Growing up as the child of a military parent has shaped who I am in many ways. My father served in the Army, and his experience in the military taught me lessons that go far beyond what can be learned in a classroom. Through him, I learned the value of discipline, hard work, and resilience. These qualities have guided me throughout my life and continue to influence my goals and the way I approach challenges. One of the biggest lessons I learned from my father is the importance of discipline. In the military, there is no room for excuses, and that mindset carried over into our home. Whether it was school, sports, or everyday responsibilities, I was expected to give my best effort. At times, this was challenging, but it helped me develop a strong work ethic. I learned that success does not come easily and that consistency is key to achieving any goal. Another important lesson I gained is resilience. Being part of a military family means facing uncertainty and adapting to change. Although my experience may not have included constant moving, I still saw the sacrifices my father made for our family and our country. Watching him work long hours and push through difficult situations showed me how important it is to stay strong during tough times. This has helped me stay focused, even when I face obstacles in school or in life. My father’s journey after the military has also had a major impact on me. He is not only a veteran but also a business owner and entrepreneur. He works as a barber and a truck driver, and he even put himself through truck-driving school to become independent and own his own 18-wheeler. Seeing him build his own path after serving in the military has inspired me to take control of my future. It showed me that success comes from determination, sacrifice, and believing in yourself. Because of my upbringing, I have developed strong leadership skills and a desire to give back to my community. I have had the opportunity to volunteer with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club and AmeriCorps, where I worked to support and mentor others. These experiences allowed me to apply the values I learned from my father discipline, respect, and service to real life situations. I learned how to lead by example and make a positive impact on others. As I pursue my education in Sports Administration, I plan to continue using these lessons to guide my future career. I want to become a leader in my field and create opportunities for others, especially young people who need guidance and support. Just like my father served his country, I want to serve my community by helping others grow and succeed. Being the child of a military parent has given me a strong foundation. It has taught me how to stay disciplined, overcome challenges, and lead with purpose. These lessons will stay with me throughout my life, and they will continue to shape the person I am becoming.

Sgt. Albert Dono Ware’s legacy of service, sacrifice, and bravery strongly reflects the values that have shaped my personal journey. Growing up as an African American student from a low-income background and a military family, I learned early that serving others and staying disciplined are not just choices, but responsibilities. My father served in the U.S. Army, and watching his dedication taught me that real strength comes from putting others before yourself and staying committed even when things are difficult. These values became even more personal to me after I lost my oldest brother to gun violence. He was set up and killed by people he trusted, and that experience changed my life forever. I faced emotions like anger, grief, and confusion, and there were moments when I could have easily taken the wrong path. Instead, I chose to honor my brother by focusing on growth, education, and service. His loss made me realize how important it is to protect young people, guide them toward positive choices, and give them support before they become another statistic. Service has become one of the most important parts of who I am. Through my volunteer work with the Boys & Girls Club and AmeriCorps, I have had the opportunity to work directly with youth who face many of the same challenges I grew up around. I help with mentoring, physical activity, and providing encouragement to kids who may not always receive positive attention at home or in their neighborhoods. These experiences taught me that sometimes the smallest actions — listening, showing up consistently, and believing in someone — can make a powerful difference in a young person’s life. Sacrifice has also shaped my journey. Balancing school, work, and volunteering is not easy, but I understand that building a strong future requires short-term sacrifices. I work long hours while staying committed to my education because I know that earning my degree will allow me to serve my community at a higher level. I am currently majoring in Sports Administration with a concentration in Leadership because I want to work in youth sports programs, athletic organizations, and community fitness initiatives where I can mentor young people and help keep them focused on positive goals. Bravery, to me, is not just about physical courage, but about choosing to keep going when life becomes overwhelming. It takes courage to grieve and still show up, to struggle financially and still stay in school, and to believe in yourself when you do not always see people around you who look like you succeeding. Every day, I choose to keep moving forward, not only for myself, but for my family and my community. When it comes to addressing current challenges faced by the African diaspora in the United States, I believe one of the most critical areas for reform is youth development and violence prevention. Many young people grow up without consistent mentors, safe recreational spaces, or positive role models. Community-based programs that combine education, sports, mental health support, and career exposure can help reduce violence and increase opportunity. Sports and fitness programs, in particular, give youth structure, discipline, and a sense of belonging that can keep them away from dangerous influences. Another critical area is access to education and workforce training. Many African American students face barriers related to funding, transportation, and lack of guidance. Policies that increase funding for after-school programs, scholarships, job training, and mentorship programs can help close these gaps. We also need stronger partnerships between schools, community organizations, and local businesses to create pathways into stable careers. Key stakeholders who should be involved in driving this change include community organizations, schools, faith-based groups, local governments, and businesses. Programs like the Boys & Girls Club and AmeriCorps already do great work, but they need more resources and community support to reach more youth. Families must also be empowered with tools and education so they can better support their children. Real change happens when everyone works together instead of expecting one system to solve everything alone. My long-term vision is to become a leader in sports and community development, where I can create programs that provide mentorship, physical fitness, leadership training, and emotional support for young people. I want to help youth develop confidence, discipline, and purpose so they can see futures beyond the limits of their current environment. I believe that if we invest in young people early, we can reduce violence, increase graduation rates, and strengthen entire communities. Sgt. Albert Dono Ware gave his life in service to others, and while my path is different, I carry the same commitment to serving something greater than myself. His legacy inspires me to stay focused, give back, and use my education to uplift others. This scholarship would not only support my academic journey, but also help me continue serving my community while preparing for a career centered on leadership and impact. I am committed to honoring his legacy through consistent service, courage in adversity, and dedication to building stronger communities.

Losing my oldest brother to gun violence was one of the most painful experiences of my life. He was set up and killed by people he believed were his friends, and that kind of loss is hard to explain unless you have lived through it. When it happened, I felt shock, anger, sadness, and confusion all at once. It felt like my world stopped, but everything around me kept moving. I had to learn how to keep going even when my heart was hurting. For a long time, I tried to hide how much it affected me. I told myself I had to stay strong for my family, but inside I was carrying a lot of pain. Over time, I realized that avoiding my emotions was not helping me heal. I started finding healthier ways to cope, including spending time working out, praying, and taking quiet moments to reflect on my thoughts. Fitness became more than just exercise for me — it became therapy. When I train or help others train, it gives me peace and helps clear my mind. It reminds me that even when life feels out of control, I can still choose positive actions. This loss taught me a lot about myself. I learned that I am stronger than I ever thought I could be, and that I do not want my future to be defined by tragedy. Instead of letting anger guide my choices, I chose to focus on growth, discipline, and purpose. My brother’s death made me realize how precious life is and how important it is to make something meaningful out of the time we are given. It pushed me to take my education and goals more seriously, because I want to build a life that honors him and supports my family. I want to continue my education because I know it is the key to creating stability and opportunity, not just for myself, but for the people I want to help in the future. I am majoring in Sports Administration with a concentration in Leadership because I want to work in youth sports and community programs where I can mentor others and help guide them toward positive paths. I want to be someone young people can look up to and trust, especially those who may be facing difficult situations or negative influences. Some of the biggest influences in my life include my father, who served in the U.S. Army, and my leaders at Chick-fil-A. My father taught me discipline, respect, and perseverance, even when things are hard. At work, I have learned what it means to lead with patience and encouragement. They have shown me that leadership is not about power, but about helping others grow. My brother is also a major influence in my life, even now. His loss reminds me every day that choices matter and that I want to live in a way that makes him proud. This experience has shaped me into someone who values growth, consistency, and service. I have learned that healing is a process and that it is okay to take things one day at a time. I am still working through my grief, but I am also working toward a future filled with purpose and impact. This scholarship would help reduce the financial stress I face and allow me to stay focused on my education and personal development. I am committed to continuing forward, not only for myself, but for my family, my community, and the legacy of my brother.

Everyone faces adversity, but for me, growing up in a low-income household as a Black African American student and becoming a first-generation college student has been one of the biggest challenges of my life. My father served in the U.S. Army, which taught me the value of discipline and sacrifice, but it also meant that stability was not always guaranteed. I learned early that if I wanted a better future, I would have to work hard, stay focused, and create opportunities for myself. One major challenge I faced was balancing school with long work hours to support myself financially. There were many times when I felt overwhelmed trying to keep up with classes, assignments, and work responsibilities. It was not easy staying motivated when I felt tired or stressed, but I reminded myself why I started. I knew that education was my way forward and that giving up was not an option. I learned to manage my time better, stay organized, and keep pushing even when things felt difficult. Another challenge was believing in myself when I did not always see people around me who had gone to college or followed the path I was trying to take. Being the first in my family to attend college meant I had to figure out many things on my own. Instead of letting that discourage me, I used it as motivation. I asked questions, stayed connected with advisors, and kept learning about opportunities that could help me succeed. Over time, I realized that it is okay to ask for help and that seeking support is part of being strong. As a personal trainer, I work with kids and adults who struggle with their health and confidence. Many of them start off feeling unsure of themselves, and I get to watch them slowly grow stronger and more confident. Helping others through fitness has shown me that small encouragement can make a big difference in someone’s life. This experience motivates me to continue serving my community and using my skills to help others improve their lives. These challenges have shaped me into someone who is resilient, disciplined, and driven. I have learned that progress does not happen overnight, but consistent effort leads to real results. I have also learned that leadership means setting an example, staying positive, and lifting others up even when you are still working on your own goals. My adversity taught me to stay focused on long-term success instead of short-term comfort. If I could give advice to someone facing similar circumstances, I would tell them not to let their situation define their future. It is easy to feel stuck or discouraged when money is tight or when you feel like you are doing everything alone, but your circumstances do not determine your potential. Stay committed to your goals, use every resource available to you, and surround yourself with people who support your growth. Most importantly, believe that you deserve success just as much as anyone else. This scholarship would help reduce the financial pressure I face and allow me to stay focused on completing my degree in Sports Administration with a concentration in Leadership. My goal is to continue working in youth sports and community programs where I can mentor others and create positive environments for growth. I want to use my experiences to inspire and support people who are trying to improve their lives just like I am. This adversity has not stopped me it has strengthened me and prepared me to lead and serve others in the future.

Sports has always inspired me because it teaches discipline, teamwork, and confidence. Growing up, I learned that sports are not just about winning games, but about building character, learning how to work with others, and pushing yourself to be better every day. These lessons are what motivated me to pursue a career in sports and to major in Sports Administration with a concentration in Leadership at LSU Online. I want to be someone who helps athletes grow both on and off the field and supports them in reaching their full potential. One of my biggest inspirations comes from my experience as a personal trainer. I work with kids and adults who struggle with their health, confidence, or motivation. Many of them start off feeling unsure of themselves, but over time, I get to watch them improve, set goals, and believe in themselves. Helping others see what they are capable of has shown me how powerful sports and fitness can be when it comes to changing lives. This experience has confirmed that I want a career where I can continue helping people through sports, fitness, and leadership. In addition to personal training, I also work in a leadership role at Chick-fil-A, where teamwork and serving others are very important. At work, I help train new employees, communicate with customers, and make sure my team stays positive during busy and stressful times. This has helped me develop strong communication and leadership skills that I know will be important in the sports industry. Whether it is managing a team, working with athletes, or organizing programs, I want to be a leader who supports others and helps them succeed. I am pursuing Sports Administration because I want to be involved in programs that focus on both performance and personal growth. In the future, I hope to work in youth sports programs, athletic organizations, or community fitness programs where I can help create safe and supportive environments for athletes. I believe that athletes perform better when they feel supported, respected, and encouraged. I want to help build programs that focus not only on physical training, but also on mental health, confidence, and life skills. Making a difference in the sports field means being someone athletes can trust and look up to. I want to be a mentor who helps young athletes stay focused, make good decisions, and understand that success is not just about sports, but also about education and character. I also want to help increase access to sports and fitness for people who may not always have the resources or opportunities to participate. Everyone deserves the chance to improve their health and discover their strengths through physical activity. Receiving the Breeze Sports Scholarship would help me continue my education and stay focused on reaching my goals. Balancing school, work, and financial responsibilities can be challenging, but I am committed to pushing forward and completing my degree. This scholarship would not only help reduce financial stress, but also motivate me to keep striving for excellence in my studies and future career. Overall, I am inspired by the positive impact that sports can have on individuals and communities. Through my education in Sports Administration and my experiences in personal training and leadership, I am preparing myself to be a professional who serves others, leads with integrity, and creates opportunities for growth. I am confident that with the right education and support, I can make a meaningful difference in the sports industry and in the lives of the people I work with.