Some people see school as just a step to the next phase of life, but I see it differently. I’ve always loved the actual process of learning. My life has always been about turning struggles into strength, and for me, learning is about growth, not just reaching a destination. As a black person and someone who’s faced mental health challenges, I see college as a gateway to something bigger...A chance to chase my dreams, even when life feels heavy, and take full advantage of the opportunities and resources available to me. Growing up, I felt a lot of pressure to become successful, but I’ve realized that education is the entryway to success. The more we learn, the more capable we become of understanding and tackling new challenges. I want to be prepared for whatever life throws at me. College, for me, is more than earning a degree. It’s also about proving to myself that I can overcome obstacles and take another step toward building a better future for myself and those around me. It’s also where I plan to take more steps to face my mental health. While pursuing my degree, I’ll be working as a real estate agent, managing a business I co-own with my parents, and balancing a personal life with school. Juggling these responsibilities won’t be easy, and depression has its own way of clouding everything. But I know that with the right tools and support, I can handle it. I hope to find a community where I feel comfortable confiding in others and relying on them when I need support. I also plan to take advantage of counseling services and support groups to help me stay focused on my goals. I never had many friends, nor have I had access to these services, so being able to afford attendance at a good college that offers a sense of community and those resources will be a complete game-changer for me. One of the things I’m most excited about is the opportunity to study abroad. I’ve taught myself two languages, including Spanish, and I’ve always dreamed of immersing myself in the language and culture of Spain. Stepping outside of my comfort zone to experience life in a new way will help me grow as a person and deepen my understanding of the world around me. Despite the challenges I’ve faced, my focus remains on the future. My goals are to build successful businesses with my family through real estate, create generational wealth, and give back to my community. I want to contribute through philanthropy, advocacy, activism, providing mental health and safety resources, and creating job opportunities. I want to end the cycle of poverty in my family and help others do the same, especially people of color. But whether it’s making a difference in my community, advocating for change, or pursuing a career I’m passionate about, I know college is where these dreams will begin to take shape. I want to connect with people who uplift me and who I can eventually celebrate our accomplishments with. College is more than just a stepping stone for me; it’s a chance to transform my life and those around me. It’s a place where I can embrace my identity, confront my mental health challenges, and pursue my dreams with everything I’ve got. That’s why I view scholarships as investments toward my destiny; because I wholeheartedly believe that with the right support and my own determination, I can continue to turn my struggles into strength and carve out a future that reflects my true potential. Thank you for your consideration! Zaire Martin

Being an up-stander in a community isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding roles I’ve ever taken on. From volunteering at local churches to participating in the Special Olympics, each opportunity has taught me something new and allowed me to help those in need. These experiences have not only shaped my perspective on the world but also deepened my understanding of what it means to be part of a community. When I was 14, I began volunteering at my local church, helping organize food pantries. At first, I was nervous, but as I sorted through donations and interacted with those who came for help, I realized how essential this work was. Seeing families leave with bags of groceries, their faces filled with gratitude, made me feel connected to something much larger than myself. I relate to Mohamed’s idea that even small acts can be impactful. Though my contribution may have seemed small, it felt significant to me, and it left me with a desire to continue doing work like this. Since then, food drives have become a regular part of my life. Alongside other volunteers, I helped collect donations and distribute food to those in need. What struck me the most was the sense of community among all of us. It reminded me that when we come together, we can make a real difference. I also forged lasting friendships with others who shared a passion for giving back. Another rewarding experience was volunteering at poetry events. As someone who has always used poetry as a form of activism, I was thrilled to facilitate workshops where people could express themselves creatively. Watching people of color share their stories and emotions through poetry was incredibly powerful. It reminded me how important it is to provide spaces for voices that are often overlooked. The joy and relief participants felt after creating something deeply personal was truly special. Once again, what seemed like a small act—facilitating a poetry workshop—proved to be deeply meaningful for everyone involved. However, the highlight of my journey as an up-stander was my experience at the Special Olympics. In my final year of training with the fire department, I had the honor of leading training sessions and helping with food distribution at the Chicago Special Olympics at Soldier Field. Coaching athletes with intellectual disabilities opened my eyes to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Success comes in many forms, and every achievement, no matter how small, deserves to be celebrated. The community we built through encouragement and support was inspiring, and I felt incredibly fortunate to be a part of it. To conclude, self-sacrificing work can be complex. It can be challenging. It can inconvenience you. Sometimes it can actually be frustrating. But at the end of the day, being there for someone who has no one, giving something to someone who doesn’t have anything, and acknowledging someone who is always overlooked is powerful. Small acts really can change someone’s life, and the aggregated small acts that I have taken have changed my life forever. Thank you for your consideration! Zaire Martin

I have been playing Minecraft religiously since I was 8 years old in 2012, and growing up playing this game, I can honestly say it opened my eyes to new ideas and changed the way I think. My favorite thing about Minecraft has to be the multiplayer mode. In multiplayer, I learned how to communicate better with friends in things like coming up with plans to build this insane castle, or, teaming up to survive against mobs. It taught me a ton about teamwork, too. You quickly realize that splitting up tasks based on skills and relying on each other is key to getting things done. The creativity that comes out of playing with others is incredible. I remember getting together with friends to brainstorm ideas for our projects. We’d work on everything from massive roller coasters to intricate redstone machines. Collaborating like that not only boosted my creative thinking but also helped me see challenges from different angles. Those moments really pushed us to think critically and adapt to whatever came our way. Minecraft also became a hangout spot for making friends. The game offered a safe space to chat, share experiences, and support one another. I made a lot of friends from those late-night gaming sessions. I still have friends I met in Minecraft who I played with throughout high school and beyond. So many nights I spent designing and constructing huge builds on my realm for all my friends to see when they logged back on. So many times that we all went on a quest and all died and had to run back to make it just in time for our things not to despawn. Those shared experiences and adventures created a sense of community that made it feel like we were all in it together, which was super important during those years. The multiplayer aspect of Minecraft definitely enriched my childhood. It helped me build social skills, foster creativity, and create lasting friendships. More than just a game, Minecraft became a platform for my own personal growth. As we navigated those virtual worlds, we weren’t just playing; we were learning valuable life skills that have stuck with me long after logging off. I'll definitely be a forever fan! Thank you for this opportunity and your consideration! Zaire Martin

Being a confident Black individual in the business world is undoubtedly a challenge. In my few years in real estate, I have encountered experiences that highlight the deep-rooted issues we face, both within the business sector and our own communities. At the core of these challenges lies ignorance. On the business side, there is a striking lack of representation. Many leaders are simply not accustomed to seeing professionals like us in these spaces. I wear locs, a choice that symbolizes my identity, yet I often find that it is viewed through a lens shaped by stereotypes prevalent in media rather than reality. I believe it is long overdue for more individuals from our community to occupy significant roles in business. I vividly recall an instance when a fellow Black man suggested I cut my hair to fit in. While I was taken aback, I recognized that he was constrained by the narrow standards often imposed by dominant cultural narratives. I am determined to show the business world that my identity is not synonymous with disorder or unprofessionalism. As more of us occupy the business world we will complicate the narrative they try to make us fit into, which will pave the way for other Black people to thrive in business. Conversely, within the African American community, there is a pervasive sense of struggle, fear, and often a reluctance to pursue our full potential. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, I witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of this mindset, where violence often stems from a limited worldview. Plainly, kids are killing other kids. To outsiders, it seems like a product of a gang rivalry or a "bad" neighborhood. But the problem is simply this - they are ignorant to the fact that their world is small. These young people are unaware of the vast opportunities that lie beyond their immediate surroundings, failing to recognize the immense value of their lives and aspirations. My vision extends beyond personal success; though I aim to build generational wealth for my family, my goals aren't just for my immediate family. We are all related through erased and unrealized bloodlines, and as I begin to achieve my goals I will help my extended family by fostering job creation and educational initiatives. I want to show the youth in my community that greatness is attainable, and I will be a living testament to what is possible when we dare to dream beyond our circumstances. Together, we can redefine what it means, and what it looks like to succeed, not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.

I've been a hardcore fan of Billie Eilish since she first blew up in 2017, so picking a top three is a very difficult task. Nonetheless, the three songs that resonate with me most deeply are "bury a friend", "ilomilo", and more recently "CHIHIRO". "bury a friend" is an introspective piece in which Billie personifies her anxious and insecure thoughts. I find it relatable, as I have also grappled with anxiety and feelings of isolation. At the time of its release, this song provided me with a sense of connection, helping me feel less alone in my struggles. The refrain draws inspiration from Billie’s experiences with sleep paralysis; in an interview, she shared that her initial thought during such an episode was, "I didn't get to say goodbye to the people I love." This sentiment resonates with me deeply, as I strive to express my love and appreciation for those close to me every day. Life is unpredictable, and I want my loved ones to know how much they mean to me, without any regrets. Furthermore, the progression of the synths and bass, along with the increasing intensity in Billie’s passionate delivery, enhances my immersion in the song. "ilomilo", named after a childhood computer game, also stands out to me. Billie incorporates references to the game, such as "losing another life" and the world appearing "blurry," which serve as metaphors for her fear of losing someone and perceiving the world as dark and distorted. I appreciate the lyrical complexity and subtle references, as well as my own connection to the feeling of needing to overcompensate in a relationship. My past experiences have led me to view the world through a more somber lens than others, making this song not only one of my favorites by Billie but also one of my all-time favorites. "CHIHIRO" captivates me with its beautiful melody and synth progression. The song elegantly explores themes of detachment, both physically and spiritually. Billie poses the poignant question, "Did you take my love away from me?" reflecting her feelings of lost self-worth following a breakup. I relate to the experience of linking my self-worth to that of a partner, and I have grappled with similar thoughts after the end of a relationship. This song provides comfort, reminding me that I am not alone in facing such feelings. In conclusion, my admiration for Billie Eilish has grown significantly over the years. She is a remarkable artist who brings a uniquely beautiful perspective to the alternative genre. Her music has offered solace during difficult times in my life, and it continues to do so today.