B. Wells is the inspiration behind my business name, Taria's Devotion. I want to encourage my community that it is okay to be vulnerable in my work environment. Many black women and men have been told at least once, "Be the bigger person" or, "They're being sensitive" when something hurts them. I want to help raise our standards and awareness of what affects us mentally or emotionally. The black woman is the most disrespected person in the world. I want the young queens that enter my business to understand that they don't have to suffer in silence. I want to change that stigma the moment they walk into the door. I hope to achieve improvement in my community's overall well-being. I will offer affordable services, personal support, and phenomenal customer service. Through operating my business, I hope that it encourages black women and men that they are important and that they are valued. In America, we are silenced. I want to grow a community full of passionate leaders that are willing to be the voice for the silent. Taria Blessing Newkirk

My name is Taria Blessing Newkirk, I am 17 and an aspiring entrepreneur. I am a goal-oriented and motivated individual who yearns for success. I am a responsible professional with a passion for wellness. I aspire to work in an environment that will allow me to utilize my knowledge, skills, and abilities to promote and encourage physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness. I am currently enrolled at Seacoast Christian Academy, as a Senior. I currently hold the position as president of the Student Council at Seacoast Christian Academy. I am an award recipient of The AnnieRuth foundation and through this organization, I gained a summer internship (June 2020 - July 2020) at The Center For Confidence. I maintain a 3.9 GPA and I am constantly striving to gain more experience and knowledge in the classroom. I hold several titles at Seacoast Christian Academy such as Miss Congeniality and Miss Loyalty. Since the tender age of fourteen, I knew what career I wanted to pursue, entrepreneurship. Growing up, I was surrounded by entrepreneurs and I knew from my observations, that I too want to become a business owner. My goal is to own a fitness and wellness center called, Taria's Devotion. I want to encourage my employees and customers to think about if they are devoted to improving their future. I want to inspire individuals that look like me, to nurture their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. My business will include two multi-function rooms for community events, two certified therapists, a nail salon, a waxing station, a gym, and a vegan smoothie bar. My goal is to create a healthy atmosphere in which people can come and have a relaxing day. As a young black teen, I recognize that the mental health in my community is fragile. My business is inspired by Ida B. Wells. She was an abolitionist and feminist who led an anti-lynching crusade in the United States in the 1890s. She devoted her life to protecting African Americans from being murdered by white supremacists. Ida B. Wells is the inspiration behind my business name, Taria's Devotion. I want to encourage my community that it is okay to be vulnerable in my work environment. Many black women and men have been told at least once, "Be the bigger person" or, "They're being sensitive" when something hurts them. I want to help raise our standards and awareness of what affects us mentally or emotionally. The black woman is the most disrespected person in the world. I want the young queens that enter my business to understand that they don't have to suffer in silence. I want to change that stigma the moment they walk into the door. I hope to achieve improvement in my community's overall wellbeing. I will offer affordable services, personal support, and phenomenal customer service. Through operating my business, I hope that it encourages black women and men that they are important and that they are valued. In America, we are silenced. I want to grow a community full of passionate leaders that are willing to be the voice for the silent. Taria Blessing Newkirk

My name is Taria Blessing Newkirk, I am 18 and an aspiring entrepreneur. I am a goal-oriented and motivated individual who yearns for success. I am a responsible professional with a passion for wellness. I aspire to work in an environment that will allow me to utilize my knowledge, skills, and abilities to promote and encourage physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness. Since the tender age of fourteen, I knew what career I wanted to pursue, entrepreneurship. Growing up, I was surrounded by entrepreneurs and I knew from my observations, that I too want to become a business owner. My goal is to own a fitness and wellness center called, Taria's Devotion. I want to encourage my employees and customers to think about if they are devoted to improving their future. I want to inspire individuals that look like me, to nurture their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. My business will include two multi-function rooms for community events, two certified therapists, a nail salon, a waxing station, a gym, and a vegan smoothie bar. My goal is to create a healthy atmosphere in which people can come and have a relaxing day. As a young black teen, I recognize that the mental health in my community is fragile. My business is inspired by Ida B. Wells. She was an abolitionist and feminist who led an anti-lynching crusade in the United States in the 1890s. She devoted her life to protecting African Americans from being murdered by white supremacists. Ida B. Wells is the inspiration behind my business name, Taria's Devotion. I want to encourage my community that it is okay to be vulnerable in my work environment. Many black women and men have been told at least once, "Be the bigger person" or, "They're being sensitive" when something hurts them. I want to help raise our standards and awareness of what affects us mentally or emotionally. The black woman is the most disrespected person in the world. I want the young queens that enter my business to understand that they don't have to suffer in silence. I want to change that stigma the moment they walk into the door. I hope to achieve improvement in my community's overall well-being. I will offer affordable services, personal support, and phenomenal customer service. Through operating my business, I hope that it encourages black women and men that they are important and that they are valued. In America, we are silenced. I want to grow a community full of passionate leaders that are willing to be the voice for the silent. Taria Blessing Newkirk

Understanding and overcoming adversity was my biggest challenge as a student. I am fortunate enough to admit that I have not faced the worst in life. However, I have had my fair share of obstacles. Adversity faced me for the first time in the third grade. As a young black girl in a predominately white school, it was a challenge. I did not have porcelain skin that turned red after exhaustion, instead, I had brown skin that bruised after being attacked by my classmates. Attempting to hide my bruises and cuts due to embarrassment, blood dripped from my mouth, staining the white tiles in the seemingly neverending hallway. As I cried out for help, I realized that I have no allies, I was alone. That day, I did not receive help from anyone. A few hours passed, my teacher finally looked at me and asked what happened. I wept with two swollen lips, "They jumped me. Why didn't you help me?" She replied, "You're so quiet, you're bout near invisible." At this moment, I wanted to sink into my chair. Soon, the bell rang, dismissing all students to retrieve back to their abodes. That day, my father was late picking me up from school. The afternoon Florida sun beaming on my brown skin, he immediately saw the cuts on my arms and my swollen lips. I informed him what happened. He parked the car and rushed into the double doors at the entrance of the school. He showed the principal what happened to me but the only words that could come out of her mouth were, "I'm sorry that happened to you; you must be in so much pain." I looked her in the eye and shed a tear, she obviously didn't care. This event changed the trajectory of my life, I developed a stronger mindset. I did personal research on what to do in events like this and how to stop it. I took Karate, read plenty of books, and began developing personal relationships with my teachers throughout the remainder of my school years, to prevent an occurrence like this from happening again. I became a proud pro-black woman. Today, I use my platform to encourage women and men of color to stand their ground and to love their skin. My expectations and standards for myself, are consistently on the rise. I understand my value and my worth. I set boundaries with others and I don't allow others to negatively my outlook on my life. I aspire to become an entrepreneur. I currently use my social media platforms to encourage mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial growth. I am working to receive my real estate license and physical therapy license. Through these two occupations, I want to help others live a life worth living. I believe that everyone has a purpose and the ability to manifest the best possible future for themselves.

My name is Taria Blessing Newkirk, I am 17 and an aspiring entrepreneur. I am a goal-oriented and motivated individual who yearns for success. I am a responsible professional with a passion for wellness. I aspire to work in an environment that will allow me to utilize my knowledge, skills, and abilities to promote and encourage physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness. I am currently enrolled at Seacoast Christian Academy, as a Senior. I currently hold the position as president of the Student Council at Seacoast Christian Academy. I am an award recipient of The AnnieRuth foundation and through this organization, I gained a summer internship (June 2020 - July 2020) at The Center For Confidence. I maintain a 3.9 GPA and I am constantly striving to gain more experience and knowledge in the classroom. I hold several titles at Seacoast Christian Academy such as Miss Congeniality and Miss Loyalty. Since the tender age of fourteen, I knew what career I wanted to pursue, entrepreneurship. Growing up, I was surrounded by entrepreneurs and I knew from my observations, that I too want to become a business owner. My goal is to own a fitness and wellness center called, Taria's Devotion. I want to encourage my employees and customers to think about if they are devoted to improving their future. I want to inspire individuals that look like me, to nurture their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. My business will include two multi-function rooms for community events, two certified therapists, a nail salon, a waxing station, a gym, and a vegan smoothie bar. My goal is to create a healthy atmosphere in which people can come and have a relaxing day. As a young black teen, I recognize that the mental health in my community is fragile. My business is inspired by Ida B. Wells. She was an abolitionist and feminist who led an anti-lynching crusade in the United States in the 1890s. She devoted her life to protecting African Americans from being murdered by white supremacists. Ida B. Wells is the inspiration behind my business name, Taria's Devotion. I want to encourage my community that it is okay to be vulnerable in my work environment. Many black women and men have been told at least once, "Be the bigger person" or, "They're being sensitive" when something hurts them. I want to help raise our standards and awareness of what affects us mentally or emotionally. The black woman is the most disrespected person in the world. I want the young queens that enter my business to understand that they don't have to suffer in silence. I want to change that stigma the moment they walk into the door. I hope to achieve improvement in my community's overall wellbeing. I will offer affordable services, personal support, and phenomenal customer service. Through operating my business, I hope that it encourages black women and men that they are important and that they are valued. In America, we are silenced. I want to grow a community full of passionate leaders that are willing to be the voice for the silent. Taria Blessing Newkirk

My name is Taria Blessing Newkirk, I am 17 and an aspiring entrepreneur. I am a goal-oriented and motivated individual who yearns for success. I am a responsible professional with a passion for fitness and wellness. I aspire to work in an environment that will allow me to utilize my knowledge, skills, and abilities to promote and encourage physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness. I currently am currently enrolled at Seacoast Christian Academy, as a Senior. I currently hold the position of president of the Student Council at Seacoast Christian Academy. I am an award recipient of The AnnieRuth foundation and through this organization, I gained a summer internship (June 2020 - July 2020) at The Center For Confidence. I maintain a 3.9 GPA and I am constantly striving to gain more experience and knowledge in the classroom. I hold several titles at Seacoast Christian Academy such as Miss Congeniality and Miss Loyalty. Since the tender age of fourteen, I knew what career I wanted to pursue, entrepreneurship. Growing up, I was surrounded by entrepreneurs and I knew from my observations, that I too want to become a business owner. My goal is to own a fitness and wellness center called, Taria's Devotion. I want to inspire individuals that look like me, to nurture their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. My business will include two multi-function rooms for community events, two certified therapists, a nail salon, a waxing station, a gym, and a vegan smoothie bar. My goal is to create a healthy atmosphere in which people can come and have a relaxing day. As a young black teen, I recognize that the mental health in my community is fragile. My business is inspired by Ida B. Wells. She was an abolitionist and feminist who led an anti-lynching crusade in the United States in the 1890s. She devoted her life to protecting African Americans from being murdered by white supremacists. Ida B. Wells is the inspiration behind my business name, Taria's Devotion. I want to encourage my community that it is okay to be vulnerable in my work environment. Many black women and men have been told at least once, "Be the bigger person" or, "They're being sensitive" when something hurts them. I want to help raise our standards and awareness of what affects us mentally or emotionally. The black woman is the most disrespected person in the world. I want the young queens that enter my business to understand that they don't have to suffer in silence. I want to change that stigma the moment they walk into the door. I hope to achieve improvement in my community's overall wellbeing. I will offer affordable services, personal support, and phenomenal customer service. Through operating my business, I hope that it encourages black women and men that they are important and that they are valued. In America, we are silenced. I want to grow a community full of passionate leaders that are willing to be the voice for the silent.

My name is Taria Blessing Newkirk, I am 17 and an aspiring entrepreneur. I am a goal-oriented and motivated individual who yearns for success. I am a responsible professional with a passion for wellness. I aspire to work in an environment that will allow me to utilize my knowledge, skills, and abilities to promote and encourage physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness. I am currently enrolled at Seacoast Christian Academy, as a Senior. I currently hold the position as president of the Student Council at Seacoast Christian Academy. I am an award recipient of The AnnieRuth foundation and through this organization, I gained a summer internship (June 2020 - July 2020) at The Center For Confidence. I maintain a 3.9 GPA and I am constantly striving to gain more experience and knowledge in the classroom. I hold several titles at Seacoast Christian Academy such as Miss Congeniality and Miss Loyalty. Since the tender age of fourteen, I knew what career I wanted to pursue, entrepreneurship. Growing up, I was surrounded by entrepreneurs and I knew from my observations, that I too want to become a business owner. My goal is to own a fitness and wellness center called, Taria's Devotion. I want to encourage my employees and customers to think about if they are devoted to improving their future. I want to inspire individuals that look like me, to nurture their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. My business will include two multi-function rooms for community events, two certified therapists, a nail salon, a waxing station, a gym, and a vegan smoothie bar. My goal is to create a healthy atmosphere in which people can come and have a relaxing day. As a young black teen, I recognize that the mental health in my community is fragile. My business is inspired by Ida B. Wells. She was an abolitionist and feminist who led an anti-lynching crusade in the United States in the 1890s. She devoted her life to protecting African Americans from being murdered by white supremacists. Ida B. Wells is the inspiration behind my business name, Taria's Devotion. I want to encourage my community that it is okay to be vulnerable in my work environment. Many black women and men have been told at least once, "Be the bigger person" or, "They're being sensitive" when something hurts them. I want to help raise our standards and awareness of what affects us mentally or emotionally. The black woman is the most disrespected person in the world. I want the young queens that enter my business to understand that they don't have to suffer in silence. I want to change that stigma the moment they walk into the door. I hope to achieve improvement in my community's overall wellbeing. I will offer affordable services, personal support, and phenomenal customer service. Through operating my business, I hope that it encourages black women and men that they are important and that they are valued. In America, we are silenced. I want to grow a community full of passionate leaders that are willing to be the voice for the silent. Taria Blessing Newkirk

My name is Taria Blessing Newkirk, I am 17 and an aspiring entrepreneur. I am a goal-oriented and motivated individual who yearns for success. I am a responsible professional with a passion for wellness. I aspire to work in an environment that will allow me to utilize my knowledge, skills, and abilities to promote and encourage physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness. I am currently enrolled at Seacoast Christian Academy, as a Senior. I currently hold the position as president of the Student Council at Seacoast Christian Academy. I am an award recipient of The AnnieRuth foundation and through this organization, I gained a summer internship (June 2020 - July 2020) at The Center For Confidence. I maintain a 3.9 GPA and I am constantly striving to gain more experience and knowledge in the classroom. I hold several titles at Seacoast Christian Academy such as Miss Congeniality and Miss Loyalty. Since the tender age of fourteen, I knew what career I wanted to pursue, entrepreneurship. Growing up, I was surrounded by entrepreneurs and I knew from my observations, that I too want to become a business owner. My goal is to own a fitness and wellness center called, Taria's Devotion. I want to encourage my employees and customers to think about if they are devoted to improving their future. I want to inspire individuals that look like me, to nurture their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. My business will include two multi-function rooms for community events, two certified therapists, a nail salon, a waxing station, a gym, and a vegan smoothie bar. My goal is to create a healthy atmosphere in which people can come and have a relaxing day. As a young black teen, I recognize that the mental health in my community is fragile. My business is inspired by Ida B. Wells. She was an abolitionist and feminist who led an anti-lynching crusade in the United States in the 1890s. She devoted her life to protecting African Americans from being murdered by white supremacists. Ida B. Wells is the inspiration behind my business name, Taria's Devotion. I want to encourage my community that it is okay to be vulnerable in my work environment. Many black women and men have been told at least once, "Be the bigger person" or, "They're being sensitive" when something hurts them. I want to help raise our standards and awareness of what affects us mentally or emotionally. The black woman is the most disrespected person in the world. I want the young queens that enter my business to understand that they don't have to suffer in silence. I want to change that stigma the moment they walk into the door. I hope to achieve improvement in my community's overall wellbeing. I will offer affordable services, personal support, and phenomenal customer service. Through operating my business, I hope that it encourages black women and men that they are important and that they are valued. In America, we are silenced. I want to grow a community full of passionate leaders that are willing to be the voice for the silent. Taria Blessing Newkirk

My name is Taria Blessing Newkirk, I am 17 and an aspiring entrepreneur. I am a goal-oriented and motivated individual who yearns for success. I am a responsible professional with a passion for wellness. I aspire to work in an environment that will allow me to utilize my knowledge, skills, and abilities to promote and encourage physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness. I am currently enrolled at Seacoast Christian Academy, as a Senior. I currently hold the position as president of the Student Council at Seacoast Christian Academy. I am an award recipient of The AnnieRuth foundation and through this organization, I gained a summer internship (June 2020 - July 2020) at The Center For Confidence. I maintain a 3.9 GPA and I am constantly striving to gain more experience and knowledge in the classroom. I hold several titles at Seacoast Christian Academy such as Miss Congeniality and Miss Loyalty. Since the tender age of fourteen, I knew what career I wanted to pursue, entrepreneurship. Growing up, I was surrounded by entrepreneurs and I knew from my observations, that I too want to become a business owner. My goal is to own a fitness and wellness center called, Taria's Devotion. I want to encourage my employees and customers to think about if they are devoted to improving their future. I want to inspire individuals that look like me, to nurture their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. My business will include two multi-function rooms for community events, two certified therapists, a nail salon, a waxing station, a gym, and a vegan smoothie bar. My goal is to create a healthy atmosphere in which people can come and have a relaxing day. As a young black teen, I recognize that the mental health in my community is fragile. My business is inspired by Ida B. Wells. She was an abolitionist and feminist who led an anti-lynching crusade in the United States in the 1890s. She devoted her life to protecting African Americans from being murdered by white supremacists. Ida B. Wells is the inspiration behind my business name, Taria's Devotion. I want to encourage my community that it is okay to be vulnerable in my work environment. Many black women and men have been told at least once, "Be the bigger person" or, "They're being sensitive" when something hurts them. I want to help raise our standards and awareness of what affects us mentally or emotionally. The black woman is the most disrespected person in the world. I want the young queens that enter my business to understand that they don't have to suffer in silence. I want to change that stigma the moment they walk into the door. I hope to achieve improvement in my community's overall wellbeing. I will offer affordable services, personal support, and phenomenal customer service. Through operating my business, I hope that it encourages black women and men that they are important and that they are valued. In America, we are silenced. I want to grow a community full of passionate leaders that are willing to be the voice for the silent. Taria Blessing Newkirk

Throughout my life, I have, like most, been faced with trials and tribulations that were set in place to either make or break me. I have been fortunate enough to have individuals on my side who will stop at nothing to ensure that I succeed, and this is the mindset that I have. I was at a low point in my life and did not understand how this could happen and how I could continue to go on. Through the game of volleyball I was able to connect with many individuals including players and coaches, some who saw the pain and struggle that I endured, wanted to help me. Many of those individuals, to my surprise, had gone through the exact same difficulties if not worse, and were able to lend an ear to listen and knowledge to be gained. Throughout high school, I always knew that going to college would be an option, but I never had the guidance on how exactly to get there. Something that my coach always told me was “you’ll learn so much more from a loss than you will from a win, so in essence, you still win!” I had to learn how to respond from hitting rock bottom and knew that it would be a tough test in life. I am very thankful for those individuals because when it seemed like all doors were closing, God placed them into my life and helped open numerous doors beneficial for my future and well-being. My story is not the worse story, but it is still a story. A story of hardships faced by a young woman who, against all odds, has overcome obstacles and become successful in life. My story is still being written to this day because I know that when one chapter ends another chapter is slowly approaching. Taria Blessing Newkirk