Ray’s Supply Scholarship

As the youngest of five siblings and the first to pursue college, my journey has been one of perseverance and ambition. Growing up, I watched my mom work tirelessly to provide for us, instilling in me a strong work ethic and determination to succeed. Her support for my entrepreneurial ventures in fashion and hair showed me the power of pursuing all my passions. This foundation motivates me to dedicate myself as I create my path to success, not just for myself but for my family and community. If I could do anything with my life, I would compare my entrepreneurial pursuit with my interest in science to innovate in the healthcare field. Specifically, I imagine becoming an anesthesiologist, a profession introduced to me by my uncle. This role excites me because it combines the intellectual challenge of medicine with the opportunity to make a direct, positive impact on lives. I envision using my skills and knowledge to improve patient care and customer service for everyone! These skills then allow me opportunities to improve healthcare access in underserved communities. STEM excites me because it demonstrates how our brain solves problems and how equations affect our lives. The understanding and knowledge to manipulate the principles that guide our world to create new technologies and solutions is incredibly inspiring. My favorite subject has always been science, as it challenges me to think critically and creatively about complex issues such as the human body. A job in information technology (IT) would allow me to integrate my knowledge with the power of technology to solve real-world problems. It is a field that constantly offers endless opportunities to learn and grow. I know I could make a positive impact by enforcing science and math to improve healthcare delivery and accessibility. For instance, dedicating myself to understanding the science behind how the body reacts and how it receives information, along with the medical contribution, will enhance the knowledge of human biology and could promote patient care, reduce errors, and facilitate better health outcomes. The greatest challenge I faced was moving to Atlanta at the age of 12 with my mom, leaving behind my familiar environment and friends. This transition was daunting, as I lost my oldest sister in the same year. Initially, I struggled to find stability and adapt to the new environment, which impacted my academic performance and emotional well-being. To overcome this challenge, I focused on my long-term goals and the values instilled in me by my mom. I dedicated myself to my studies, ensuring that my grades remained strong despite the difficulties. Simultaneously, I explored interests in fashion and hair, which was inspired by my sisters creativity when it came to trends. The dedication to stability drove a creative outlet and a sense of accomplishment. Over time, I built new friendships and developed resilience, learning to thrive in adversity along with diversity. My mom's unwavering support was crucial during this period. She constantly reminded me that success doesn't come overnight and that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. This perspective helped me stay motivated and optimistic. Ultimately, this experience taught me the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and self-reliance. It reinforced my belief that with determination and the right mindset, any obstacle can be overcome. This lesson continues to drive me as I pursue my dreams and prepare for future challenges.

For my eleventh birthday, my grandfather gifted me a telescope. It was not a fancy telescope, yet it was not a cheap one either. The quality was just decent enough for me to gaze at the starry night sky. The feeling I experienced when I looked through that telescope was unforgettable. For the first time in my life, I realized how insignificant my existence was in the ever-expanding universe. I was nothing more than a grain of sand forever lost in a desert that seemingly had no end. This feeling was very daunting for my eleven-year-old mind. However, it sparked a sense of curiosity within myself and forced me to ask, “What could possibly be out there?” I believe this experience was a calling. One that set me on the right path and aided me through my journey of self-discovery. While I do not have my entire life figured out just yet, I know one thing is for certain: My mind will forever linger above the clouds, yearning to be one with the universe. The seeds for my passion have been rooted in my childhood memories. Field trips to the Tellus Museum and Lockheed Martin Aviation Center sparked my curiosity and drew me closer to the depths of the universe. I recall spending hours in the museum’s planetarium, immersing myself in the cosmic scenery. The twinkling stars projected on the three-dimensional screen captivated my interest, allowing my imagination to transcend reality. It was as if each star was telling its own story, beckoning for me to listen. I heard the universe’s call and had to answer. As I grow older, my passion for space only intensifies. To think that we all started from a singular explosion spawning from literal nothingness is astonishing to me. The very concept of “nothing” creates existential angst and causes me to lose track of time. How could everything possibly come from nothing? What exactly is “nothing”? Has anything predated the existence of the universe? Questions such as these propel me into a continuous cycle of inquiry. This cycle is driven by a beacon of curiosity and can only further my hunger for knowledge. Curiosity is the single greatest trait we humans possess. It fuels our innate desire to explore the unknown. How did Isaac Newton discover the fundamental laws of physics? How did Albert Einstein add to these laws of physics with his Theory of General Relativity? Humanity's greatest achievements have all arisen from some kind of curiosity. It is only a matter of time before the next person extends their curiosity beyond our intellectual horizons. As I embark on my academic journey, I will use the education I receive in college to revolutionize the world. I envision a future where space exploration becomes the next milestone for humanity. Our mission to the moon was only the first step in the long journey we have ahead of us.