I have always stood out from the crowd. I started growing in elementary school and have always been the tallest student in my class. My entire life has been a compilation of people saying, "You're tall for your age; what sport do you play?" or "I'm sure you are on the basketball team." The challenge for me was that I'm not athletic in the traditional sense. Yes, I'm in shape and exercise, but team sports are complicated when the team has great expectations from the biggest guy on the team. I was diagnosed with inward pronation of both feet at a young age. This condition can make running uncomfortable and requires that I wear special orthotics in all my shoes. Sports have always been challenging, but I tried it all. I played soccer, basketball, and varsity baseball. I have always been up for a challenge, but deep inside, I knew my heart was elsewhere. I love literature and writing. Reading connects us with the thoughts and ideas of others, past and present, enriching our own understanding and helping us grow as individuals. I plan to pursue a career in adolescent education and child psychology. I was born and raised in Harlem, where, historically, the schools have performed worse academically than those in more affluent parts of New York City and the rest of the country. Approximately 2,750 Black male teachers are working in New York City public schools. This number represents 3.7% of the teacher workforce in the city. I am most passionate about instilling a sense of self-worth and wonder in children. I want minority children to aspire to be great. I want to excite kids' curiosity and foster an enthusiasm for learning in a nurturing environment. I want inner-city children (like me) to know how awesome they are and that they can do whatever they choose. I plan to teach my students to not allow themselves to be placed in a box based on stereotypes. You can become a playwright like August Wilson. You can write stories like Toni Morrison or be a literary activist like Ta-Nehisi Coates. Educators have an opportunity to help develop a growth mindset and encourage students to believe in their abilities. Minority teachers offer relatable role models who can encourage and inspire pupils from comparable backgrounds. I want to be a force in education that will positively impact the underserved communities in NYC.

My mother is my hero. She is the most independent and determined woman I know. She is my inspiration and my best friend. My mother's work ethic is absolutely outstanding. She is an extremely dedicated nurse who works 12-to-16-hour shifts to take care of me on her own. She does it all by herself. She cares for her patients, keeps a clean house, cooks, helps me with homework, plays basketball, rides her bike, and just hangs out with me. She is fantastic, and I love her. She does these things by herself. She instilled that ‘can do’ attitude in me. Despite not having a father around, she always tells me that I can be whatever I want to be. My mother is depending on me to make something of myself. Her most outstanding achievement is the fact that she is a registered nurse. She expects nothing less from me; she actually expects more. Coming from a single-parent household fosters strength and resilience. Growing up with the support of my mom has been a cornerstone of my development and drive. Her unwavering commitment and resilience have instilled in me a sense of determination and self-belief. Watching her juggle multiple responsibilities and overcome challenges has taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance. Her encouragement and faith in my abilities have given me the confidence to pursue my goals and strive for success. We firmly believe that higher education, faith in GOD, and service are the keys to a brighter future. I am highly motivated and determined to succeed. I plan to pursue a career in Child Psychology and adolescent education. I am from Harlem. Approximately 2,750 Black male teachers are working in New York City public schools. This number represents about 3.7% of the entire teacher workforce in the city. My goal is to make a difference in the lives of teenagers like myself. Minority representation in educators is vital for developing an inclusive and effective educational environment. Minority teachers offer relatable role models who can encourage and inspire pupils from comparable backgrounds. I aim to become a dynamic, innovative middle school educator and counselor. I plan to lead by example, mentor, and provide guidance and support. Educators should exemplify positive behavior, ethics, and values and set a standard for students to emulate. Educators have an opportunity to help develop a growth mindset and encourage students to believe in their abilities. Minority representation in educators is vital for creating an inclusive and effective educational environment. Minority teachers offer relatable role models who can encourage and inspire pupils from comparable backgrounds. I want to be a force in education that will positively impact the underserved communities in NYC. Integrating technology into the classroom can create a more effective and engaging teen learning environment. Speaking from experience, I know that teenagers enjoy tech-forward teaching approaches. Innovation and technology keep us engaged. By utilizing technology, students have access to a wide range of resources, like interactive modules and videos, that allow them to expand their learning options beyond textbooks. I hope to lead the development of tech-forward teaching tools that are low-cost and effective for public and charter school education. My dream is that these teaching strategies will be used nationwide or even worldwide. Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the chance to tell you about my goals, my mom, and my plans for the future.

Writing has always been a magical place for me. It’s like crafting a piece of your mind and sharing it with the world. For me, writing is cathartic; it helps me process my feelings and experiences. I have always stood out from the crowd. I started growing in elementary school and have always been the tallest student in my class. My entire life has been a compilation of people saying, "You're tall for your age; what sport do you play?" or "I'm sure you are on the basketball team." The challenge for me was that I'm not athletic in the traditional sense. Yes, I'm in shape and exercise, but team sports are complicated when the team has great expectations from the biggest guy on the team. I was diagnosed with inward pronation of both feet at a young age. This condition can make running uncomfortable and requires that I wear special orthotics in all my shoes. So, sports have always been challenging, but I tried it all. I played soccer, basketball,  and varsity baseball. I have always been up for a challenge, but deep inside, I knew my heart was elsewhere. I love to write stories. I'm a poet.   For me, every blank page is an opportunity to create something new, whether it’s a story, a poem, or even a simple list of thoughts. I aim to become a dynamic and innovative middle school educator and counselor. I plan to use creative writing and storytelling to connect with my students. Stories have the power to build connections. When students engage with stories, they can see the world from different perspectives, empathize with characters, and reflect on their own experiences.  I am most passionate about instilling a sense of self-worth and wonder in children. I want children to aspire to be great. I want to excite kids' curiosity and foster an enthusiasm for learning in a nurturing environment. I want inner-city children (like me) to know how awesome they are and that they can do whatever they choose. Through storytelling, students can explore complex themes, discover new ideas, and develop emotional intelligence. It's a way to learn about the world and themselves in a deeply personal and relatable way. Educators have an opportunity to help develop a growth mindset and encourage students to believe in their abilities. Minority representation in educators is vital for creating an inclusive and effective educational environment. Minority teachers offer relatable role models who can encourage and inspire pupils from comparable backgrounds. I want to be a force in education that will positively impact the underserved communities in NYC.  I truly believe that writing is a journey that evolves as you mature. I look forward to a robust college experience with opportunities to grow and develop my writing voice. Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the chance to tell you about myself and for the opportunity to apply for the Ryan Stripling scholarship. Like, Professor Stripling, I want to become a fierce educator who will use “Words to Create Worlds” for my students. I appreciate you taking the time to review my application.

I am 18 years old and a High School Senior. I was born and raised in Harlem, New York. I find Kalia's story inspirational and encouraging. I want to live up to similar qualities of diligence, commitment, and devotion to others. Like Kalia, I have always strived for excellence in my academic career and community service obligations. I am profoundly impacted by Kalia D. Davis's legacy. She embodied quality, tenacity, and a strong desire to change the world. I firmly believe that higher education, faith in God, and service are the keys to a brighter future. I plan to pursue a career in adolescent education and child psychology. My ultimate goal is to become a leader in education and child advocacy. The Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship will help me achieve that goal. Harlem's schools have historically performed worse academically than those in more affluent parts of New York City and the rest of the country. Approximately 2,750 Black male teachers are working in New York City public schools. This number represents about 3.7% of the entire teacher workforce in the city. I am most passionate about instilling a sense of self-worth and wonder in children. I want minority children to aspire to be great. I want to excite kids' curiosity and foster an enthusiasm for learning in a nurturing environment. I want inner-city children (like me) to know how awesome they are and that they can do whatever they choose. Educators have an opportunity to help develop a growth mindset and encourage students to believe in their abilities. Minority representation in educators is vital for creating an inclusive and effective educational environment. Minority teachers offer relatable role models who can encourage and inspire pupils from comparable backgrounds. Guidance counseling is essential to creating a supportive and effective learning environment. A significant number of students in the NYC school system face emotional and mental health challenges, which can impact their academic performance. Guidance counselors provide a welcoming, inclusive, and productive learning environment that helps children thrive emotionally, socially, and intellectually. I aim to become a dynamic, innovative educator and counselor. I plan to lead by example, mentor, and provide guidance and support. Educators should exemplify positive behavior, ethics, and values and set a standard for students to emulate. I want to be a force in education that will positively impact the underserved communities in NYC. I hope to lead the development of tech-forward teaching tools that are low-cost and effective for public and charter school education. My dream is that these teaching strategies will be used nationwide or even worldwide. Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the chance to tell you about myself and for the opportunity to apply for the Kalia D. Davis Scholarship. I pledge to uphold her memory with this scholarship by pursuing greatness, kindness, and ambition in all facets of my life. I appreciate you taking the time to review my application.

I am 18 years old. I was born and raised in Harlem. Harlem's schools have historically performed worse academically than those in more affluent parts of New York City and the rest of the country. Approximately 2,750 Black male teachers are working in New York City public schools. This number represents about 3.7% of the entire teacher workforce in the city. I plan to pursue a career in adolescent education and child psychology. I am most passionate about instilling a sense of self-worth and wonder in children. I want minority children to aspire to be great. I want to excite kids' curiosity and foster an enthusiasm for learning in a nurturing environment. I want inner-city children (like me) to know how awesome they are and that they can do whatever they choose. In the NYC school system, a significant number of students face emotional and mental health challenges. Emotional turmoil can impact a student's academic performance. Anxiety and stress can impair students' ability to take tests, participate in class, and finish homework. Guidance counseling is essential to creating a supportive and effective learning environment. Guidance counselors provide a welcoming, inclusive, and productive learning environment that helps children thrive on all levels—emotionally, socially, and intellectually. I aim to become a dynamic, innovative middle school educator and counselor. I plan to lead by example, mentor, and provide guidance and support. Educators should exemplify positive behavior, ethics, and values and set a standard for students to emulate. Educators have an opportunity to help develop a growth mindset and encourage students to believe in their abilities. Minority representation in educators is vital for developing an inclusive and effective educational environment. Minority teachers offer relatable role models who can encourage and inspire pupils from comparable backgrounds. I want to be a force in education that will positively impact the underserved communities in NYC. Integrating technology into the classroom can create a more effective and engaging teen learning environment. Speaking from experience, I know that teenagers enjoy tech-forward teaching approaches. Innovation and technology keep us engaged. By utilizing technology, students have access to a wide range of resources, like interactive modules and videos, that allow them to expand their learning options beyond textbooks. My goal is to impact education. I hope to lead the development of tech-forward teaching tools that are low-cost and effective for public and charter schools. My dream is that these teaching strategies will be used nationwide or even worldwide.

I am 18 years old. I was born and raised in Harlem. Harlem's schools have historically performed worse academically than those in more affluent parts of New York City and the rest of the country. Approximately 2,750 Black male teachers are working in New York City public schools. This number represents about 3.7% of the entire teacher workforce in the city. I plan to pursue a career in adolescent education and child psychology. I am most passionate about instilling a sense of self-worth and wonder in children. I want minority children to aspire to be great. I want to excite kids' curiosity and foster an enthusiasm for learning in a nurturing environment. I want inner-city children (like me) to know how awesome they are and that they can do whatever they choose. In the NYC school system, a significant number of students face emotional and mental health challenges. Emotional turmoil can impact a student's academic performance. Anxiety and stress can impair students' ability to take tests, participate in class, and finish homework. Guidance counseling is essential to creating a supportive and effective learning environment. Guidance counselors provide a welcoming, inclusive, and productive learning environment that helps children thrive on all levels—emotionally, socially, and intellectually. I aim to become a dynamic, innovative middle school educator and counselor. I plan to lead by example, mentor, and provide guidance and support. Educators should exemplify positive behavior, ethics, and values and set a standard for students to emulate. Educators have an opportunity to help develop a growth mindset and encourage students to believe in their abilities. Minority representation in educators is vital for developing an inclusive and effective educational environment. Minority teachers offer relatable role models who can encourage and inspire pupils from comparable backgrounds. I want to be a force in education that will positively impact the underserved communities in NYC. Integrating technology into the classroom can create a more effective and engaging teen learning environment. Speaking from experience, I know that teenagers enjoy tech-forward teaching approaches. Innovation and technology keep us engaged. By utilizing technology, students have access to a wide range of resources, like interactive modules and videos, that allow them to expand their learning options beyond textbooks. I hope to lead the development of tech-forward teaching tools that are low-cost and effective for public and charter school education. My dream is that these teaching strategies will be used nationwide or even worldwide.

I am 18 years old. I was born and raised in Harlem. Harlem's schools have historically performed worse academically than those in more affluent parts of New York City and the rest of the country. Approximately 2,750 Black male teachers are working in New York City public schools. This number represents about 3.7% of the entire teacher workforce in the city. I plan to pursue a career in adolescent education and child psychology. I am most passionate about instilling a sense of self-worth and wonder in children. I want minority children to aspire to be great. I want to excite kids' curiosity and foster an enthusiasm for learning in a nurturing environment. I want inner-city children (like me) to know how awesome they are and that they can do whatever they choose. In the NYC school system, a significant number of students face emotional and mental health challenges. Emotional turmoil can impact a student's academic performance. Anxiety and stress can impair students' ability to take tests, participate in class, and finish homework. Guidance counseling is essential to creating a supportive and effective learning environment. Guidance counselors provide a welcoming, inclusive, and productive learning environment that helps children thrive on all levels—emotionally, socially, and intellectually. I aim to become a dynamic, innovative middle school educator and counselor. I plan to lead by example, mentor, and provide guidance and support. Educators should exemplify positive behavior, ethics, and values and set a standard for students to emulate. Educators have an opportunity to help develop a growth mindset and encourage students to believe in their abilities. Minority representation in educators is vital for developing an inclusive and effective educational environment. Minority teachers offer relatable role models who can encourage and inspire pupils from comparable backgrounds. I want to be a force in education that will positively impact the underserved communities in NYC. Integrating technology into the classroom can create a more effective and engaging teen learning environment. Speaking from experience, I know that teenagers enjoy tech-forward teaching approaches. Innovation and technology keep us engaged. By utilizing technology, students have access to a wide range of resources, like interactive modules and videos, that allow them to expand their learning options beyond textbooks. I hope to lead the development of tech-forward teaching tools that are low-cost and effective for public and charter school education. My dream is that these teaching strategies will be used nationwide or even worldwide.

I am 18 years old. I was born and raised in Harlem. Harlem's schools have historically performed worse academically than those in more affluent parts of New York City and the rest of the country. Approximately 2,750 Black male teachers are working in New York City public schools. This number represents about 3.7% of the entire teacher workforce in the city. I plan to pursue a career in adolescent education and child psychology. I am most passionate about instilling a sense of self-worth and wonder in children. I want minority children to aspire to be great. I want to excite kids' curiosity and foster an enthusiasm for learning in a nurturing environment. I want inner-city children (like me) to know how awesome they are and that they can do whatever they choose. In the NYC school system, a significant number of students face emotional and mental health challenges. Emotional turmoil can impact a student's academic performance. Anxiety and stress can impair students' ability to take tests, participate in class, and finish homework. Guidance counseling is essential to creating a supportive and effective learning environment. Guidance counselors provide a welcoming, inclusive, and productive learning environment that helps children thrive on all levels—emotionally, socially, and intellectually. I aim to become a dynamic, innovative middle school educator and counselor. I plan to lead by example, mentor, and provide guidance and support. Educators should exemplify positive behavior, ethics, and values and set a standard for students to emulate. Educators have an opportunity to help develop a growth mindset and encourage students to believe in their abilities. Minority representation in educators is vital for developing an inclusive and effective educational environment. Minority teachers offer relatable role models who can encourage and inspire pupils from comparable backgrounds. I want to be a force in education that will positively impact the underserved communities in NYC. Integrating technology into the classroom can create a more effective and engaging teen learning environment. Speaking from experience, I know that teenagers enjoy tech-forward teaching approaches. Innovation and technology keep us engaged. By utilizing technology, students can access a wide range of resources, like interactive modules and videos, that allow them to expand their learning options beyond textbooks. I hope to lead the development of tech-forward teaching tools that are low-cost and effective for public and charter school education. My dream is that these teaching strategies will be used nationwide or even worldwide.

I am 18 years old. I was born and raised in Harlem. Harlem's schools have historically performed worse academically than those in more affluent parts of New York City and the rest of the country. Approximately 2,750 Black male teachers are working in New York City public schools. This number represents about 3.7% of the entire teacher workforce in the city. I plan to pursue a career in adolescent education and child psychology. I am most passionate about instilling a sense of self-worth and wonder in children. I want minority children to aspire to be great. I want to excite kids' curiosity and foster an enthusiasm for learning in a nurturing environment. I want inner-city children (like me) to know how awesome they are and that they can do whatever they choose. In the NYC school system, a significant number of students face emotional and mental health challenges. Emotional turmoil can impact a student's academic performance. Anxiety and stress can impair students' ability to take tests, participate in class, and finish homework. Guidance counseling is essential to creating a supportive and effective learning environment. Guidance counselors provide a welcoming, inclusive, and productive learning environment that helps children thrive on all levels—emotionally, socially, and intellectually. I aim to become a dynamic, innovative middle school educator and counselor. I plan to lead by example, mentor, and provide guidance and support. Educators should exemplify positive behavior, ethics, and values and set a standard for students to emulate. Educators have an opportunity to help develop a growth mindset and encourage students to believe in their abilities. Minority representation in educators is vital for developing an inclusive and effective educational environment. Minority teachers offer relatable role models who can encourage and inspire pupils from comparable backgrounds. I want to be a force in education that will positively impact the underserved communities in NYC. Integrating technology into the classroom can create a more effective and engaging teen learning environment. Speaking from experience, I know that teenagers enjoy tech-forward teaching approaches. Innovation and technology keep us engaged. By utilizing technology, students can access a wide range of resources, like interactive modules and videos, that allow them to expand their learning options beyond textbooks. I hope to lead the development of tech-forward teaching tools that are low-cost and effective for public and charter school education. My dream is that these teaching strategies will be used nationwide or even worldwide. Winners and Finalists

My mother is my hero. She is the most independent and determined woman I know. She is my inspiration and my best friend. My mother's work ethic is absolutely outstanding. She is an extremely dedicated nurse who works  12-to-16-hour shifts to take care of me on her own. She does it all by herself. She cares for her patients, keeps a clean house, cooks, helps me with homework, plays basketball, rides her bike, and just hangs out with me. She is fantastic, and I love her. She does these things by herself.  She instilled that ‘can do’ attitude in me.  Despite not having a father around, she always tells me that I be whatever I want to be. My mother is depending on me to make something of myself. Her most outstanding achievement is the fact that is a registered nurse. She expects nothing less from me; she actually expects more. Coming from a single-parent household fosters strength and resilience. We firmly believe that higher education, faith in GOD, and service are the keys to a brighter future. I am highly motivated and determined to succeed. I plan to pursue a career in Child Psychology and adolescent education. I am from Harlem. Approximately 2,750 Black male teachers are working in New York City public schools. This number represents about 3.7% of the entire teacher workforce in the city. My goal is to make a difference in the lives of black teenagers like myself. Minority representation in educators is vital for developing an inclusive and effective educational environment. Minority teachers offer relatable role models who can encourage and inspire pupils from comparable backgrounds.  I aim to become a dynamic, innovative middle school educator and counselor. I plan to lead by example, mentor, and provide guidance and support. Educators should exemplify positive behavior, ethics, and values and set a standard for students to emulate. Educators have an opportunity to help develop a growth mindset and encourage students to believe in their abilities. Minority representation in educators is vital for creating an inclusive and effective educational environment. Minority teachers offer relatable role models who can encourage and inspire pupils from comparable backgrounds. I want to be a force in education that will positively impact the underserved communities in NYC. Integrating technology into the classroom can create a more effective and engaging teen learning environment. Speaking from experience, I know that teenagers enjoy tech-forward teaching approaches. Innovation and technology keep us engaged. By utilizing technology, students have access to a wide range of resources, like interactive modules and videos, that allow them to expand their learning options beyond textbooks. I hope to lead the development of tech-forward teaching tools that are low-cost and effective for public and charter school education. My dream is that these teaching strategies will be used nationwide or even worldwide.

I am 18 years old. I was born and raised in Harlem. Harlem's schools have historically performed worse academically than those in more affluent parts of New York City and the rest of the country. Approximately 2,750 Black male teachers are working in New York City public schools. This number represents about 3.7% of the entire teacher workforce in the city. I plan to pursue a career in adolescent education and child psychology. I am most passionate about instilling a sense of self-worth and wonder in children. I want minority children to aspire to be great. I want to excite kids' curiosity and foster an enthusiasm for learning in a nurturing environment. I want inner-city children (like me) to know how awesome they are and that they can do whatever they choose. In the NYC school system, a significant number of students face emotional and mental health challenges. I entered high school in September following COVID. Math has always been a challenge, but when I entered high school, the challenge became significant. I tried tutoring and remedial classes, but nothing helped. The issue actually became worse. I could not focus, and my math abilities started to impact all my classes. I had difficulty focusing on anything but my math scores. I passed, but I felt like something wasn't right. I knew I could do better. My mother worried and I reached out to the guidance counselor. Everything changed after that. I explained how I was feeling, and she evaluated my grades and spoke with my teachers. After that, she set me up for an evaluation that determined I have ADD. Attention Deficit Disorder. The light came on. I was allowed 30 percent extra time on my math exams in a quiet space. Today, I excel in advanced data science, statistics, and Physics. I learned that guidance counselors help identify and address issues early on. They also act as a bridge between the school and parents to foster better communication and collaboration and support the student's overall well-being and academic success. Guidance counselors provide a welcoming, inclusive, and productive learning environment that helps children thrive on all levels—emotionally, socially, and intellectually. This experience inspired me. I aim to become a dynamic, innovative middle school educator and counselor. I plan to lead by example, mentor, and provide guidance and support. Educators should exemplify positive behavior, ethics, and values and set a standard for students to emulate. Educators have an opportunity to help develop a growth mindset and encourage students to believe in their abilities. Minority representation in educators is vital for developing an inclusive and effective educational environment. Minority teachers offer relatable role models who can encourage and inspire pupils from comparable backgrounds. I want to be a force in education that will positively impact the underserved communities in NYC. Integrating technology into the classroom can create a more effective and engaging teen learning environment. Speaking from experience, I know that teenagers enjoy tech-forward teaching approaches. Innovation and technology keep us engaged. By utilizing technology, students have access to a wide range of resources, like interactive modules and videos, that allow them to expand their learning options beyond textbooks. I hope to lead the development of tech-forward teaching tools that are low-cost and effective for public and charter school education. My dream is that these teaching strategies will be used nationwide or even worldwide.

I am 18 years old. I was born and raised in Harlem. Harlem's schools have historically performed worse academically than those in more affluent parts of New York City and the rest of the country. Approximately 2,750 Black male teachers are working in New York City public schools. This number represents about 3.7% of the entire teacher workforce in the city. I plan to pursue a career in adolescent education and child psychology. I am most passionate about instilling a sense of self-worth and wonder in children. I want minority children to aspire to be great. I want to excite kids' curiosity and foster an enthusiasm for learning in a nurturing environment. I want inner-city children (like me) to know how awesome they are and that they can do whatever they choose. In the NYC school system, a significant number of students face emotional and mental health challenges. Emotional turmoil can impact a student's academic performance. Anxiety and stress can impair students' ability to take tests, participate in class, and finish homework. Guidance counseling is essential to creating a supportive and effective learning environment. Guidance counselors provide a welcoming, inclusive, and productive learning environment that helps children thrive on all levels—emotionally, socially, and intellectually. I aim to become a dynamic, innovative middle school educator and counselor. I plan to lead by example, mentor, and provide guidance and support. Educators should exemplify positive behavior, ethics, and values and set a standard for students to emulate. Educators have an opportunity to help develop a growth mindset and encourage students to believe in their abilities. Minority representation in educators is vital for developing an inclusive and effective educational environment. Minority teachers offer relatable role models who can encourage and inspire pupils from comparable backgrounds. I want to be a force in education that will positively impact the underserved communities in NYC. Integrating technology into the classroom can create a more effective and engaging teen learning environment. Speaking from experience, I know that teenagers enjoy tech-forward teaching approaches. Innovation and technology keep us engaged. By utilizing technology, students have access to a wide range of resources, like interactive modules and videos, that allow them to expand their learning options beyond textbooks. I hope to lead the development of tech-forward teaching tools that are low-cost and effective for public and charter school education. My dream is that these teaching strategies will be used nationwide or even worldwide.