One of my favorite local events in Southeast Washington, D.C. is the annual block party we hold every summer. It’s a lively celebration of our community, and it’s hard to describe it without a smile on my face. The event brings together neighbors, friends, and families for a day of music, food, games, and pure fun. There’s something magical about seeing the entire block come alive in such a carefree way, and it’s an experience I look forward to every year. The block party isn’t just about a few hours of entertainment; it’s about creating a space where everyone, no matter their age, background, or story, can come together and share something special. The music plays loudly, often a mix of old-school jams and the latest hits, while grills are fired up and people are swapping recipes and stories. Kids run around playing tag, jumping in inflatable bounce houses, or participating in talent shows. I remember the year I helped with some of the games for the younger kids, including a double dutch, annd face painting. Seeing the kids laugh and cheer for one another was one of the highlights of the day. What makes this event so meaningful is the feeling of unity it fosters. In a neighborhood like Southeast, where we face challenges like underfunded schools, Violence, and limited access to resources, these kinds of events remind us that we’re more than the struggles we face. We’re a community that looks out for one another, that comes together to create something fun and positive, no matter what’s going on in the world outside. I’ve met neighbors I’d never spoken to before at this event, and we’ve had some of the best conversations over plates of food and drinks. It’s these connections that make the block party so special. The block party also highlights the importance of supporting local businesses and artists. We’ve had local vendors set up booths, selling everything from homemade jewelry to fresh produce, and even local musicians performing. It’s a great way to show off the talents and hard work of people in our neighborhood and support them in the process. Looking forward, I’d love to see the block party continue to grow, not just in size, but in creativity. I think it would be amazing to see more youth led activities, like art projects or a community mural, where everyone can come together and leave their mark on the neighborhood. It would also be great to have more local businesses involved, not just as vendors, but as active participants in the day’s events. Maybe even a competition for the best cookout! Ultimately, I hope the event can inspire more pride in our community. It’s one thing to talk about change, but it’s another to show up, celebrate, and create something together. The block party is a reminder that no matter what challenges we face, there’s always room for joy and connection. It’s something I look forward to each year, and I know it has the potential to grow into an even bigger tradition that keeps bringing us all together.

Throughout my short life, I've used part of my time to help my underserved community both through working with Martha's Table and my involvement with Manley Science and Technology Center, a daycare my grandmother founded about 35 years ago. I live in a low-income community where most people of color are pushed into because of this I wanted to help serve and dedicate as much time as I can to creating safe, supportive spaces for those in need. At Martha’s Table a nonprofit organization committed to supporting strong children, strong families, and strong communities by increasing access to quality education, health and wellness, and family resources, I played an active role in ensuring food accessibility by sorting food, assembling meal bags, distributing them to families, and assisting with cleanup. Making sure that families received fresh, nutritious food was rewarding. Sorting through donations, removing spoiled items, and packaging balanced meals helped me see the impact of small but meaningful efforts. The most fulfilling part was handing out the food, seeing the relief on people’s faces, and knowing our work made a difference. It also made me realize how many families in our community were without food and access to healthy foods as well. Besides working at Martha’s Table, my involvement at Manley Science and Technology Center has been a lifelong commitment. My grandmother started this daycare in a community that was widely considered unsafe and lacked affordable childcare options. She wanted to give parents a reliable, nurturing place where their children could grow and learn without financial strain. Now certified and deeply valued in our neighborhood, the daycare operates like a close family. For as long as I can remember, I have been helping out in any way I can whether it’s shopping for groceries, assisting teachers, or creating gift bags for parents and children. One of my favorite contributions is leading art lessons for the kids, I enjoy teaching them new things and hope that it's something they enjoy just as much as I do. Watching their excitement when they complete a project reminds me of how important it is for children to have access to enriching experiences. These experiences have taught me the power of community-driven initiatives. Whether it’s providing food for struggling families or ensuring children have a safe place to grow, I’ve seen firsthand how small acts of service can have a lasting impact. Working at both Martha’s Table and Manley Science and Technology Center has strengthened my teamwork, and problem solving skills while deepening my understanding of social issues within my community. As I move forward, I remain committed to giving back and creating opportunities for others. These experiences have not only shaped who I am today but have also fueled my desire to continue making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Art has always been my outlet for making sense of the world when everything around me felt unstable. I grew up facing challenges that forced me to mature quickly, moving between homes, caring for my younger siblings, and navigating the emotional weight of family struggles. However, through it all the most memorable and difficult hardship I've faced is being diagnosed with Tourette syndrome during my freshman year of high school. This would be the most difficult time of my life, mostly because it happened to me, a personal experience no one could solve but me. It was something I couldn't just walk away from, and I had to deal with it all on my own. At first, it felt like my body had betrayed me. The tics were unpredictable, sometimes subtle, and others nearly impossible for myself and those around me to ignore. They disrupted my schoolwork, drew unwanted attention, and left me feeling out of control. I had already carried the weight of so much responsibility in my life, but this was different. This was something I couldn't just fix or push through with just determination. It felt unfair, isolating, and overwhelming. For a long time, I struggled with accepting my diagnosis. I wanted to hide it, to make it disappear, to pretend it wasn't a part of me. But the more I tried to stop it and push it down the worse it got, the louder, more aggressive it was. Never ending. It wasn't until I turned to art I began to see my condition in a different light. Art gave me a space where I didn't feel judged or out of control. In my sketchbooks and paintings, I found a way to express what words couldn't, to tell my story. The chaotic energy of my tics translated into bold strokes, intricate patterns, and colors that captured emotions that I couldn't verbalize. Art had always been my life but after this, it became my therapy. My way of reclaiming a sense of control over my body and mind. Over time, I learned to embrace my Tourette Syndrome as part of who I am rather than something that defines me negatively. I educated myself on my condition and became an advocate for my awareness in my school, home, and those around me. Many often questioned my actions asking "What's wrong with you" whether it was from my family, teachers, or even just those around me. A lot of my tics were met with rude comments from those who were ignorant of my diagnosis, so started sharing my experience with others hoping to educate them on the cause to ensure that people similar to me did not have to face the same ignorance that I did. I realized my struggle gave me a unique perspective, one that allowed me to empathize with others who are facing their own challenges. Now, as I look towards my future. I see my challenges not as barriers but as stepping stones. Having this disability has taught me patience, self-acceptance, and the strength to be able to stand on my own. My passion for art has only grown stronger and pushed me into a major that im really excited to work in, as well as use my experience in the field as well. Through this scholarship, I aim to continue my education majoring in Architecture to help those who feel unheard. My journey has shown me that even in the face of adversity, there is always a way to transform struggle into strength.