My name is Zakiyah Ashiru and I come from a low income family. I have always been driven by a strong desire to help others and make a positive impact in my community. Growing up, I witnessed many people around me facing difficult challenges, especially families struggling with health and financial issues. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career in human services, where I can support individuals and families in overcoming obstacles and improving their lives. What motivates me most about working in human services is the opportunity to be a part of meaningful change. I believe that everyone deserves access to support, care, and resources that can help them thrive. Whether it’s connecting someone to healthcare, housing, education, or counseling, I want to be someone who listens, understands, and helps guide people toward a better future. I find it rewarding to know that even small acts of kindness and assistance can make a big difference in someone’s life. Throughout my life, I have been involved in several ways to serve my community. For example, I have volunteered at local food banks and community centers, helping distribute food and supplies to families in need. This work showed me the importance of basic needs like food and shelter and the impact that community support can have during tough times. I have also participated in health awareness events where I helped share information about accessing healthcare services and preventive care. These experiences opened my eyes to the challenges many people face when trying to navigate complicated healthcare systems. It made me even more determined to pursue a career where I can improve how services are delivered and make them easier for everyone to access. In addition, I have helped organize neighborhood clean ups and community outreach programs that focus on building stronger, safer neighborhoods. I believe that a healthy community is one where people look out for each other and work together to create a better environment. Being part of these projects taught me teamwork, communication, and the importance of being an active community member. My goal is to continue serving my community in a professional capacity through human services. I want to learn more about social work, counseling, and resource management so that I can support people in a deeper and more effective way. I am especially passionate about helping low income families and vulnerable populations because I have seen firsthand how difficult it can be to access the help they need. Ultimately, working in human services means being a source of hope and support for people during their hardest moments. It means standing alongside them as they face challenges and helping them find solutions. This motivates me every day and drives me to pursue my education and career goals with dedication. In summary, I am someone who cares deeply about people and wants to make a positive impact through human services. My personal experiences and volunteer work have shown me the value of helping others, and I am committed to continuing that work in a professional way. I believe that through compassion, understanding, and hard work, I can contribute to building stronger, healthier communities where everyone has the chance to succeed.

Going to college means unlocking the door to a future full of possibilities, not only for myself but for my family and my community. It is a chance to learn, grow, and prepare for a career that will allow me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. For me, college is more than just earning a degree, it is an opportunity to build the skills and knowledge I need to create real change, especially in healthcare. Growing up, I saw firsthand how important access to quality healthcare is and how difficult it can be for many families to get the care they need. My own family faced challenges that made me aware of the gaps in the healthcare system. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare management, where I can work behind the scenes to improve how healthcare services are delivered, especially to low income and underserved communities. College is the first big step toward reaching that goal. It means gaining a deep understanding of how healthcare organizations function, learning about leadership and management, and developing problem solving skills that will help me face real world challenges. I am excited to take classes in business, healthcare policy, and management because I know this knowledge will be essential for making a difference in the future. Beyond academics, college is a place where I can grow as a person. I want to develop leadership skills that will help me inspire and support others. Whether through clubs, volunteer opportunities, or group projects, I want to practice working with diverse teams and learning from different perspectives. I believe that being a good leader means listening, understanding people’s needs, and helping others reach their potential qualities I am eager to develop during my time in college. Another important part of college for me is the chance to connect with people who share my goals and passions. Building a strong network of mentors, classmates, and professors will help me stay motivated and open doors for future opportunities. I know that learning doesn’t happen only in the classroom, it happens through relationships and experiences that challenge me to grow. What I am trying to accomplish through college is more than personal success. I want to use my education to help others, especially low income families who face barriers to good healthcare. I want to work toward making healthcare systems fairer and more efficient so that everyone, no matter their background or income, can get the care they need. This goal drives me every day and gives my studies purpose. Going to college also means breaking a cycle for my family. I am the first person in my family to attend college, and by doing so, I hope to inspire my younger siblings and others in my community. I want to show them that with hard work and dedication, higher education is possible and can open doors to a better future. In conclusion, college means hope, opportunity, and growth. It is the path that will help me turn my passion for healthcare management into a career where I can make a positive impact. Through college, I aim to gain the skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to lead change, help underserved communities, and build a better future, not only for myself but for many others. This is why going to college is so important to me, and why I am committed to making the most of this opportunity.