Hello all, and thank you for considering me for your scholarship. My name is Treasure Magruder, but I prefer to go by Treasure Bey. I am an 18-year-old African-American female with high aspirations. When I was ten years old, my grandmother passed away from breast cancer. Her death devastated my family, especially my mom and me. Just four months later, my biological grandfather died in a freak accident. It felt like my entire world was crumbling. Even today, I can't say their passing doesn't still affect me. At that young age, I struggled to understand why I was being faced with such overwhelming grief and challenges. Some days, I still feel the weight of those losses. There are moments when I break down, asking why my mom and I must work so much harder than others to make ends meet. My mom is my hero. She has always been my biggest supporter, sacrificing so much to give me opportunities. She inspires me to push past my limits because she believes in my potential. One day, I consciously stopped asking, "Why me?" and instead started thinking, "Why not me?" Every challenge I've faced has built my resilience and determination. I began to see the glass as half empty and half full. Despite a lack of family support beyond my mom, I am surrounded by love and encouragement from her, and I've learned to draw strength from that. With her support and dedication, I graduated high school with honors. My mom's sacrifices motivate me to keep pushing forward, not just for myself but also to honor her tireless efforts. I am a proud student at Morgan State University, where I will be studying Information Systems starting in the fall of 2024. Choosing Morgan was deeply personal for me. From the moment I set foot on campus, it felt like home. The students and faculty welcomed me openly, sharing their stories and creating a sense of belonging. I knew Morgan was the right place for me. Studying Information Systems allows me to blend my love for technology with my passion for business management. While I may not be drawn to coding, I am captivated by the strategic and operational side of IT, and I dream of using my career to empower young African-American girls to explore this dynamic field. I also chose Morgan to ease my mom's financial burden. This scholarship would mean the world to me, representing financial support and validation of my journey. Education is my foundation, and I am deeply grateful for opportunities like this that help students like me turn dreams into reality. Thank you for considering me.

Hello all, and thank you for considering me for your scholarship. My name is Treasure Magruder, but I prefer to go by Treasure Bey. I am an 18-year-old African-American female with high aspirations. The prompt asks me to describe a moment that impacted me to be a better version of myself, but I plan to share more than just a moment—I want to share the journey that shaped who I am today. When I was ten years old, my grandmother passed away from breast cancer. Her death devastated my family, especially my mom and me. Just four months later, my biological grandfather died in a freak accident. It felt like my entire world was crumbling. Even today, I can't say their passing doesn't still affect me. At that young age, I struggled to understand why I was being faced with such overwhelming grief and challenges. Some days, I still feel the weight of those losses. There are moments when I break down, asking why my mom and I must work so much harder than others to make ends meet. My mom is my hero. She has always been my biggest supporter, sacrificing so much to give me opportunities. She inspires me to push past my limits because she believes in my potential. One day, I consciously stopped asking, "Why me?" and instead started thinking, "Why not me?" Every challenge I've faced has built my resilience and determination. I began to see the glass as half empty and half full. Despite a lack of family support beyond my mom, I am surrounded by love and encouragement from her, and I've learned to draw strength from that. With her support and dedication, I graduated high school with honors. My mom's sacrifices motivate me to keep pushing forward, not just for myself but also to honor her tireless efforts. I am a proud student at Morgan State University, where I will be studying Information Systems starting in the fall of 2024. Choosing Morgan was deeply personal for me. From the moment I set foot on campus, it felt like home. The students and faculty welcomed me openly, sharing their stories and creating a sense of belonging. I knew Morgan was the right place for me. Studying Information Systems allows me to blend my love for technology with my passion for business management. While I may not be drawn to coding, I am captivated by the strategic and operational side of IT, and I dream of using my career to empower young African-American girls to explore this dynamic field. I also chose Morgan because I wanted to ease my mom's financial burden. This scholarship would mean the world to me, as it represents financial support and validation of my journey. Education is my foundation, and I am deeply grateful for opportunities like this that help students like me turn dreams into reality. Thank you for considering me.

Hello all, and thank you for taking the time to consider me for your scholarship. I want to tell you a little about who you are considering for this scholarship. My name is Treasure Magruder, but I like to go by Treasure Bey. I am an 18-year-old African-American female with high aspirations. The prompt question "describes a moment that impacted me to be a better version of myself. I plan to do more than that. When I was ten years old, my grandmother passed away from breast cancer. Her passing crushed me and my mom. Four months later, my biological grandfather passed away in a freak accident. I felt like my whole world was crashing down. I would be lying if I said to myself that their deaths still don't affect my day to day. I didn't understand why I was being faced with so many adversaries. Sometimes I still feel this way. Like there is a weight on my and my mom's shoulders that we didn't ask for, some days, I get unfortunate and cry for hours because I sit and think, why should my mom and I struggle to make ends meet? Why must my mom and I work ten times harder than the next? My mom is my hero. I know she will do whatever for me. She is the reason why I pushed myself so hard. I am doing this for myself and all the sleepless nights my mom had trying to make sure I was in a position to succeed. One day, I woke up and told myself, "Stop asking yourself why you are being faced with these obstacles and start appreciating that you are in a certain situation for a reason." You are capable of anything you put your mind to. I had to tell myself to stop looking at the glass half empty and look at it half full. Yes, you only have a little family support. Yes, your mom pushes you beyond the limits you think you are capable of because she sees the potential in you. Yes, your family isn't like others, and you don't have the support systems many do. Then I remembered I was loved and graduated high school with honors. My loving mother will make mountains move to see me happy. I plan to attend the National Treasure Morgan State University. As I said before, my family support is little to none, and being away from my mom (the only family I know) for fourteen weeks will be a complex challenge. When I stepped foot on Morgan's campus, it felt like home. The students and faculty were very accepting of any questions I needed answers to. They were very open and vulnerable about their situation and why they chose Morgan as their home. I will be studying Information Systems in the fall of 2024. I've always loved IT and the depths that this field reaches. Although I didn't have a passion for coding, I fell in love with the Business Management side of IT. I can still do what I love and enjoy my job. With this job, I can travel the world and introduce IT to other young African American girls who have a curious mind and want to dip their feet in the waters. I also picked Morgan because I didn't want to burden my mother financially. As I said before, my education means everything to me, and I appreciate opportunities like this one that give me resources to help further my education.

Hello all, and thank you for taking the time to consider me for your scholarship. I want to tell you a little about who you are considering for this scholarship. My name is Treasure Magruder, but I like to go by Treasure Bey. I am an 18-year-old African-American female with high aspirations. The prompt asks, "What obstacle have I faced in pursuing a higher education?" I'd be lying if I said it was just one specific thing. I face obstacles every day. When I was ten years old, my grandmother passed away from breast cancer. Her passing crushed me and my mom. Four months later, my biological grandfather passed away in a freak accident. I felt like my whole world was crashing down. I would be lying if I said to myself that their deaths still don't affect my day to day. I didn't understand why I was being faced with so many adversaries. Sometimes I still feel this way. Like there is a weight on my and my mom's shoulders that we didn't ask for, some days, I get unfortunate and cry for hours because I sit and think, why should my mom and I struggle to make ends meet? Why must my mom and I work ten times harder than the next? My mom is my hero. I know she will do whatever for me. She is the reason why I pushed myself so hard. I am doing this for myself and all the sleepless nights my mom had trying to make sure I was in a position to succeed. One day, I woke up and told myself, "Stop asking yourself why you are being faced with these obstacles and start appreciating that you are in a certain situation for a reason." You are capable of anything you put your mind to. I had to tell myself to stop looking at the glass half empty and look at it half full. Yes, you only have a little family support. Yes, your mom pushes you beyond the limits you think you are capable of because she sees the potential in you. Yes, your family isn't like others, and you don't have the support systems many do. Then I remembered I was loved and graduated high school with honors. My loving mother will make mountains move to see me happy. I plan to attend the National Treasure Morgan State University. As I said before, my family support is little to none, and being away from my mom (the only family I know) for fourteen weeks will be a complex challenge. When I stepped foot on Morgan's campus, it felt like home. The students and faculty were very accepting of any questions I needed answers to. They were very open and vulnerable about their situation and why they inevitably chose Morgan as their home. I will be studying Information Systems in the Fall of 2024. I've always loved IT and the depths that this field reaches. Although I didn't have a passion for coding, I fell in love with the Business Management side of IT. I am still able to do what I love and enjoy my job. With this job, I can travel the world and introduce IT to other young African American girls who have a curious mind and want to dip their feet in the waters. I also picked Morgan because I didn't want to burden my mother financially. As I said before, my education means everything to me, and I appreciate opportunities like this one that give me resources to help further my education.

Growing up in Prince George's County, Maryland- the nation's wealthiest African American county- I was fortunate to witness people who looked like me excel in ways that defied expectations. From the crossing guard at my school to the cafeteria lunch lady, I saw excellence in every role, and my teachers always encouraged me to attend an HBCU after high school. My name is Treasure Magruder, and I would love to be considered for your scholarship. While the question asks why I chose an HBCU, I prefer to view it as why I wouldn’t have chosen anything else. Being at an HBCU means I'm surrounded by people who share similar experiences and are part of a legacy that instills a deep sense of pride and purpose. Attending Morgan State University feels like an extension of home. College is already challenging, especially being away from family. However, knowing I’m surrounded by people who look like me and have faced similar challenges makes me feel supported and safer in this environment. One of my favorite memories at Morgan was attending my first-ever homecoming. It was an incredible experience to see Black excellence everywhere I turned—generation after generation of people who walked the same campus, put in the same hard work, and are now thriving. Seeing their dedication pay off inspires me to push myself even further. Attending an HBCU isn’t just about getting a degree; it’s about being part of a legacy of resilience, achievement, and community. This is where I truly belong.

My name is Treasure Magruder, but I prefer to be called Treasure Bey. As an 18-year-old African-American woman, I am passionate about pursuing a degree in Information Systems, a choice that reflects my personal experiences and aspirations to make a meaningful impact. My journey has not been without challenges. At just ten years old, I faced the devastating loss of my grandmother to breast cancer, followed six months later by the tragic passing of my grandfather in a freak accident. These losses affected my mother and me, leaving us grappling with grief and uncertainty. I often questioned why life dealt us such difficult circumstances and why we had to work so hard just to get by. However, in the midst of this pain, I discovered a new found strength within myself. My mother, who has always been my hero, worked tirelessly to provide for us, motivating me to strive for success. Eventually, I realized I needed to change my perspective. Instead of focusing on the obstacles in my life, I began to see them as opportunities for growth. This mindset shift ignited my passion for learning, particularly in the field of technology. Although I initially felt unsure about coding, I found my true interest in the business management side of Information Technology. This blend allows me to engage with technology while contributing to organizational success. As I currently study Information Systems, I am excited about the diverse opportunities this field offers. Having my mother push me at such a young age has helped me in ways I never could imagine. As I am a freshman taking majority of my sophomore year courses. I envision a career where I can bridge the gap between technology and business, making IT accessible and effective for various audiences. One of my key goals is to empower young African-American girls who share my curiosity about technology. I want to travel the world, introducing them to the field of IT and encouraging them to explore their potential. Representation is crucial, and I believe that showing them someone who looks like them can inspire confidence and ambition. I chose Morgan State University because of its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. This institution resonates with my values and offers a supportive environment where I can grow both personally and professionally. I am eager to connect with a community that shares my passion for technology and social impact. My decision to pursue Information Systems is deeply rooted in my desire to create positive change. My personal experiences have shaped my ambitions, and I am determined to not only achieve success for myself but also to uplift others along the way. With resilience, passion, and a clear purpose, I am ready to embark on this journey and make a lasting impact in my community and beyond. I thank my grandmother and grandfather for giving me their strength to get through college. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship, allowing me to turn my aspirations into reality.

Hello all, and thank you for taking the time to consider me for your scholarship. I want to tell you a little about who you are considering for this scholarship. My name is Treasure Magruder, but I like to go by Treasure Bey. I am an 18-year-old African-American female with high aspirations. When I was ten years old, my grandmother passed away from breast cancer. Her passing crushed me and my mom. Four months later, my biological grandfather passed away in a freak accident. I felt like my whole world was crashing down. I would be lying if I said to myself that their deaths still don't affect my day to day. I didn't understand why I was being faced with so many adversaries. Sometimes I still feel this way. Like there is a weight on my and my mom's shoulders that we didn't ask for, some days, I get overwhelmed and cry for hours because I sit and think, why should my mom and I struggle to make ends meet? Why must my mom and I work ten times harder than the next? My mom is my hero. I know she will do whatever for me. She is the reason why I pushed myself so hard. Losing two parents in the span of six months and having to keep it all together for a young pre-teen is something extremely challenging. I am doing this for myself and all the sleepless nights my mom had trying to make sure I was in a position to succeed. One day, I woke up and told myself, "Stop asking yourself why you are being faced with these obstacles and start appreciating that you are in a certain situation for a reason." You are capable of anything you put your mind to. I had to tell myself to stop looking at the glass half empty and look at it half full. Yes, you only have a little family support. Yes, your mom pushes you beyond the limits you think you are capable of because she sees the potential in you. Yes, your family isn't like others, and you don't have the support systems many do. Then I remembered I was loved and graduated high school with honors. My loving mother will make mountains move to see me happy. I currently attended The National Treasure Morgan State University. As I said before, my family support is little to none, and being away from my mom (the only family I know) for fourteen weeks will be a complex challenge. When I stepped foot on Morgan's campus, it felt like home. The students and faculty were very accepting of any questions I needed answers to. They were very open and vulnerable about their situation and why they inevitably chose Morgan as their home as well. I am currently studying Information Systems, and I’m in the fast track to graduate earlier because of the extra mile my mom made me go in high school . I've always loved IT and the depths that this field reaches. I have fell in love with the Business Management side of IT. I am able to still do what I love and enjoy my job. With this job, I can travel the world and introduce IT to other young African American girls who have a curious mind and want to pursue this field. I also picked Morgan because I didn't want to burden my mother financially. As I said before, my education means everything to me, and I appreciate opportunities like this one that give me resources to help further my education.

Hello all, and thank you for taking the time to consider me for your scholarship. I want to tell you a little about who you are considering for this scholarship. My name is Treasure Magruder, but I like to go by Treasure Bey. I am an 18-year-old African American female with high aspirations. The prompt question "describes a moment that impacted me to be a better version of myself. I plan to do more than that. When I was ten years old, my grandmother passed away from breast cancer. Her passing crushed me and my mom. Four months later, my biological grandfather passed away in a freak accident. I felt like my whole world was crashing down. I would be lying if I said to myself that their deaths still don't affect my day to day. I didn't understand why I was being faced with so many adversaries. Sometimes I still feel this way. Like there is a weight on my and my mom's shoulders that we didn't ask for, some days, I get unfortunate and cry for hours because I sit and think, why should my mom and I struggle to make ends meet? Why must my mom and I work ten times harder than the next? My mom is my hero. I know she will do whatever for me. She is the reason why I pushed myself so hard. I am doing this for myself and all the sleepless nights my mom had trying to make sure I was in a position to succeed. One day, I woke up and told myself, "Stop asking yourself why you are being faced with these obstacles and start appreciating that you are in a certain situation for a reason." You are capable of anything you put your mind to. I had to tell myself to stop looking at the glass half empty and look at it half full. From an early age, my mom taught me how to be verbal and express myself. I have always strived to make sure my impacts in my community benefit not just me but others as well. I believe that small gestures, such as holding the door open for others, telling other women they look beautiful, or even paying for someone else's meal, can lead to a significant change. In my interactions, I strive to embody empathy and compassion, understanding that everyone faces battles that are unseen. These simple acts have personally shown me profound effects, making someone's day ten times better. These efforts have enriched the lives of others and taught me the value of generosity and the profound impact of collective action. I have also dedicated time to starting my own math mentoring group for elementary and middle schoolers. Since starting this program, I have connected with different people and understand who they are. Meeting with these different groups of kids a few days a week really allows me to express empathy on a different level, and for this, I'm forever grateful. Through these initiatives, I have learned that the essence of community lies in our ability to uplift one another. Each act of kindness, no matter how small, contributes to a more loving and supportive environment, creating ripples of positivity that extend far beyond our immediate surroundings. Thank you for considering this scholarship for me; whether I receive it or not, I'm forever grateful.

Hello all, and thank you for taking the time to consider me for your scholarship. I want to tell you a little about who you are considering for this scholarship. My name is Treasure Magruder, but I like to go by Treasure Bey. I am an 18-year-old African American female with high aspirations. The prompt question "describes a moment that impacted me to be a better version of myself. I plan to do more than that. When I was ten years old, my grandmother passed away from breast cancer. Her passing crushed me and my mom. Four months later, my biological grandfather passed away in a freak accident. I felt like my whole world was crashing down. I would be lying if I said to myself that their deaths still don't affect my day to day. I didn't understand why I was being faced with so many adversaries. Sometimes I still feel this way. Like there is a weight on my and my mom's shoulders that we didn't ask for, some days, I get unfortunate and cry for hours because I sit and think, why should my mom and I struggle to make ends meet? Why must my mom and I work ten times harder than the next? My mom is my hero. I know she will do whatever for me. She is the reason why I pushed myself so hard. I am doing this for myself and all the sleepless nights my mom had trying to make sure I was in a position to succeed. One day, I woke up and told myself, "Stop asking yourself why you are being faced with these obstacles and start appreciating that you are in a certain situation for a reason." You are capable of anything you put your mind to. I had to tell myself to stop looking at the glass half empty and look at it half full. Yes, you only have a little family support. Yes, your mom pushes you beyond the limits you think you are capable of because she sees the potential in you. Yes, your family isn't like others, and you don't have the support systems many do. Then I remembered I was loved and graduated high school with honors. My loving mother will make mountains move to see me happy. So, you ask how I overcame adversity but chose to overcome every adversary I faced daily. People always ask me, "How do you do it, Treasure? You don't let anything faze you." I'd be lying if I say sometimes, I don't have breakdowns and cry, but I choose not to wallow in my feelings and persevere through. Nobody is going to hand me anything on a silver plate. I have to go out into the world and show them that I also deserve a spot at the table. I want to help other kids like me who are going through similar situations. With my fantastic mother and outstanding teachers and counselors throughout high school, I am in the excellent position I am in today. Upon graduating college, I want to earn a job with six figures or more, a job that allows me to travel to a different state to encourage other young African American girls to get into It. This field used to be male-dominated, but every day, I see more and more people who look like me taking over and dominating it. Thank you again for making resources like these available for people in financial need like me.

Hello all, and thank you for taking the time to consider me for your scholarship. I want to tell you a little about who you are considering for this scholarship. My name is Treasure Magruder, but I like to go by Treasure Bey. I am an 18-year-old African-American female with high aspirations. The prompt question "describes a moment that impacted me to be a better version of myself. I plan to do more than that. When I was ten years old, my grandmother passed away from breast cancer. Her passing crushed me and my mom. Four months later, my biological grandfather passed away in a freak accident. I felt like my whole world was crashing down. I would be lying if I said to myself that their deaths still don't affect my day to day. I didn't understand why I was being faced with so many adversaries. Sometimes I still feel this way. Like there is a weight on my and my mom's shoulders that we didn't ask for, some days, I get unfortunate and cry for hours because I sit and think, why should my mom and I struggle to make ends meet? Why must my mom and I work ten times harder than the next? My mom is my hero. I know she will do whatever for me. She is the reason why I pushed myself so hard. I am doing this for myself and all the sleepless nights my mom had trying to make sure I was in a position to succeed. One day, I woke up and told myself, "Stop asking yourself why you are being faced with these obstacles and start appreciating that you are in a certain situation for a reason." You are capable of anything you put your mind to. I had to tell myself to stop looking at the glass half empty and look at it half full. Yes, you only have a little family support. Yes, your mom pushes you beyond the limits you think you are capable of because she sees the potential in you. Yes, your family isn't like others, and you don't have the support systems many do. Then I remembered I was loved and graduated high school with honors. My loving mother will make mountains move to see me happy. I plan to attend the National Treasure Morgan State University. As I said before, my family support is little to none, and being away from my mom (the only family I know) for fourteen weeks will be a complex challenge. When I stepped foot on Morgan's campus, it felt like home. The students and faculty were very accepting of any questions I needed answers to. They were very open and vulnerable about their situation and why they inevitably chose Morgan as their home as well. I will be studying Information Systems in the fall of 2024. I've always loved IT and the depths that this field reaches. Although I can say I didn't have a passion for coding, I fell in love with the Business Management side of IT. I am able to still do what I love and enjoy my job. With this job, I will be able to travel the world and introduce IT to other young African American girls who have a curious mind and want to dip their feet in the waters. I also picked Morgan because I didn't want to burden my mother financially. As I said before, my education means everything to me, and I appreciate opportunities like this one that give me resources to help further my education.

Treasure Bey. I am an 18-year-old African-American female with high aspirations. The prompt question "describes a moment that impacted me to be a better version of myself. I plan to do more than that. When I was ten years old, my grandmother passed away from breast cancer. Her passing crushed me and my mom. Four months later, my biological grandfather passed away in a freak accident. I felt like my whole world was crashing down. I would be lying if I said to myself that their deaths still don't affect my day to day. I didn't understand why I was faced with so many adversaries. Sometimes I still feel this way. Like there is a weight on my and my mom's shoulders that we didn't ask for. Some days, I get unfortunate and cry for hours because I sit and think, why should my mom and I have to struggle to make ends meet? Why must my mom and I work ten times harder than the next person? My mom is my hero. I know she will do whatever for me. She is the reason why I pushed myself so hard. I am doing this not only for myself but also for all the sleepless nights my mom had trying to make sure I was in a position to succeed. One day, I woke up and started to tell myself, "Stop asking yourself why you are being faced with these obstacles and start appreciating that you are being placed in this space for a reason." You are capable of anything you put your mind to. I had to tell myself to stop looking at the glass half empty and look at it half full. Yes, You only have a little family support. Yes, your mom pushes you beyond the limits you think you are capable of because she sees the potential in you. Yes, your family isn't like others, and you don't have the support systems many do. Then I remembered I was loved and graduated high school with honors. My loving mother will make mountains move to see me happy. I have created bonds with friends who have turned into my family, which is why I am forever grateful. I say all this to say I can never pinpoint an exact moment when the lightbulb "clicked on." I can say that every day, there is another moment in my life where I realize that I am conquering my goals not for anybody else but for the little girl who lost her way when her whole world shifted. I sit and wonder from time to time how life would be if my grandmother was still here or if I had a relationship with my biological grandfather. "Who would Treasure Bey be"? Then, I remind myself not to get caught up in the "what-ifs" but to appreciate what is. I will attend a four-year university and receive a degree in my intended major. Giving out scholarships to the right people can be challenging. Thank you again for taking the time to consider my application. I appreciate this opportunity more than I have expressed.

Hello all, and thank you for taking the time of day to consider me for your scholarship. I want to tell you a little about who you are considering for this scholarship. My name is Treasure Magruder, but most know me by Treasure Bey. I am a seventeen-year-old African-American girl. I currently reside in Charles County, Maryland which isn’t too far from our nation's Capital. I have lived in the state of Maryland my whole life, but I have family from all over. My great-grandmother was born in Georgia as a slave, and she worked hard to move her family to D.C. My grandmother had 3 children (my mom being the oldest). My grandmother had my mom at only fourteen, so she dealt with a lot of challenges in life very early on. My grandmother passed away in January 2016 just twelve days before my birthday from a battle with breast cancer. She is one of the main reasons I push myself past my limits to accomplish my goals. Being raised by a single mother who wasn't raised by her mother was a struggle within itself. After facing many adversaries that children my age usually don't face my mother made it her mission to ensure I received an adequate education. I first realized my love for computer science at a charter school I was attending. Fast forward to now almost 8 years later I can comfortably say how I plan to use these skills and my degree on a day to day. Upon graduating, my immediate goal is to secure a position in a reputable IT firm, where I can immerse myself in the practical applications of the theories I've mastered during my college years. The IT field, with its constant innovation and technological advancements, beckons me to be at the forefront of transformative changes. I plan to seek a role that aligns with my specializations, such as Information Systems, allowing me to delve into projects that challenge and stimulate my problem-solving abilities. As I ascend in my career, I aspire to take on leadership roles, contributing not only as a great technologist but also as a strategic thinker who can navigate her way through her field. I envision myself playing a major role in my department, being a leader in my field. Solving complex challenges that organizations are facing in today's world. I recognize the importance of giving back to my community and contributing to the development of the IT field. By mentoring aspiring IT professionals and participating in different programs, I hope to inspire and support the next generation of tech enthusiasts. I also plan to spend a couple of years in education. I love children, and I remember how my young mind once thought. I dreamt so many dreams that were far beyond this world, but having a teacher who celebrated those inspiring dreams versus putting them down, is why I am the person I am today. The technology field is starting to evolve, and what I mean by this is I am starting to see more and more people who look like me in the field. Not only females but young African American women pursuing their dreams and taking over by storm. I aspire to be that fearless and relentless one day, and I know with your help of this scholarship, I can do so. Furthering your education is not a need but a want. For me, this is a need. You need to show everyone that you can overcome any challenge put in your way with a little faith.

For Starters, my name is Treasure Magruder, but most know me by Treasure Bey. I am a seventeen-year-old African-American girl. I reside in Charles County, Maryland which isn’t too far from our nation's Capital. I have lived in Maryland my whole life, but I have family from all over. From a very young age, I was always involved in sports. As soon as I turned five my mom enrolled me into my neighborhood cheerleading team. Every Tuesday and Thursday we would have practice for our big football games every Saturday. I cheered for 5 years straight. The expression that cheer allowed me was like nothing else before. The amazing bonds I made with people, I probably would've never gotten to know if it wasn't because of cheer. I am forever grateful for the role it played in my life. When I turned ten I moved from my childhood neighborhood, so I was no longer cheering. I actually will never forget one day when I and my mom were walking in the mall and I saw a dance team practicing in the studio. I begged my mom every day if I could join the team, and one day she finally said yes. I was excited, I could finally fill the void I was missing from cheer. I thought it would be so easy to just pick up where I left off, but I was sadly mistaken. Dance is a form of art in itself. You don't have to be tight and sharp like you do with cheer. With dance, you flow and elongate your movement with passion. Which is why I fell in love. All the late school nights getting ready for competitions were worth it because it pushed me to be a better version of myself and to know that I could do anything I put my mind to. Over 4 years of my dancing, we won numerous competitions and even got paid to travel to Atlanta for a well-known celebrity "Diana Williams DD4L" competition. At this said competition we won overall grand champions. Just twelve and thirteen-year-olds from Maryland putting the state of Maryland on the map. When we returned home we were a hot commodity. Everyone from every neighborhood wanted to see what our dance team was about. What they didn't know was that it just wasn't always about dance. Before we would practice we would take an hour of our time to study and do homework. Also every holiday season we would raise money for the less fortunate in our community and give back to them. See everyone thought our team was just about winning and traveling here and there, but they never saw the late nights we would stay up making care packages to give to our community. Or the car washes and other fundraisers we would do to give back. The dance team was never just about making up an 8-count to music but being able to share amazing experiences with people from all over. Making people want to be a part of an organization that puts the community first. I don't know what I what have done if I hadn't danced. This was my outlet to just let things go and be a part of something bigger than myself.

For Starters, my name is Treasure Magruder, but most know me by Treasure Bey. I am a seventeen-year-old African-American girl. I currently reside in Charles County, Maryland which isn’t too far from our nation's Capital. I have lived in the state of Maryland my whole life, but I have family from all over. My great-grandmother was born in Georgia as a slave, and she worked hard to move her family to D.C. My grandmother had 3 children (my mom being the oldest). My grandmother had my mom at only fourteen, so she dealt with a lot of challenges in life very early on. My grandmother passed away in January 2016 just twelve days before my birthday from a battle with breast cancer. She was the most relentless woman I knew. She worked in the metropolitan police department for 20 years of her life. Working there she met the man I call my grandfather. She wasn’t just your average grandmother. I will never forget the day my grandmother went and brought a brand-new pickup truck fully loaded because “Girls Can Do it TOO”. From that very moment on I always remembered that quote. Shortly after she passed, I was inducted into the National Honors Society. I couldn’t believe it. Everything I had gone through those last couple of months I thought it would be impossible to be inducted, not only did I prove everyone else wrong, but I also proved myself wrong. I am capable of anything I put my mind to. So, you ask what I would do with this scholarship to create a better life. I would for one make sure I have a set plan for my four years of college. I don’t want to waste any of the amazing opportunities I was given. So, step one would be to have a plan; where am I going, how far is it away from home; and am I ready to be in a foreign state alone? I know you’re probably thinking well everyone should have a plan, but you’ll be surprised at the most that don’t. Up until the beginning of senior year I never really had a plan. I had thought of what I wanted to do after high school, but I never set a plan in place to see it through. As I prepare to embark on this journey into college living and lifestyle, I would like to plan as much as possible. I know things happen and you can’t plan for everything but having a great foundation in place to go off is amazing. With this plan by the time, I graduate college, I hope to be brought onto a job with six figures or more, with a job that allows me to travel to different states to spread my BLACK-GIRL knowledge to other black women out there interested in the technology field.

For Starters, my name is Treasure Magruder, but most know me by Treasure Bey. I am a seventeen-year-old African-American girl. I currently reside in Charles County, Maryland which isn’t too far from our nation's Capital. I have lived in Maryland my whole life, but I have family from all over. My great-grandmother was born in Georgia as a slave, and she worked hard to move her family to D.C. My grandmother had 3 children (my mom being the oldest). My grandmother had my mom at only fourteen, so she dealt with a lot of challenges in life very early on. My grandmother passed away in January of 2016. Days before my birthday from a battle with breast cancer. She was a very relentless woman. She worked in the metropolitan police department for 20 years. She wasn’t just your average grandmother. I will never forget the day my grandmother went and brought a brand-new pickup truck fully loaded because “Girls Can Do it TOO”. From that very moment on I always remembered that quote. Shortly after she passed, I was inducted into the National Honors Society. I couldn’t believe it. Around this time I started to fall in love with dance. My mom always kept me in extracurricular activities at a very young age. I started with cheer, but I soon realized that dance was for me. My mom finally listened to my nagging my fifth-grade year after my grandmother died, and decided to put me in dance. It was a great outlet for me to express myself and a distraction from my outside world. I excelled very quickly at majorette dancing. So much so that I became the captain of my team just a year into my trying out. I danced up to my sophomore year of high school, traveling all around the world while still having to maintain an acceptable GPA to be a student-athlete. One thing my mom always instilled in me is that you have to put the work in harder than other people, you need to make sure that "student" in "student-athlete" is your main priority, and everything else will come later. In my junior year of high school, I took a break from dance and started to get back in touch with myself and the community. I started a tutoring program for middle schoolers in my community. I felt as though I was qualified enough, seeing as I was inducted into THE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY. I just wanted to help the younger generation mold into the amazing people they are destined to be. So if I could start my charity, it would be to fund a non-profit boys and girls club. My mission would be to instill core lessons that adolescent kids need. I know a lot of times kids don't like listening to adults because they feel like they are "know-it-alls". Well, at least I did. I would get responsible teen counselors and let them deliver the message to the younger kids. To let the kids know it's okay to listen to your parents, they only want what's best for you. I would also conduct workshops with successful African Americans from my community, and let them come give the kids words of motivation.

When I was in the fifth grade my mom told me I had been accepted into a charter school program, and that she would be transferring me mid-school year. I was extremely nervous as I would be the new person, and this was my last year of elementary school before I would become a "middle schooler". On my very first day of school, the stares began. I felt as if there was something I did wrong. It wasn't until later that day in math class a classmate came up to me and said "Hey my name is Ashley, today's my first day. Are you new." I thought to myself "Yes, I won't be the only one "new person" in the building. I thought that would be my last time being the new kid until high school, but unfortunately in the middle of my tenth-grade year, I had to move. My world was crushed all over again because not only was I moving from my comfort spot of what I knew, but I also was going through a rough time mentally. I just kept asking myself why me? Why do I have to pick up and change my whole life in the blink of an eye? What I didn't know at that time was that was "the world" preparing me for the rough roller-coasters you go on in life. Now here I am a senior in high school being the new kid all over again. I know I transferred schools a lot, but honestly I wouldn't change it for anything. Looking back on every school I have ever gone to, it has shaped me into the young woman I am today. The different cliques and friend groups I have survived. The challenges I have had with the rigorous course work, and still balancing a social life. I can comfortably say I am prepared with skills, and tools to use to face an adversary. Some people may not know how to deal with curve balls being thrown at them 90 miles per hour. But on the other hand, I do. I know how to adjust to things and move with the flow, which I feel is an amazing tool to have in and after college. Being able to go with the flow of things allows me a different viewpoint than others which can help me in different work environments. Whether it's preparing a new topic of discussion in a meeting on the spot, or coming up with creative viewpoints on an assignment. Being the "new kid" isn't always a terrible thing, because as I said before you get a brand new experience with things that people may feel are dull. A chance to make your memories and opportunities. I wouldn't mind being the new kid if I get the chance to reap amazing benefits, from the experience.

For Starters, my name is Treasure Magruder, but most know me by Treasure Bey. I am a seventeen-year-old African-American girl. I currently reside in Charles County, Maryland which isn’t too far from our nation's Capital. I have lived in the state of Maryland my whole life, but I have family from all over. My great-grandmother was born in Georgia as a slave, and she worked hard to move her family to D.C. My grandmother had 3 children (my mom being the oldest). My grandmother had my mom at only fourteen, so she dealt with a lot of challenges in life very early on. My grandmother passed away in January 2016 just twelve days before my birthday from a battle with breast cancer. She was the most relentless woman I knew. She worked in the metropolitan police department for 20 years of her life. Working there she met the man I call my grandfather. She wasn’t just your average grandmother. I will never forget the day my grandmother went and brought a brand-new pickup truck fully loaded because “Girls Can Do it TOO”. From that very moment on I always remembered that quote. Shortly after she passed, I was inducted into the National Honors Society. I couldn’t believe it. Everything I had gone through those last couple of months I thought it would be impossible to be inducted, not only did I prove everyone else wrong, but I also proved myself wrong. I am capable of anything I put my mind to. So, you ask what I would do with this scholarship to create a better life. I would for one make sure I have a set plan for my four years of college. I don’t want to waste any of the amazing opportunities I was given. So, step one would be to have a plan; where am I going, how far is it away from home; and am I ready to be in a foreign state alone? I know you’re probably thinking well everyone should have a plan, but you’ll be surprised at the most that don’t. Up until the beginning of senior year I never really had a plan. I had thought of what I wanted to do after high school, but I never set a plan in place to see it through. As I get ready to embark on this journey into college living and lifestyle, I would just like to plan as much as I can. I know things happen and you can’t plan for everything but having a great foundation in place to go off is amazing. With this plan by the time, I graduate college, I hope to be brought onto a job in information technology with six figures or more, with a job that allows me to travel to different states to spread my BLACK-GIRL knowledge to other black women out there interested in the technology field. Every year for Thanksgiving and Christmas, my mom, a group of friends, and I go to downtown D.C. set up a few tables and feed the homeless. The first time I went, I balled for hours. It hurt me, that there were people without a home that were my age and they didn't deserve that. I felt so selfish for having a roof over my head and they didn't. I vowed to myself that I would always be selfless and think about others. I would never make fun of or discourage somebody for what they wear or what they have because everyone goes through things.

For Starters, my name is Treasure Magruder, but most know me by Treasure Bey. I am a seventeen-year-old African-American girl. I currently reside in Charles County, Maryland which isn’t too far from our nation's Capital. I have lived in the state of Maryland my whole life, but I have family from all over. My great-grandmother was born in Georgia as a slave, and she worked hard to move her family to D.C. My grandmother had 3 children (my mom being the oldest). My grandmother had my mom at only fourteen, so she dealt with a lot of challenges in life very early on. My grandmother passed away in January 2016 just twelve days before my birthday from a battle with breast cancer. She was the most relentless woman I knew. She worked in the metropolitan police department for 20 years of her life. Working there she met the man I call my grandfather. She wasn’t just your average grandmother. I will never forget the day my grandmother went and brought a brand-new pickup truck fully loaded because “Girls Can Do it TOO”. From that very moment on I always remembered that quote. Shortly after she passed, I was inducted into the National Honors Society. I couldn’t believe it. Everything I had gone through those last couple of months I thought it would be impossible to be inducted, not only did I prove everyone else wrong, but I also proved myself wrong. I am capable of anything I put my mind to. So, if you ask how I plan to positively impact my community, I would for one make sure I have a set plan for my four years of college. I want to be able to be in my best ability I am capable of to give back to my community. I would go back into my old neighborhood where I used to tutor elementary school kids and give them tips and advice about college to help make sure they fully understand all the opportunities that are out there. I want people in my community to know that it's okay to want better for yourself, and it's okay to want to experience different things. While still loving and supporting our community. A lot of teenagers my age don't graduate from high school. Whether it is from drugs, gang violence, or just being an innocent teen in the wrong place at the wrong time. I tell people all the time there is so much of the world out here we have to do better. When I get older and finish college I plan to continue to preach and nurture the middle schoolers, and high schoolers, who have lost their way or who just simply don't know what to do because they are so used to one thing. That's why I like to go on every school field trip I can and be active in school events because you meet new people from all around the world and get to hear and listen to their experiences.

For Starters, my name is Treasure Magruder, but most know me by Treasure Bey. I am a seventeen-year-old African-American girl. I currently reside in Charles County, Maryland which isn’t too far from our nation's Capital. I have lived in the state of Maryland my whole life, but I have family from all over. My great-grandmother was born in Georgia as a slave, and she worked hard to move her family to D.C. My grandmother had 3 children (my mom being the oldest). My grandmother had my mom at only fourteen, so she dealt with a lot of challenges in life very early on. My grandmother passed away in January 2016 just twelve days before my birthday from a battle with breast cancer. She was the most relentless woman I knew. She worked in the metropolitan police department for 20 years of her life. Working there she met the man I call my grandfather. She wasn’t just your average grandmother. I will never forget the day my grandmother went and brought a brand-new pickup truck fully loaded because “Girls Can Do it TOO”. From that very moment on I always remembered that quote. Shortly after she passed, I was inducted into the National Honors Society. I couldn’t believe it. Everything I had gone through those last couple of months I thought it would be impossible to be inducted, not only did I prove everyone else wrong, but I also proved myself wrong. I am capable of anything I put my mind to. So, you ask what I would do with this scholarship to create a better life. I would for one make sure I have a set plan for my four years of college. I don’t want to waste any of the amazing opportunities I was given. So, step one would be to have a plan; where am I going, how far is it away from home; and am I ready to be in a foreign state alone? I know you’re probably thinking well everyone should have a plan, but you’ll be surprised at the most that don’t. Up until the beginning of senior year I never really had a plan. I had thought of what I wanted to do after high school, but I never set a plan in place to see it through. As I get ready to embark on this journey into college living and lifestyle, I would just like to plan as much as I can. I know things happen and you can’t plan for everything but having a great foundation in place to go off is amazing. With this plan by the time, I graduate college, I hope to be brought onto a job with six figures or more, with a job that allows me to travel to different states to spread my BLACK-GIRL knowledge to other black women out there interested in the technology field.