I have been a part of my church family since the day I was born. In fact, my pastor was even present at my birth, which makes my connection to the church something very personal and deeply rooted. Growing up in that environment has shaped who I am, not just spiritually, but also as a person who values service, leadership, and giving back. My church has never been just a place of worship for me—it has been a foundation that taught me how to serve others with love and purpose. One of the most memorable parts of my journey has been praise dancing. From a young age, I expressed my faith and joy through dance, and it became more than just a performance—it was a way to minister to others. I realized that serving does not always look like handing out food or organizing donations; sometimes, it’s about uplifting people’s spirits and sharing positivity in creative ways. Praise dancing gave me the chance to do that, and it showed me how service can come from using the gifts God has given me. My role in the church grew even further when I became a youth leader. At first, I wasn’t sure if I was ready for that responsibility, but it turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Being a youth leader taught me how to guide, encourage, and support younger members of the church. I learned to listen, to set a good example, and to be patient. This role also helped me become more confident in myself, and it gave me leadership skills that I now carry into every area of my life. Another way I have served through my church is by volunteering at Vacation Bible Study, which is one of our biggest annual events. This program brings children together to learn, grow, and connect, and I’ve always loved being part of it. Whether I was helping with activities, assisting the teachers, or simply being a positive role model for the kids, I felt the importance of pouring back into the next generation. Through VBS, I saw firsthand how my service could inspire joy and faith in children, which motivated me even more to continue giving back. Beyond these specific roles, being raised in the church has shaped the way I approach all forms of service. My pastor and church family have always emphasized that service is not about being noticed, but about being faithful and compassionate. Whether I am helping at church, volunteering in schools, or assisting at community events, I carry that mindset with me. Serving others has become second nature because it was instilled in me from the very beginning. Most importantly, my church has given me a sense of purpose in serving. It has shown me that service can come in many forms—whether it’s dancing, leading, teaching, or simply lending a helping hand. Each opportunity has helped me grow in character, patience, and love. I’ve learned that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a lasting impact, and that giving back is not just something you do—it’s a way of life. In conclusion, my lifelong involvement in my church has shaped my heart for service. From praise dancing to leading the youth, to helping with Vacation Bible Study, every experience has taught me lessons I will carry forever. My church has not only guided me spiritually but has also prepared me to serve my community with love, humility, and purpose. It has built in me a lifelong commitment to uplifting others, wherever life takes me.

I was born and raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and I take great pride in calling this place home. The Gulf Coast has taught me about strength, independence, and the value of community. Growing up in Pascagoula, Mississippi, I saw both the struggles and the determination that make this area unique. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career where I can give back and make a real difference -- through education. Graduating from Pascagoula High School, I chose to further my education at Alabama State University, where I plan to major in Elementary Education and minor in Psychology. I chose Alabama State because it is a Historically Black University that I believe will support both my professional and personal growth. I'm excited to be in an environment where I can continue learning about myself while preparing for a career I am passionate about. During high school, I had the opportunity to intern at Arlington Elementary School as a teacher assistant in a first-grade classroom. I worked there for five hours each school day, gaining hands-on experience supporting students and helping the teacher with daily lessons. That internship confirmed my passion for teaching and learning. In addition to my internship, I also completed over 100 volunteer hours at Central Elementary School and Eastlawn Elementary, both in Pascagoula. Whether it was helping a student sound out words or giving encouragement during a rough day, I saw the power of small actions in shaping a child's confidence and success. After graduating from Alabama State University, I plan to return to Mississippi Gulf Coast and teach in a public elementary school. I want to work in a community like the one I grew up in. Where students may face challenges but have big dreams. I want to be the kind of teacher who helps students believe in themselves, who creates a classroom that feels like a second home, who never gives up on them and to help them beyond just learning academics. Eventually, I may explore becoming a school counselor or taking on a leadership role in education. But no matter what, my focus will always be helping children succeed and supporting schools in my home state. I believe in education is one of the strongest tools for change, and I want to use it to build a stronger future for Mississippi. Receiving this scholarship would help me move forward without worrying about the financial stress of college. It would allow me to stay focused on my goals and return home with the tools I need to make a real impact. I'm proud of where I come from, and I'm committed to making a difference right here on the Gulf Coast.