Softball has been a transformative force in my life, teaching me invaluable lessons that extend far beyond the diamond. Through the game, I've developed essential qualities like patience, knowledge, and integrity, which have shaped me into a more well-rounded individual. Moreover, my experiences on the softball field have sparked a passion for law, inspiring me to pursue a career as a lawyer. One of the most significant lessons I've learned from softball is patience. The game requires a combination of physical skill and mental toughness, demanding that players remain focused and composed under pressure. I've learned to anticipate the game's ebbs and flows, understanding that every pitch, every swing, and every play can turn the tide of the game. This patience has translated to other areas of my life, enabling me to approach challenges with a clear head and a steadfast determination. Softball has also made me knowledgeable about the game itself, as well as the importance of strategy and teamwork. I've studied the intricacies of the game, from pitching techniques to base running strategies, and I've learned to analyze situations and make informed decisions. This knowledge has not only improved my performance on the field but also enhanced my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Perhaps most importantly, softball has taught me the value of integrity. In a game where sportsmanship and fair play are paramount, I've learned to conduct myself with honesty and respect, both on and off the field. I've come to understand that winning isn't everything; it's how you play the game that truly matters. This integrity has become a guiding principle in my life, influencing my relationships and interactions with others. My experiences in softball have also sparked a desire to become a lawyer. The game has shown me the importance of advocating for others, whether it's negotiating with umpires or supporting my teammates. I've seen firsthand how effective communication and strategic thinking can make a difference in high-pressure situations. As a lawyer, I aim to harness these skills to advocate for individuals and communities, using my knowledge and integrity to drive positive change. Furthermore, softball has taught me the value of perseverance and resilience. The game is filled with setbacks and disappointments, from strikeouts to losses. However, I've learned to bounce back from these challenges, using them as opportunities to grow and improve. This resilience has prepared me for the demands of law school and the legal profession, where perseverance and determination are essential. In conclusion, softball has been a transformative force in my life, teaching me patience, knowledge, and integrity. The game has sparked a passion for law, inspiring me to pursue a career as a lawyer. Through softball, I've developed essential skills and qualities that will serve me well in my future endeavors, and I'm grateful for the lessons I've learned on and off the field.

Growing up, I witnessed a reality that many children shouldn't have to endure domestic violence. For 10 years, my mother was trapped in a toxic relationship, and I was helplessly watching. The memories of those days still linger, and the pain she endured is etched in my mind. I remember the countless times I'd enter her room, and she'd be battered, bruised, and broken. I'd stand beside her, holding her hand, and together we'd try to muster the strength to face another day. In those moments, I'd see the fear in her eyes, and my heart would ache. I'd want to protect her, to shield her from the pain, but I was just a child. I'd help her fight back, literally and figuratively, and though we were both scared, we'd find solace in each other's company. Despite the chaos, my mother's love for me remained unwavering, and I admired her strength in the face of adversity. However, this experience had a profound impact on my perception of relationships. I struggled to understand why my mother stayed, why she couldn't just leave. As I grew older, I realized that domestic violence is a complex issue, often entangled with emotional, financial, and psychological manipulation. My mother's situation taught me about the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of support systems. Growing up as a Black woman in poverty presented its own set of challenges. I faced obstacles that seemed insurmountable, from limited access to resources to systemic barriers that threatened to derail my dreams. Yet, my mother's experiences and my own struggles fueled my determination to create change. I became passionate about advocating for those who, like my mother, are marginalized and vulnerable. My desire to become a public defender stems from these experiences. I want to represent minorities who may not be able to afford a defender, ensuring they receive fair representation and a voice in the justice system. I've seen firsthand how poverty and systemic injustices can intersect, leading to devastating consequences. As a public defender, I aim to level the playing field, providing zealous advocacy for those who need it most. Receiving this scholarship would be a significant step toward realizing my dreams. The financial burden of pursuing a legal education has been a substantial obstacle, but this scholarship would alleviate some of that weight. It would enable me to focus on my studies, participate in meaningful internships, and gain valuable experience in the field. Moreover, this scholarship would be more than just financial support; it would be a reminder that my efforts to create positive change are recognized and valued. As a Black woman from a low-income background, I've often felt like an outsider in academic and professional settings. However, with this scholarship, I would feel seen, heard, and empowered to continue pursuing my goals. As I move forward in my journey to become a public defender, I'm committed to using my experiences to inform my practice. I'll draw on my understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities to provide effective representation and advocacy. My goal is to be a source of hope and support for those who feel disenfranchised and disconnected from the justice system. In conclusion, my experiences witnessing domestic violence and growing up in poverty have shaped my perspective on relationships, my mother, and myself. These challenges have also fueled my passion for becoming a public defender, advocating for minorities who may not have a voice. Receiving this scholarship would be a crucial step toward achieving my goals, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to pursue my dreams.

The events surrounding George Floyd's tragic death ignited a fire within me, solidifying my desire to become a public defender. As a Black woman, I've faced numerous obstacles throughout my life, and witnessing the injustices faced by marginalized communities sparked a sense of purpose. I realized that I wanted to dedicate my career to representing those who, like me, have been marginalized and oppressed. Growing up in poverty, I understood firsthand the struggles of limited access to resources and opportunities. I saw how systemic injustices perpetuated cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement. Despite these challenges, my determination and resilience propelled me forward. I became driven to break down barriers and create pathways for others who, like me, were underserved. As I navigated the education system, I encountered numerous hurdles. However, I persevered, fueled by my passion for justice and equality. My experiences as a Black woman in America have given me a unique perspective on the importance of representation and advocacy. I know that public defenders play a critical role in ensuring that all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic status, receive fair representation. My desire to become a public defender stems from a deep-seated commitment to serving marginalized communities. I want to be a voice for those who are often silenced or overlooked. I've seen how the justice system can be stacked against people of color, low-income individuals, and other vulnerable populations. As a public defender, I aim to level the playing field, providing zealous representation to those who might otherwise be left behind. Receiving this scholarship would be a significant step toward realizing my dreams. The financial burden of pursuing a legal education has been a substantial obstacle, but this scholarship would alleviate some of that weight. It would enable me to focus on my studies, participate in meaningful internships, and gain valuable experience in the field. Moreover, this scholarship would be more than just financial support; it would be a vote of confidence in my abilities and my mission. It would remind me that my efforts to create positive change are recognized and valued. As a Black woman from a low-income background, I've often felt like an outsider in academic and professional settings. However, with this scholarship, I would feel seen, heard, and empowered to continue pursuing my goals. As I move forward in my journey to become a public defender, I'm committed to using my experiences to inform my practice. I'll draw on my understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities to provide effective representation and advocacy. My goal is to be a source of hope and support for those who feel disenfranchised and disconnected from the justice system. In conclusion, my path to becoming a public defender has been shaped by my experiences as a Black woman growing up in poverty. The events surrounding George Floyd's death served as a catalyst, solidifying my commitment to this career path. I'm passionate about representing minorities who may not be able to afford a defender, and I'm driven to create positive change in my community. Receiving this scholarship would be a crucial step toward achieving my goals, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to pursue my dreams.

Growing up, I witnessed my family struggle to make ends meet. The weight of poverty was a constant presence in our lives, a nagging fear that never truly went away. I remember the countless nights spent worrying about how we'd pay the bills, the anxiety that gripped our household as we teetered on the edge of financial disaster. Despite the difficulties, my family never gave up. They worked tirelessly, sacrificing their own desires and dreams to provide for me and my siblings. But I knew that I didn't want to live in poverty for the rest of my life. I wanted more. I wanted to break free from the cycle of poverty that had held my family back for so long. That's why being the first person in my family to go to college means everything to me. It's not just about personal achievement; it's about changing the trajectory of my family's life. My parents, grandparents, and siblings are all depending on me to make something of myself. They've pinned their hopes and dreams on me, and I'm determined not to let them down. Growing up in poverty has taught me valuable lessons. It's made me determined, passionate, and focused. I know what it's like to go without, to sacrifice and struggle. But I also know what it's like to feel the thrill of possibility, to glimpse a brighter future on the horizon. When I walk across that stage and receive my diploma, it won't just be a personal triumph. It will be a testament to the strength and resilience of my family. It will be a declaration that we are more than our circumstances, that we are capable of achieving greatness despite the obstacles in our path. I know that I have a long way to go. I'll face challenges and setbacks along the way. But I'm ready. I'm ready to put in the hard work, to make sacrifices, and to push myself to the limit. I'm ready to make my family proud, to prove to them that their struggles were not in vain. Being the first person in my family to go to college is not just a milestone; it's a turning point. It's a chance for me to rewrite the narrative of my family's history, to create a new chapter filled with hope and possibility. I'm honored to be the one to take on this challenge, to be the trailblazer who paves the way for future generations. As I embark on this journey, I carry the weight of my family's expectations on my shoulders. But I also carry their love, their support, and their encouragement. I know that I'm not alone in this struggle. I have an entire family cheering me on, urging me to succeed. I will make them proud. I will make myself proud. I will rise above the poverty and the struggle, and I will create a brighter future for myself and my family. I am the first, but I won't be the last. I will pave the way for others to follow, and together, we'll create a new legacy of hope and achievement.

Being the first person in my family to attend college is an incredible honor and a dream come true. It's a milestone that holds immense significance, not just for me, but for my entire family. Growing up, I witnessed my parents and grandparents work tirelessly to provide for our family, often sacrificing their own aspirations and desires. Their unwavering support and encouragement have been the driving force behind my academic pursuits. As I embark on this journey, I am filled with a sense of pride and responsibility. I am determined to make the most of this opportunity, not just for myself, but for my family and community. My passion for social justice and equality has led me to pursue a degree in political science, with the ultimate goal of becoming an attorney. As an attorney, I aim to provide a voice for marginalized communities and fight for their rights. I believe that everyone deserves equal access to justice, regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, or ethnicity. I have witnessed firsthand the injustices faced by minorities, and I am committed to being a part of the solution. My decision to pursue a career in law is not just about personal ambition; it's about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I envision myself working tirelessly to advocate for policies and laws that promote equality, justice, and human rights. I am willing to face challenges and overcome obstacles to ensure that the voices of the marginalized are heard. In the long term, I plan to establish a successful law practice, specializing in civil rights and social justice. I aim to work with community organizations, advocacy groups, and government agencies to create positive change. I am committed to being a lifelong learner, staying up-to-date with the latest developments in law and social justice, and continually seeking ways to improve my skills and knowledge. Being the first person in my family to attend college is not just a personal achievement; it's a testament to the sacrifices and hard work of my loved ones. I am proud to be a part of this legacy, and I am committed to using my education and career to make a positive impact on the world. I am excited to embark on this journey, and I am confident that, with determination and perseverance, I can achieve my dreams and create a brighter future for myself and those around me. Pursuing my dream of becoming an attorney and advocating for social justice is within reach, but I'm facing a significant obstacle: financial constraints. Despite my passion and dedication, the cost of higher education and law school is a daunting challenge. I've worked hard to excel academically, earning top grades and actively participating in extracurricular activities. However, my family's financial situation makes it difficult for us to cover the expenses associated with pursuing a law degree. That's why I'm seeking financial support to help bridge the gap. A scholarship or grant would provide me with the necessary resources to focus on my studies, gain valuable experience through internships, and ultimately achieve my goal of becoming an attorney. With financial support, I'll be able to devote myself fully to my education and career aspirations, without the burden of financial stress. I'm confident that, with this support, I'll be able to make my dream a reality and create positive change in my community.

Living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a college student has been a daunting challenge that affects every aspect of my life. The demands of higher education can be overwhelming, and the added burden of PTSD makes it seem impossible to succeed at times. I struggle to manage my symptoms, which can be unpredictable and debilitating. Flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety attacks can occur at any moment, making it difficult for me to focus on my coursework, participate in class, or even attend lectures. I feel like I'm losing control, and the fear of having a panic attack in public is always lurking in the back of my mind. The academic environment can be a trigger for my PTSD symptoms. The pressure to perform well, the stress of meeting deadlines, and the fear of failure can all exacerbate my symptoms. I feel like I'm constantly walking on eggshells, never knowing when something will trigger a reaction. Additionally, the social aspect of college life can be overwhelming for me. Interacting with peers, joining clubs or organizations, and participating in social events can be daunting, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Despite these challenges, I'm determined to succeed. However, I face significant barriers to accessing the support I need. Mental health resources on campus may be limited, and I've faced long wait times or inadequate treatment. The stigma surrounding mental health issues has prevented me from seeking help in the past, fearing that I'll be judged or ostracized by my peers.To make matters worse, I've struggled to access financial aid and academic accommodations. I often feel like I'm fighting a battle on two fronts: one against my PTSD, and the other against the system that's supposed to support me. It's exhausting, and there are times when I feel like giving up. But I know that I'm not alone, and that there are others out there who are struggling just like me. I wish that colleges and universities would provide more adequate resources and accommodations to support students with PTSD. We need accessible mental health services, academic accommodations, and financial aid. We need understanding and compassion from our professors and peers. And we need to feel like we're not alone in our struggles. By acknowledging the challenges that students with PTSD face and providing us with the support we need, colleges and universities can help us succeed and thrive. We may be struggling, but we're not giving up. And with the right support, we can overcome even the toughest challenges. I'm fighting a silent battle, one that's waged within the confines of my mind. The PTSD I've developed has spawned a relentless companion: depression. It's a weight that presses upon me, making every step feel like a chore, every task a monumental challenge. College, once a beacon of excitement and promise, has become a daunting obstacle course. The pressure to perform, the stress of deadlines, and the fear of failure all converge to create a perfect storm of anxiety. My mind, already fragile, struggles to cope. Despite the darkness that threatens to consume me, I'm determined to persevere. I'm taking things one day at a time, forcing myself to attend classes, and pushing through the exhaustion to complete assignments. It's not easy, and some days I feel like I'm barely holding on. But I am holding on, and that's all that matters. I'm trying my best, and for now, that's enough.

Living in poverty in Los Angeles, California while pursuing higher education is a daunting and demoralizing experience. The weight of financial struggles, combined with the pressures of academic responsibilities, can be overwhelming. As a college student from a low-income background, I am all too familiar with this reality. My motivation for attending college stems from my desire to break the cycle of poverty that has plagued my family for generations. I want to create a better life for myself and my loved ones, and I believe that education is the key to unlocking this opportunity. I also don’t want my future children to grow up the same way I did. However, the journey is far from easy. The financial burdens of being a low-income college student are numerous. I often find myself struggling to make ends meet, juggling multiple part-time jobs to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and textbooks. The stress of managing a tight budget can be suffocating, leaving me with little time or energy to focus on my studies. Moreover, the emotional toll of living in poverty while pursuing higher education cannot be overstated. The constant worry about making ends meet, the feeling of being an outsider among my more affluent peers, and the pressure to succeed against all odds can be debilitating. It's a heavy weight to carry, and it's taken a significant toll on my mental health. I've been struggling with depression, and it’s been hard to stay motivated. There are days when getting out of bed feels like a task, when the weight of my circumstances feels like it's coming all down on me. But I know I'm not alone in this struggle. Despite the challenges, I remain committed to my goal of creating a better life for myself and my family. I know that education is the key to unlocking opportunities, and I'm willing to fight for it. I'm taking things one day at a time, seeking support from friends, family, and mental health professionals when I need it. I'm deeply invested in my education, and this scholarship would be very beneficial. As a first generation, low-income college student, I face significant financial barriers that threaten to derail my academic pursuits. This scholarship would enable me to cover essential expenses, reducing my workload and allowing me to focus on my studies. Receiving this award would be a providing me with the stability and support necessary to succeed and create a better future.

Receiving this scholarship will help me greatly. I come from a single parent household. My mom has three children that she has to take care of and herself. Truthfully, my mom just doesn’t have the money to get me through college. My mom doesn’t have a job. My mom gets us by, by selling things like baskets for holidays. I have to apply to as many scholarships as I can to go to college and pursue my dreams. Receiving this scholarship will help get me through the college doors. It’s hard coming from a low income family and wanting more for yourself. My mother wants me to do well in life and go far but she doesn’t have the money to really get me there. In order to get to where I want to be in life I need to go to college. To go to college, I need to pay for it. Receiving this scholarship will help me get my degree. When I get my degree I’ll be able to build a better life for myself. Just receiving this scholarship could be my college enrollment deposit. If this scholarship pays for my deposit then I wouldn’t have to trouble my mother with trying to find a way to pay for it. Receiving this scholarship could possibly put me through my first year of college or even give me a full ride. My future is in my hands but I came into this world not having enough money to set that future up. I would be grateful to receive this scholarship and I need the funds to get me to and through college. My dream is to study business, become a marketer and have stability in life. In order to get to where I want to be in life I need to go to college. To go to college, I need to pay for it. Receiving this scholarship will help me get my degree. Receiving this scholarship will help me greatly. I come from a single parent household. My mom has three children that she has to take care of and herself. Truthfully, my mom just doesn’t have the money to get me through college. My mom doesn’t have a job. My mom gets us by, by selling things like baskets for holidays. I have to apply to as many scholarships as I can to go to college and pursue my dreams. When I get my degree I’ll be able to build a better life for myself. Receiving this scholarship will help get me through the college doors. Just receiving this scholarship could be my college enrollment deposit. If this scholarship pays for my deposit then I wouldn’t have to trouble my mother with trying to find a way to pay for it. My dreams are close and within reach, but without having the income for my dreams then I won't be able to make my dream reality.

My mom never had a stable job, and I never lived with my father. The way my mom got us was by selling things. My mom made and sold birthday baskets, father’s day baskets, mother’s day baskets, etc. My mom also was a hairstylist for a time. The jobs my mom had weren’t secure, steady paying jobs. My mom made enough for us to get by. My whole life we’ve had financial challenges. When I was a toddler, I lived in an apartment with my mom, my older sister, and my older brother. Since my mom didn’t have a steady income, she wasn’t able to pay the rent so we had to move. My mom, my sister and I went to live at my grandfather's house while my brother went to live with his aunt. Since then we never saw our brother again. After living at my grandfather's house for a while, we went to live with our great grandmother. At this time, I was starting kindergarten. Then, after living with my great grandmother for a while, we went to live with a family friend. After being there for a while, we went to live with our cousin in Lancaster, California. When I started first grade my sister and I went to live with our grandfather again. At the end of third grade I went to live with my mom in Las Vegas, Nevada with my sister. We lived there for a while but my mom and her boyfriend, who also lived there, didn’t have steady-paying jobs so they lost that apartment. As a result of that, my sister and I had to live with our grandfather again. I can still go on about the amount of times I moved around because I left off when I was just in fourth grade. The reason I’ve moved around a lot was because it took my mom a long time to get on her feet. We always struggled financially. As I mentioned in the last paragraph, some people tried to help and let us stay with them but that was only for a short period of time. Struggling financially leads to other struggles. Some people may not realize that when adults have money struggles, it affects the children. It affected my siblings and I because we got separated from our brother. Knowing of financial problems even as a child drains you because you know that your family is struggling, but you can’t help and it’s a sad environment. I say it’s a sad environment because I would hear arguments about the money problems, my mom crying because she didn’t have the money for things and that you just have to live. However, we always tried to make the best of our situations.I learned that I didn't want to struggle all of my life. I plan on going to college so I can create a better life for myself.

Moving around constantly between California and Nevada because of financial problems has made me resilient. Each year I was at a new school. Because of COVID, my freshman year wasn't great academically. My sophomore year I enrolled late, and I didn't receive credit for my first semester. I was able to overcome that by taking Apex Learning online. It was challenging to stay on track because of the different districts' graduation requirements. Since I moved so often, I tried to take courses I knew I would need if I moved back to California. During my junior year, my mother and I moved again. Even though my life was chaotic with moving, I maintained my grades and got my GPA higher each year. No matter what, I always remembered the kind of life I wanted for myself. My family is full of “hustlers,” but I don’t want to be a “hustler.” I want a stable life, and a stable career. The more I moved, the more I was influenced to do well in school. Most people in my family didn't finish high school or never went to college to further their education. Most made just enough money to get by but not LIVE life. I want to live without worrying about where my next meal will come from. With the process of moving throughout the years and having to catch up on assignments, I made sure to have my school computer with me at all times. I worked on assignments in the car, in the back of class, or any place I had the chance to. When I knew we had to move, I would have one tab open with my work and one tab open on apartments.com. When I go to college I will stay there for the full four years because I don’t want too much change anymore. I want to have consistency. I did whatever it took to make sure I got my assignments in. Even when I was in the physical process of moving I was on the road making it happen. When I got to my current school, Alain LeRoy Locke College Preparatory Academy, the teachers and counselors would ask me how I maintained my grade point average with all the moving. They told me that I inspired them because most people didn’t have the mindset I have when it comes to school. One staff member told me that if they were in my shoes they don’t know if they would’ve made it as far as I have in school. The teachers and counselors made me realize that the mindset I have is a skill. It’s hard coming from a low income family and wanting more for yourself. My mother wants me to do well in life and go far but she doesn’t have the money to really get me there. In order to get to where I want to be in life I need to go to college. To go to college, I need to pay for it. Receiving this scholarship will help me get my degree. When I get my degree I’ll be able to build a better life for myself. Just receiving this scholarship could be my college enrollment deposit. If this scholarship pays for my deposit then I wouldn’t have to trouble my mother with trying to find a way to pay for it. Receiving this scholarship could possibly put me through my first year of college or even give me a full ride. My future is in my hands but I came into this world not having enough money to set that future up. I would be grateful to receive this scholarship and I need the funds to get me to and through college.

Moving around constantly between California and Nevada because of financial problems has made me resilient. Each year I was at a new school. Because of COVID, my freshman year wasn't great academically. My sophomore year I enrolled late, and I didn't receive credit for my first semester. I was able to overcome that by taking Apex Learning online. It was challenging to stay on track because of the different districts' graduation requirements. Since I moved so often, I tried to take courses I knew I would need if I moved back to California. During my junior year, my mother and I moved again. Even though my life was chaotic with moving, I maintained my grades and got my GPA higher each year. No matter what, I always remembered the kind of life I wanted for myself. My family is full of “hustlers,” but I don’t want to be a “hustler.” I want a stable life, and a stable career. The more I moved, the more I was influenced to do well in school. Most people in my family didn't finish high school or never went to college to further their education. Most made just enough money to get by but not LIVE life. I want to live without worrying about where my next meal will come from. With the process of moving throughout the years and having to catch up on assignments, I made sure to have my school computer with me at all times. I worked on assignments in the car, in the back of class, or any place I had the chance to. When I knew we had to move, I would have one tab open with my work and one tab open on apartments.com. When I go to college I will stay there for the full four years because I don’t want too much change anymore. I want to have consistency. I did whatever it took to make sure I got my assignments in. Even when I was in the physical process of moving I was on the road making it happen. When I got to my current school, Alain LeRoy Locke College Preparatory Academy, the teachers and counselors would ask me how I maintained my grade point average with all the moving. They told me that I inspired them because most people didn’t have the mindset I have when it comes to school. One staff member told me that if they were in my shoes they don’t know if they would’ve made it as far as I have in school. The teachers and counselors made me realize that the mindset I have is a skill.

Moving around constantly between California and Nevada because of financial problems has made me resilient. Each year I was at a new school. Because of COVID, my freshman year wasn't great academically. My sophomore year I enrolled late, and I didn't receive credit for my first semester. I was able to overcome that by taking Apex Learning online. It was challenging to stay on track because of the different districts' graduation requirements. Since I moved so often, I tried to take courses I knew I would need if I moved back to California. During my junior year, my mother and I moved again. Even though my life was chaotic with moving, I maintained my grades and got my GPA higher each year. No matter what, I always remembered the kind of life I wanted for myself. My family is full of “hustlers,” but I don’t want to be a “hustler.” I want a stable life, and a stable career. The more I moved, the more I was influenced to do well in school. Most people in my family didn't finish high school or never went to college to further their education. Most made just enough money to get by but not LIVE life. I want to live without worrying about where my next meal will come from. With the process of moving throughout the years and having to catch up on assignments, I made sure to have my school computer with me at all times. I worked on assignments in the car, in the back of class, or any place I had the chance to. When I knew we had to move, I would have one tab open with my work and one tab open on apartments.com. When I go to college I will stay there for the full four years because I don’t want too much change anymore. I want to have consistency. I did whatever it took to make sure I got my assignments in. Even when I was in the physical process of moving I was on the road making it happen. When I got to my current school, Alain LeRoy Locke College Preparatory Academy, the teachers and counselors would ask me how I maintained my grade point average with all the moving. They told me that I inspired them because most people didn’t have the mindset I have when it comes to school. One staff member told me that if they were in my shoes they don’t know if they would’ve made it as far as I have in school. The teachers and counselors made me realize that the mindset I have is a skill.

Moving around constantly between California and Nevada because of financial problems has made me resilient. Each year I was at a new school. Because of COVID, my freshman year wasn't great academically. My sophomore year I enrolled late, and I didn't receive credit for my first semester. I was able to overcome that by taking Apex Learning online. It was challenging to stay on track because of the different districts' graduation requirements. Since I moved so often, I tried to take courses I knew I would need if I moved back to California. During my junior year, my mother and I moved again. Even though my life was chaotic with moving, I maintained my grades and got my GPA higher each year. No matter what, I always remembered the kind of life I wanted for myself. My family is full of “hustlers,” but I don’t want to be a “hustler.” I want a stable life, and a stable career. The more I moved, the more I was influenced to do well in school. Most people in my family didn't finish high school or never went to college to further their education. Most made just enough money to get by but not LIVE life. I want to live without worrying about where my next meal will come from. With the process of moving throughout the years and having to catch up on assignments, I made sure to have my school computer with me at all times. I worked on assignments in the car, in the back of class, or any place I had the chance to. When I knew we had to move, I would have one tab open with my work and one tab open on apartments.com. When I go to college I will stay there for the full four years because I don’t want too much change anymore. I want to have consistency. I did whatever it took to make sure I got my assignments in. Even when I was in the physical process of moving I was on the road making it happen. When I got to my current school, Alain LeRoy Locke College Preparatory Academy, the teachers and counselors would ask me how I maintained my grade point average with all the moving. They told me that I inspired them because most people didn’t have the mindset I have when it comes to school. One staff member told me that if they were in my shoes they don’t know if they would’ve made it as far as I have in school. The teachers and counselors made me realize that the mindset I have is a skill.

Moving around constantly between California and Nevada because of financial problems has made me resilient. Each year I was at a new school. Because of COVID, my freshman year wasn't great academically. My sophomore year I enrolled late, and I didn't receive credit for my first semester. I was able to overcome that by taking Apex Learning online. It was challenging to stay on track because of the different districts' graduation requirements. Since I moved so often, I tried to take courses I knew I would need if I moved back to California. During my junior year, my mother and I moved again. Even though my life was chaotic with moving, I maintained my grades and got my GPA higher each year. No matter what, I always remembered the kind of life I wanted for myself. My family is full of “hustlers,” but I don’t want to be a “hustler.” I want a stable life, and a stable career. The more I moved, the more I was influenced to do well in school. Most people in my family didn't finish high school or never went to college to further their education. Most made just enough money to get by but not LIVE life. I want to live without worrying about where my next meal will come from. With the process of moving throughout the years and having to catch up on assignments, I made sure to have my school computer with me at all times. I worked on assignments in the car, in the back of class, or any place I had the chance to. When I knew we had to move, I would have one tab open with my work and one tab open on apartments.com. When I go to college I will stay there for the full four years because I don’t want too much change anymore. I want to have consistency. I did whatever it took to make sure I got my assignments in. Even when I was in the physical process of moving I was on the road making it happen. When I got to my current school, Alain LeRoy Locke College Preparatory Academy, the teachers and counselors would ask me how I maintained my grade point average with all the moving. They told me that I inspired them because most people didn’t have the mindset I have when it comes to school. One staff member told me that if they were in my shoes they don’t know if they would’ve made it as far as I have in school. The teachers and counselors made me realize that the mindset I have is a skill.

My experiences with mental health have affected my relationships with others because I take the time to understand people. I realized that no one is perfect and probably everybody has some sort of mental problems because of their life experiences. I believe that mental health is a topic that’s not talked about enough in households and that’s why I believe it’s important to spread awareness. I want to pursue a career in psychology or counseling because I want to help others that are struggling with mental health. I I try to find ways to connect with my peers by checking on them when they seemed down. Whenever I see someone with a gloomy look on their face I ask them if they’re doing okay. The majority of the time they tell me they’re okay and that may not always be the truth but I respect their boundaries since they may not feel comfortable sharing their feelings with me. I still let them know that if they ever need anything, they can tell me and I’ll do whatever I can to help. Even if they say they’re fine and that may not be the truth, I believe that just trying to reach out makes a difference in their life. They may not have told me what they are feeling but at least they know someone noticed and someone cares about how they are feeling. I can remember times where I wasn’t feeling the best mentally and I wanted people to reach out just for me to know that someone cared enough to ask me how I was doing. I remember watching the Netflix series, “13 Reasons Why”, and within the show teenagers were struggling personally, mentally, and financially. I have probably re-watched that show an unhealthy amount of times but each time I watch the series I gain insight. One thing that sticks with me each time I watch the series is, sometimes all a person needs is someone to notice they’re not doing okay. Being there for people mentally is a huge contribution to making a community a better place. Just offering your hand or ear can make someone look at life differently. I believe in this generation, we are more in touch with our mental health and we try to get help. However, our parents' generation doesn’t really understand that just because we’re teenagers, we also have issues. I want to help those that are in home situations as such. I specifically want to work with teenagers that are going through mental health issues. When the teenagers become adults they’ll know how to continue their life because they’ve received my help or probably is still receiving help. I want to bring more awareness to mental health and I want to work with those that want to improve. I believe it’s important that we continue having counselors, psychiatrists, and psychologists because mental illness will never be over. Mental health is a serious issue that will continue. I just want to be one of the ones that helps.

I believe little things make a difference. Everything we do or say can make an impact on someone's life. I believe I play a small role but an even bigger role in making my community a better place. I never participated in doing volunteer work or joining many club activities because I moved around a lot and didn’t have stability to feel secure. However, I did try to find ways to connect with my peers by checking on them when they seemed down. Whenever I see someone with a gloomy look on their face I ask them if they’re doing okay. The majority of the time they tell me they’re okay and that may not always be the truth but I respect their boundaries since they may not feel comfortable sharing their feelings with me. I still let them know that if they ever need anything, they can tell me and I’ll do whatever I can to help. Even if they say they’re fine and that may not be the truth, I believe that just trying to reach out makes a difference in their life. They may not have told me what they are feeling but at least they know someone noticed and someone cares about how they are feeling. I can remember times where I wasn’t feeling the best mentally and I wanted people to reach out just for me to know that someone cared enough to ask me how I was doing. I remember watching the Netflix series, “13 Reasons Why”, and within the show teenagers were struggling personally, mentally, and financially. I have probably re-watched that show an unhealthy amount of times but each time I watch the series I gain insight. One thing that sticks with me each time I watch the series is, sometimes all a person needs is someone to notice they’re not doing okay. Being there for people mentally is a huge contribution to making a community a better place. Just offering your hand or ear can make someone look at life differently. I want to pursue a career in psychology or counseling because I want to help others that are struggling with mental health. I believe in this generation, we are more in touch with our mental health and we try to get help. However, our parents' generation doesn’t really understand that just because we’re teenagers, we also have issues. I want to help those that are in home situations as such. I specifically want to work with teenagers that are going through mental health issues. When the teenagers become adults they’ll know how to continue their life because they’ve received my help or probably is still receiving help. I want to bring more awareness to mental health and I want to work with those that want to improve. I believe it’s important that we continue having counselors, psychiatrists, and psychologists because mental illness will never be over. Mental health is a serious issue that will continue. I just want to be one of the ones that helps.

Receiving this scholarship would help me greatly. I come from a single parent household. My mom has three children that she has to take care of and herself. Truthfully, my mom just doesn’t have the money to get me through college. My mom doesn’t have a job. My mom gets us by, by selling things like baskets for holidays. I have to apply to as many scholarships as I can to go to college and pursue my dreams. Receiving this scholarship will help get me through the college doors. It’s hard coming from a low income family and wanting more for yourself. My mother wants me to do well in life and go far but she doesn’t have the money to really get me there. In order to get to where I want to be in life I need to go to college. To go to college, I need to pay for it. Receiving this scholarship will help me get my degree. When I get my degree I’ll be able to build a better life for myself. Just receiving this scholarship could be my college enrollment deposit. If I get awarded this scholarship, I could pay my enrollment deposit and I wouldn’t have to trouble my mother with trying to find a way to pay for it. Receiving this scholarship could also be used to pay for textbooks for when I get to college. My future is in my hands but I came into this world not having enough money to set that future up. I would be grateful to receive this scholarship and I need the funds to get me to and through college. Some adversity I’ve experienced and overcame is moving around constantly between California and Nevada because of financial problems. , I maintained my grades and got my GPA higher each year. No matter what, I always remembered the kind of life I wanted for myself. My family is full of “hustlers,” but I don’t want to be a “hustler.” I want a stable life, and a stable career. The more I moved, the more I was influenced to do well in school. Most people in my family didn't finish high school or never went to college to further their education. Most made just enough money to get by but not LIVE life. I want to live without worrying about where my next meal will come from. With the process of moving throughout the years and having to catch up on assignments, I made sure to have my school computer with me at all times. I worked on assignments in the car, in the back of class, or any place I had the chance to. When I knew we had to move, I would have one tab open with my work and one tab open on apartments.com. When I go to college I will stay there for the full four years because I don’t want too much change anymore. I want to have consistency. I did whatever it took to make sure I got my assignments in. Even when I was in the physical process of moving I was on the road making it happen.

Moving around constantly between California and Nevada because of financial problems has made me resilient. Each year I was at a new school. Because of COVID, my freshman year wasn't great academically. My sophomore year I enrolled late, and I didn't receive credit for my first semester. I was able to overcome that by taking Apex Learning online. It was challenging to stay on track because of the different districts' graduation requirements. Since I moved so often, I tried to take courses I knew I would need if I moved back to California. During my junior year, my mother and I moved again. Even though my life was chaotic with moving, I maintained my grades and got my GPA higher each year. No matter what, I always remembered the kind of life I wanted for myself. My family is full of “hustlers,” but I don’t want to be a “hustler.” I want a stable life, and a stable career. The more I moved, the more I was influenced to do well in school. Most people in my family didn't finish high school or never went to college to further their education. Most made just enough money to get by but not LIVE life. I want to live without worrying about where my next meal will come from. With the process of moving throughout the years and having to catch up on assignments, I made sure to have my school computer with me at all times. I worked on assignments in the car, in the back of class, or any place I had the chance to. When I knew we had to move, I would have one tab open with my work and one tab open on apartments.com. When I go to college I will stay there for the full four years because I don’t want too much change anymore. I want to have consistency. I did whatever it took to make sure I got my assignments in. Even when I was in the physical process of moving I was on the road making it happen. When I got to my current school, Alain LeRoy Locke College Preparatory Academy, the teachers and counselors would ask me how I maintained my grade point average with all the moving. They told me that I inspired them because most people didn’t have the mindset I have when it comes to school. One staff member told me that if they were in my shoes they don’t know if they would’ve made it as far as I have in school. The teachers and counselors made me realize that the mindset I have is a skill.

During my junior year, I took an accounting and finance course because I saw it as an opportunity to learn how money works. I thought it would be a great experience to apply it to being a bank teller. The class was not what I expected. I thought it was just about working on real world situational problems and finding solutions. Instead, it was about understanding debt, credit, and finance. I learned a lot and that class inspired me to pursue my interest in business. The more I learned, the more I wanted to be a part of every aspect of business. I became interested in business management because I like to strategize and help with how things operate in a business. But this required me to learn accounting. I am currently taking statistics and this class makes me feel confident in learning how to manage a company. It also sparked my interest in marketing. In statistics we look at different types of data and different types of diagrams that explain the data. I enjoy analyzing data and seeing how different the box plot and histograms are. Each graph tells you about a situation and I like to see it to visualize the problem or improvements. I want to combine accounting with marketing to better strategize. I like being the brains of making something operate successfully. I plan to take statistics and the accounting and finance courses I’ve taken with me into life after high school. I plan on coming up with ideas to market and sell products for companies. I’m choosing my major based on these courses I’ve taken because they shined light on an interest I knew I had but didn’t know was marketing and business administration. Taking those courses helped me realize that I like analyzing data and working with numbers. I am also very strategic which is why I would want to combine all of that and pursue business administration while focusing on marketing. What I’ve learned is being in the business world will help me better uplift other businesses. I would like to work with small businesses, become the market manager and take their business to the next level. I realized that with this major I can do good work for people and better their lives. I’ve grown because I like to help people. Helping people was always something I wanted to do and I didn’t know that was possible with this career choice until I realized I could potentially improve people lives by bettering their business.

Receiving this scholarship will help me greatly. I come from a single parent household. My mom has three children that she has to take care of and herself. Truthfully, my mom just doesn’t have the money to get me through college. My mom doesn’t have a job. My mom gets us by, by selling things like baskets for holidays. I have to apply to as many scholarships as I can to go to college and pursue my dreams. Receiving this scholarship will help get me through the college doors. It’s hard coming from a low income family and wanting more for yourself. My mother wants me to do well in life and go far but she doesn’t have the money to really get me there. In order to get to where I want to be in life I need to go to college. To go to college, I need to pay for it. Receiving this scholarship will help me get my degree. When I get my degree I’ll be able to build a better life for myself. Just receiving this scholarship could be my college enrollment deposit. If this scholarship pays for my deposit then I wouldn’t have to trouble my mother with trying to find a way to pay for it. Receiving this scholarship could possibly put me through my first year of college or even give me a full ride. My future is in my hands but I came into this world not having enough money to set that future up. I would be grateful to receive this scholarship and I need the funds to get me to and through college. My dream is to study business, become a marketer and have stability in life. In order to get to where I want to be in life I need to go to college. To go to college, I need to pay for it. Receiving this scholarship will help me get my degree. Receiving this scholarship will help me greatly. I come from a single parent household. My mom has three children that she has to take care of and herself. Truthfully, my mom just doesn’t have the money to get me through college. My mom doesn’t have a job. My mom gets us by, by selling things like baskets for holidays. I have to apply to as many scholarships as I can to go to college and pursue my dreams. When I get my degree I’ll be able to build a better life for myself. Receiving this scholarship will help get me through the college doors. Just receiving this scholarship could be my college enrollment deposit. If this scholarship pays for my deposit then I wouldn’t have to trouble my mother with trying to find a way to pay for it. My dreams are close and within reach, but without having the income for my dreams then I won't be able to make my dream reality.