You know how in the art world they say “Earth without art is Eh”? I have my own saying “Dance is my CAN”. Since the age of 3, I have been in the studio performing. Dance has influenced my emotions and developed my character as a young woman. Many performers can relate to me when I say dance is their outlet. Whenever I feel a sense of emotion (good or bad) I am compelled to just dance because that’s what the art is to me a form of expression. Growing up I was very standoffish I was nervous to engage with my peers and never felt comfortable telling my parents how I felt growing up. It was just an internal battle with me and speaking to people. When I attended my first professional dance class at 7 it pushed me out of my comfort zone I had to interact and converse with my teachers and peers, this is vital in the dance community as it makes the routine successful. I can now say I’m at a point in my life where I appreciate talking to people especially in a dance setting as I am now the Co-Captain of my high school dance team. In many situations I encounter I dance it out rather than explaining my true feelings. For example, when I get a good grade on my test I do a quick move to express my excitement. Something more dear to me is my great-grandmother passed from cancer during my sophomore year of high school. She lived a very long and beautiful life, the bond between me and my grandmother couldn’t even compel me to cry but instead, I danced. I dedicated a whole praise dance to my grandmother because the moves, flow of the beat, and the lyrics of the song just evoked a feeling that crying couldn’t. Dancing is bigger than just a hobby. Being a dancer has influenced my womanhood. I have encountered many inspiring people who not only taught me steps to a routine but steps to life. One flaw of mine is that I don’t like change, I feel like once I learn something a certain way it has to stay that way forever. Dancing has allowed me to break those barriers I’ve engaged in hip-hop, ballet, modern, lyrical, jazz, African, and even silk lyra/ariel. Being a part of so many genres has opened me up to change. The foundation of dance is to be adaptable because you never know what can happen even in the moment of dancing, that’s how I apply the same concept to life. I can recall that junior year of high school my dual enrollment course did not have a teacher for a whole semester, yet I was still responsible for completing work and maintaining my grades. I could have complained and done nothing about my grade, but I adapted and did everything in my power to succeed. In all transparency, it was hard teaching MYSELF material I did not know but I did and finished the first semester with a passing grade. Dance has been my influence for life the skill has opened many doors for me and helped my character development. I use every chance I get to talk about my dance career because my passion for it keeps me going.

My expectations overwhelmed my reality! I never thought the steps to getting into college would be easy. I thought I would lose sleep about where I wanted to go and how I was going to get there. To be transparent, I only applied to one college and that’s because it caters to all my educational needs. After much research and seeing what college best supports my ambition, I’ll be attending Nova Southeastern University in the fall of 2024, studying to get my degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Also, on my college journey, I want to pursue the same clubs I did in high school, such as the Honor Society and being on honors courses. Growing up, I would always change my ambition. I was interested in many different things, and it was hard to pick the one I would be doing for the rest of my life. One of my traits is service. I enjoy supporting and helping people, so I knew for sure my job growing up had to involve that. Also, I like technology. I love how I’m in a generation where technology is evolving in front of our eyes because many lives are being changed. After many career quizzes, I learned what a sonographer was and found it interesting. My passion for helping people and my interest in technology influence my choice to make this a lifelong career. Another career goal I’ve been putting on the back burner is taking my confectionary business more seriously. I currently make treats for my family and friends as a hobby, and many of them say I should consider serving and making my talents known to the public. I know this is something I want, but many factors and considerations go into having a business. I one day hope to get my LLC, so I can make my dreams into a reality and let the world know about my delicious delicacies. The William A. Stuart Dream Scholarship will benefit my goals because each goal achieved is another step into my future. This scholarship can cover many necessities I need to be a successful scholar. Books, uniforms, and part of my tuition can be taken care of. I consider scholarships as a way to help my family more than me. Any dollar that doesn’t come from my family can help them further support my sister and themselves. My father was just recently diagnosed with pneumonia and the treatment expenses are already a burden on him, which forces my mom to be the primary person to handle bills. I grew up with 2 loving parents who always went above and beyond for my education, but I want to be able to take a lift away from my family and get the support I need for college. College is not the end! Just like Bill, I always set a standard for myself and goals to achieve. I want to be able to complete college and be the change I want to see in my community.

Mental health is not a trend! Mental health is not a personality! Mental health IS a diagnosis, a cry for help, a disturbance to personal well-being. I was first introduced to mental health in middle school when the district implemented a mandatory class that all students must take. In all honesty, I thought it was boring, but as I got older and started experiencing uncomfortable situations, I realized that mental health needs to be prioritized and taken seriously. I believe mental health is important because it’s the basis for simple human functioning. I do dual enrollment for nursing, and we learned about Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs. It’s a concept of what is most important to human needs. The priority is living, but as the research continues, the psychological needs come next. All of this is to say I disagree! I can recall times when me and my family didn’t have the “basic needs of living” but with love and compassion for each other, we thrived and were happy to be around one another. Mental health is also important because it creates a positive community. I live in the middle of an urban and suburban community, and the difference in activity is very visible. When I’m in the urban community, the people are more disoriented and not aware of their reality. When I’m in the suburban community, the people are more natural acting. It’s very sad to say, but the people in the suburban community reach out to help the urban community, but the people are so oblivious to help and don’t want any. Communities can only help so much, but it all starts at home. If we as people support ourselves and make sure our household is loved and nurtured properly, we can avoid adding more people to the statistics. Throughout my years of schooling, 7th grade was the worst. I was a hardworking and involved student, but somehow, when I took home a bad grade, my mom would always yell and scold me. I could slowly see myself declining. I was so adamant about being “perfect” that I was burning myself out. I can testify I cried 5 out of the 7-week days. It was getting draining trying to be “perfect”, especially when you think you did all you could have done. My anxiety was at an all-time high. I was avoiding my friends and isolating myself from childhood. One way I would calm myself down was by listening to music. Even now listening to music is my outlet for stress. The beat just flows through my body and the lyrics resonate with how I feel, acknowledging my feelings. Now that I’m older, some of my favorite ways to maintain positive mental health are dancing, doing self-care, and taking drives to the park where I can just enjoy nature. It’s a fun saying on TikTok that says “I have to put me first” and the creator is absolutely right. Mental health is all about being selfish. I make sure to evaluate my well-being first before I help anybody else.

It’s kind of hard to name the next phase of my life because the next steps are unexpected. With so much unexpectancy, I would name my chapter “The Start of the Beginning”. I chose this name for my chapter because the years of childhood are soon to end, and I will now have to transition into adulthood. How do I file taxes? How long do I cook the pot roast? Why does the car sound like that? While there are so many questions that need to be answered, graduating from high school has brought me many cool experiences and pushed me to my limits. If there is anything senior year has taught me, it’s that you have to do things yourself if you want them done. With that being said, I’ve learned a lot about myself, and now I’m learning how to navigate through my future. Nobody is perfect in life. There isn’t a guide on how to navigate life, but there are experiences in my past that teach and humble me on how to be an asset to society. For example, I’m currently in dual enrollment for nursing. Volunteering is a part of our curriculum. My class goes to a nursing home every week. I have catered to many different people and even had to care for the ones who moved on. With all this being said, I may face some very scary and different situations, but that is life, and it’s officially going to start. If I can be honest… I am scared to grow up, not because of wrinkles and bad eyesight, but because I’m unsure if I’ll succeed. Yes, I can have good schooling, a good job, and all the things parents preach about, but our society is becoming harder to live in, especially with me as an African American female. I’m part of the minority who have to deal with unwanted tribulations. The fear of failure has been ingrained in me because I have seen too many people I love go the wrong path and I want to be the one in my family to prove we can do right and make something of ourselves. Aside from the negatives, I’m excited to see what life has to offer. I want to put myself in a position where I can be successful and provide for my family. After high school, I want to major in diagnostic medical sonography using my degree to help people, especially minority patients, because we are often overlooked and unseen. My parents are my biggest supporters, always going the extra mile to make sure I succeed in school, so to be wealthy financially and intellectually, where I can support them, is what keeps me going.

College is a milestone for many, it's something you look forward to growing up and look back on as you go through life. Growing up I was always a knowledge-driven student I was always at the top of my game when it came to my academics and it's paying off for me now as a current senior and upcoming college student. When I graduate from high school I'm going to pursue my study at Nova Southeastern University majoring in diagnostic medical sonography and minoring in leadership. After my studies, I want to earn my bachelor's so I can be a sonographer and use my minor to push me as a community leader and be productive in volunteering. I also run a small treat business where I cook and sell to close family and friends so I hope I find the resources to make my small hobby into a big reality. What encourages me to work so hard is my great-grandmother who passed away my sophomore year. My grandma left too soon so I want to work hard to establish a win for both of us. I grew up in a religious family and I always think of the quote “God gives his toughest battle to his strongest soldiers”. I can resonate because I have done a lot of things that contributed to my character development. It was my junior year of high school and my dance team was present at the football game ready to perform. We did such a wonderful show and got a standing ovation. I came off the field feeling so proud of what I'd just done but yet something seemed off about the atmosphere. My team sat down in our spots observing the game when moments later shots were fired by the football field. To make a long story short 1 person dead, 2 injured, MANY disturbed. While I didn't know anybody that was hurt I still suffered my issues. The football game made me very paranoid even to this day I get very anxious in loud and wild settings. School is not the same for me any more drills are no longer drills. This incident made the school a very uncomfortable place to be. With the support of my friends, the admin, and my family I push through and live my senior year to the fullest but I just can't get over the fact that a place that many kids see as a refuge has turned into 8 hours of uneasiness. Overcoming adversity has pushed me towards my goals because it made me want for my life. The city I live in doesn’t want to see people win and I have to make it my mission to move and create a new life for me. I want to take myself to a place where I can trust my community and go to events in peace. Also not only for me but I want to be a provider for my family and show them we don’t have to be a product of our environment.

Everybody is born with a fear. It can be something innocent such as clowns or something a bit more serious such as car crashes. I could go all day long about what scares me but that would take up half of this essay. One significant event in my life that has scared me was a football game. It all happened mid-fall the air was cool and the leaves were crisp. Our school was hosting one of its weekly football games (this was an especially big game because it was against our rival school). I was in attendance at the game because I’m a part of a dance team that performs with the band. The game was going pretty swell in the beginning. First quarter we were up, second quarter we were still holding on to the win, I got to perform half-time with my team, and third quarter is where everything came to a halt. The band was playing a crowd favorite and all I can remember was sitting down in my chair and hearing loud pops, the realization finally settled in that a gun was being fired. It was chaos people were screaming and running everywhere, I quickly jumped a fence to reach safety. My mind was clouded trying to gain understanding in the middle of an uproar. If I hadn’t understood the definition of fear before I sure knew of it that day. Fear shouldn’t be seen as a barrier but as an approach! Some days I feel paranoid or feel obligated to look over my shoulder, but that is not how I want to live. This tough experience has presented me with a new outlook on life. I embrace my knowledge, resiliency, and my ability to support others. The role that fear has played in my life is that it encouraged me to not take things for granted. Unfortunately, 1 person died and a few people were injured from the situation, 1 of the victims being a close relative to my teammate. Seeing the pain she felt made me realize how grateful I am for life and opportunity. There are people my age who won’t get to graduate, celebrate prom, or live their life to the fullest but I’m appreciative to see another day and be able to make the most out of it. Fear has encouraged me to be a haven for others. For example, there are people on the streets who FEAR how they will support and feed their children, people like me go out and provide relief to these families so there are no fears or burdens. There are kids who FEAR they’ll fail/struggle with school, however, I come and provide the guidance and structure students need to be successful. With all this being said having a fear is a traumatic situation one experiences so they can reflect and do better for themselves or the next person. Now oftentimes times fear is seen as a reason to hide. For example, I could have quit the dance team and not want to attend any more school sporting events, but then I would be hindering myself from opportunities and experiences throughout life. I remember my fourth-grade teacher telling me a really inspiring quote “Today is a good day to have a great day”.The quote really stuck with me because it influences you to have a positive outlook on your day rather than let one bad scenario influence the whole flow of productivity. Don’t get me wrong fear is inevitable, there will be uncomfortable situations to come but I am the dictator of my life, and living in fear will only hinder me from seeking asylum for my mental health and peace. All in all, fear has given me a drive it didn’t suppress me from living life but instead instilled resilience in me wanting to provide and be a change for my community. The aggressor is the only fearful factor in this situation but I live on to face my fears.

The dream version of my future self will be the example my past self always wanted (strong, successful, and confident).

The sport of soccer is so underrated. It’s a sport that competitively brings friends together. I first started playing soccer in the 4th grade as an afterschool activity, but as the years went on, I started to take it more seriously and enjoy it. My favorite part about playing soccer is learning new skills. I’m always open to learning new techniques on the field because it will help me grow as a player. With anything you do in life, there will be haters and there will be supporters. One bad experience that I encountered while playing soccer was that a soccer parent was bullying me and my teammates on the sideline. The parents mocked our playing skills, called us slurs (because we are a predominantly Black/Hispanic team), and even had the audacity to criticize my teammate's weight. Me and my team were frustrated, causing us to make silly mistakes during the game. What I learned from this bad experience is how to conduct myself and ignore ignorance. In this instance, we let the parents win because all they wanted to do was get into our heads and cost my team the game. This experience shaped me as a person because it made me realize the world I live in. Everybody envisions what kind of utopia they want but mine is just not gonna happen, people are gonna call me things and disrespect me because of things I can’t control, but it’s OK because I take that negative energy now and put it on the field. Soccer is a very competitive and high-energy sport. Besides winning games, my favorite experience with soccer is bonding with my team. My team and I did summer conditioning, bus sing-alongs, and even had a team dinner to celebrate our season. My favorite memory with my team is playing a game where we had to pass a soccer ball using our feet only while sitting on the ground. The game really challenged us and motivated us to work as a team. I enjoy the moments spent with my team because it develops teamwork. It’s one thing to have a soccer team, but it’s another level when you have a soccer family. Spending time together and getting to play with such a mixed group of individuals allows us to learn from each other and makes an impactful team. Soccer can bring the best or worst out of people, but in the end, it’s all for the love of the sport. I appreciate how soccer has molded me not only into a better player but a better person. I’ve developed self-discipline and created sisters for a lifetime.

There are many perceptions of being a leader. A leader, in my eyes, is someone who is responsible enough to efficiently guide a group. Sometimes, people can be leaders but they don’t make the best decisions. What makes me a leader is that I stay on top of my game and don’t let my colleagues who I govern pull me down. For starters, all good leaders start off as a student. Being thrown into a position without any experience is a hypocritical leader in my eyes. I believe starting from the bottom instills a sense of humility so that when put forward as a leader, this aura of cockiness doesn’t rub off. Also making me a good leader is my independence I’m not the person to seek answers but more so the person to lean on. Showing independence is a good trait to have, because when in tough situations you have to conduct yourself appropriately and know what to do even when nobody else has a clue about what to do. It’s no coincidence that leaders have to lead. I’m also an exceptional leader because I’m always at the forefront of my group, but there is a balance you must maintain to lead the way and also make sure nobody is left behind. Being a leader can sometimes be overwhelming, but that’s why I’m a good leader I don’t fold under pressure but instead take what’s dragging me down as a source to build me up. To move forward, I’m a strong authority figure. I enjoy the aspect of providing help to those who need it. Some of my experiences of being a leader started as far as elementary school. In elementary school, I was inducted into the National Honor Society and was elected secretary, in middle school I was inducted into the National Honor Society and elected chaplain, and currently I’m on my school’s dance team JHS Elite and I’m the Co-Captain. I pride myself on always being involved with any organization I’m in because it displays my dedication to the program. It’s not just a title or popularity game but an actual position to provide services to others. There have been times when I ran for positions and came up short, but what makes me a leader without actually being one is knowing I’m a leader at heart and that I can have an impact without actually having the leadership role. For example: speaking up on the leader's behalf, executing tasks, and providing assistance for the leaders. Adding on, being a leader has its challenges. My biggest challenge as a leader is separating leader and friend. While I want to befriend my teammates and colleagues and not come off as mean, a certain part of me has to instill structure and productivity. I combat this challenge by intertwining work with fun. For example, since I’m Co-Captain of the dance team we review the dance routine by doing fun dance battles, but to still give the team a sense of work ethic if we mess up the dance routine we collectively do a workout together while encouraging each other. There’s a hierarchy of leadership. A leader can be like a dictator or in some cases be Laissez-faire but I keep it right in the middle making me a quality leader. In the end, what makes me a leader is my determination and resilience. Leaders have to lead even in the toughest situations and, while it may seem hard with a sense of courage and autonomy anything is possible.

Everybody has a story. Sometimes when doing these scholarships it’s often the battle of the saddest who can make the most sobbiest and sympathetic story. Well here is my honest story. I am a black female from Orlando, Florida. I attend Jones High School the first historically black school in Orlando. My hobbies are dancing, baking, and doing community service. If anybody who knew me could describe me in one word it would be determined. I’ve grown up a perfectionist There is this cortex of my brain that doesn’t allow me to leave something unfinished I always have to put forward the best work. When I complete high school I want to go to college to get my Bachelor In Diagnostic Medical Sonography. What’s so interesting about the profession is that you can help people with the power of technology the power of computers has really evolved healthcare and saved so many lives. How would money better your life? If many were faced with this question they would talk about the materialistic side of things buying the fanciest cars, jewelry, and the biggest house. From a very young age, my mother always told me “You can be rich with knowledge” being the most educated and least ignorant will put you farther than any sum of money. If I was faced with a large sum of money I would put it towards my education. College is a business tuition, books, dorms, and many other amenities must be paid for. Using the money for my education will put me through college and be able to put me in the right direction to fulfill my ambition. Also receiving the money would benefit my life temporarily but thinking long term it would better other people’s lives. I’ll be able to receive my degree and provide help to others. My biggest inspiration is my great grandma who had stomach cancer and it really opened my eyes to how a whole team of people from different professions can gell together to support one person. I want to give people the same support and care my great-grandma received. Another long-term goal is you have to expand the money you already have, I would also use money to better my life by finally fulfilling my passion for designing clothes. My friends and family have observed my talent for designing and I think with the proper funds I can turn my dreams into reality. Fashion is the best way for anybody to express themselves and there are some times fashion has changed my life so if I can provide that gift to others it would honestly make me feel good. To finalize my thoughts, I was instilled with humbleness from a young age and was always grateful for what I had. While I do want to have a better life I always embrace what I have because you never know anybody’s predicament.

I am a black female student from Jones High School (not to mention the first historically black high school in Orlando). My hobbies are dancing, baking, and volunteering within my community. A few of my many achievements are that I was inducted into honor society at all 3 school levels, an active member of Beta Club, and I’m currently in my last year of dual enrollment for licensed practical nursing and WHEN I finish and pass my exam I will be a certified LPN. When I finish high school I want to attend college to receive my Bachelors in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. With all that being said, I plan to impact the world through my career by giving back to the people who look like me. I believe that to get the most optimal care it must be from someone who understands you, kind of like mother and child, the mother will always know what’s best for their child. Black people need care from black professionals because we better understand each other. College is the time when people find themselves. It’s a thin line between teen and adult. One obstacle I’m anticipating for college is how I'll navigate responsibilities in college. Everything is self-sufficient. It will be all on me as a student to get prepared on time, transport to class, and provide myself with meals. The things I’d expect when I get home will not be easily accessible when I’m off to college. To overcome this obstacle is simply asking for help, many things I can do and learn on my own, but it never hurts to ask for help. Growing up, I was a perfectionist. I wanted to do everything myself and have it right on the first try, but as I’ve grown up I realized that I will not always have the answers and it’s better to reach out to somebody who does. Another obstacle I anticipate for college is keeping up. People who attend college always have a story about how they were a broke college student and, while things do happen, I want to avoid that at all costs. I’ll overcome college poverty by maintaining a source of income. Having a job is always the first option, but sometimes classes and extracurriculars can interfere with one’s work schedule. Even now, in high school, my schedule conflicts. If there’s one thing I know, people need services and tasks done. The easiest way to make some money is doing simple tasks for people, for example: doing hair, cooking meals, and designing school spirit to name a few. Simply doing what you love makes an income. My passion is dance. I’ve been dancing since I was 3 years old, diving into any genre you could think of tap, jazz, modern, lyrical, and my personal favorite is majorette. What I love about dance is that it’s an all-around art form. You paint, design, and choreograph all in one sport. My ambition is to be a diagnostic medical sonographer, what gravitated me towards sonography is the cross between technology and healthcare I can use powerful tools to provide people with help. I specifically want to provide care to people who look like me, because black people should be more comfortable going to the doctor. White doctors often see us as money, but when providing care to people like me, I will always acknowledge them as a patient.

Many students around the globe are aware of the acronym STEM but times have changed and a new letter has been added to create STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics). After high school, I want to earn my associate's degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) which involves all of the STEAM elements, I shall use my skills to improve the health of minorities. How though? I want to inspire and provide the necessary help minorities need. Everybody in school has at least once experienced the famous “what do you want to be when you grow up” question, but every time I would do research and look for information it would always be white doctors, white nurses, and black people who would have no significance unless they were the patient. Thankfully I’m living in a generation that preaches inclusivity so finding anything black is the norm now… but minorities can’t only be seen on TV and social media we have to apply ourselves to the world so the up-and-coming little boys/girls with darker flesh know black brilliance is out there. I would pretty much put it as a positive domino effect if a black child sees a black adult doing something they will want to lead and follow because they see somebody like them doing something interesting. Also, the coined term minority has been associated with black people but it doesn’t only have to be black people involved in the change we need more people of Latin, Caribbean, Native American, etc ethnicities to dominate all fields. Another way I would use my degree to help out minorities is by providing proper care and resources. On the site Statista we can observe that in the year 2017 white people had the highest rate of attending yearly checkups with 62% going up to 3 checkups, but if we look in the column of attending 0 checkups black people have the highest rate being at 20%. Being African American we have to encourage each other to participate in our health so that our population can thrive among the rest. Many things in the world are already killing us so we must be informed and have proper health literacy so signs don’t go unseen. Also, we must care for eachother, not in the sense of dignity but by doing the procedures on eachother. It is scientifically proven that the makeup of a white and black body is different, race is even a factor in some diseases. No matter how many studies these doctors put in some still can’t be trusted. We must get more minority healthcare providers so that we can ensure the safety of eachother, if we keep relying on these close-minded white people to operate on us we’ll just be the guinea pig… abuse of substance, loss of body parts, and denial of our pain. For example, in the story of Bruce Tucker whose heart was taken and transplanted without proper consent, those doctors saw him as a Potato head toy something that can be taken apart and picked around with but he was a MAN. There are standards to uphold and we must keep them upheld for one another. To close my thoughts, I would use my degree to have a strengthening influence and provide sufficient care to minorities. Having a degree is not just a flashy piece of paper to display your worth but it proves hard work and dedication, and I want to display those same qualities toward my people.

I am proud to be a part of an elite majority who know what their passion is after school, I’m even prouder to say I will impact the world by following my ambitions of providing to the minority public. When I graduate from high school I would like to attend a trade school to earn my degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS). My way of impacting the world through sonography is by being an advocate for minorities. Where did my journey begin? I was in 8th grade completing an assignment for my STEM teacher and we received this exact same question “what career do you see yourself in?”. I love the excitement of the medical field but I always had a distaste for blood and needles, so discovering the skill of sonography opened up my world, it involves my two favorite things helping people and technology. The skill of sonography involves using sound waves to depict images of the body which can show: internal organs, soft tissues, fetal growth, kidney stones, and many more. The skill of sonography is often misunderstood for “helping pregnant women” but men also benefit from sonography as well it can check the prostate for cancer. The need for sonographers is in very high demand trailing at an increase of 14% by 2030, So by me obtaining a quality education I can and will be a part of that 14%. Impact? The word impact can be interpreted in many different ways. Impact to me is having an influence on someone or something (good or bad). I plan to make a positive impact on the world by helping minorities with the skill of ultrasound. African Americans/people of color are often undermined in healthcare whether they’re the patient or healthcare provider. People who look like me must be more present in the healthcare setting so our people can be more informed, African Americans are under the assumption that “if somethings wrong with you just eat crackers/drink ginger ale” but health must be taken more seriously because untreated diseases such as Uterine Fibroids (which is generally high in African American women) can cause death or even be spread for generations. More specifically how I want to help African Americans in sonography by utilizing my skill to detect certain cancers. Black people have the highest rate of cancer-related deaths as stated on KFF.org. Overall if more black representation is seen in the health setting more of our kind will be properly diagnosed and treated for. To close my thoughts, I am very comfortable with my career decision and how I’m going to get there. The medical field is the top field of helping people with no ifs, and, or buts. The will to provide for my kind of people and establish them with the proper health care they deserve is very touching to me. Writing for this scholarship not only gave me a chance to put myself out there but also express my passion of helping others.

Many people strive to attend a 4-year college and high-scale university but this scholarship validates to me and others that a trade school is an option. After high school, I want to endeavor more in the medical trade of sonography to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. Sonography is the skill of using sound waves and high-tech equipment to form images of the body. This practice is very vital it can detect life, search for abnormalities in the body, and can even discover early signs of cancer. To begin, my ambition to become a sonographer started in 8th grade I knew I wanted to be in the medical field but plot twist… I’m scared of needles/blood. I did a bunch of research on how I can help lives while avoiding the gruesome part of it all. Sonography seemed very interesting because I enjoy technology and it mixes my passion for wanting to help people. Another reason I want to attend a trade school is to improve my self morale, as somebody who comes from a long line of colleges goers trade school is often shunned as a place for students with no other option. While I am a high excelling scholar at my school, trade school is just a more direct and efficient route in pursuing my career. If I was to attend a trade school I would be guaranteed to receive my associate's degree in 2 years compared to the 4-year college process. To reach deeper I would personally like to attend Miami Dade college. They have a great DMS program and the environment of the school still makes you feel like a big college but essentially obtaining a trade-level education. As observed on the Miami Dade College website the school DMS program as of 2020 had 27 graduates, a 96% retention rate, and 78% meaning 21 of the 27 graduates were able to land jobs. What I found interesting about the website is that the school themselves help you land work after college; people often have a degree and are left stranded to find work but being a part of a community that thrives for their students is what makes the experience even more rewarding. Trade school is often undermined but it’s proven people with trade skills make more money than a person who generally has a degree job. The yearly salary of a DMS is 75,040 dollars a year or if broken down 34.27 an hour, if we compare that to some degree jobs your making more than them. To finalize my thoughts receiving this scholarship would be a total honor for someone like me who has paved their decision in going to trade school. My route in doing trade will help me financially and it’s a quicker route to obtaining my education. People in trades are well respected and are the main aspects to provide for communities, they work from a local to the federal level.

As a 16-year-old female teenager, there is a lot of change occurring at once physically, mentally, and emotionally. I suffer from social anxiety and I’m very timid and shy when communicating with others. It was so bad I had a panic attack on my first day of sophomore year. One way that I’ve changed over the past year is by becoming more outgoing and expressive of my feelings. There are many situations that have tilted me to have a more open personality but the most inspiring was being hired for my new job. I was introduced to the workforce in April a few weeks after my 16th birthday. I’m currently hired at a popular fast food chain. The reason I sought personal growth from work was I finally experienced work and interacted with so many different people. I had trained myself to become a speaker for the company and provide good customer service. One day while I was still a trainee at the job and customers were getting so frustrated with me because I was so inexperienced. I started to shut down but the following customers told me something and changed me. The customers were an older son and dad duo immediately they could sense my new arrival at the restaurants. I took their order while stuttering and the dad goes to ask me “Are you new? Is this your first job?” I responded “Yes”. The dad proceeds to tell me “You can’t do a good job if you don’t have a good mind.”. So you keep on doing a good job.” Those words stuck with me because all the other customers were complaining and somebody finally acknowledged me aside from being a fast food worker but as a person outside of this job. So after that customer left I started taking orders with a new attitude and finally got the system of things down packed. To further highlight, I’ve changed by becoming more approachable to individuals. I usually stand off to the side and wait for help to come to me but I look for people just like me who are stuck in the corner and try to engage with them to open up. With that being said vice versa I look more approachable now many of my friends confessed they were scared to talk to me when they first met me but as time goes on people speak to me with ease. While I have CHANGED, there is still some growth to be done. Something about me that has remained constant is that I tend to let people walk over me and that’s where the anxiety comes into play I feel scared to express my true feelings because I don’t want to hurt the other person. While I’m still learning how to vocalize my point without it being interpreted as mean I’m understanding that sometimes things must be said so an outcome is achieved. In this one instance at school, I had a group project with a selection of people I didn’t know very well and as the “designated leader” I had to vocalize to my team members that we have to complete this project and get it done. To conclude, something that I learned about myself in this journey is that I shouldn’t be afraid to speak. I used to be in a sinking hole of withholding my thoughts or letting people steal my ideas but I can proudly say that I’m more verbal with the people around me. I also accepted the fact that everybody is not going to like you and it’s OK.

I remember hearing suitcases rolling on the ground early one morning, whimpering in the next room, and the phone ringing every 5 seconds with panic on the other line. It was the heartbreaking news of my great-grandmother dying. My mom had to leave early morning and drive 4 hours to Miami to grieve and prepare a service for my great-grandmother. We were aware of her condition but her health was like a wave she was up one day and down the next. My Ma, as we call her in my family has been in and out of health care facilities for a month straight and the feeling of her being released was a fresh start for all of us. No! Just a week after being out of the hospital she has gone into the hands of God. My great-grandmother was having her 3rd battle with stomach cancer yet. Her resilience with health is the same resilience I carry with me to create a successful future. My Ma has influenced me to focus more on my goals because she was always such a big supporter of me and my future. I’m enrolled in a medical magnet program to become an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). Ma would always boast to her friends back home about how I was going to be a “doctor” and she would always ask me “when you finish school are you going to take care of me? I don’t want an evil caretaker.” in her soft Jamaican accent. I was already a good student at school but her loss has pushed me more I must pass this program so, I’m able to help people just like her. My Ma has been a vital part of my medical journey. There were days I would sit in the room and practice vitals/patient care on her. Seeing her enjoy being a part of the process is what makes me not quit. If I can make people smile like that in my career then it’s all worthwhile. The word fight is not about overcoming present problems but preparing yourself to overcome the future. Her fight has now become my fight I wake up every day ready to work so that I can make the lady upstairs proud of me.