My name is Tyra Briscoe, and I was born on September 27, 1996, in Houston, Texas. Growing up in a large and diverse city like Houston shaped my understanding of people, culture, and community from an early age. It exposed me to both the challenges and strengths that exist within society, and those experiences helped guide my passion for justice, service, and public safety. Today, I am proud to say that I am pursuing a future dedicated to protecting others and making a meaningful impact. I am currently a student at Texas Southern University, where I am majoring in Administration of Justice. Attending a historically Black university has been a powerful and motivating experience for me. Texas Southern University not only provides academic knowledge but also emphasizes leadership, accountability, and service to the community. My coursework has given me a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system, law enforcement operations, and the importance of ethical decision-making. Each class reinforces my belief that justice should be fair, impartial, and rooted in integrity. My ultimate career goal is to become an FBI agent. This aspiration comes from my desire to serve on a larger scale and contribute to national security, crime prevention, and public trust. I am particularly drawn to the FBI because of its commitment to intelligence, investigation, and upholding the law at the highest level. I understand that this career path requires discipline, resilience, and lifelong learning, and I am fully prepared to meet those demands. Becoming an FBI agent is not just a job to me; it represents a purpose and a calling to protect others and uphold justice. In addition to my academic pursuits, I currently work as a Security Monitor for the Rice University Police Department. This role has provided me with valuable hands-on experience in a professional law enforcement environment. My position requires attentiveness, responsibility, and strong communication skills, as I help monitor safety operations and support officers in maintaining a secure campus. Working in this setting has strengthened my situational awareness and reinforced the importance of teamwork and vigilance in public safety roles. Balancing school and work has taught me discipline, time management, and perseverance. I have learned how to stay focused under pressure and remain committed to my goals even when challenges arise. These experiences have helped me grow not only as a student and employee, but also as a person. I take pride in being dependable, motivated, and eager to learn from every opportunity placed before me. As I continue my journey, I remain focused on personal growth, academic success, and professional development. I am committed to building the skills and character necessary to succeed in federal law enforcement. My background, education, and work experience have prepared me for the responsibilities ahead, and I am confident in my ability to make a positive difference. With determination and dedication, I look forward to turning my goals into reality and serving my community and country with honor.

My journey to higher education and professional growth has not been a straight line, but it has been defined by perseverance, resilience, and a strong commitment to personal improvement. From working in loss prevention to serving in campus security, each stage of my path has taught me valuable lessons about responsibility, patience, and self-belief. My experiences have shaped who I am today and have prepared me for this new chapter as a university student pursuing long-term career goals. I began my professional journey in 2016 working in loss prevention at Fry’s Electronics. This role introduced me to the fundamentals of security, accountability, and situational awareness. For three years, I dedicated myself to protecting company assets, monitoring suspicious activity, and ensuring a safe environment for customers and employees. I consistently demonstrated reliability and strong work ethic, and I was eventually considered for a promotion. However, despite my experience and commitment, the promotion was given to a newly hired employee with no prior experience. While this was discouraging, it became a defining moment in my journey. Rather than allowing frustration to hold me back, I reflected on my goals and decided to seek opportunities that offered growth and long-term stability. Shortly after leaving Fry’s Electronics, I began working at Rice University, an institution that would become a major part of my professional development. I started as a Security Specialist, a role I held for five years. This position required a high level of responsibility, professionalism, and attention to detail. I was tasked with maintaining campus safety, responding to incidents, assisting students and staff, and enforcing university policies. Over time, I became deeply familiar with the importance of proactive security and effective communication. Once again, I worked hard and was eventually considered for advancement. Unlike my previous experience, this time my dedication paid off, and I earned a promotion. I was promoted to Security Monitor, a role I have now held for one year. This position represents both personal and professional growth for me. As a Security Monitor, I have increased responsibilities, including overseeing operations, supporting other security personnel, and helping ensure that procedures are followed consistently and ethically. This promotion validated years of hard work and reinforced my belief in persistence and patience. It also showed me that growth is possible when dedication meets opportunity. While building my career, my educational journey has been equally challenging. Since 2016, I have been in and out of school at Houston Community College (HCC). Balancing work responsibilities with coursework was not always easy, and there were times when progress felt slow. However, each attempt strengthened my determination to eventually complete my education. I never lost sight of the importance of earning a degree, even when life circumstances required me to pause and regroup. This semester marks a major milestone for me, as it is my first semester enrolled at a university. Reaching this point is the result of years of persistence, self-reflection, and commitment to growth. Being a university student represents more than academic advancement; it symbolizes resilience and the refusal to give up despite setbacks. My work experience has given me discipline, time management skills, and a strong sense of responsibility, all of which I now bring into the classroom. Looking back, each phase of my journey has contributed to who I am today. My time in loss prevention taught me accountability and observation. My years at Rice University have strengthened my leadership skills and professionalism. My academic journey has taught me patience and determination. Together, these experiences have prepared me to succeed in higher education and beyond. As I move forward, I am motivated by how far I have come and focused on where I am going. This journey has shown me that progress does not always follow a traditional timeline, and that persistence matters more than speed. I am proud of my growth, confident in my abilities, and committed to continuing my education while building a meaningful and successful future.

Choosing Administration of Justice as my major was a purposeful decision driven by my long-term goal of becoming an FBI agent and my commitment to serving the public through law enforcement. From an early stage in my academic journey, I knew I wanted a career that combined discipline, integrity, and real-world impact. Administration of Justice provides the ideal academic foundation to understand the legal system, criminal behavior, and the responsibilities of those entrusted with enforcing the law. This major allows me to explore the structure and function of the justice system at local, state, and federal levels. Through courses in criminal law, criminology, corrections, and investigative procedures, I am gaining a deeper understanding of how laws are enforced and how justice is administered fairly and ethically. These topics are directly relevant to the work of the FBI, an agency that operates within strict legal boundaries while addressing complex and high-stakes threats. Studying Administration of Justice has strengthened my analytical thinking, attention to detail, and ability to evaluate situations from both a legal and ethical perspective—skills that are essential for a federal agent. My aspiration to become an FBI agent is rooted in my desire to contribute to national security and protect communities from serious crimes such as terrorism, cybercrime, organized crime, and public corruption. The FBI demands professionals who are not only physically capable but also intellectually prepared and morally grounded. Administration of Justice emphasizes ethical decision-making, constitutional rights, and accountability, all of which align with the values upheld by the FBI. This major has helped me not only understand what law enforcement does, but why it matters and how it must be carried out responsibly. In addition to my academic studies, my role as a security monitor at Rice University has played a significant role in shaping my career goals. Working in this position has given me firsthand experience in maintaining safety, monitoring activity, and responding to potential security concerns in a professional environment. I have learned the importance of vigilance, clear communication, and following established procedures. This role has also required me to interact with a diverse population, reinforcing the need for professionalism, respect, and sound judgment in all situations. Being a security monitor has allowed me to apply concepts from my coursework to real-life scenarios. Observing behavior, documenting incidents, and working within a structured security system has strengthened my situational awareness and reinforced my interest in investigative and protective work. These experiences have confirmed that I am well-suited for a career in law enforcement and that I thrive in roles that prioritize safety and responsibility. Overall, my decision to major in Administration of Justice reflects my dedication to preparing for a future career with the FBI. The combination of academic knowledge and practical experience is helping me develop the skills, discipline, and mindset necessary for federal service. As I continue my education and professional growth, I am confident that this major is the right path toward achieving my goal of becoming an FBI agent and making a meaningful contribution to public safety and justice.

Community safety is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation, awareness, and proactive involvement from residents. My role in helping my community with security and surveillance reflects this belief and demonstrates how individual initiative can contribute to collective well-being. Through organizing and managing a community-based Facebook group, I have created a platform where residents can share information about suspicious behaviors, report incidents, and exchange practical tips to protect themselves and their property. This effort aligns closely with my academic background in Administration of Justice, as both emphasize crime prevention, community engagement, and public safety. The Facebook group serves as a modern neighborhood watch program, adapted to the digital age. Members of the community are encouraged to post about suspicious activity, such as unfamiliar individuals loitering, attempted break-ins, or unsafe situations. By sharing real-time information, residents become more alert and better prepared to respond appropriately. This system not only helps prevent crime but also reduces fear by replacing uncertainty with communication and awareness. When people are informed, they are more confident and less likely to panic or spread misinformation. In addition to reporting incidents, the group provides a space for education and collaboration. Members frequently share advice on securing homes, vehicles, and personal belongings. Topics often include installing security cameras, improving lighting, locking doors properly, and being aware of common scams. These discussions empower community members to take preventative measures rather than relying solely on law enforcement after a crime has occurred. This preventative approach reflects key principles taught in Administration of Justice, particularly the importance of crime prevention strategies and community-based solutions. My degree in Administration of Justice has helped me understand how crime affects communities and how proactive engagement can reduce risk. Courses in criminology, criminal behavior, and policing strategies have given me insight into why crimes occur and how they can be deterred. Applying this knowledge in a real-world setting has allowed me to bridge theory and practice. For example, understanding patterns of criminal behavior helps me guide discussions within the group toward realistic concerns rather than unfounded suspicions. This ensures that the group remains focused, responsible, and respectful of individual rights. Furthermore, my involvement promotes a positive relationship between the community and the justice system. While the group does not replace law enforcement, it supports their efforts by encouraging timely reporting and responsible observation. Members are reminded to avoid confrontation and to contact proper authorities when necessary. This approach helps prevent vigilantism and reinforces the idea that community members and law enforcement can work together to maintain safety. Beyond crime prevention, the group strengthens social bonds within the neighborhood. People who may not have interacted otherwise are brought together by a shared goal of protecting their community. This sense of unity fosters trust and accountability, making the neighborhood a less attractive target for criminal activity. Research in criminal justice consistently shows that communities with strong social ties experience lower crime rates, further validating the importance of this initiative. In conclusion, my work in community security and surveillance demonstrates how education, technology, and civic responsibility can come together to create safer environments. By running a Facebook group dedicated to awareness, communication, and prevention, I am actively applying the principles of Administration of Justice to real-life situations. This experience not only benefits my community but also reinforces my commitment to public safety and justice. Through continued collaboration and education, communities can play a vital role in reducing crime and improving quality of life for everyone.

It has always been one of my personal and professional goals to become a security monitor, a role that reflects not only my work experience but also my natural strengths and long-term dedication to safety and awareness. Early on in my career, I gained valuable exposure to security operations while working in Loss Prevention, where I was stationed at the door and responsible for observing customer behavior, preventing theft, and maintaining a secure environment for both staff and guests. Although I consistently performed my duties with professionalism and attention to detail, I was not given the opportunity to be promoted into an office or monitoring role, which motivated me to continue improving my skills and seek positions where my abilities could be more fully utilized. In my current job, I was hired as a security specialist, a role that allowed me to take on greater responsibility through key services, routine and specialized patrols, and direct involvement in protecting property and people. This position strengthened my understanding of security procedures, emergency response, access control, and the importance of remaining alert and composed in all situations. Over the years, I have become known among my coworkers and supervisors for my strong awareness, reliability, and ability to notice details that others may overlook, qualities that are essential for effective security monitoring. I take pride in staying focused, recognizing potential risks before they escalate, and responding appropriately to situations as they arise. As I continued to grow in this role, I knew that advancing into a monitoring position aligned perfectly with both my experience and my professional goals. When the new security monitor position opened, I immediately recognized it as the opportunity I had been preparing for throughout my career. The role represents not just a promotion, but a chance to apply everything I have learned in a setting where vigilance, judgment, and accountability are critical. I am confident that my background in Loss Prevention, combined with my hands-on experience as a security specialist, has prepared me to succeed in this position. More importantly, my commitment to safety, my strong observational skills, and my desire to continue learning and improving make me well suited for the responsibilities of a security monitor. This role would allow me to contribute at a higher level, support my team more effectively, and continue pursuing a career path that I am genuinely passionate about, making it a natural and meaningful next step in my professional journey.

Service, sacrifice, and bravery are not abstract ideals to me; they are lived values that have shaped my personal journey and continue to guide my vision for addressing the complex challenges faced by the African diaspora in the United States. These values are deeply interconnected. Service calls us to act for the good of others, sacrifice reminds us that progress often demands personal cost, and bravery empowers us to confront injustice even when the outcome is uncertain. Together, they form a moral compass that has influenced how I understand leadership, community responsibility, and systemic change. My understanding of service began at the community level. I learned early on that service is not limited to formal titles or institutions—it is rooted in showing up consistently for people who are often overlooked. Whether through mentoring younger students, supporting family members navigating under-resourced systems, or participating in grassroots initiatives, service taught me that sustainable change begins with trust and presence. For many in the African diaspora, especially those navigating intergenerational inequities, service fills gaps left by institutions that have historically failed to protect or uplift Black communities. This realization shaped my belief that community-centered solutions must be at the heart of any meaningful reform. Sacrifice has been an equally formative value. Sacrifice is often misunderstood as loss alone, but I see it as a strategic investment in a future that extends beyond the self. In my own journey, sacrifice has meant choosing long-term impact over short-term comfort—speaking up when silence would have been easier, committing time and energy to causes that offer no immediate reward, and accepting setbacks as part of growth. For the African diaspora, sacrifice has been a defining historical reality, from the transatlantic slave trade to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. Recognizing this legacy instills both humility and responsibility: humility in acknowledging the sacrifices made by previous generations, and responsibility to ensure those sacrifices lead to tangible progress rather than symbolic victories alone. Bravery is what allows service and sacrifice to translate into action. It takes courage to challenge entrenched systems, to question narratives that normalize inequality, and to imagine alternatives when existing structures appear immovable. On a personal level, bravery has meant asserting my voice in spaces where it was not always welcomed and advocating for equity even when doing so carried social or professional risk. On a collective level, bravery is evident in movements led by African Americans and other members of the African diaspora who continue to demand justice in the face of resistance. Bravery transforms fear into fuel and turns vision into momentum. These values directly inform my vision for addressing the current challenges facing the African diaspora in the United States. Today, these challenges are multifaceted: economic inequality, disparities in education and healthcare, mass incarceration, housing insecurity, and persistent racial bias within public and private institutions. While these issues are systemic, they are experienced personally and daily by individuals and families. Addressing them requires both policy-level intervention and community-driven reform, grounded in the lived experiences of those most affected. One of the most critical areas for reform is education. Equitable access to high-quality education—from early childhood through higher education—is foundational to long-term social and economic mobility. Policies must prioritize fair school funding, culturally responsive curricula, and increased support for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). At the community level, mentorship programs, after-school initiatives, and partnerships between schools and local organizations can help close opportunity gaps that policy alone cannot address. Economic empowerment is another essential pillar. This includes policies that support living wages, worker protections, and access to capital for Black-owned businesses. The racial wealth gap is not accidental; it is the result of decades of discriminatory housing, lending, and labor practices. Addressing it requires targeted interventions such as first-time homebuyer assistance, small business grants, and financial literacy programs designed with cultural context in mind. Service and sacrifice are necessary here—not only from those advocating for change, but from institutions willing to redistribute resources and reexamine profit-driven priorities. Criminal justice reform is also critical. The over-policing and mass incarceration of Black communities have caused generational harm, weakening families and eroding trust in public systems. Meaningful reform must include alternatives to incarceration, sentencing reform, investment in mental health services, and accountability mechanisms for law enforcement. Bravery is especially important in this area, as reform efforts often face political resistance and deeply ingrained biases. Driving this change requires collaboration among key stakeholders. Policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels must work in partnership with community leaders, advocacy organizations, educators, faith-based institutions, and the private sector. Importantly, members of the African diaspora must not only be consulted but empowered as decision-makers. Too often, policies affecting Black communities are designed without their direct input, leading to ineffective or harmful outcomes. True service means listening, sacrifice means sharing power, and bravery means trusting communities to lead their own transformation. In conclusion, service, sacrifice, and bravery have shaped both my personal journey and my broader vision for social change. They remind me that progress is neither automatic nor easy, but it is possible when values are matched with action. For the African diaspora in the United States, these values are not just aspirational—they are essential tools for survival, resilience, and liberation. By grounding policy and community reform in these principles, we can honor the past, confront the present, and build a more just future for generations to come.

As of right now, the main obstacle I am working to overcome is college. At 29 years old, I often find myself reflecting on the long and uneven path that has brought me to this point. I have been in and out of college since 2016, and while that timeline may look discouraging on paper, it represents years of persistence, adjustment, and learning how to balance education with real-life responsibilities. My journey has not followed a traditional path, but it has shaped my resilience and determination in meaningful ways. Unlike many traditional students, I have been navigating college while maintaining a full-time job—one that I do not plan on leaving anytime soon. My job is not just a source of income; it is a necessity that allows me to support myself and manage everyday expenses. Balancing full-time employment with academic responsibilities has been one of the most challenging aspects of my college experience. There are days when exhaustion outweighs motivation, and moments when time feels like my greatest limitation. Despite this, I continue to show up, both at work and in my studies, because I understand the importance of long-term goals and personal growth. Another significant challenge I face is financial strain. College is expensive, and struggling with payments has been a recurring obstacle throughout my academic journey. Tuition costs, textbooks, and other educational expenses often compete with rent, utilities, and other financial obligations. These pressures have sometimes forced me to step away from school temporarily, not because of a lack of desire or ability, but because survival had to come first. Each pause in my education was difficult, yet necessary, and each return required renewed commitment and perseverance. Being in and out of college since 2016 has taught me valuable lessons about patience and self-awareness. I have learned that progress does not always happen on a straight line, and that setbacks do not define failure. Instead, they highlight the realities many nontraditional students face. My experience has helped me develop stronger time management skills, greater self-discipline, and a deeper appreciation for education. Every class I complete feels earned, not given, because it represents the effort required to balance competing priorities. At times, it is easy to feel discouraged when comparing myself to others who completed college earlier or followed a more conventional timeline. However, I have come to understand that everyone’s journey is different. My path reflects persistence rather than delay, and commitment rather than indecision. The fact that I am still here—still enrolled, still striving, and still believing in my goals—speaks to my determination to succeed despite obstacles. College remains a challenge, but it is one I am actively working to overcome. I may not move as quickly as others, but I move with purpose. Balancing a full-time job, financial responsibilities, and academic goals has not been easy, yet it has strengthened my resolve. I continue this journey knowing that every step forward, no matter how small, brings me closer to completing my education and achieving the future I am working toward.

For nearly a decade, private security has been more than just a job for me—it has been my introduction to public safety, my training ground, and the foundation of my long-term goals in law enforcement. My journey began at Fry’s Electronics, where I spent three years working in loss prevention. That position taught me the importance of observation, communication, and accountability. It was my first real exposure to the responsibility of protecting people and property. Since then, I have continued to grow in the field, and for the past six years I have served as a security professional at Rice University. Working in a university environment broadened my perspective on what it means to keep a community safe. These years of experience, across both private industry and an academic institution, have shaped my passion for public safety and inspired my future goals. One of the most significant things I have witnessed during my career is how quickly the field of private security is evolving. When I first started, the tools available to us were far more limited. Today, the integration of advanced technology—high-resolution surveillance systems, improved communication devices, and real-time digital reporting tools—has changed the way security professionals operate. I have seen how these advancements allow us to respond more efficiently, prevent incidents before they escalate, and maintain a safer environment for the people we protect. Being able to watch this evolution firsthand has helped me develop not only tactical skills but also adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and a clearer understanding of the direction the security field is moving. Even with all the technology available, one core belief has remained constant for me: security is ultimately about people. One of the main reasons I chose this career path is my desire to keep my community safe. Whether I am watching over customers in a store or students and faculty on a university campus, my purpose is the same—to ensure that everyone can go about their day feeling protected and supported. Working at Rice University, especially, has given me an appreciation for how diverse a community can be. I interact with students from all over the world, faculty with a wide variety of backgrounds, and staff from many different departments. Each person has different needs and expectations, and learning how to communicate effectively with everyone has made me a stronger, more compassionate security professional. Every day, I am reminded that safety is not just about responding to incidents but about building trust and fostering a sense of security within the community. While I am proud of the work I have done in private security, my long-term goal has always been to enter law enforcement. Over these nine years, I have gained hands-on experience that I believe will make me a better officer—experience in de-escalation, communication, crisis response, and teamwork. However, before entering the police academy, I want to pursue a degree that aligns with my passion for public safety. Education is an important step for me because I want to enter the academy prepared not only physically and tactically but academically and ethically as well. A degree will give me a deeper understanding of the legal system, criminal behavior, community policing strategies, and the broader societal issues that impact law enforcement work. This scholarship will play a crucial role in helping me achieve that goal. As someone who has worked full-time in security for many years, I have balanced long shifts, overnight schedules, and the responsibility of keeping others safe. While I am committed to pursuing my education, paying for classes while maintaining my work responsibilities can be challenging. Receiving this scholarship would help relieve the financial burden and allow me to focus more fully on my coursework. It would bring me one step closer to completing the degree I need before entering the academy and contribute directly to my future career in protecting and serving the public. I have already taken my first steps toward this path by working in environments that require professionalism, responsibility, and integrity. Now, I am ready to take the next step—earning a degree that will strengthen my foundation and prepare me for the challenges and rewards of a career in law enforcement. With the support of this scholarship, I will be able to continue building a career centered on service, safety, and community. My experience in private security has shown me the importance of these values, and it has motivated me to move forward with purpose and commitment.

The main reason I want to pursue a career in law enforcement is because of my community and my people. black People. Growing up, l've seen firsthand how often we are not treated properly by police officers, and how that unfair treatment creates fear, frustration, and distrust. Too many times, people in my community have felt targeted instead of protected, judged instead of understood. That reality has shaped the way I see the world, and it has motivated me to become part of the solution rather than just another person talking about the problem. I strongly believe that we need more Black police officers or law enforcement, doctors, and other professionals who truly understand our experiences and the challenges we face. Representation matters not because it solves everything, but because it brings perspective that can change how systems operate. When someone who grew up in the same neighborhoods, shares the same cultural background, and recognizes the struggles that come with being Black in America steps into positions of authority, it can shift the entire dynamic. It can also help build trust, because people are more likely to open up and feel safe with someone who understands them on a deeper level. I know there are people who want to get rid of the police altogether, and I understand where that anger comes from. When you witness injustice repeatedly, it's easy to believe that the whole system should be torn down. But realistically, we all know policing is not going away. Instead of abandoning the idea of law enforcement, we need to transform it. That transformation starts with who wears the badge. We need officers who see themselves as guardians, not threats; leaders, not enforcers; community members, not outsiders. My goal is not just to become a cop it's to become the kind of cop my community deserves. I want to be able to call out police officers when they do something wrong. I want to protect people, not intimidate them. I want to deescalate situations, not escalate them. I want to be the officer who listens, who shows compassion, who treats people with dignity. If I can change even one person's experience with law enforcement, that's already progress. And if more of us step up and join the system with the intention of improving it from within, then real change becomes possible. This is why I'm choosing this path not for power, not for authority, but for my community.

Growing up in a low-income home has shaped much of my life and created challenges I'm still working to overcome. When we lost our home in 2011, everything changed, and stability became something we had to rebuild piece by piece. Over the years, I watched my younger cousins graduate before me, which was difficult, not because I wasn't proud of them, but because it reminded me of how far behind I felt. I felt like a failure. Now, at 29, I'm still in school, moving forward slowly but steadily. I usually take only one class per semester, simply because that's all I can afford.

Throughout my life, one of the greatest obstacles I have faced and am still working to overcome is my struggle with social anxiety. Unlike challenges that have a clear beginning and end, social anxiety is something that shapes daily life in ways that are both visible and silent. For me, it has shown up as difficulty speaking, fear of interacting with others, and moments when I completely shut down. These experiences have not only affected my confidence but have also created major setbacks in my academic journey. Yet, despite all of this, I am actively pushing myself forward, refusing to let my anxiety define the rest of my life. My social anxiety became especially noticeable when I started college. Simple tasks that others seemed to handle with ease introducing themselves, joining class discussions, or participating in group projects felt overwhelming to me. The pressure built up to the point where I skipped multiple semesters because I felt emotionally and mentally unable to continue. Each time, I told myself I just needed a break, but the reality was that I was avoiding the very thing that scared me. Over time, the unfinished semesters began to weigh heavily on me. I knew I was capable, but my anxiety constantly convinced me that I wasn’t ready. One turning point for me was the introduction of online courses. For the first time, school felt manageable. I could learn at my own pace, participate from the comfort of my home, and avoid the pressure of being physically surrounded by people. Online learning allowed me to continue my education without the fear that had held me back for so long. However, even this setting came with its own challenges. We still had to participate in class debates, interact with other students, and speak up in ways that pushed me out of my comfort zone. While difficult, these moments showed me something important: even when I felt anxious or overwhelmed, I was still capable of completing my work and engaging with others. As I approach my next semester, I am preparing to take the biggest step yet in overcoming my anxiety—I will be attending Texas Southern University on campus at 29 years old. For many people, going to college in their late twenties might seem unusual, but for me, it represents growth, maturity, and courage. Instead of avoiding the environment that scares me, I am choosing to face it head on. I know it won’t be easy. There will be days when I feel anxious or unsure of myself. But I also know that I am not the same person I was years ago. I have gained self-awareness, coping strategies, and a deeper understanding of my own strength. Attending TSU in person is more than just continuing my education it is my way of reclaiming control over my life. I want to reach a point where social anxiety no longer decides what I can and cannot do. I want to build confidence, connect with others, and prove to myself that fear does not have the final say. I know that growth happens outside of comfort zones, and I am finally ready to step into the unfamiliar and challenge the limits I once believed I had. My journey with social anxiety is far from over, but I am learning that progress is just as meaningful as perfection. Every step I take, no matter how small, brings me closer to becoming the person I want to be. And next semester at TSU, I plan to take my biggest step yet.

My future consists of several career paths that all connect to my passion for justice and community protection. I plan to begin my professional journey as a police officer, gaining firsthand experience in law enforcement and learning how to serve people with fairness and integrity. Over time, I hope to advance into the role of a detective, where I can use my skills to solve cases, uncover the truth, and help bring closure to families. Alongside my main career, I also want to work as a private investigator. This side job will allow me to broaden my investigative abilities and continue helping others in a different but meaningful way. Being Black to me means being strong, proud, and resilient. We are one of the most misunderstood groups in society, often facing unfair treatment and false assumptions. Yet, despite these challenges, we continue to push through hardships with determination and joy. Our strength doesn’t come from having an easy path, but from overcoming obstacles that were never meant for us to overcome. I chose to attend an HBCU because my major, Administration of Justice, focuses on law enforcement an area that can be a sensitive subject for many Black students. I wanted to study in an environment where people understand my goals, my identity, and the importance of representation in the justice system. Being surrounded by other Black students with similar ambitions gives me confidence that I am in the right place to grow, learn, and prepare for my future.