My journey has been shaped by significant personal challenges, such as the illness and passing of my beloved grandmother, and the responsibility of supporting my family during this period. I was deeply affected by the absence of my parents as they cared for my grandmother, forcing me to navigate many responsibilities on my own. Despite these adversities, I learned to rely on myself and the support of close friends. Journaling became a vital tool in processing my grief and managing my anxiety, helping me channel my emotions constructively and maintain a balanced perspective on my circumstances. These experiences have not only forged my sense of independence and determination but have also influenced my aspirations for the future. They have driven my determination to pursue a career where I can apply these hard-earned qualities in a meaningful way. The absence of my parents due to their care for my grandmother fostered in me a profound sense of independence and resilience. Despite obstacles along the way, I’ve known I wanted to be involved in the construction field since a young age. I plan to leverage the skills and adaptability I gained from caring for my grandmother during her illness to tackle challenges in construction projects. My goal is to remain calm under pressure, think creatively to solve problems and maintain a positive attitude despite setbacks. I aim to contribute to the field of construction management by taking on complex projects with a strategic and resilient approach, integrating sustainable practices, and making a positive impact on the industry. I am committed to incorporating sustainability into all my future projects, envisioning an eco-friendly construction company that prioritizes environmental conservation and long-term sustainability. In college, I intend to apply the lessons I've learned from personal adversity to deepen my understanding of construction management, equipping myself with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field and further my career aspirations. Growing up with parents who owned a real estate company exposed me to the process of transforming dilapidated houses into beautifully renovated homes from a young age. This experience has fueled my deep passion for construction and development. In college, I aspire to merge the technical expertise gained through my studies with the personal growth achieved through overcoming adversity. I intend to use these insights to build strong relationships with peers and mentors, fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual support throughout my college journey To me, success means establishing a sustainable construction company that provides a better alternative to the densely packed "eat-live-play" communities. These communities produce carbon dioxide and limit oxygen production. I plan to use the scholarship to develop ideas that will help improve the longevity of our planet. At the same time, I aim to create beautifully designed homes that will offer people the opportunity to build lasting memories, from which they can learn valuable lessons, whether happy or sad. A home is more than just a physical structure; it represents a place where memories are made, where I can find solace, and where I can grow. I envision a home as a sanctuary that fosters creativity and provides comfort. It's a space where I can be myself, surrounded by those I love, and where I can continually learn and grow. A home is a foundation for memories and a place where I can create experiences that shape my life. This is why I want to build sustainable homes—a place where memories can last forever.

After my grandmother passed away, I struggled with overwhelming emotions and anxiety. Through journaling and support from friends, I found constructive ways to manage my feelings. Expressing my thoughts on paper has helped me handle anxiety and gain a more balanced perspective on life. I also came to appreciate the sacrifices my parents made, despite not being physically present in my daily life. Through significant personal challenges, including my beloved grandmother's illness and passing, and the responsibility of supporting my family during this time, my journey has been profoundly shaped. The absence of my parents as they cared for my grandmother forced me to manage numerous responsibilities on my own, deeply affecting me. Despite these adversities, I learned to rely on myself and the support of close friends. Journaling became a crucial tool in processing my grief and managing my anxiety. It helped me channel my emotions constructively and maintain a balanced perspective on my circumstances. The experiences I've had have not only shaped my independence and determination but have also influenced my aspirations for the future. They have fueled my drive to pursue a career where I can utilize these hard-earned qualities in a meaningful manner. The absence of my parents, who were caring for my grandmother, instilled in me a deep sense of independence and resilience. Despite facing obstacles, I've known since a young age that I wanted to work in the construction field. I intend to use the skills and adaptability I gained from caring for my grandmother during her illness to overcome challenges in construction projects. My goal is to stay calm under pressure, think creatively, and maintain a positive attitude despite setbacks. I aim to contribute to the field of construction management by taking on complex projects with a strategic and resilient approach. I am committed to integrating sustainable practices into all my projects and envisioning an eco-friendly construction company. In college, I aim to apply the lessons I've learned from personal adversity to deepen my understanding of construction management and further my career aspirations. To me, success means creating a sustainable construction company that stands as a better alternative to the densely packed "eat-live-play" communities that emit carbon dioxide and limit oxygen production. I plan to use the scholarship to develop ideas that will improve our planet’s longevity while also creating beautifully designed spaces to enjoy and create memories. Through innovative and environmentally conscious construction practices. I aim to contribute to a more sustainable future for generations to come. I believe that by prioritizing eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient designs, and green spaces within urban environments, we can mitigate the environmental impact of urbanization and promote a healthier way of living. This scholarship will not only support my educational pursuits but will also empower me to advocate for sustainable practices in construction and architecture, aligning with my dedication to environmental stewardship and community well-being.

As I hurried to catch up with Antoinette in the tranquil parking lot, the roar of the engine filled the air. "Antoinette, wait! Can you give me a ride?" I blurted out. Seeking rides reminded me of my absent parents, who were caring for my grandmother four hours away. Comparing my situation to my teammates, who received unwavering support from their families at every game, made me realize the challenges I faced. Wanting to spare my parents from additional worries, I tried to rely solely on myself and my connections. The passing of my grandmother triggered a flood of emotions that I struggled to handle. Overwhelmed by anxiety and driven by an almost compulsive need for perfection, I realized I harbored resentment toward my parents and grandmother for their absence during crucial moments in my life. However, through introspection and the support of close friends, I gradually learned to channel these feelings constructively. Journaling became my refuge—a tool to release pent-up emotions and regain clarity in moments of distress. Expressing my thoughts on paper has allowed me to manage my anxious thoughts and prevent them from taking over. Since I began journaling, my mind has taken a break from obsessing over everyday negative situations and stressing about a future I cannot control. It helped me process grief, manage anxiety, and cultivate a more balanced perspective on my circumstances. I began to appreciate the sacrifices my parents made, recognizing their unwavering dedication to my grandmother's well-being despite their physical absence from my daily life. My journey has been shaped by significant personal challenges, such as the illness and passing of my beloved grandmother, and the responsibility of supporting my family during this period. I was deeply affected by the absence of my parents as they cared for my grandmother, forcing me to navigate many responsibilities on my own. Despite these adversities, I learned to rely on myself and the support of close friends. Journaling became a vital tool in processing my grief and managing my anxiety, helping me channel my emotions constructively and maintain a balanced perspective on my circumstances. These experiences have not only forged my sense of independence and determination but have also influenced my aspirations for the future. They have driven my determination to pursue a career where I can apply these hard-earned qualities in a meaningful way. The absence of my parents due to their care for my grandmother fostered in me a profound sense of independence and resilience. Despite obstacles along the way, I’ve known I wanted to be involved in the construction field since a young age. I plan to leverage the skills and adaptability I gained from caring for my grandmother during her illness to tackle challenges in construction projects. My goal is to remain calm under pressure, think creatively to solve problems and maintain a positive attitude despite setbacks. I aim to contribute to the field of construction management by taking on complex projects with a strategic and resilient approach, integrating sustainable practices, and making a positive impact on the industry. I am committed to incorporating sustainability into all my future projects, envisioning an eco-friendly construction company that prioritizes environmental conservation and long-term sustainability. In college, I intend to apply the lessons I've learned from personal adversity to deepen my understanding of construction management, equipping myself with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field and further my career aspirations. Growing up with parents who owned a real estate company exposed me to the process of transforming dilapidated houses into beautifully renovated homes from a young age. This experience has fueled my deep passion for construction and development. In college, I aspire to merge the technical expertise gained through my studies with the personal growth achieved through overcoming adversity. I intend to use these insights to build strong relationships with peers and mentors, fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual support throughout my college journey To me, success means establishing a sustainable construction company that offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to densely packed "eat-live-play" communities. These communities emit carbon dioxide and limit oxygen production. I plan to use the scholarship to develop innovative and practical ideas that will enhance our planet’s longevity while also creating beautifully designed spaces for leisure and cherished memories. I envision a construction company where green technologies and sustainable materials are the standard, not the exception. This means utilizing renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, implementing innovative water conservation techniques, using eco-friendly building materials, and integrating green spaces into urban environments to improve the overall quality of life. Through the development of such a company, I aim to contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. This future would involve the built environment existing harmoniously with nature while promoting positive human experiences.

The sound of the engine revving echoed through the quiet parking lot as I hurried to catch up with Antoinette. "Antoinette, wait up… can you give me a ride?" I blurted out. My constant need for rides reminded me of my absent parents, who cared for my grandmother, who lived four hours away. The absence of familial support led me to compare my situation to my teammates, who seemed to have their families' unwavering support at every game. I sought to spare my parents from additional worries and solely rely on myself and my connections. At first, after hearing the news that my grandmother was placed into hospice, I was devastated because she was the only person I knew who unspokenly considered me her favorite. We had a special bond fostered by our time together each summer watching old-timey shows, cooking, and gardening. As I watched her slowly fade, my heart ached knowing that my dreams of experiencing life's major milestones with her presence were slipping away. My grandmother’s diagnosis changed our lives. My parents focused on her care, fostering my independence. I cooked, cleaned, studied, asked for my transportation, and stayed out of trouble, so my parents didn’t have to worry about me. After my grandmother passed away, I struggled with overwhelming anxiety and a relentless pursuit of perfection. I realized I was holding onto resentment towards my parents and grandmother. I felt guilty for complaining about trivial matters and kept my feelings to myself. I became overwhelmed by anxiety about my future success and an unrelenting pursuit of perfection. Since then, I have learned to pause and write down my thoughts to release my suppressed emotions whenever I feel overwhelmed. Putting my thoughts on paper has allowed me to manage my anxious thoughts and prevent them from taking over. Since I began journaling, my mind has taken a break from obsessing over everyday negative situations and stressing about a future I cannot control. Even though I lost, I gained a new perspective. After my grandmother's passing, heartfelt conversations helped me understand that my parents did their best while caring for her. I began to appreciate the time I had left with her, cherishing every moment. I learned to laugh and have meaningless conversations about school, my grades, and my involvement. Even in difficult times, I found joy and strived to excel in school, wanting to make my grandmother proud without letting the pressure consume me. I remember when I found out about my grandmother's death, my closest friends comforted me. After my first day back at school, I had a moment in the bathroom. My friends touched my heart by planning a lunch date at my favorite restaurant and talking about the latest gossip, distracting me from my grief and allowing me to appreciate those who are still in my life. Her passing has deeply influenced my desire to pursue a career in construction management. The adversity I faced taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of finding positivity in challenging situations. These qualities are essential in the field of construction management, where unforeseen obstacles and setbacks are common. My experience has instilled in me the ability to remain calm under pressure, find innovative solutions, and maintain a positive outlook even in the face of adversity. These skills will be invaluable as I work on cutting-edge projects and technologies in construction management, allowing me to navigate challenges and contribute to the success of complex construction projects.

The sound of the engine revving echoed through the quiet parking lot as I hurried to catch up with Antoinette. "Antoinette, wait up… can you give me a ride?" I blurted out. My constant need for rides reminded me of my absent parents, who cared for my grandmother, who lived four hours away. The absence of familial support led me to compare my situation to my teammates, who seemed to have their families' unwavering support at every game. I sought to spare my parents from additional worries and solely rely on myself and my connections. At first, after hearing the news that my grandmother was placed into hospice, I was devastated because she was the only person I knew who unspokenly considered me her favorite. We had a special bond fostered by our time together each summer watching old-timey shows, cooking, and gardening. As I watched her slowly fade, my heart ached knowing that my dreams of experiencing life's major milestones with her presence were slipping away. My grandmother’s diagnosis changed our lives. My parents focused on her care, fostering my independence. I cooked, cleaned, studied, asked for my transportation, and stayed out of trouble, so my parents didn’t have to worry about me. After my grandmother passed away, I struggled with overwhelming anxiety and a relentless pursuit of perfection. I realized I was holding onto resentment towards my parents and grandmother. I felt guilty for complaining about trivial matters and kept my feelings to myself. I became overwhelmed by anxiety about my future success and an unrelenting pursuit of perfection. Since then, I have learned to pause and write down my thoughts to release my suppressed emotions whenever I feel overwhelmed. Putting my thoughts on paper has allowed me to manage my anxious thoughts and prevent them from taking over. Since I began journaling, my mind has taken a break from obsessing over everyday negative situations and stressing about a future I cannot control. Even though I lost, I gained a new perspective. After my grandmother's passing, heartfelt conversations helped me understand that my parents did their best while caring for her. I began to appreciate the time I had left with her, cherishing every moment. I learned to laugh and have meaningless conversations about school, my grades, and my involvement. Even in difficult times, I found joy and strived to excel in school, wanting to make my grandmother proud without letting the pressure consume me. I remember when I found out about my grandmother's death, my closest friends comforted me. After my first day back at school, I had a moment in the bathroom. My friends touched my heart by planning a lunch date at my favorite restaurant and talking about the latest gossip, distracting me from my grief and allowing me to appreciate those who are still in my life. Her passing has deeply influenced my desire to pursue a career in construction management. The adversity I faced taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of finding positivity in challenging situations. These qualities are essential in the field of construction management, where unforeseen obstacles and setbacks are common. My experience has instilled in me the ability to remain calm under pressure, find innovative solutions, and maintain a positive outlook even in the face of adversity. These skills will be invaluable as I work on cutting-edge projects and technologies in construction management, allowing me to navigate challenges and contribute to the success of complex construction projects.

I quickened my pace to catch up with Antoinette in the quiet parking lot, the sound of the engine revving echoing around us. "Antoinette, wait up. Can you give me a ride?" I blurted out. The constant need for rides reminded me of my absent parents, who were caring for my grandmother, located four hours away. Comparing my situation to my teammates, who seemed to have their families' unwavering support at every game, made me realize the challenges I faced. Wanting to spare my parents from additional worries, I sought to rely solely on myself and my connections. The loss of my grandmother triggered a wave of emotions that I struggled to manage. Overwhelmed by anxiety and driven by an almost compulsive need for perfection, I realized I was harboring resentment towards my parents and grandmother for their absence during crucial moments of my life. However, through introspection and the support of close friends, I gradually learned to channel these feelings constructively. Journaling became my refuge—a tool to release pent-up emotions and regain clarity in moments of distress. Putting my thoughts on paper has allowed me to manage my anxious thoughts and prevent them from taking over. Since I began journaling, my mind has taken a break from obsessing over everyday negative situations and stressing about a future I cannot control. It helped me process grief, manage anxiety, and cultivate a more balanced perspective on my circumstances. I began to appreciate the sacrifices my parents made, recognizing their unwavering dedication to my grandmother's well-being despite their physical absence from my daily life. Going to college represents a transformative opportunity for me—a chance to build on the lessons learned from personal adversity and channel them into my academic and professional goals. For me, college is more than just an educational milestone; it's a crucial step towards personal growth and achieving my career aspirations in construction management. My journey has been shaped by significant challenges, including the illness and passing of my beloved grandmother. Her absence, coupled with the responsibilities I took on to support my family during her final years, fostered in me a profound sense of independence and resilience. These experiences, while difficult, have driven my determination to pursue a career where I can apply these hard-earned qualities in a meaningful way. At college, I aim to deepen my understanding of construction management, equipping myself with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field. My goal is to leverage the resilience and adaptability I developed during my grandmother’s illness to tackle the challenges of construction projects. I want to be able to remain calm under pressure, think creatively to solve problems, and maintain a positive outlook, regardless of the obstacles that arise. My personal experiences have taught me the value of support networks and effective communication. I plan to use these insights to build strong relationships with peers and mentors, fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual support throughout my college journey. My objective is to blend the technical expertise gained through my studies with the personal growth achieved through overcoming adversity. I hope to contribute positively to the field of construction management, taking on complex projects with a strategic and resilient mindset, and ultimately making a difference in the industry. In essence, college is not just a place for academic achievement but a platform for personal and professional development. It is where I can transform the challenges I've faced into strengths, and where I can build a foundation for a successful and fulfilling career.

The world is unjust, to say the least. "The Hate U Give" profoundly impacted my thinking and significantly influenced my decision to pursue a career in construction management. In the book, the protagonist Starr witnesses her childhood friend Khalil being unjustly killed by a police officer during a routine traffic stop. The story of Starr's unwavering determination to seek justice and equality despite the odds underscored the importance of standing up against societal inequities. It inspired within me a sense of purpose, emphasizing the need to be proactive in creating positive change. This resonated with my desire to contribute to the creation of thriving, sustainable communities through a career in construction management. Witnessing the transformation of raw land into towering structures in the book paralleled my aspirations to be a part of the societal transformation process through my work in construction management. My parents grew up in a small town with limited opportunities for success. There were pawn shops, busted gas stations, credit repair shops, dilapidated trailers, and people who lacked the awareness to achieve financial independence. I remember growing up at a young age and being told I was moving in with my grandmother for the summer. In hindsight, I was homeless; my parents sold our home because my dad's job term ended, and we had to relocate. We escaped that town and eventually found a city full of bigger aspirations after my parents became educated in the real estate market. Witnessing the struggles of my parents while growing up in a community marred by economic adversity and witnessing the injustice faced by the protagonist in "The Hate U Give" has profoundly shaped my perspective on the importance of education and influenced my pursuit of a career in construction management. The experiences of seeing my parents work tirelessly to improve their circumstances, particularly in understanding the real estate market, and witnessing the challenges they had to overcome, has instilled in me the belief that education is the key to breaking the cycle of inequality. "The Hate U Give" further illuminated the systemic injustices and inequalities prevalent in society, sparking my determination to make a difference in my way. Despite my parents' inconsistent income, I am inspired by their ability to envision something beautiful. Their influence has sparked my interest in real estate development, seeing raw land transformed into tall structures. These experiences have strengthened my belief in the transformative power of education and have motivated me to pursue a career in construction management. I see the field of construction not only as a way for personal and professional growth but also as a means to contribute to the creation of thriving, sustainable communities. My aspiration to own a construction company stems from the desire to be part of the societal transformation process, much like witnessing the transformation of raw land into tall structures. I am determined to defy potential prejudices and stereotypes as a black woman by pursuing a career that can positively impact the built environment and contribute to the greater good, much like Starr's decision to advocate for justice and equality in "The Hate U Give."

I quickened my pace to catch up with Antoinette in the quiet parking lot, the sound of the engine revving echoing around us. "Antoinette, wait up… Can you give me a ride?" I blurted out. The constant need for rides reminded me of my absent parents, who were caring for my grandmother, located four hours away. Comparing my situation to my teammates, who seemed to have their families' unwavering support at every game, made me realize the challenges I faced. Wanting to spare my parents from additional worries, I sought to rely solely on myself and my connections. Adversity has been a significant part of my journey and has profoundly shaped who I am today. One pivotal moment came when my grandmother was placed into hospice care, marking the beginning of a period filled with emotional and practical challenges. With my parents fully occupied by her care, I found myself navigating life largely on my own, grappling with feelings of isolation and a sense of unfairness compared to peers who enjoyed strong family support. The loss of my grandmother triggered a wave of emotions that I struggled to manage. Overwhelmed by anxiety and driven by an almost compulsive need for perfection, I realized I was harboring resentment towards my parents and grandmother for their absence during crucial moments of my life. However, through introspection and the support of close friends, I gradually learned to channel these feelings constructively. Journaling became my refuge—a tool to release pent-up emotions and regain clarity in moments of distress. Putting my thoughts on paper has allowed me to manage my anxious thoughts and prevent them from taking over. Since I began journaling, my mind has taken a break from obsessing over everyday negative situations and stressing about a future I cannot control. It helped me process grief, manage anxiety, and cultivate a more balanced perspective on my circumstances. I began to appreciate the sacrifices my parents made, recognizing their unwavering dedication to my grandmother's well-being despite their physical absence from my daily life. During my grieving process, I discovered resilience and adaptability—qualities that have proven invaluable as I pursue a career in construction management. The ability to control my mental warfare and to focus my mind on the positive aspects of life became crucial. The field demands the ability to navigate unforeseen challenges and setbacks, skills honed through my experiences. I've learned to stay composed under pressure, seek innovative solutions, and maintain optimism despite adversity—a mindset crucial for managing complex construction projects. Ultimately, my grandmother's passing reinforced my commitment to making a meaningful impact in construction management. It taught me that adversity, while daunting, can also be transformative. I now approach challenges with purpose and optimism, drawing strength from past experiences to guide my future endeavors. I would offer advice to anyone facing similar circumstances: embrace your emotions and seek constructive outlets to express them. Allow yourself to lean on supportive relationships and recognize that adversity is an opportunity for personal growth. Trust in your resilience and use setbacks as opportunities to cultivate strength and resilience. In every hardship lies the potential for profound learning and self-discovery.

The sound of the engine revving echoed through the quiet parking lot as I hurried to catch up with Antoinette. "Antoinette, wait up... can you give me a ride?" I blurted out. The words rolled off my tongue without thinking. My constant need for rides reminded me of my absent parents, who cared for my grandmother, who lived four hours away. My parents tried to attend my games, but that was at the bottom of their to-do list. The absence of familial support led me to compare my situation to my teammates, who seemed to have their families' unwavering support at every game. I sought to spare my parents from additional worries and solely rely on myself and my connections. At first, after hearing the news that my grandmother was placed into hospice, I was devastated because she was the only person I knew who unspokenly considered me her favorite. We had a special bond fostered by our time together each summer watching old-timey shows, cooking, and gardening. As I watched her slowly fade, my heart ached knowing that my dreams of experiencing life's major milestones with her presence were slipping away. My grandmother’s diagnosis changed our lives. My parents focused on her care, fostering my independence. I cooked, cleaned, studied, asked for my transportation, and stayed out of trouble, so my parents didn’t have to worry about me. After my grandmother passed away, I struggled with loss and guilt. I repressed my feelings and became overwhelmed with anxiety. Seeking therapy helped me realize my need to release my suppressed emotions. Journaling has helped me manage my anxious thoughts and take a break from obsessing over everyday negative situations and stressing about the future. Even though I lost, I gained a new perspective. After my grandmother's passing, I grappled with my grief. I also confronted my insecurities on the basketball court. The sport, once a source of joy and camaraderie, had become a battleground of self-doubt and perfectionism. Rather than dwelling on mistakes or shortcomings, I began actively seeking out the positives in my performance. This shift in mindset not only improved my game but also nurtured resilience and self-compassion. Through these experiences, I've learned the importance of personal development. It's not merely about achieving external success or meeting societal expectations; it's about cultivating inner strength, emotional resilience, and a positive mindset. These qualities are indispensable in both personal and professional spheres, including my aspirations in construction management, where adaptability and problem-solving are paramount. By embracing personal development, I am actively shaping the best version of myself. I've learned to manage anxiety through mindfulness and self-reflection, fostering a healthier relationship with both success and failure. Instead of succumbing to self-critique, I strive to celebrate progress and find lessons in every experience, whether on the court or in daily life. Personal development is my compass, guiding me toward growth and fulfillment. It empowers me to honor my grandmother's legacy by embracing challenges with resilience and finding joy in every step of my journey. Through continuous introspection and a commitment to positivity, I am forging a path towards becoming not only a skilled athlete and successful professional but also a compassionate and resilient individual ready to make a meaningful impact in the world.