Being a first-generation college student means breaking generational barriers and building a foundation of opportunity for myself, my family, and my community. It signifies perseverance, determination, and the responsibility to inspire others to pursue their dreams, regardless of their circumstances. For me, this journey is not just about earning a degree; it’s about becoming a role model and proving that with hard work and dedication, success is attainable. Extracurricular activities have been pivotal in shaping who I am today. Growing up, the Boys and Girls Club was a cornerstone of my personal development. The club provided me with mentorship, support, and a sense of belonging, which helped me navigate challenges and discover my potential. The lessons I learned there inspired me to give back to my community. As a mentor and role model for younger members, I’ve developed leadership, communication, and teamwork skills that have prepared me to take on greater responsibilities. These experiences have fueled my desire to pursue a degree in Business Administration at Savannah State University. I view my education as a transformative journey that will equip me with the knowledge and skills to build a successful career and eventually run my own business. This aspiration stems from a project I attempted in high school. While it didn’t succeed due to a lack of preparation, the failure taught me invaluable lessons about planning, patience, and perseverance. These insights have strengthened my resolve to approach future endeavors with the preparation and dedication necessary for success. Beyond academics, my extracurricular involvement has shaped my character. I’ve embraced roles that require responsibility and initiative, such as participating in community service projects and serving as a peer leader. These experiences have instilled in me the values of hard work and collaboration, which will guide me as I continue to grow personally and professionally. As a first-generation college student, I am committed to leaving a legacy of impact. I want to inspire others, especially young people in my community, to believe in their potential and pursue their goals. I hope to demonstrate that where you come from doesn’t define you; it’s who you are and what you do that truly matters. Through my education, career, and community involvement, I aim to pave the way for others to dream big and achieve greatness. In conclusion, being a first-generation college student is both an honor and a responsibility. It’s about breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and inspiring others to do the same. My extracurricular activities have been instrumental in preparing me for this journey, shaping my character, and fueling my passion for making a difference. I am determined to succeed, not just for myself, but for those who look up to me and believe that they, too, can achieve their dreams.

My name is Anayah Cater, and I am currently pursuing a Business Administration major at Savannah State University. For me, attending college is about more than just earning a degree; it is a chance to grow as an individual, discover my potential, and carve out a path for my future. As a first-generation college student, pursuing higher education represents breaking barriers within my family and community. It’s an opportunity to elevate myself, set an example for others, and open doors that might not have been available otherwise. I chose to pursue higher education because I believe that obtaining a degree will provide me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence I need to achieve my long-term goals. Growing up, I often felt isolated and uncertain about my future. Education, however, was always something I saw as the key to unlocking my potential and providing a better life for myself. Savannah State stood out to me not only because of its strong academic reputation but also for its supportive environment, which offers opportunities for both personal and professional growth. It is a place where I can refine my skills, explore my interests, and build a career that is both meaningful and fulfilling. Preparing for college as a first-generation student has presented challenges, but I have worked hard to prepare myself. Without anyone in my family who could guide me through the college process, I spent time researching how to apply for financial aid, select courses, and make the most of available resources. I attended workshops and consulted with high school counselors to ensure I was on the right path. Additionally, I participated in leadership programs to develop skills in time management, communication, and problem-solving—skills I knew would be essential in my college life. One of the biggest adjustments I faced as a first-generation student was understanding the academic expectations and building the confidence to succeed in college. To manage the transition, I sought mentorship and engaged with professors and fellow students. I also joined extracurricular activities, like volunteering at my local Boys and Girls Club, where I was once a member. This organization had a significant impact on my life, and by giving back, I gained leadership experience, learned to communicate effectively, and developed a sense of responsibility that has shaped my character. My career goals have been a driving force behind my decision to pursue higher education. I aim to graduate with a degree in Business Administration and eventually start my own business. I have a brand idea I’ve been contemplating, but I want to make sure I understand the intricacies of running a business before diving in. This scholarship will provide me with the resources to acquire the knowledge I need while allowing me to focus on my studies and professional development. It will also create opportunities for internships and networking, which will be crucial for my career. In addition to my academic and career goals, I feel a deep responsibility to give back to my community, especially to the Boys and Girls Club that played such a vital role in my youth. After graduating, I want to return to my community to help other young people understand that higher education is an attainable goal. As a first-generation student, I want to be a role model and show others that they, too, can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.

My name is Anayah Cater, and I am pursuing a degree in Business Administration at Savannah State University. This university provides an environment where I can explore my potential, discover my passions, and determine the best path for my future. Having spent much of my life feeling secluded, I see this as a chance to step outside my comfort zone, build meaningful relationships, and create lasting memories. The supportive environment at Savannah State makes it the ideal place for me to grow both personally and academically. Receiving this scholarship would significantly impact my ability to focus on my education and career goals. Financial support would alleviate the stress of covering educational expenses, allowing me to dedicate more time to my studies and extracurricular activities. With this assistance, I could also pursue opportunities like internships and networking events that would enhance my professional growth. This scholarship would enable me to make the most of my time at Savannah State, positioning me for long-term success. My primary goal is to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and secure a well-paying job to gain experience for the future. While I am still exploring specific career paths, I aspire to one day run my own business. I’ve considered launching a personal brand but want to first build a strong foundation in business management principles. I understand that running a successful business requires both knowledge and hands-on experience, and this scholarship would help me achieve these essential skills. Giving back to my community is a core value of mine, especially to the Boys and Girls Club, which played a significant role in my development. Growing up, the club provided mentorship and guidance that shaped my ambitions. After establishing my career, I plan to return to my community to support the club through mentoring programs or sponsorships. I want to inspire young people to believe in their potential, showing them that hard work and determination can overcome challenges and lead to success. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned came from a failure I experienced in high school while attempting to launch a small business project. I rushed into the venture without proper planning, and as a result, it failed. However, this experience taught me the importance of preparation, patience, and learning from mistakes. I now approach challenges with a focus on thoughtful planning and persistence, understanding that failure is an opportunity to grow and improve. Among my greatest strengths are my determination, strong communication skills, and collaborative mindset. I am highly motivated to achieve my goals and have a work ethic that drives me to succeed, even in the face of obstacles. These qualities, combined with my commitment to learning and growing, will be essential to both my academic success and future career. Attending Savannah State University is a critical step toward achieving my goals. With the support of this scholarship, I will fully engage in my education, give back to my community, and build a foundation for a successful future. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and committed to making the most of them.

Attending Savannah State University is not just about earning a degree for me; it's about embarking on a transformative journey where I can grow personally and professionally. One of the main reasons I chose to pursue Business Administration as my major at Savannah State University is because of the diverse opportunities it offers. I believe that by delving into various aspects of business, I will not only gain valuable knowledge but also clarity about my career path. As I envision my future, obtaining a bachelor's degree is just the beginning. My ultimate goal is to secure a fulfilling and lucrative job that provides me with the experience and challenges I need to grow professionally. However, my aspirations don't end there. I dream of creating and managing my own business someday. While I have a brand idea in mind, I am aware of the importance of patience and preparation to ensure its success. Moreover, I see my college years as a platform to network and establish meaningful connections with industry professionals. Building these relationships not only opens doors to potential opportunities but also enriches my learning experience through diverse perspectives and insights. I aspire to be part of a community of like-minded individuals who are driven to excel and make a positive impact in their respective fields. Looking beyond my personal and professional growth, I am deeply committed to giving back to my community. The Boys and Girls club holds a special place in my heart as it played a crucial role in shaping who I am today. My long-term goal is to return to my roots and contribute to the club's success, providing support and opportunities to the next generation, just as it did for me. As I graduated middle school and started to become a young adult as a freshman at KIPP Atlanta Collegiate, I started to volunteer everyday after school because the Club offered me hour credits that I needed for school in order to graduate in high school. I started working at the front desk with Ms. Wright, answering calls from parents, filing documents in cabinets, checking the kids in and out, as well as guiding kids in the right directions with their questions. I would even work in the computer lab sometimes helping the little kids out with their homework and guiding the kids on the computers to sites when they asked for help. This helped me with skills like leadership, communication, and responsibility. Skills that would help me throughout my life. Volunteering here allowed me many opportunities to show many skills that I have learned along the way. As one of the oldest at the Club, a lot of the younger kids looked up to me and it gave me an opportunity to set a better example for them and reach the minds of these adolescents so that they can have a brighter future. This allowed me to truly open my eyes and see the struggles in communities like mine and how I could play a bigger role in solving our problems. I applied for a job there summer of 2022 so that I could continue to be a part of the growth and change. As a member of the club, I knew how important it was when the staff would interact with us kids and have lots of fun in club engaging activities, but there was nothing more heartwarming than knowing that when I came to work everyday I was able to do that for these kids and give them a reason to smile.

My name is Anayah Cater and I am a freshman in college attending the Savannah State University. Growing up I liked to play around and play basketball. When I first started playing people would say that I was trash, I couldn't shoot, and that my jump shot was weak. It would make me cry because I was trying my best and I just wanted to have fun. In my 11th grade year though a coach saw me shooting around in the gym and said that I should try out for the team. Very excited and anxious I was nervous because I could only think about what people would be saying and if I would make it. There were times when I would be the only girl on the court playing. I can remember times when I would get to school early with my brother in the morning before the school doors opened, and I was the only girl to practice with the 9th-grade boys' team. Things were not given to me. I had to earn my respect. Fast forward, and those times got me a spot as a starter on the girls' varsity basketball team. This opportunity showed me leadership, teamwork, determination, and resilience. Practices were not easy the were some days when I would want to quit or give up because the coaches were disappointed in us and pushing us too hard. But I didn't I stayed and played the whole season and my coaches saw growth in me. There were times when I would witness my mother struggling to provide for her three children growing up. She pushed through and provided so many opportunities for us to succeed and achieve anything we put our minds to. I would not be in the position I am in today if it were not for her. Those skills that I learned are what is needed to get into the career that I am going to college for. I want to own my own business while mentoring young girls who attend the Boys & Girls Club like I did as a child. If I am granted this scholarship, I will be able to complete my college education without going into massive amounts of debt. I will be able to afford all of my books and supplies and also have enough money for campus housing and meals. Thank you so much for believing in and giving young women of color, such as myself, hope for a better future.