Going to college means more to me than earning a degree. It is an opportunity to create a better future for myself, support my family, and build a career that allows me to make a positive impact on others. As someone from a low-income family, I understand that higher education can open doors that may not have otherwise been available. My education is helping me break barriers while preparing me to achieve goals that once seemed out of reach. My community college has provided me with many programs and opportunities to grow academically, develop as a leader, and prepare me for continuing my education at university. As the founder and president of the Entrepreneurs Society at my college, I connect students to local resources and pitch competitions to help them grow their businesses. I invite professionals to speak, educate, and encourage students about achieving their dreams in entrepreneurship. Through the organization, we have welcomed millionaire entrepreneur Andy Suski to inspire students and provided more than fifteen local resources to support aspiring business owners. I also serve as a Student Presidential Advisory Council member, a College Life Enhancement Fund Committee member, a Student Marketing Assistant, and a Student Life Ambassador. These positions have allowed me to contribute to marketing campaigns while building meaningful relationships with MCC staff, faculty, and students. My long-term goal is to help local businesses grow and connect with their customers through marketing, just as I do through my own business. As a serial entrepreneur, I manage marketing, product development, customer engagement, website development, and sales. I enjoy creating products for my dessert candle business and finding new ways to encourage and support others who want to start businesses of their own. These experiences have strengthened my passion for marketing and entrepreneurship while reinforcing my desire to use my education to help others succeed. Through my education, I hope to gain the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to become a successful marketing professional and entrepreneur. More importantly, I hope to continue creating opportunities for other students, entrepreneurs, and members of my community. I want my degree to represent more than personal success—it will represent perseverance, growth, and the ability to create a better future for myself and those around me. Receiving this scholarship would help relieve the financial burden of earning my degree and allow me to focus on continuing my education, serving my community, and preparing for my future career. I am grateful for the opportunities my community college has given me, and I look forward to continuing my education while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Thank you for this opportunity and your consideration!

Growing up, I've learned that the best way to show kindness is to share your time with others. Whether it's through taking a few minutes to be a listening ear for someone, providing them with advice, and helping when you see a need, it’s a fulfilling experience. In October 2025, a few others and I wanted to start a club called the Entrepreneurs Society at our college. We noticed that there were many aspiring entrepreneurs, yet a lack of resources and an understanding of where to start. I thought that starting our club would be a great opportunity to inspire students who are unsure of their ideas or themselves. Not only that, but we could create another welcoming space for students to enjoy themselves while sharing ideas! Even though I knew the amount of work it would take, I decided to step up and become president. Before starting the club, an alumna of our college once came to me and said how she wished there were more entrepreneurial resources available on campus, which inspired me to take the position. I am now dedicating countless hours planning events, working with college staff, inviting local entrepreneurs to speak, marketing our meetings, and making sure our members feel encouraged and supported. Even though it’s quite a workload, I still find enjoyment in this work when I see the outcome of hosting events. Our mission is to encourage students to achieve their dream of starting a business. The most rewarding part of our club is to see students encouraged, confident, and asking about other events they believe will help them. So seeing students attend our events, connect with resources, and become excited about entrepreneurship is the motivation I need to continue. Knowing that I helped create those opportunities makes every hour I invest with it. In April 2026, I attended a tax preparation seminar for entrepreneurs because I wanted to learn more and share that knowledge with others. While I expected to be the one learning, I unexpectedly became the one helping. A business owner was on her laptop discussing an issue she faced while setting up her website. She wanted to collect her customers’ email addresses to use for future marketing purposes but didn’t know how to do it. Since I already had experience with email marketing through my own businesses, I wanted to use what I had learned to help her. So, I walked up to her and told her I’d do it for her for free and teach her how manage it going forward. We later met up at our city’s library, and I taught her how to create and manage her email sign-up form. It is a great feeling to know that something I had learned through my own experiences could help another entrepreneur grow her business. Even though I enjoy helping others, it is not always convenient. I am a full-time college student, business owner, club officer, and I have two part-time jobs. My schedule is full and frequently overwhelming, but I continue to set aside time to serve my family, friends, and community. I believe that inconvenience isn’t enough of a reason to ignore an opportunity to help someone. If I have the ability to make someone’s day a little easier, I want to do my part. Looking back, I’ve realized that setting aside time is a wonderful gift we can give to someone. It costs nothing but is impactful and has the power to encourage and change someone’s life.

Attending college has provided me with many programs and opportunities to grow academically, develop as a leader, and prepare me for continuing my education as I transfer from community college to university. The reason why I chose marketing as a career is because I enjoy helping businesses grow and build relationships with their customers. I have always been interested in entrepreneurship, and through my own business, I have discovered how much I enjoy marketing, product development, customer engagement, website development, and sales. I especially enjoy creating products for my dessert candle business, Smells Like Sugar, and finding new ways to support and encourage others who want to start businesses of their own. These experiences have strengthened my passion for marketing and confirmed that this is the career I want to pursue. As the founder and president of the Entrepreneurs Society at my local college, my goal is to connect students to local resources and pitch competitions to help them become entrepreneurs. We have invited millionaires, local business owners, and local professionals to inspire students and encourage them to start their own businesses. I also serve as a Student Presidential Advisory Council member, a College Life Enhancement Fund Committee member, a Student Marketing Assistant, and a Student Life Ambassador. All of these positions have allowed me to contribute to marketing campaigns while building relationships with my college’s staff, faculty, and students. Earning my degree will allow me to continue growing my own business while helping other businesses succeed through marketing. It will also provide me with the knowledge and skills to create more opportunities for myself, give back to my community, and support other aspiring entrepreneurs. As I graduate from community college and transfer to university, I want to continue building great relationships with staff and students while continuing to grow as a leader and a future marketing professional. My goal is to attend college for free or at a significantly reduced price due to me and my family’s financial circumstances. My household doesn’t make much money. Since I’m the oldest of my siblings, it’s my responsibility to be the next breadwinner of the family while simultaneously being a good role model for my brothers. Attending college while having two jobs makes it difficult to budget between household responsibilities, helping my mom pay for utilities, and affording college. Receiving this scholarship would help relieve the financial stress of paying for college so I can stay focused on earning my degree and preparing for my future career. Thank you for this opportunity and your consideration.

My dad refused to work and used my mom’s money to buy cigarettes and personal items. He was physically and emotionally abusive to me and my mother until she divorced him. During the Flint Water Crisis, we could not take showers or drink from water fountains and had to rely on water bottle donations. My mom worked tirelessly as a teacher to care for her children and her lazy husband, while my dad sat and played on his game console all day. Once my mom divorced him, she became a single parent of three and has been struggling for seven years to this day. One of the hardest periods in my life happened when my family went through a financial crisis and nearly lost our home. My mother had fallen behind on housing payments, and the possibility of eviction became very real. I remember the feeling of uncertainty during that time. It was difficult to focus on normal responsibilities like school when I knew my family’s stability was at risk. Transportation was another challenge that made things harder. For most of my time in college, my family shared only one car. Because of that, I could not always attend internships, extracurricular activities, or professional opportunities that might have helped my career. There were times when I had to decline opportunities simply because I could not get there. Watching opportunities pass by was frustrating, especially when I was motivated to work and learn. Looking back, that period of adversity changed how I approach difficulties. I learned that setbacks do not mean failure. Sometimes they simply mean that the path forward requires more patience and determination. The experience also taught me the importance of resilience and problem-solving during stressful situations. The combined frustration of abuse, financial instability, and the awareness that I was in a health crisis made me a very determined to one day get out of the situation I was in. And I did that through the only way I knew how: education. I am currently studying Marketing Management at Mott Community College and plan to transfer to the University of Michigan to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Marketing. Marketing interests me because it combines creativity with strategy. It is the part of business that helps ideas reach people, and I have always been fascinated by how strong branding and communication can influence whether a business succeeds. While in college, I wanted to create an environment where students could explore entrepreneurship together. Because of that, I started the Entrepreneurs Society at my school and now serve as its president. Our goal is to encourage students to think about starting businesses and to connect them with resources throughout Genesee County that can help them develop their ideas. Some students come to meetings simply curious about entrepreneurship, while others already have business ideas they want to pursue. Watching those ideas develop has been one of the most rewarding parts of my college experience. Service has also been an important part of my life. I volunteer as an usher and greeter at my church, where I help welcome guests and assist with services. I have also participated in volunteer activities such as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and community food preparation efforts. These experiences have helped me understand how important it is to support the people around you and contribute to your community in whatever ways you can. The cause that matters most to me is helping aspiring entrepreneurs gain access to resources and support. Many people have great ideas but lack guidance or connections that could help them move forward. Through my education and leadership experiences, I hope to continue building spaces where people feel encouraged to pursue their ideas. Receiving this scholarship would help ease the financial pressure of continuing my education while I work toward transferring to the University of Michigan. More importantly, it would support my goal of using my education to create opportunities for others. In many ways, the challenges I faced made me even more determined to create opportunities for myself and for others. There are two things I've learned simultaneously while helping others in my city: I love to help people and you never know what people are going through, so it's best to treat everyone as nicely as you can. Flint taught me resilience and the value of community. I have gained knowledge, mentorship, and a deep understanding of what it means to survive in a low-income environment. In the future, I hope to continue building businesses while also helping other entrepreneurs grow theirs. If I can help even a few people turn their ideas into something meaningful, I know I will have made a positive impact.

I was 16 years old when my parents divorced. My dad refused to work and used my mom’s money to buy cigarettes and personal items. He was physically and emotionally abusive to me and my mother until she divorced him. During the Flint Water Crisis, we could not take showers or drink from water fountains and had to rely on water bottle donations. My mom worked tirelessly as a teacher to care for her children and her lazy husband, while my dad sat and played on his game console all day. Once my mom divorced him, she became a single parent of three and has been struggling for seven years to this day. One of the hardest periods in my life happened when my family went through a financial crisis and nearly lost our home. My mother had fallen behind on housing payments, and the possibility of eviction became very real. I remember the feeling of uncertainty during that time. It was difficult to focus on normal responsibilities like school when I knew my family’s stability was at risk. Transportation was another challenge that made things harder. For most of my time in college, my family shared only one car. Because of that, I could not always attend internships, extracurricular activities, or professional opportunities that might have helped my career. There were times when I had to decline opportunities simply because I could not get there. Watching opportunities pass by was frustrating, especially when I was motivated to work and learn. During that period, I realized that I needed to step up and help however I could. I began contributing toward household bills and trying to support my family financially while continuing my education. It was a stressful experience because I was balancing school, personal responsibilities, and the constant worry about our living situation. At times it felt overwhelming, but it also forced me to grow up quickly and learn how to handle pressure. Looking back, that period of adversity changed how I approach difficulties. I learned that setbacks do not mean failure. Sometimes they simply mean that the path forward requires more patience and determination. The experience also taught me the importance of resilience and problem-solving during stressful situations. The combined frustration of abuse, financial instability, and the awareness that I was in a health crisis made me a very determined to one day get out of the situation I was in. And I did that through the only way I knew how: education. Despite these obstacles, I stayed focused on building a better future for myself and my family. I continued working toward my degree and looked for ways to remain involved in leadership and service on campus. Eventually, I founded the Entrepreneurs Society at my college and now serve as its president. Creating that organization allowed me to support other students who are interested in starting businesses and connect them with resources in our community. In many ways, the challenges I faced made me even more determined to create opportunities for myself and for others. There are two things I've learned simultaneously while helping others in my county: I love to help people and you never know what people are going through, so it's best to treat everyone as nicely as you can. Flint taught me resilience and the value of community. I have gained knowledge, mentorship, and a deep understanding of what it means to survive in a low-income environment.

Service has always been an important part of my life. I believe that helping others and showing up for your community is one of the most meaningful ways to live with purpose. I try to practice service in different areas of my life, whether that is through my church, my leadership roles at school, or volunteering in my community. One place where I regularly serve is my church, where I volunteer as an usher and greeter. My role is to welcome guests, assist members of the congregation, and help make sure services run smoothly. While the role may seem simple, it has taught me a lot about kindness and consistency. Sometimes service is not about doing something big or visible. Sometimes it is simply about making people feel welcome and supported. Service has also shaped the way I approach leadership in my education. I am currently studying Marketing Management at Mott Community College, and during my time there I noticed that many students were curious about entrepreneurship but did not know where to begin. Some had ideas for businesses but did not know what steps to take or what resources were available. Because of that, I decided to start the Entrepreneurs Society at my college. I now serve as the president of the organization. The goal of the club is to give students a space where they can learn about entrepreneurship and connect with opportunities throughout Genesee County. Sometimes that means sharing information about programs that support small businesses, and other times it means simply encouraging students who are unsure about their ideas. Seeing other students become excited about their ideas has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my college journey. It reminds me that service can also take the form of mentorship and encouragement. My education is another way I hope to continue serving others. I plan to transfer to the University of Michigan–Flint to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Marketing. I chose marketing because it is a skill that can help businesses grow and reach more people. Many entrepreneurs have strong ideas but lack the marketing knowledge needed to turn those ideas into sustainable businesses. In the future, I hope to use my education to support entrepreneurs and small business owners in my community. When small businesses succeed, they create jobs, support families, and strengthen local neighborhoods. For me, living a life of service means using my skills, education, and opportunities to help others move forward. Whether through leadership, mentorship, or community involvement, I hope to continue creating opportunities that allow others to succeed.

When people talk about changing the world, they often imagine large organizations or global movements. For me, making a difference starts much closer to home. I want to help people in my community turn their ideas into opportunities. I’m currently studying marketing at Mott Community College and plan to continue my education at the University of Michigan. I chose marketing because I’ve always been interested in entrepreneurship. What really caught my attention was how much marketing determines whether a business grows or disappears. A good idea alone is not enough if people never hear about it. While I was in college, I noticed that a lot of students around me were curious about starting businesses. Some had ideas for products, some wanted to start online businesses, and others just wanted to learn how entrepreneurship works. The problem was that there wasn’t really a place on campus where students could talk about those things. Because of that, I decided to start the Entrepreneurs Society at my college. I now serve as the president of the organization. The goal is simple: give students a place to explore entrepreneurship and connect them with resources in Genesee County. Sometimes that means inviting speakers, and sometimes it just means sharing opportunities or programs that students may not know about. Seeing other students get excited about their ideas has been one of the most rewarding parts of college for me. It reminds me that a small effort can still create real impact. Service is also something that matters to me outside of school. I volunteer as an usher and greeter at my church, where I help welcome people and assist during services. I have also participated in community events like the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. These experiences taught me that helping people doesn’t always require a big platform. Sometimes it just means being willing to show up and contribute. In the future, I hope to continue building businesses while also helping other entrepreneurs grow theirs. Many people have strong ideas but lack marketing knowledge or access to helpful resources. If I can help even a few people take their idea and turn it into something real, that would mean a lot to me. Making a positive impact does not always have to happen on a global scale. Sometimes the most meaningful change starts in your own community, helping the people who are right in front of you.

Growing up in a low-income household forced me to learn responsibility earlier than many of my classmates. There was a time when my family almost lost our home because my mom had fallen behind on payments. Seeing that situation unfold made me realize how fragile financial stability can be. During that time, I did my best to help where I could while still focusing on school. It was stressful, and there were moments when it felt overwhelming, but the experience changed how I approach challenges. Instead of avoiding difficult situations, I learned to face them directly and focus on what I could control. Those experiences shaped many of the goals I have today. I am currently studying Marketing Management at Mott Community College and working toward a career where I can support entrepreneurs and small business owners. I also started the Entrepreneurs Society at my college because I wanted students who are interested in business to have a place where they could learn and connect with resources.

One of the hardest periods in my life happened when my family went through a financial crisis and nearly lost our home. My mother had fallen behind on housing payments, and the possibility of eviction became very real. I remember the feeling of uncertainty during that time. It was difficult to focus on normal responsibilities like school when I knew my family’s stability was at risk. During that period, I realized that I needed to step up and help however I could. I began contributing toward household bills and trying to support my family financially while continuing my education. It was a stressful experience because I was balancing school, personal responsibilities, and the constant worry about our living situation. At times it felt overwhelming, but it also forced me to grow up quickly and learn how to handle pressure. Transportation was another challenge that made things harder. For most of my time in college, my family shared only one car. Because of that, I could not always attend internships, extracurricular activities, or professional opportunities that might have helped my career. There were times when I had to decline opportunities simply because I could not get there. Watching opportunities pass by was frustrating, especially when I was motivated to work and learn. Despite these obstacles, I stayed focused on building a better future through education. I continued working toward my degree and looked for ways to remain involved in leadership and service on campus. Eventually, I founded the Entrepreneurs Society at my college and now serve as its president. Creating that organization allowed me to support other students who are interested in starting businesses and connect them with resources in our community. In many ways, the challenges I faced made me even more determined to create opportunities for myself and for others. Looking back, that period of adversity changed how I approach difficulties. I learned that setbacks do not mean failure. Sometimes they simply mean that the path forward requires more patience and determination. The experience also taught me the importance of resilience and problem-solving during stressful situations. If I could give advice to someone facing similar circumstances, I would tell them not to lose sight of their long-term goals. Difficult situations can feel permanent when you are going through them, but they do not define your future. Stay focused on your education, look for support from people around you, and keep moving forward one step at a time.

I am currently a marketing student at Mott Community College and plan to transfer to the University of Michigan to complete my Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Marketing. My goal is to use my education to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses and create opportunities within my community. Entrepreneurship has always interested me because it allows people to build something that belongs to them. I have seen how powerful that can be, especially for people who may not always have access to traditional opportunities. However, I have also seen how difficult it can be to start a business without guidance or support. Many people have great ideas but do not know where to begin or who to ask for help. That is one of the reasons I decided to focus on marketing. Marketing plays a huge role in whether a business succeeds, and learning those skills allows me to help others bring their ideas to life. While in college, I wanted to create a space where students could talk about entrepreneurship and learn from one another. Because of that, I started the Entrepreneurs Society at Mott Community College and currently serve as its president. The purpose of the organization is to encourage students to explore entrepreneurship and connect them with resources throughout Genesee County that can help them move forward with their ideas. Some students join the club simply to learn more about business, while others already have ideas they want to develop. Being able to support and encourage those students has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience. Service is also important to me. I volunteer as an usher and greeter at my church, where I help welcome visitors and assist during services. I have also participated in volunteer events such as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and other community volunteer opportunities. Experiences like these have taught me that making a difference in your community often starts with small actions and a willingness to help others. In the future, I hope to combine entrepreneurship and marketing to support small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in my community. I want to help people develop strong marketing strategies so their businesses can grow and reach more customers. When small businesses succeed, they create jobs, strengthen neighborhoods, and inspire others to pursue their own goals. My hope is that the knowledge and opportunities I gain through my education will allow me to create opportunities for others as well.

I have always been interested in entrepreneurship and the ways businesses can create opportunities for people. What motivates me the most is not just starting a business, but helping others turn their ideas into something real. I believe that when people have access to the right knowledge and support, they can create opportunities not only for themselves but for their entire community. I am currently studying Marketing Management at Mott Community College and plan to transfer to the University of Michigan to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Marketing. Marketing interests me because it combines creativity with strategy. It is the part of business that helps ideas reach people, and I have always been fascinated by how strong branding and communication can influence whether a business succeeds. While in college, I wanted to create a space where students could explore entrepreneurship together. Because of that, I started the Entrepreneurs Society at my school and now serve as its president. Our goal is to encourage students to think about starting businesses and to connect them with resources throughout Genesee County that can help them develop their ideas. Some students come to meetings simply curious about entrepreneurship, while others already have business ideas they want to pursue. Watching those ideas develop has been one of the most rewarding parts of my college experience. Service has also been an important part of my life. I volunteer as an usher and greeter at my church, where I help welcome guests and assist with services. I have also participated in volunteer activities such as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and community food preparation efforts. These experiences have helped me understand how important it is to support the people around you and contribute to your community in whatever ways you can. The cause that matters most to me is helping aspiring entrepreneurs gain access to resources and support. Many people have great ideas but lack guidance or connections that could help them move forward. Through my education and leadership experiences, I hope to continue building spaces where people feel encouraged to pursue their ideas. Receiving this scholarship would help ease the financial pressure of continuing my education while I work toward transferring to the University of Michigan. More importantly, it would support my goal of using my education to create opportunities for others. In the future, I hope to continue building businesses while also helping other entrepreneurs grow theirs. If I can help even a few people turn their ideas into something meaningful, I know I will have made a positive impact.

When I think about the legacy I want to leave behind, I do not immediately think about money or titles. I think about opportunity. I want to create opportunities for people who have ideas but may not know where to start. Entrepreneurship has the power to change someone’s life, and I want to spend my career helping people build something that belongs to them. My interest in entrepreneurship started when I was mentored by a business owner who showed me how businesses actually operate. Seeing the work that happens behind the scenes changed how I looked at business. What fascinated me the most was marketing. I realized that even a great product will struggle if people do not know about it. Learning how marketing helps businesses grow made me want to study it and use those skills to support other entrepreneurs. Right now I am studying Marketing Management at Mott Community College, and I plan to continue my education at University of Michigan-Flint to earn my Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Marketing. While working toward my degree, I also wanted to create something that could help other students who are curious about entrepreneurship. Because of that, I started the Entrepreneurs Society at my college and now serve as the president. The goal of the organization is simple: help students see that starting a business is possible and connect them with resources that can help them move forward. Many students have great ideas but feel like they are on their own when trying to figure things out. Through the club, I try to introduce them to local entrepreneurs, programs, and opportunities throughout Genesee County that can support them. In the future, I hope to continue building businesses of my own while also helping other entrepreneurs grow theirs. I am especially interested in helping small business owners improve their marketing so they can reach more customers and become financially sustainable. When small businesses succeed, they create jobs, support families, and strengthen communities. Shining my light means using what I learn to help other people move forward. I try to do this by sharing opportunities with other students, volunteering in my community, and encouraging people who are interested in entrepreneurship but may feel unsure about taking the first step. If I am able to help even a few people turn their ideas into real businesses, that will be the legacy I am most proud of.

I grew up with both of my parents until I was sixteen years old, when my mom divorced my dad. My dad refused to work and relied on my mom’s paycheck for cigarettes and personal items. He was physically and emotionally abusive toward both of us. My mom worked long hours as a teacher, taking care of her children and her husband, while my dad spent his days on his game console. During the Flint Water Crisis, we could not drink from the tap or take normal showers. We depended on water bottle donations, and life became even harder. After the divorce, my mom became a single parent of three. She has been struggling for the past seven years to keep up with bills and provide for us. Seeing her do everything on her own made me want to help her in any way I could. I started finding ways to earn money and help with expenses, and I promised her that I would either attend college for free or not attend at all. I never wanted to add more stress to her life. Living through the Flint Water Crisis opened my eyes to how different my life was from my classmates. Some days I went to school smelling because I was too embarrassed to wash up in the bathroom sink. Even small details, like my classmates casually bringing water bottles to school, made me realize the financial gap between us and how much easier their lives seemed. On top of that, people outside of Flint made jokes about the crisis, not understanding the seriousness of what we were going through. Those moments made me value simple things like clean water and made me appreciate the relationships I choose to keep in my life. My interest in marketing began when I started a small business and joined an entrepreneurial mentorship program in my city. My mentor shared everything she knew about marketing, including how to run Facebook ads, create radio advertisements, and use social media to build a brand. She also volunteered for the city’s African American Advisory Committee and donated products to people in need. Her generosity and success showed me that marketing could be used to help businesses grow and also to serve the community. Since then, I’ve continued building my skills. I am currently a summer intern for Merlin AI, where I help grow their TikTok presence by creating videos, studying engagement, and learning how to attract the right audience. I’ve also used my skills in my church, where I’ve volunteered for three years creating flyers for events like our weekly Bible study and served for a year as an usher, greeting people and helping them feel welcome. At my college, I’ve volunteered with food preparation for events and donated to the library, becoming one of their Patron Pledge Members. I plan to earn my Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Management and return to Flint to help small businesses expand their reach. Many small business owners have great products or services but struggle to connect with customers. I want to bridge that gap and create opportunities in communities like mine. My goal is to combine creativity and strategy to help these businesses grow, create jobs, and strengthen the local economy. Everything I’ve experienced (from watching my mom’s strength, to surviving the Flint Water Crisis, to learning from my mentor) has shaped my determination to give back. I want my education to not only change my life, but to create lasting change for my family, my community, and future generations.

I am pursuing a career in marketing because I want to help small businesses grow and become known beyond their neighborhoods. Marketing is creative and gives me the opportunity to connect people with products and services that can improve their lives. My goal is to focus on brand management and increasing brand awareness, especially for businesses in my community, Flint. My interest in this field started when I launched a small business of my own and was given a mentor through an entrepreneurial mentorship program. My mentor had years of experience in running her own business and was skilled in digital marketing, including radio ads, Facebook ads, and social media. She shared everything she had learned over seven years. She also served on our city’s African American Advisory Committee and donated products to people in need. Seeing her give back made me realize that marketing can be used as a tool to serve others and strengthen a community. Since then, I have been building my skills in different ways. I am currently working as a summer intern for Merlin AI, where I help grow their brand presence on TikTok. I create content, study engagement, and learn how to keep an audience interested. I have also worked on smaller projects with my church, such as designing flyers to invite people to our weekly Bible study. These experiences showed me that marketing can have a real impact, whether it is attracting new customers to a business or bringing people together for an event. I am motivated by the idea of helping people succeed in what they are passionate about. Many small business owners have great products or services but struggle to reach the right audience. I want to help close that gap. In the future, I plan earn my Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management and work with entrepreneurs to get their brands recognized on a national level. Marketing lets me combine creativity with strategy. I enjoy designing visuals, writing content, and finding ways to tell a brand’s story so it connects with people. I also like the challenge of analyzing data, adjusting campaigns, and figuring out what works best. This is what keeps me interested in the field. My inspiration comes from the people who have invested in me and shown me what is possible when you share your knowledge. My mentor believed in me when I was just starting out, and her guidance shaped how I want to work with others. I hope to build a career where I can help other people’s dreams succeed while continuing to grow in my own skills. To me, marketing is a way to make an impact, create opportunities, and give back to the communities that raised me. I believe marketing can change the direction of a small business, and I want to be part of making that happen.

My local church has been one of the biggest influences in how I serve my community. I have been volunteering there for about three years, and during that time I have learned that serving others is about helping them with what they need and showing them kindness, respect, and love in every interaction. My church has given me the space to practice that every week. One of my favorite ways I have served is by making marketing materials for our church. I create flyers to hang throughout our community to let people know about events like our weekly Bible study. It may seem like a small job, but I have seen how effective it is when someone shows up because they saw one of those flyers. It taught me that even small contributions make a difference. I also serve as an usher since last year by greeting people, making them feel welcome, and helping them find their seats. That experience has helped me become more confident in talking to new people, and it reminded me that something as simple as a smile or a “good morning” can change someone’s day. The way my church operates has shown me the importance of consistent generosity. We are always finding ways to help people in our community, whether it is donating school supplies, donating money, or helping families in need. Being surrounded by that mindset made me want to donate my time in other ways as well. That is why I have also volunteered at my college by helping with food preparation for events and donating to the library, becoming one of their Patron Pledge Members. I learned from my church that if I have the time or resources to help, I should use them. My faith plays a big role in why I keep serving. Galatians 5:13 says, “Serve one another humbly in love,” and I believe that every act of service, no matter how small, is an opportunity to live that out. I want people to feel the love of Christ through my actions. Whether I am passing out programs as an usher, designing a flyer for Bible study, or helping prepare food for an event, I am doing it with the same goal, which is to serve God by serving the community. The habits and values I have gained from my church will stay with me for the rest of my life. As I work toward my Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management, I plan to keep finding ways to serve my community, especially in helping small businesses and organizations spread their message. Everything I do now is because my church gave me a foundation for service. It taught me that giving back can be done in small ways, yet still make a difference. I will carry that lesson into every part of my life.

I am interested in digital marketing to help small businesses with brand management and increasing brand awareness. I first got into this field of study when I started a very small business of my own and was given a mentor through an entrepreneurial mentorship program my city was experimenting with. My mentor was not only an entrepreneur, she was very knowledgeable in digital marketing such as radio advertisements, Facebook ads, and social media. She was generous enough to give me all of the knowledge she accumulated in seven years of running her own business, and she was happy to do it. I then learned that she volunteers for our city’s African American Advisory Committee and donates many of her products to people in need throughout Flint. Meeting her made me want to give back as much as she has to our community. I loved seeing how happy she was to be generous and it motivated me to do the same thing. Her kindness and passion for helping others made me realize that marketing can be more than just selling products and making commercials. It can also be a way to connect with people and uplift small businesses. I am now working as a summer intern for Merlin AI to help them build their brand presence on TikTok. This has given me real experience in creating content, understanding what grabs people’s attention, and learning how to grow an audience from scratch. I have also done small projects with my church, where I made flyers for us to hang throughout our community to let everyone know we are hosting weekly Bible study. Seeing people show up to these events because they saw a flyer I made showed me how powerful marketing can be when it reaches the right people. My long-term goal is to remain in Flint helping small businesses get their brands known nationwide. I want to come back to my city as a marketing graduate once I receive my Bachelor’s in Marketing Management and work side by side with entrepreneurs who have big dreams but may not have the tools to reach their audience. I know what it feels like to start with very little and have someone believe in you enough to share their time and knowledge. I want to be that person for others. Digital marketing excites me because it is constantly changing and allows for endless creativity. There are always new ways to tell a story, showcase a product, or connect with a customer. I want to use my education to make sure small businesses in low-income areas are not left behind in this fast-paced digital world. By helping them compete on a larger scale, I hope to create more jobs, keep money circulating in our community, and inspire other young people to believe that their dreams are possible too. This field is a way to give back to the place that shaped me while also doing something I love to do. Just like my mentor inspired me, I want to inspire and equip the next generation of entrepreneurs to build something that can last.

I grew up with two parents until I was 16 years old when my parents divorced. My dad refused to work and used my mom’s money to buy cigarettes and personal items. He was physically and emotionally abusive to me and my mother until she divorced him. During the Flint Water Crisis, we could not take showers or drink from water fountains and had to rely on water bottle donations. My mom worked tirelessly as a teacher to care for her children and her lazy husband, while my dad sat and played on his game console all day. Once my mom divorced him, she became a single parent of three and has been struggling for seven years to this day. Ever since then, I have been eager to work to help her pay the bills and take financial burdens off her. She has always been determined to pay for me to attend college, but I told her that I will either go to school for free or not at all. I refuse to add any stress to my mom. I have learned to be thankful and loving to her more than anyone in my life. My mother deserves the world and I hope to provide that for her one day. It made me angry to see my mom work so hard when she deserved better, my dad being a lazy deadbeat, and our family struggling to have something as basic as clean water to drink and bathe in. At times, I would smell bad at school unless I built up enough courage to wash myself in the bathroom sinks. I realized my situation was different from my peers because I was angry and depressed while they seemed to be happy. It was difficult to keep a positive attitude when they never had to worry about these things. They never smelled, and they always had water bottles at school, which I didn’t. Brining a water bottle was a small detail that I noticed, but it showed a huge gap between me and them financially and how much easier their lives seemed compared to mine. I also saw how people outside Flint made jokes about the Water Crisis without understanding the seriousness of it. I remember watching a YouTube video where someone said, “At least I don’t live in Flint,” as a joke. It hurt to know my real-life crisis was famous enough to be mocked online. I am now extremely grateful for clean running water from all my faucets. I value my relationships and keep only the ones that truly matter. Ever since my mom became a single parent, I promised her that I would one day buy her a pewter (her favorite color) car of her choice and help her pay her bills. That promise still stands. My goal is to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management and use my time in college to build connections, make new friends, and open doors for future jobs. I have volunteered at my church for three years making marketing materials, and I served as an usher since 2024. I have also volunteered at my college preparing food for events and have donated to the library, becoming one of their Patron Pledge Members. I am dedicated to giving back to my community whenever I can. Flint taught me resilience and the value of community. I have gained knowledge, mentorship, and a deep understanding of what it means to survive in a low-income environment. When I have the means, I am determined to give back and make a difference in my community.

As a student at Mott Community College, I am actively involved in the Elite Culinary Club, the official culinary club for our college. As the social media manager and a regular member, I help organize and promote food-related events, working closely with the President, Secretary, and Vice President. Our club's primary mission is to support our college through catering and setting up events, often in collaboration with our culinary instructors. This experience is both unpredictable and rewarding, reflecting the dynamic nature of the culinary world. My commitment to volunteering began long before college. Since middle school, I have been actively involved in various community service activities in Flint. My initial foray into volunteering included tutoring students in remedial classes and assisting with the setup of volleyball games. These experiences were part of an after-school program called YouthQuest, where field trips often involved community service activities, such as volunteering at the local food bank. Ms. Priscilla Shireen Luke's legacy of service resonates deeply with me. We need more people like her in the world, and I am grateful for the opportunities and inspiration provided by the YouthQuest program and the community of Flint. My passion for helping others was nurtured by these experiences, and I aspire to continue this legacy of service. Flint has faced numerous challenges over the years, and my mother often reminded me of the importance of giving back to our community. Unlike many celebrities who have left Flint without looking back, everyday citizens strive to build a better community. I want to be one of those individuals who give back to Flint in meaningful ways. One of my primary goals is to address the issue of homelessness in Flint. The literacy rate in our city is declining, and I believe there should be more educational programs for adult residents, particularly those in poverty. My vision includes creating free schooling programs for homeless adults and establishing rehabilitation services to help them get back on their feet. These programs would provide education, life skills, and job training, empowering individuals to build a sustainable future. My motivation to help others stems from the understanding that everyone faces their own struggles, and a small act of kindness can make a significant difference in someone's life. You never know what someone is going through or what their breaking point might be. By offering even the smallest assistance, we can ease their burdens and bring hope into their lives. You don't have to make a life-changing impact to make an impact on someone's life. In conclusion, my commitment to service is deeply rooted in my experiences and values. I aspire to continue giving back to my community and addressing critical issues such as homelessness and education. By doing so, I hope to honor the legacy of Priscilla Shireen Luke and contribute to creating a better world for future generations.

Growing up in Flint during the water crisis really changed the way I thought about food. Since we couldn't use the water, my family had to rely on canned foods, cereals, and lots of processed, packaged stuff from the grocery store. Watching TV, I would see what typical American families ate and dream about trying those homemade meals instead of what I was eating every day. Curious and eager to try new things, I turned to YouTube to learn how to make foods from scratch that required water, like bread, soups, cakes, and pasta. That's where my passion for cooking and baking started. The more I learned, the more I wanted to create these foods myself and taste something different from the canned and processed foods I was used to. Now, I'm a culinary arts and baking student at Mott Community College. My favorite things to make are lemon meringue tarts and duck sausages from scratch – I absolutely love duck sausage! It's been amazing to learn the whole process of making things from start to finish rather than just buying pre-made ingredients from the store. I'm really grateful for my enthusiastic chef instructors who make learning so exciting. I see myself as a cake decorator working at a reputable bakery in Frankenmuth, Michigan. I have a real passion for baking, and I'm already a member of the American Culinary Federation, where I network with executive chefs to build my reputation. I plan on taking additional classes at Crust, a renowned bakery in Fenton, Michigan that has won the "Michigan's Best Bakery" award. They offer monthly classes on a variety of baked goods, from danishes to pies, and I'm eager to learn from them. Being a member of the Elite Culinary Club at Mott Community College has also been a fantastic experience. As the social media marketer for the club, I've helped organize volunteer events where we cater for college functions. Additionally, I've volunteered at the North End Soup Kitchen in Flint, where we prepare and serve meals for the homeless and underprivileged. These experiences have deepened my interest in culinary arts and shown me the impact food can have on a community. Right now, I'm already giving back through the Elite Culinary Club and the North End Soup Kitchen. My chef instructor at Mott is passionate about students contributing to the community, and he inspired me to consider teaching in the future. Once I've gained enough experience, I would love to become a culinary instructor and pass on my knowledge and passion for cooking and baking to future generations. Receiving the Martha Brooks Culinary Arts Scholarship would be a tremendous help in affording my tuition at Mott Community College. It would relieve the financial stress and allow me to focus entirely on my education. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to my dream of becoming a cake decorator and, eventually, a culinary arts instructor. Thank you for considering my application. I'm excited about the possibility of continuing my education and giving back to my community through the culinary arts.

The key to help society while also ensuring your own success is to learn how to schedule your time. On top of that, prioritizing your personal success first will guarantee that you will have time, resources, and the money to help your community. That’s exactly what I plan to do when I get older. Once I have enough money to sustain myself and a possible family, I want to invest at least 10% of my income in Flint, Michigan. I grew up in this city all my life, including during the Flint Water Crisis. I was fortunate enough to move out after 4 years, but I’m well aware that this isn’t the case for everyone else. I remember my psychology teacher talking about how severe poverty and low literacy rates are the main issues that Flint face. So I decided that I would find ways to combat these issues. I want to build a resource center to help low-income and homeless get a job. The program will include free-to-use computers with a program that only allows users on appropriate websites. We will also offer free donated food along with teaching programs that help participants’ reading and comprehension skills. Lastly, I would also like to include a program that teaches about personal finances. I was fortunate enough to take a personal finance class in my 10th-grade year. School teaches us that you earn money through a career that you choose after college. In my personal finance class, I learned that having a career isn’t the only way to make money. You can earn money investing in stocks, a ROTH/Traditional IRA, a Universal Index Life, owning a business, and real estate. That’s exactly what I would like to teach Flint residents that apply to my resource center program. The overall purpose of this program is to help Flint residents succeed financially and distribute their knowledge back to the community. I am planning to obtain a psychology degree and a Bachelor's in Social Work. I want to learn more about how a city can fail and how communities are able to prosper once more after failing. We will also offer free donated food along with teaching programs that help participants’ reading and comprehension skills. As I said before, the literacy rate is a huge problem for Flint, so I would love to team up with others to combat this issue as well. I will apply the knowledge I learned from college to myself, my family, and my future resource center program.

I am a part of the small business owner community, and I sell hair products for people who want to grow their hair. At the beginning of 2020, I planned on creating an LLC and becoming an entrepreneur, but I officially started in June 2020. I had two notebooks completely filled with my plans and dreams of becoming a future entrepreneur. I wanted to sell many natural, homemade products like deodorant, hair products, and hand sanitizer. I’ve learned so much by myself in this short amount of time! Little did I know how much time, money, and patience I had to invest to launch. Due to many mistakes and some miscommunication, I paid double the amount I intended to pay for starting. The stickers I bought were not the right material for my containers, some ingredients weren’t the right color, and I had a typo on my business cards. Unfortunately, I had to pay for these errors to get fixed. Even though this was a huge setback, I’m happy that these mistakes happened. I learned to turn it into a lesson and figure out what I did wrong. I can’t thank my family enough for giving me a loan to completely rebrand my business. To this day, I am still working to repay them. They support me financially and emotionally. Even before I had my first sale, my mom would constantly give me applause for starting my own business at 17 years old. It boosted my drive and encouraged me to continue to pursue my dreams, despite seeing progress. I am extremely grateful for their encouragement. After this, I began to plan my future actions with more detail and evaluation. One of the plans was my goal for people interested in my business. Instead of setting goals for followers and sales, I’ve learned to focus on creating a community with my supporters. “It’s one thing to get a random follower, but it’s another thing to have people who genuinely enjoy the content you create,” my Mom told me. That’s why I try to stay consistent, stick within my niche, and interact with my followers. It’s a little discouraging to not see growth as much as I want, but it takes lots of time and patience for success. I try to remind myself that not many businesses are successful within a year of starting. Regardless, I’m going to keep my head up and continue to do what I enjoy. I even tell myself how all of the hard work will pay off when I reach my ultimate goal: making my own natural skin and hair care line. I’m confident that I’m able to reach these goals whether that be tomorrow or next year!

When the pandemic first started, I was devastated by the lack of compassion that this country had. Lots of Americans refused to wear masks or quarantine themselves at home, which is why we are still in this situation now. However, I am extremely thankful for this circumstance, because I found God and built a true relationship with Him. I used to claim myself as Christian before the pandemic, but I started to see how my life and actions didn’t reflect my religion at all. I started to read the Bible and started to understand that I needed to change my mindset and the way I present myself to others. Building my relationship with God has truly changed my life. I worry less about the future because every part of my life is in His control. All I have to do is give Him all of my problems and He will handle them and lead the way. I will encourage anyone else to do the same by reading the Bible and asking God to come into your life. It's worth it.

Before we graduate, we are expected to complete 25 hours of volunteer service also. Not many people complained about this requirement because we know the value of helping others out in our community - especially in Flint, Michigan. My psychology teacher told us that half of Flint poverty residents are illiterate, which is why it’s so difficult for them to earn a job. Most jobs are required to have some sort of basic reading, and the Flint Water Crisis is making the literacy rate drop even further. It’s becoming evident that frequent exposure to lead poisoning causes learning impairments and brain developmental issues. It’s completely understandable why the poverty rate is 38%. I volunteered at a school with low-income students and noticed that they were given a blue backpack to take home every day. Turns out, those blue backpacks were full of canned foods for the students and their families. Nearly all of the students in my classroom took one home every day. The Flint Water Crisis doesn’t make their situation better. Poverty was evident in the kindergarteners that I volunteered with. Some students needed psychiatric help and needed special attention in a classroom, but the parents couldn’t afford the medications and treatment nor did they have the time for the appointments. Schedules were so tight that parents sometimes picked their children up from school 3 hours after school. Me and my grandmother dedicated some of our time picking up and dropping off a student from school for a year. I started to understand how severe poverty is to students at school. Volunteering at Genesee STEM Academy, encouraged me to use more of my time for helping others. So I dedicated about 70 hours of volunteering services for this school and about 15 more at the North End Soup Kitchen. Working at the soup kitchen gave me a different perspective of poverty and low-income situations. Instead of seeing the effects on the students, I saw the effects on the parents. When preparing food, we always made sure to add enough food to everyone’s plates, so everyone would be full from the meals. The soup kitchen had a “No Seconds” rule because we wanted to make sure that everyone had a plate. However, there were plenty of people who would ask for seconds anyway or try to go back in line and hope we didn’t remember their faces. The soup kitchen only opened on Sundays, so it’s understandable why people would want seconds. Volunteering gives you a different perspective of your own city. Before the Flint Water Crisis came to light, Flint seemed just like any regular city in Michigan. Now, people are beginning to see how unfortunate the citizens here actually are. I’m very thankful that I donated lots of time volunteering at school and at the soup kitchen because it gives me the drive to help others in need. After this pandemic is over, I plan to dedicate more of my time to the Soup Kitchen on Sundays. I believe it’s necessary for students to volunteer before their graduation. It can teach them empathy and give them a new level of understanding of poverty in their hometown.

Before we graduate high school, we are expected to complete 25 hours of volunteer service also. Not many people complained about this requirement because we know the value of helping others out in our community - especially in Flint, Michigan. My psychology teacher told us that half of Flint poverty residents are illiterate, which is why it’s so difficult for them to earn a job. Most jobs are required to have some sort of basic reading, and the Flint Water Crisis is making the literacy rate drop even further. It’s becoming evident that frequent exposure to lead poisoning causes learning impairments and brain developmental issues. It’s completely understandable why the poverty rate is 38%. I volunteered at a school with low-income students and noticed that they were given a blue backpack to take home every day. Turns out, those blue backpacks were full of canned foods for the students and their families. Nearly all of the students in my classroom took one home every day. The Flint Water Crisis doesn’t make their situation better. Poverty was evident in the kindergarteners that I volunteered with. Some students needed psychiatric help and needed special attention in a classroom, but the parents couldn’t afford the medications and treatment nor did they have the time for the appointments. Schedules were so tight that parents sometimes picked their children up from school 3 hours after school. Me and my grandmother dedicated some of our time picking up and dropping off a student from school for a year. Volunteering at Genesee STEM Academy, encouraged me to use more of my time for helping others. So I dedicated about 70 hours of volunteering services for this school and about 15 more at the North End Soup Kitchen. Working at the soup kitchen gave me a different perspective of poverty and low-income situations. Instead of seeing the effects on the students, I saw the effects on the parents. When preparing food, we always made sure to add enough food to everyone’s plates, so everyone would be full from the meals. The soup kitchen had a “No Seconds” rule because we wanted to make sure that everyone had a plate. However, there were plenty of people who would ask for seconds anyway or try to go back in line and hope we didn’t remember their faces. It was very depressing to see, especially when you had to refuse food. From my understanding, the soup kitchen only opened on Sundays, so it’s understandable why people would want seconds. Volunteering gives you a different perspective of your own city. Before the Flint Water Crisis came to light, Flint seemed just like any regular city in Michigan. Now, people are beginning to see how unfortunate the citizens here actually are. I’m very thankful that I donated lots of time volunteering at school and at the soup kitchen because it gives me the drive to help others in need. I believe it’s necessary for students to have volunteer hours, because it can teach them empathy and give them a new level of understanding of poverty in Flint, Michigan.

In middle school, lots of girls in my class suddenly started using lotions and perfumes. Every break period, they would go into their lockers, pull out a container of “Japanese Cherry Blossom,” and spray it on their clothes before going back to class. Eventually, I started doing the same. But, unlike the other girls, my skin would itch and turn red after each use. Vaseline and other natural, unscented lotions worked just fine for me, yet scented lotions caused me breakouts and inflammation. At first, I thought it was completely normal to have a rash from scented lotion. Plus, I smelled like a Lavender Breeze, so I disregarded the reaction as something minor. My neck, arms, and hands would be red and itchy for the entire day, yet everyone else’s skin looked fine. It was frustrating, but I eventually figured out that this wasn’t normal, so I told my mom about it. She suggested that I should either stop using scented lotion altogether or find out what the issue was and go from there. Eventually, I figured out that I was having an allergic reaction caused by some of the ingredients. I’ve met a good amount of people who also had allergic reactions to scented lotions and perfumes. Turns out, certain ingredients in cosmetics, such as imidazolidinyl urea and alpha-hydroxy acids, are potent enough for the skin to flare up, itch, and blister. Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy wearing and smelling amazing scents without having a harsh reaction. That’s exactly why I am in the works of opening my own lotion business very soon! My parents integrated the phrase “to make money while you sleep” ever since I wanted a job last year. They encouraged me to start an online small business, so I could earn money without leaving the house due to COVID-19. At first, I thought it would be ridiculous to start a business during a pandemic, but I soon found my passion for making scented lotions. I started off small by making lotions only for myself and testing how they would react with my skin. Then my family members tested it on their skin also. No allergic reactions! Every time I made scented lotions in the kitchen, the entire house would smell like the fragrance I made. That was my favorite part about the lotion-making process! So I decided that it was time to start planning a business with this. Knowing the ingredients that cause allergic reactions, I figured out a formula that only contains the necessary ingredients for scented lotions. Say goodbye to itchy and inflamed skin! I have no doubt in my mind that this lotion business will thrive. There is a problem with allergic reactions from cosmetics, and I have a solution for that issue by providing customers with a healthy alternative. Now all people are able to enjoy scents without the potential of an allergic reaction.

In middle school, lots of girls in my class suddenly started using lotions and perfumes. Every break period, they would go into their lockers, pull out a container of “Japanese Cherry Blossom,” and spray it on their clothes before going back to class. Eventually, I started doing the same. But, unlike the other girls, my skin would itch and turn red after each use. Vaseline and other natural, unscented lotions worked just fine for me, yet scented lotions caused me breakouts and inflammation. At first, I thought it was completely normal to have a rash from scented lotion. Plus, I smelled like a Lavender Breeze, so I disregarded the reaction as something minor. My neck, arms, and hands would be red and itchy for the entire day, yet everyone else’s skin looked fine. It was frustrating, but I eventually figured out that this wasn’t normal, so I told my mom about it. She suggested that I should either stop using scented lotion altogether or find out what the issue was and go from there. Eventually, I figured out that I was having an allergic reaction caused by some of the ingredients. I’ve met a good amount of people who also had allergic reactions to scented lotions and perfumes. Turns out, certain ingredients in cosmetics, such as imidazolidinyl urea and alpha-hydroxy acids, are potent enough for skin to flare up, itch, and blister. Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy wearing and smelling amazing scents without having a harsh reaction. That’s exactly why I am in the works of opening my own lotion business very soon! My parents integrated the phrase “to make money while you sleep” ever since I wanted a job last year. They encouraged me to start an online small business, so I could earn money without leaving the house due to COVID-19. At first, I thought it would be ridiculous to start a business during a pandemic, but I soon found my passion for making scented lotions. I started off small by making lotions only for myself and testing how it would react with my skin. Then my family members tested it on their skin also. No allergic reactions! Everytime I made scented lotions in the kitchen, the entire house would smell like the fragrance I made. That was my favorite part about the lotion-making process! So I decided that it was time to start planning a business with this. Knowing the ingredients that cause allergic reactions, I figured out a formula that only contains the necessary ingredients for scented lotions. Say goodbye to itchy and inflamed skin! I have no doubt in my mind that this lotion business will thrive. There is a problem with allergic reactions from cosmetics, and I have a solution for that issue by providing customers with a healthy alternative. Now all people are able to enjoy scents without the potential of an allergic reaction.

I am a part of the small business owner community, and I sell hair products for people who want to grow out their hair. At the beginning of this year, I planned on creating an LLC and becoming an entrepreneur, but I officially started in June 2020. I’ve learned so much by myself in this short amount of time! Little did I know how much time, money, and patience I had to invest to launch. Due to many mistakes and some miscommunication, I paid double the amount I intended to pay for starting. The stickers I bought were not the right material for my containers, some ingredients weren’t the right color, and I had a typo on my business cards. Unfortunately, I had to pay for these errors to get fixed. Even though this was a huge setback, I’m happy that these mistakes happened. I learned to turn it into a lesson and figure out what I did wrong. After this, I began to plan my future actions with more detail and evaluation. One of the plans was my goal for people interested in my business. Instead of setting goals for followers and sales, I’ve learned to focus on creating a community with my supporters. It’s one thing to get a random follower, but it’s another thing to have people who genuinely enjoy the content you create. That’s why I try to stay consistent, stick within my niche, and interact with my followers. It’s a little discouraging to not see growth as much as I want, but it takes lots of time and patience for success. I try to remind myself that not many businesses are successful within 6 months of starting. I’m going to keep my head up and continue to do what I enjoy. I even tell myself how all of the hard work will pay off when I reach my ultimate goal: making my own scented lotions for people with sensitive skin. I’m confident that I’m able to reach these goals whether that be tomorrow or next year!

1. Joann’s Fabrics’ Website - https://www.joann.com/ 2. Mercari - https://www.mercari.com/ 3. AliExpress - https://www.aliexpress.com/

This is my favorite picture with my grandad. I am the girl with the purple coat, and I remember the moment this picture was taken. We were on our way back home after spending a few nights with my grandad. As always, we had a great time at his house. My grandad was the only father figure I had growing up. My actual father wasn’t a good one at all. My household was very chaotic when I was younger, so I would frequently ask to visit my grandad’s house and stay there for a few days. My grandad, his hobbies, and his house were a wonder to me. His entire presence gave me comfort and reassurance in my life. He would go fishing and always promised to let me go with him someday. He also collected coins and gave me some to keep. “Make sure you keep these,” he said, “so when you get older, these coins will be worth something.” Without hesitation, he made sure to provide generously for me, my brothers, and my mom without expecting anything in return. His house was huge and had an entire room dedicated to vases he’s accumulated in his life. He even gave me my favorite ones that I still have today! I can mention countless other things, but the main thing that sticks out for me is that he was present in my life. I’m truly thankful that he became a huge part of my life. All of the things he’s done were optional, yet he still went out of his way to help me and my family any way he could. Little did I know that he was depressed, and was looking for someone to make him happy again. The vases that he had were meant to be sold, but few people wanted to buy them. He spent more on those vases than he made a profit. Despite how he felt about his life, he would always make sure that I was satisfied with my own. He never mentioned to me how he wasn’t happy nor did he talk about the issues with his vase business. I hope to be as caring, generous, adventurous, and wonderful as my grandad is. I want to improve so many people’s lives just like he’s done. He now lives in Canada with a woman that makes him feel happy again. We can’t visit each other now, but I still appreciate the phone calls we have together. There will never be anyone who has made an impact on my life like my grandad has.

For 15 years, I didn’t have the luxury to relax. I was always on high alert and had to plan every action I did. Just one thing - anything at all - could cause my dad to get angry. If your spoon touches the bowl too many times while you eat, he’ll get angry. If you walk past him during a phone call, he’ll get angry. If he loses too many times on the Playstation, he’ll get angry. I could write an entire book of every small detail that he’d flip over. Me and my mom both were vulnerable to my dad. He wouldn’t be as hard with my brothers. My parents would get into heated arguments that would regularly turn violent. I remember a few instances that I had to call the police on my own dad. Having a dad like mine stripped me from many abilities. I had a very bad memory and was extremely anxious. The main things I would think about are ways to not get him upset. I would have to plan all of my actions carefully. Sometimes I would stay in my room to avoid my dad. Having to do the things I did, I rarely planned for my future and I didn’t pay much attention to my surroundings. I was too concerned for my mom and myself. The environment was too chaotic to think effectively. In August of 2017, my mom got kicked out of our house and she was gone for a few days. No one knew where she was. Turns out, she bought her own house and planned on divorcing my dad immediately! My siblings and I wanted to live with her, so we moved also. My mom never looked back and neither did I. After leaving that abusive household, I started noticing the small things of life. Apparently, our grass has dewdrops that reflect the sunlight beautifully in the mornings. Everything seems more appealing to look at. One of the most striking things I noticed was the sky. Every single day, the sky looks beautiful. Sometimes there’s huge clouds, and you can even spot a rare color once in a while. Even my brother started to notice the sky. One day at night, we watched the sky for hours because of how magnificent it looked. There was a full moon. Its light illuminated the clouds around it, which showed a white outline of all of the clouds in the sky. I loved that sight! I was never aware of these beauties until I finally had the time to notice them. I never had the luxury of relaxing or noticing the beauty of living until just 3 years ago. I’m still adjusting, but there’s always something great to look forward to now. Everything seems fun and beautiful! Now that I’m aware of how amazing things are, I want to spend lots of time appreciating it. I make sure my friends and family are aware that I deeply care for them. I’m also learning how to paint beautiful sceneries and landscapes. I’ve begun to open up more with people and I’m no longer self-conscious about my appearance. I’m looking forward to each and every day now. Most of my past decisions were to make my situation slightly better, yet now, I can do whatever I enjoy doing just for the heck of it!

For 15 years, I didn’t have the luxury to relax. I was always on high alert and had to plan every action I did. Just one thing - anything at all - could cause my dad to get angry. If your spoon touches the bowl too many times while you eat, he’ll get angry. If you walk past him during a phone call, he’ll get angry. If he loses too many times on the Playstation, he’ll get angry. I could write an entire book of every small detail that he’d flip over. Me and my mom both were vulnerable to my dad. He wouldn’t be as hard with my brothers. My parents would get into heated arguments that would regularly turn violent. I remember a few instances that I had to call the police on my own dad. Having a dad like mine stripped me from many abilities. I had a very bad memory and was extremely anxious. The main things I would think about are ways to not get him upset. I would have to plan all of my actions carefully. Sometimes I would stay in my room to avoid my dad. Having to do the things I did, I rarely planned for my future and I didn’t pay much attention to my surroundings. I was too concerned for my mom and myself. The environment was too chaotic to think effectively. In August of 2017, my mom got kicked out of our house and she was gone for a few days. No one knew where she was. Turns out, she bought her own house and planned on divorcing my dad immediately! My siblings and I wanted to live with her, so we moved also. My mom never looked back and neither did I. After leaving that abusive household, I started noticing the small things of life. Apparently, our grass has dewdrops that reflect the sunlight beautifully in the mornings. Everything seems more appealing to look at. One of the most striking things I noticed was the sky. Every single day, the sky looks beautiful. Sometimes there’s huge clouds, and you can even spot a rare color once in a while. Even my brother started to notice the sky. One day at night, we watched the sky for hours because of how magnificent it looked. There was a full moon. Its light illuminated the clouds around it, which showed a white outline of all of the clouds in the sky. I loved that sight! I was never aware of these beauties until I finally had the time to notice them. I never had the luxury of relaxing or noticing the beauty of living until just 3 years ago. I’m still adjusting, but there’s always something great to look forward to now. Everything seems fun and beautiful! Now that I’m aware of how amazing things are, I want to spend lots of time appreciating it. I now make sure my friends and family are aware that I deeply care for them. I’m also learning how to paint beautiful sceneries and landscapes. I’ve begun to open up more with people and I’m no longer self-conscious about my appearance. I’m looking forward to each and every day now. Most of my past decisions were to make my situation slightly better, yet now, I can do whatever I enjoy doing just for the heck of it!

My name is Angel Coulter and I am a senior at Genesee Early College. Throughout my life, I’ve tried many different things to find what I’m interested in. I played instruments, took on sports, read many books, applied for scholarships, and started a business. The main reason why I like all of these activities is because I had my own independence. I do not want to worry about how others perceive me in the future nor do I want to worry about getting fired and struggling to find another job quickly. I absolutely love the idea of working my own hours and doing my own thing. That’s why I realized that I want to pursue one of my dreams in entrepreneurship. Becoming an entrepreneur would be perfect for me due to my wish for independence. My family was the final push for me to become an entrepreneur. I learned that a few of my family members had to get their uteruses removed due to uterine fibroids. These growths were caused due to chemicals found in relaxer creams and other hair products. I plan on preventing other women from falling victim of the same thing, so I decided to open my own hair store that only has the necessary ingredients. If my business gets big enough, I want to own a factory and hire others to make my products, instead of me doing everything for the business. Depending on the profits, I plan on paying the workers more than minimum wage. If I ever become a CEO of a big company, I would never want to pay my employees less than what they deserve. In June of this year, I started a small hair business and I plan on continuing it. It isn’t big compared to other teenagers who’ve also started their own business, but I do not plan on giving up anytime soon. I believe that in the future, I can become big just like anyone else can. I’m going to work hard to get there. I plan on creating posters and marketing my business on Instagram when I gain enough money to do so. I believe that I can inspire many other aspiring entrepreneurs to work their hardest as well. I someday plan on providing young adults with mistakes that I’ve made throughout my journey so they will not make the same mistakes. I want to provide many people of color the necessary information they need to become successful entrepreneurs as well. As of now, I watch and read lots of positive and entrepreneurial content. I do not want to be discouraged and I am determined to keep a positive mindset for the future. I want to continue what I started and not quit like I used to do with things in the past. This time is different. I have a really great feeling about this business. I've learned so many things that I never thought I'd be interested in, such as web design, social media marketing, and becoming my own boss! I'm really looking forward to the future.

My name is Angel Coulter and I am a senior at Genesee Early College. Throughout my life, I’ve tried many different things to find what I’m interested in. I played instruments, took on sports, read many books, applied for scholarships, and started a business. The main reason why I like all of these activities is because I had my own independence. I do not want to worry about how others perceive me in the future nor do I want to worry about getting fired and struggling to find another job quickly. I absolutely love the idea of working my own hours and doing my own thing. That’s why I realized that I want to pursue one of my dreams in entrepreneurship. Becoming an entrepreneur would be perfect for me due to my wish for independence. My family was the final push for me to become an entrepreneur. I learned that a few of my family members had to get their uteruses removed due to uterine fibroids. These growths were caused due to chemicals found in relaxer creams and other hair products. I plan on preventing other women from falling victim of the same thing, so I decided to open my own hair store that only has the necessary ingredients. If my business gets big enough, I want to own a factory and hire others to make my products, instead of me doing everything for the business. Depending on the profits, I plan on paying the workers more than minimum wage. If I ever become a CEO of a big company, I would never want to pay my employees less than what they deserve. In June of this year, I started a small hair business and I plan on continuing it. It isn’t big compared to other teenagers who’ve also started their own business, but I do not plan on giving up anytime soon. I believe that in the future, I can become big just like anyone else can. I’m going to work hard to get there. I plan on creating posters and marketing my business on Instagram when I gain enough money to do so. I believe that I can inspire many other aspiring entrepreneurs to work their hardest as well. I someday plan on providing young adults with mistakes that I’ve made throughout my journey so they will not make the same mistakes. I want to provide many people of color the necessary information they need to become successful entrepreneurs as well. As of now, I watch and read lots of positive and entrepreneurial content. I do not want to be discouraged and I am determined to keep a positive mindset for the future. I want to continue what I started and not quit like I used to do with things in the past. This time is different. I try to post on social media daily and I plan on creating an advertisement of my business on Instagram. I have a really great feeling about this business. I've learned so many things that I never thought I'd be interested in, such as web design, social media marketing, and becoming my own boss! I'm really looking forward to the future.

On June 21st 2020, I started my own business on Shopify. This picture is one of the first designs I created by myself for my website. I am extremely proud that I gained the confidence to start taking pictures of myself and gain the courage to present my face and name to the world.

My name is Angel Coulter and I am a senior at Genesee Early College. Throughout my life, I’ve tried many different things to find what I’m interested in. I played instruments, took on sports, read many books, applied for scholarships, and started a business. The main reason why I like all of these activities is because I had my own independence. I do not want to worry about how others perceive me in the future nor do I want to worry about getting fired and struggling to find another job quickly. I absolutely love the idea of working my own hours and doing my own thing. That’s why I realized that I want to pursue one of my dreams in entrepreneurship. Becoming an entrepreneur would be perfect for me due to my wish for independence. My family was the final push for me to become an entrepreneur. I learned that a few of my family members had to get their uteruses removed due to uterine fibroids. These growths were caused due to chemicals found in relaxer creams and other hair products. I plan on preventing other women from falling victim of the same thing, so I decided to open my own hair store that only has the necessary ingredients. If my business gets big enough, I want to own a factory and hire others to make my products, instead of me doing everything for the business. Depending on the profits, I plan on paying the workers more than minimum wage. If I ever become a CEO of a big company, I would never want to pay my employees less than what they deserve. In June of this year, I started a small hair business and I plan on continuing it. It isn’t big compared to other teenagers who’ve also started their own business, but I do not plan on giving up anytime soon. I believe that in the future, I can become big just like anyone else can. I’m going to work hard to get there. I plan on creating posters and marketing my business on Instagram when I gain enough money to do so. I believe that I can inspire many other aspiring entrepreneurs to work their hardest as well. I someday plan on providing young adults with mistakes that I’ve made throughout my journey so they will not make the same mistakes. I want to provide many people of color the necessary information they need to become successful entrepreneurs as well. As of now, I watch and read lots of positive and entrepreneurial content. I do not want to be discouraged and I am determined to keep a positive mindset for the future. I want to continue what I started and not quit like I used to do with things in the past. This time is different. I have a really great feeling about this business. I've learned so many things that I never thought I'd be interested in, such as web design, social media marketing, and becoming my own boss! I'm really looking forward to the future.

My name is Angel Coulter and I am a senior at Genesee Early College. Throughout my life, I’ve tried many different things to find what I’m interested in. I played instruments, took on sports, read many books, applied for scholarships, and started a business. The main reason why I like all of these activities is because I had my own independence. I do not want to worry about how others perceive me in the future nor do I want to worry about my superiors. I absolutely love the idea of working my own hours and doing my own thing. That’s why I realized that I want to pursue one of my dreams in entrepreneurship. Becoming an entrepreneur would be perfect for me due to my wish for independence. If my business gets big enough, I want to own a factory and hire others to make my products, instead of me doing everything for the business. Depending on the profits, I plan on paying the workers more than minimum wage. If I ever become a CEO of a big company, I would never want to pay my employees less than what they deserve. If I ever earn more money than I need, I plan on hosting donations, fundraisers, and other events to bring awareness and further advance scientific knowledge of diseases. I would also like to create my own orphanages that provide quality education for each student attending. I want these students to have access to everything that they need in order to have the same experience as students who attend regular schools have. Hopefully I earn enough money to do philanthropic work. If I ever have too much, I’d definitely give it away to others who need it. Growing up in Flint gave me a huge heart for people in need. When I walked to buy lunch, there would always be homeless people sitting on the benches because they had no other place to go. I would also volunteer at a soup kitchen and there would be so many people standing in line just for us to give them their only meal for the day. It was sickening to see it and that there aren’t more people in this world who are willing to help - especially the people who have enough money to do so. What's more sickening is the fact that people in power aren't helping more than they are. It's always sending "thoughts and prayers," when it's time for action. Instead of giving "thoughts and prayers," do your job and pass a law that prevents these incidents from happening in the future. We need change in this world. I am one of those people who will provide change. I plan on pursuing multiple careers in order to have enough money to make a difference in this world. I want to create institutions for starving families and write to mayors and representatives to enforce a new group of community protectors to replace police officers. My education will help change the world because I am knowledgeable about the injustices and unfairness that is going on between people of color and the police. I plan on creating orphanages with an education system, provide affordable housing for low-income families, and write to politicians about enforcing policies that prevent people of color to be imprisoned longer than a white person would.

My name is Angel Coulter and I am a senior at Genesee Early College. Throughout my life, I’ve tried many different things to find what I’m interested in. I played instruments, took on sports, read many books, applied for scholarships, and started a business. The main reason why I like all of these activities is because I had my own independence. I do not want to worry about how others perceive me in the future nor do I want to worry about my superiors. I absolutely love the idea of working my own hours and doing my own thing. That’s why I realized that I want to pursue one of my dreams in entrepreneurship. Becoming an entrepreneur would be perfect for me due to my wish for independence. If my business gets big enough, I want to own a factory and hire others to make my products, instead of me doing everything for the business. Depending on the profits, I plan on paying the workers more than minimum wage. If I ever become a CEO of a big company, I would never want to pay my employees less than what they deserve. In June of this year, I started a small hair business and I plan on continuing it. It isn’t big compared to other teenagers who’ve also started their own business, but I do not plan on giving up anytime soon. I believe that in the future, I can become big just like anyone else can. I’m going to work hard to get there. I plan on creating posters and marketing my business on Instagram when I gain enough money to do so. I believe that I can inspire many other aspiring entrepreneurs to work their hardest as well. I someday plan on providing them with mistakes that I’ve made throughout my journey so they will not make the same mistakes. As of now, I watch and read lots of positive and entrepreneurial content. I do not want to be discouraged and I am determined to keep a positive mindset for the future. I want to continue what I started and not quit like I used to do with things in the past. This time is different. If I ever earn more money than I need, I plan on hosting donations, fundraisers, and other events to bring awareness and further advance scientific knowledge of diseases. I would also like to create my own orphanages that provide quality education for each student attending. I want these students to have access to everything that they need in order to have the same experience as students who attend regular schools have. Hopefully I earn enough money to do philanthropic work. If I ever have too much, I’d definitely give it away to others who need it. Growing up in Flint gave me a huge heart for people in need. When I walked to buy lunch, there would always be homeless people sitting on the benches because they had no other place to go. It was sickening to see it and that there aren’t more people in this world who are willing to help - especially the people who have enough money to do so. I do not go outside much due to COVID-19, but I occasionally talk to my friends on the phone. I am a fairly quiet person, so not many people text or call, but when they needed my help I was always willing to give them guidance.