As a child, I always dreamt of becoming a singer. Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and the idea of using my voice to touch the hearts of others has always been my passion. Even as a young girl, I found comfort and joy in singing, whether it was in the living room, at church, or with friends. Over the years, this dream has only grown stronger, and I’m proud to say that I am still pursuing that dream today. Singing has remained a constant in my life, and I feel called to share my voice with the world in a way that brings peace, inspiration, and healing to others. Throughout my childhood, I was surrounded by music, particularly gospel and soulful genres, which resonated deeply with me. Growing up in a Christian household, I learned early on that God’s love and grace could be expressed through music. Gospel music, in particular, has a powerful way of conveying messages of hope, faith, and strength—values that are central to my Christian beliefs. Singing in church, for example, was not just an activity—it was a form of worship and a way to connect with God and the community. I knew that my love for music was not just about personal enjoyment; it was a calling to use my gift to uplift others and share the peace and joy that faith brings. Now, as I continue my studies and pursue my musical career, I remain dedicated to that childhood dream. I perform regularly and am constantly working to improve my voice and musicality. I feel that singing is not just a talent, but a responsibility. My goal is to use my voice to bring peace and comfort to people, especially in a world where so many are struggling. Through gospel and soulful music, I hope to offer a message of hope that is rooted in my Christian faith. God is the way, the truth, and the light in everything, and I believe that music can be a powerful tool for spreading that truth and offering solace to those who need it most. While the path toward becoming a professional singer has come with challenges, my passion for music and my faith continue to guide me. I know that my journey in music is not just about fame or success, but about fulfilling a purpose. Every performance, whether in a small setting or on a larger stage, is an opportunity to share God’s love and to inspire those who listen. I want to create music that connects with people on a deep, spiritual level, offering them a sense of peace and healing that only God’s grace can provide. Looking back on my childhood dreams, I realize that the desire to be a singer was never just about pursuing a career—it was about using my voice as an instrument for a greater purpose. As I continue to develop my craft, I remain committed to using music to share the gospel message and to bring people closer to the peace that comes from knowing God. Singing is my calling, and I am more determined than ever to make this dream a reality, knowing that it is a path that will bring fulfillment not only to me but to those who hear my voice.

As an African American woman at Howard University, I strive to embody a spirit of excellence in all areas of my life. This includes my academic work, personal growth, and how I engage with my community. Central to my journey is my faith, which has shaped my dedication to excellence and my desire to serve others. Through weekly Bible study, church involvement, and prayer partnerships, I have deepened my spirituality and found meaningful ways to contribute to my community. For me, excellence is about more than just achieving high grades—it’s about giving my best in everything I do. At Howard University, I approach my academics with dedication, understanding that challenges are opportunities to learn and grow. I make it a point to engage deeply with my coursework, striving to understand the material beyond just passing exams. I also apply the same level of care in how I treat others. I believe excellence is reflected in simple actions, such as being punctual, maintaining a positive attitude, and supporting my peers. These habits not only help me succeed but also foster a positive environment around me. A key aspect of my life is my commitment to deepening my spirituality. As an African American woman, my faith is a source of strength and direction. I attend a girls’ Bible study each week, where I learn more about God’s word and connect with other women who share my beliefs. These meetings provide both spiritual nourishment and a sense of community, which strengthens my faith. Attending church regularly also plays a crucial role in my spiritual life, offering me a space for worship and reflection. It is through these practices that I continuously strive for excellence—not just in my personal life, but in my service to others. In addition, having prayer partners has been invaluable in my spiritual journey. These partnerships allow me to share struggles and successes while praying for one another. This sense of accountability encourages me to stay grounded in my faith and reminds me that my actions should reflect the love and service I see in my spiritual teachings. As I grow in faith, I feel a deeper responsibility to give back to my community. I actively engage in service at Howard University, whether through campus initiatives, mentoring others, or participating in volunteer events. By helping others, I not only contribute to their well-being but also grow as a person. Service is a natural extension of my spirituality, as I believe that lifting others up is an essential part of living a purposeful life. I also give back to my broader community by supporting educational and mental health outreach programs. As a woman of color, I understand the challenges many face and aim to empower others, especially younger women of color, through mentorship and support. I try to lead by example, offering help where I can and always being there for others. Exemplifying a spirit of excellence and giving back to my community is deeply intertwined with my faith. Through my commitment to academics, personal growth, and service, I aim to live with purpose and integrity. At Howard University, I continue to deepen my spirituality, knowing that my faith motivates me to not only pursue excellence but also to serve and uplift those around me. In doing so, I strive to make a lasting impact, guided by the values that shape my life.

I am a Jazz Voice Major at Howard University. Art related majors are never appreciated compared to others majors. I am currently 19 years old and have a big dream. I want to share my gift to the world. All of the artists now a days are just putting out music that encouraged chaos and is vulgar. I want to be a positive artist, putting encouraging lyrics in my songs. Growing up I was able to find artists that made songs that did encouraged me, without that and God. I honestly would not have been here today. Believe it or not the music the youth listen to has a large impact on the mindset they have towards life and people. The amount of people with positivity in their music compared to the explicit music is terrible. This money will allow me to continue going to college and improving in my talent. My career path is just as impactful as someone's who is in a much higher held status.

For twelve years, I lived in a neighborhood where gunshots could be heard outside. I lived in the city limits in Wilmington, Delaware, which has been labeled the “fifth most dangerous place to live” in the United States. I made sure to stay inside even when neighborhood kids asked for me to play outside. I did not play outside because I was worried. I was worried that someone would make the wrong decision and shoot in my neighborhood. Yes, it definitely was a struggle not to feel safe even when walking the dogs with my father. On the bright side, I was blessed with amazing parents who provided for me what they could. They let me know that they loved me and that I was important. They also loved me unconditionally. Whenever I was with my parents, I felt cherished, and I was grateful, for I knew not everyone had supportive parents in their lives like I do. As I grew older, I developed a passion for singing and music. I sang with my older sister all the time. It may have just started because I was stuck inside and had nothing else to do, but I completely fell in love with music and singing. When I sang, I felt outstanding. It sounds cliché, but I really felt as though I was on top of the world. My parents saw that I enjoyed singing and encouraged me. They bought me a piano because they knew I wanted to learn how to play. They commonly said things, such as: “You can do anything through Christ who strengthens you.” This quote is still meaningful to me, and I feel it is a great message to hear during times of hopelessness. My family and I moved to a safer neighborhood right after I turned thirteen. During my middle school years, I struggled the most with myself. I constantly visited the guidance counselor because I was nervous to be in class and sit around people. I believed that no one liked me and that not one wanted to be around me. Of course, it was not the truth, but at the time, I struggled to change this negative mindset. In seventh grade, I decided to perform in the annual talent show. I had an extreme amount of stage fight but practiced constantly by singing and performing in my room before competing in the talent show. I was insecure and scared that no one would like my performance and that they would boo me off the stage. The day came for me to perform in front of the entire school, and when I finished my song, I received a standing ovation. This experience was a lesson for me to face my fears. I was amazed at the audience reaction and realized that I wanted to perform for more people; so I chose to pursue more singing opportunities. In high school, my confidence improved, and I made friends. In junior year, I participated in the musical Beauty and the Beast. While practicing for the show, I decided that I wanted to pursue singing as a career. Sadly, the Corona outbreak caused schools to close but in quarantine, I realized i want to become a music teacher, or to become a singer. I know that I will one day have a career in which I will not feel as though it is a job. I know this because I realize that, to be successful, I have to try my best and not persevere. The music industry is very difficult because of rejection, but you must be resilient.

For twelve years, I lived in a neighborhood where gunshots could be heard outside. I lived in the city limits in Wilmington, Delaware, which has been labeled the “fifth most dangerous place to live” in the United States. I made sure to stay inside even when neighborhood kids asked for me to play outside. I did not play outside because I was worried. I was worried that someone would make the wrong decision and shoot in my neighborhood. Yes, it definitely was a struggle not to feel safe even when walking the dogs with my father. On the bright side, I was blessed with amazing parents who provided for me what they could. They let me know that they loved me and that I was important. They also loved me unconditionally. Whenever I was with my parents, I felt cherished, and I was grateful, for I knew not everyone had supportive parents in their lives like I do. As I grew older, I developed a passion for singing and music. I sang with my older sister all the time. It may have just started because I was stuck inside and had nothing else to do, but I completely fell in love with music and singing. When I sang, I felt outstanding. It sounds cliché, but I really felt as though I was on top of the world. My parents saw that I enjoyed singing and encouraged me. They bought me a piano because they knew I wanted to learn how to play. They commonly said things, such as: “You can do anything through Christ who strengthens you.” This quote is still meaningful to me, and I feel it is a great message to hear during times of hopelessness. My family and I moved to a safer neighborhood right after I turned thirteen. During my middle school years, I struggled the most with myself. I constantly visited the guidance counselor because I was nervous to be in class and sit around people. I believed that no one liked me and that not one wanted to be around me. Of course, it was not the truth, but at the time, I struggled to change this negative mindset. In seventh grade, I decided to perform in the annual talent show. I had an extreme amount of stage fight but practiced constantly by singing and performing in my room before competing in the talent show. I was insecure and scared that no one would like my performance and that they would boo me off the stage. The day came for me to perform in front of the entire school, and when I finished my song, I received a standing ovation. This experience was a lesson for me to face my fears. I was amazed at the audience reaction and realized that I wanted to perform for more people; so I chose to pursue more singing opportunities.