Before moving to Texas, I grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts — a small city where community was big and everyone supported one another. Growing up there taught me what it means to truly connect with others and be part of something greater than myself. One unforgettable moment that deeply shaped my understanding of community was at my church. On a Sunday, we organized a food giveaway for homeless people in our area, serving them soups and sandwiches for free. As I handed out meals, I was moved by the kindness and gratitude of those we served. Many of them didn’t have much material wealth, but their warmth and friendliness were priceless. It felt as if they had everything they needed — not in possessions, but in human connection and mutual care. They reminded me that community is about people coming together to support one another, especially those who are vulnerable. That experience taught me the power of simple acts of kindness and how they can bring hope to people who need it most. It’s a memory I’ll carry with me forever. Another moment that strengthened my belief in community happened during my sophomore year of high school. I was fortunate to help lead the Springfield Central girls basketball team to the Final Four in the state tournament. Springfield is a city with only a handful of high schools, and after all the other teams lost, our city’s hopes rested on us. When we walked out of the locker room before a big game, the entire city was behind us — parents, friends, neighbors, and even strangers cheered us on with enthusiasm and pride. Although we didn’t win the championship, the overwhelming support from my community left a lasting impact on me. It showed me that community is not just about winning or losing, but about standing together, rooting for one another, and celebrating collective effort and spirit. That sense of belonging and encouragement gave me hope and motivation beyond the basketball court. To me, community means so much more than just a group of people living in the same place. It means that no matter the hardships, differences, or negative experiences we face, there is always something meaningful that connects us and brings us together. Community is about showing up for each other — offering support, whether practical or emotional, to those in need — and building strong, meaningful relationships grounded in trust and respect. The community I grew up in wasn’t perfect. Like any place, it faced struggles, but it taught me the value of resilience, compassion, and unity. It showed me that being present for one another and lifting each other up matters deeply. I am incredibly proud to be from Springfield, Massachusetts — a place that shaped my character and inspired my dreams. The lessons I learned there fuel my desire to give back and be a positive influence in every community I join. Knowing where I come from fills me with pride and drives me to keep building relationships, fostering connections, and lifting others up wherever I go. My community has given me so much, and I am committed to paying that forward as I move into the future.

My mother’s name is Eryca Swan. She had me when she was just 19 years old, and for the first nine years of my life, I was her only child. Growing up with a single mother at such a young age taught me what strength, sacrifice, and resilience looks like. Being raised by a young, single mother shaped me into an independent young woman. I’ve seen her evolve through every stage—struggling, learning, healing, and becoming someone she didn’t expect to be. When she didn’t have a car, we’d walk to the bus stop so she could drop me off at daycare and pre-K. My mom wasn’t perfect, and I had to learn that early on. She was a young, learning mother trying to teach a child—all while figuring out life herself. I saw her in some of the most vulnerable moments of her life, moments that my younger siblings may never witness. Since I am the oldest, I take on a lot of responsibility. People say the oldest child is like a second parent, and for me, that couldn’t be more true. Becoming a big sister came naturally to me, not because I had it all figured out, but because I had the perfect example to follow. Whenever I felt unsure, I would just ask myself, “What would my mom do?” In many ways, being a big sister felt like an extension of being her daughter—I was just passing on everything she poured into me. One of the clearest examples of her impact on me is how she’s always been a support system—not just for me, but for everyone around her. I remember being little and overhearing her phone calls with friends and family. She was always the one people called when they needed advice, comfort, or just someone to listen. I was a nosy kid, so I often budded into those conversations. But hearing how people leaned on her made a lasting impression. It showed me how important it is to be there for others. Now that I’m older, I find that my own friends and family often turn to me when they need someone to talk to. I take pride in being that safe space for the people I love, and that’s something I learned directly from my mom. Her sacrifices never went unnoticed. She worked hard and still made sure I could do the things I loved—bringing me to basketball games on weekends and dance practices during the week. She never missed a competition and was always the loudest in the crowd. Even when I got older and asked her to tone it down, her support never faded. Her dedication made me believe in myself. One of the most powerful moments in our journey was watching her go back to college later in life. That made me proud in a different way—it taught me it’s never too late to go after your dreams. Now she works three jobs, two of them as a therapist. Having someone like her in my life is a gift. When I feel overwhelmed, she’s the person I turn to, always knowing just what to say. Watching her help others inspired my own path. I want to study pharmacy in college and help people through their most vulnerable moments, just like she has. I want to make a difference in people’s lives, whether that’s through providing care, listening, or just being there. My mom showed me the power of helping others, and that’s exactly what I plan to carry forward into my future.

Reading Kalia D. Davis’s story was like reading a story of my own. Her drive, ambition, and heart immediately reminded me of the path I’ve been taking and the one I plan to keep building. Like Kalia, I’ve always strived for academic excellence, even when the environment around me didn’t always support or prioritize it. Growing up in Springfield, Massachusetts, I came from a place where athletics often were seen as the most important thing, and school was sometimes seen as secondary. But I’ve always believed in being great at both. I want to be a young woman who makes her city proud not just because of what I achieve, but because of the standard I set for others who come after me. As an African American girl from Springfield, I know what it means to be judged before I even speak. We’re often stereotyped as ghetto, loud, or unintelligent and I’ve made it my mission to rewrite that narrative. I work hard not just for me, but for every young girl I’ve seen fall short because she didn’t have the support or encouragement I’ve been blessed with. I carry them with me in everything I do. Where I’m from, everybody knows everybody and that’s why supporting my community is second nature to me. Volunteering, feeding the homeless, and overall being involved. I want them to look at me and know it’s possible to go far, to rise above, and to still come back and give love to the place that raised you. I also have a little sister who looks up to me, and that keeps me grounded and focused. Because she’s still young, she hasn’t been through the experiences I’ve had but one day, she might. That’s why I make it a point to carry myself in a way that teaches her how to move when life gets tough. Whether it’s how I handle school, sports, or everyday challenges, I want her to see that with hard work, self-respect, and faith, she can rise above anything. I strive to be the example she’ll remember when she’s older and facing her own battles. My work ethic is what I’m most proud of, and I know I get it from my mom. I currently maintain a 3.8 GPA while balancing the demands of being a student-athlete. Basketball is my main sport now, but I’ve also played soccer and danced. When I say I put everything into my future and goals, I mean it. I remember one day my mom dropped everything to bring me to a playoff basketball game, then drove me straight to a dance competition. I had 30 minutes to change out of my uniform and hop on stage but we always made it happen. She’s got some legendary work ethic herself, and watching her hustle for me every single day has pushed me to never take shortcuts and never settle. I mean right now she’d tell me “3.8 is good but 4.0 is better” sounds crazy but she’s never failed to show me how proud she is of me. She’s raised me with the mindset that excellence isn’t optional it’s expected. And that’s exactly how I live. This scholarship would not only help relieve some of the financial burden as I pursue a future career in pharmacy it would also serve as a reminder that people like me, and like Kalia, matter. That our hard work, our light, and our legacies are seen and valued. Kalia lived a life full of purpose and strength. I hope to honor her by continuing to live with those same values.

Basketball has become more than a game to me; it’s become a way of life. Something that’s shaped my character, taught me discipline, and given me a purpose both on and off the court. I won the Division One Western Mass championship with Springfield Central High School, my freshman and sophomore year, and this past year won the 6a District Championship with Fulshear High School. My biggest win didn’t come from these championships, though. It came from pushing through one of the hardest obstacles of my life: moving states in my junior year. I played basketball with the same girls since eighth grade, and leaving them took an emotional toll on me. I felt like I had nobody, and it was tough adjusting to a new team that already had chemistry. On my new team, there were 9 seniors, and in my head, I thought there was no chance of me even getting in the game. But I did, and even though there were times I felt like I should’ve played more than certain people, I never complained. I accepted whatever was given to me and used it as motivation to get better and prove myself. I went from being a starting point guard at my old school to a role player, and at times, I wanted to quit. But I didn’t, and you couldn’t tell i wanted to because I put my heart on the floor every time I stepped on the court, even when I felt unseen. The first real friends I made in my new school were my teammates. They became like family, and we built something special together throughout just one season. That experience taught me how to start over, how to be resilient, and how to lead in any role I’m given. I learned that sometimes you have to prove yourself to people and make them see you. I also learned that supporting your teammates goes a long way. I could have let my ego be bruised and gotten frustrated about not getting the minutes I wanted, but I chose to show up for my team regardless. I realized that every player matters, whether you’re on the court or the bench. The most important lesson I learned from this was that college would be the same way, stepping into a new building from scratch and having to earn your place. That lesson alone is what prepared me the most for what’s ahead. Going off to college is going to be much easier for me now, because moving was the first real change I’ve ever had, and I made it through. So, when the next change comes, I know I’m prepared for it.