It is my pleasure to introduce myself as Autumn Rose Ages, a 2023 freshman enrolled at Florida A&M University. I intend to graduate from college in 2027 with a Magna Cum Lauda honors degree. As the top 25% of my class at Westlake High School, I was also an AP, Honors, M.A.G.N.E.T, & IB Diploma Candidate from Atlanta, the Peach State of the South. Here, excellence in education, politics, and music is as common as our traffic. A middle child and the only girl in my family, I am preceded by a 20-year-old brother Cameron, followed by a 10-year-old brother Ashton. My brothers, our mother, and I are a close-knit family who enjoy road trips and evening bonfires to keep us connected. I enjoy attending FAMU football games, tutoring in underserved communities, collecting vintage toys, exercising with my friends, and creating art. People have asked why I chose to attend college in Florida when some of the top HBCUs are in Georgia. Despite being accepted to amazing colleges in Georgia, the thought of leaving Atlanta never crossed my mind. However, I knew I had arrived at my new home after taking a last-minute Florida A&M University college bus tour with my classmates. The campus had a special feel to it, and I was excited to explore the possibilities and changes that would await me once I moved onto campus. The fact that FAMU is the number one HBCU in the country didn’t hurt either. I’ve only been in college for 2.5 months, but I’ve already joined the Education LLC, National Association of Educators, passed my General Knowledge test, which is required to student teach, obtained a 5-year clearance with the Leon County schools to obtain classroom experience, won second place for the Education department HOCO decorating contest and volunteered with Phi Delta Kappa’s Trunk or Treat for the community. I was even able to ‘storm the field’ during one of our football games and that was a lot of fun. I chose to major in Education because my teachers allowed me to succeed through elementary to high school. Although I was unwilling to give my all sometimes, my teachers recognized my intellectual ability and pushed me beyond my limits. They saw what I failed to see, a young girl who needed the drive to succeed. With that drive, I am preparing for the start of my college journey. In the same way that my teachers changed my life, I will accomplish, conquer, and make a positive difference in the lives of my students. It is my dream to establish a school in underserved communities that emphasizes test-taking skills, professionalism, and the arts to create a student who is well-rounded. Standardized testing will still be used as a measure of knowledge although some institutions have made it optional. Through my school's transition from K-12 to college, we will develop confidence and strategies to facilitate the transition. As a result of our society's detachment from professionalism, it is one of my passions to promote professionalism among young people. I strive to create a workplace culture of respect, integrity, and accountability, which I believe is essential for any successful organization. I am committed to helping young people develop the skills they need to become successful professionals. I am passionate about creating an environment where everyone can thrive and succeed. I have seen firsthand how serving the community can positively impact society. For example, organizations like this create opportunities for students like me to attend college. I appreciate how these organizations actively seek out students from disadvantaged backgrounds and provide them with resources, support, and guidance. This helps to create a level playing field and gives students a chance to reach their full potential. Dreams are not free. My mother is already under financial strain as she supports my older brother, a junior at Morehouse College. In this regard, I will ensure that every penny spent on my studies will directly contribute to my future impact on communities and academia. By investing in me, you are investing in a project that will grow over the years. My education, drive, and skillset will benefit me personally and the communities I serve.

It is my pleasure to introduce myself as Autumn Rose Ages, a 2023 freshman enrolled at Florida A&M University. I intend to graduate from college in 2027 with a Magna Cum Lauda honors degree. As the top 25% of my class at Westlake High School, I was also an AP, Honors, M.A.G.N.E.T, & IB Diploma Candidate from Atlanta, the Peach State of the South. Here, excellence in education, politics, and music is as common as our traffic. A middle child and the only girl in my family, I am preceded by a 20-year-old brother Cameron and followed by a 10-year-old brother Ashton. My brothers, our mother, and I are a close-knit family who enjoy road trips and evening bonfires to keep us connected. In my spare time, I enjoy collecting vintage toys, exercising with my friends, and creating art. People have asked why I chose to attend college in Florida when some of the top colleges are in Georgia. Despite being accepted to amazing college in Georgia, the thought of leaving Atlanta never crossed my mind. However, I knew I had arrived at my new home after taking a Florida A&M University college bus tour with my classmates. The campus had a special feel to it and I was excited to explore the possibilities and changes that would await me once I moved onto campus. I chose to major in Education because my teachers allowed me to succeed through elementary to high school. Although I was unwilling to give my all sometimes, my teachers recognized my intellectual ability and pushed me beyond my limits. They saw what I failed to see, a young girl who needed the drive to succeed. With that drive, I am preparing for the start of my college journey. In the same way that my teachers changed my life, I will accomplish, conquer, and make a positive difference in the lives of my students. I have seen firsthand how serving the community can positively impact society. For example, organizations such as this one create opportunities for students like me to attend college. I appreciate how these organizations actively seek out students from disadvantaged backgrounds and provide them with resources, support, and guidance. This helps to create a level playing field and gives students a chance to reach their full potential. I am grateful to have been part of this experience. Dreams are not free. My mother is already under financial strain as she supports my older brother, a junior at Morehouse College. In this regard, I will ensure that every penny spent on my studies will directly contribute to my future impact on communities and academia. By investing in me, you are investing in a project that will grow over the years. My education, drive, and skillset will benefit me personally and the communities I serve. I am fully committed to using the knowledge I gain to make a positive difference in my community and the world.

I would like to share a story of how a personal experience influenced my career goals. Years ago, a kindergarten teacher requested a field trip to see an airplane up close since her students had never seen one before. Rather than charging the students, the airline provided free flights and lunch at the airport. The school administration approved the request, and the students were excited to participate. When they finally saw the airplane, they were in awe of its size and sound. It was an unforgettable experience for them all. Since the students lived in poverty, they were not familiar with airplanes. The pilot answered all their questions and gave them a guided tour of the plane. They were able to learn about the different parts of the plane and the technology inside. The students were grateful for the opportunity, and it was an experience they will never forget. My decision to work in education was influenced by that story. My grandmother was that teacher. She is my personal role model. As a result of her actions, I am passionate about teaching the youth and helping them grow into the leaders of tomorrow. I am driven to make a difference in the world by providing knowledge and guidance to young minds. My grandmother is an inspiration and I strive to make her proud. As a scholar, I will ensure that every penny spent on my studies directly impacts my future impact in communities and academia. In addition, I believe that investing in me will lead to a multiplier effect. It is my goal to help others grow by sharing my knowledge. For example, I plan to mentor other students who may benefit from my experience and help them build the skills needed to succeed in their own studies. I believe that investing in me will be an investment in the future of our communities and the academic field. I am passionate about making a difference and will use my knowledge and skills to help others. I am confident I can be an effective mentor and use my experience to help young students reach their goals. I will begin my career as a schoolteacher and establish a school that emphasizes test-taking skills and the arts. Despite some institutions making standardized testing optional, it will still be used as a measure of knowledge. During my school's transition from K-12 to college, we will work to build confidence and strategies to facilitate the process. For example, I will organize a college-readiness seminar for my students in their junior year to discuss the types of tests they may encounter and how to prepare for them. Teaching and community service can have a significant impact on a community. I have witnessed firsthand as organizations such as this one raise funds to help students like me attend college. Through their hard work and dedication, they have opened many doors for underserved students. These organizations have helped me pursue my dreams and have given me the opportunity to give back to my community. I am forever grateful for their efforts. I am confident that my education at Florida A&M University will enable me to be a catalyst for positive change in the community in Early Childhood Education. I have a strong passion for working with children, and I am committed to doing whatever it takes to make sure they receive the best education possible. I believe that my leadership skills and knowledge of early childhood education will be a great asset to the community.

I would like to share a story of how a personal experience influenced my career goals. Years ago, a kindergarten teacher requested a field trip to see an airplane up close since her students had never seen one before. Rather than charging the students, the airline provided free flights and lunch at the airport. The school administration approved the request, and the students were excited to participate. When they finally saw the airplane, they were in awe of its size and sound. It was an unforgettable experience for them all. Since the students lived in poverty, they were not familiar with airplanes. The pilot answered all their questions and gave them a guided tour of the plane. They were able to learn about the different parts of the plane and the technology inside. The students were grateful for the opportunity, and it was an experience they will never forget. My decision to work in education was influenced by that story. My grandmother was that teacher. She is my personal role model. As a result of her actions, I am passionate about teaching the youth and helping them grow into the leaders of tomorrow. I am driven to make a difference in the world by providing knowledge and guidance to young minds. My grandmother is an inspiration and I strive to make her proud. As a scholar, I will ensure that every penny spent on my studies directly impacts my future impact in communities and academia. In addition, I believe that investing in me will lead to a multiplier effect. It is my goal to help others grow by sharing my knowledge. For example, I plan to mentor other students who may benefit from my experience and help them build the skills needed to succeed in their own studies. I believe that investing in me will be an investment in the future of our communities and the academic field. I am passionate about making a difference and will use my knowledge and skills to help others. I am confident I can be an effective mentor and use my experience to help young students reach their goals. I will begin my career as a schoolteacher and establish a school that emphasizes test-taking skills and the arts. Despite some institutions making standardized testing optional, it will still be used as a measure of knowledge. During my school's transition from K-12 to college, we will work to build confidence and strategies to facilitate the process. For example, I will organize a college-readiness seminar for my students in their junior year to discuss the types of tests they may encounter and how to prepare for them. Teaching and community service can have a significant impact on a community. I have witnessed firsthand as organizations such as this one raise funds to help students like me attend college. Through their hard work and dedication, they have opened many doors for underserved students. These organizations have helped me pursue my dreams and have given me the opportunity to give back to my community. I am forever grateful for their efforts. I am confident that my education at Florida A&M University will enable me to be a catalyst for positive change in the community in Early Childhood Education. I have a strong passion for working with children, and I am committed to doing whatever it takes to make sure they receive the best education possible. I believe that my leadership skills and knowledge of early childhood education will be a great asset to the community.

My friends and I laughed loudly at a restaurant not caring if we were disturbing those around us. A lady approached our table, and asked, "What would your grandfather say if he saw you acting like that?" She looked directly at me, but we all knew what she meant and respectfully lowered our voices. My grandfather is a pastor of a large ministry in a small town, so his eyes are always on me. My friends and I exchanged an awkward smile knowing that we would have been in big trouble if he was around! It used to drive me crazy but as I grew older, I looked forward to choir rehearsals, usher board meetings, and Vacation Bible School. But it wasn't all work and no play - we still found time for the occasional hide-and-seek game around the church building! Feeding the homeless, delivering Christmas gifts to the less fortunate, and volunteering at our annual Trunk or Treat (otherwise known as Halloween) were in my nature and I always recruited my friends to help. We always had an enjoyable time. I joke with people that I've been to more weddings, funerals, and baptisms than anyone my age. The pity part about that is, I don't view flowers as romantic as other girls. I view flowers as something that celebrates life or death...and nothing is romantic about that. But hey, at least I've seen some beautiful floral arrangements. My favorite pastime was working in the nursery on the first Sunday of the month. This motivated me to attend college to be a teacher. I wanted to help children in the same way I was helped when I was in need. I also wanted to positively change the lives of those in need. I knew that my college degree would be the key to achieving these goals. I guess it's safe to say volunteering in the church led me to study education. Along with teaching the children Bible stories, I also taught them how to count, their ABCs, and tie their shoes. I was both surprised and delighted to see how quickly the children learned. It was incredibly rewarding to watch them progress and develop. I knew that I had found my calling in life. Aristotle once said: “Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” One of the benefits of spending so much time serving in my church and in my community was the amount of community service awards I obtained throughout my high school tenure. These hours opened doors for me that will fund my education. I guess you could say that service is my key to happiness. I look forward to serving once I am on my college campus. I have already completed my background check to be allowed to serve as a tutor at an elementary school near my campus. I have joined the local National Education Association (NEA) and the FAMU Gospel Choir. I plan to be an active participant in both organizations, and I believe they will be an excellent support system for me. I am confident that I can make a difference in the community

After track practice, my friends and I laughed loudly at a restaurant not caring if we were disturbing those around us. A lady approached our table, and asked, "What would your grandfather say if he saw you acting like that?" She looked directly at me, but we all knew what she meant and respectfully lowered our voices. My grandfather is a pastor of a large ministry in a small town, so his eyes are always on me. My friends and I exchanged an awkward smile knowing that we would have been in big trouble if he was around! It used to drive me crazy but as I grew older, I looked forward to choir rehearsals, usher board meetings, and Vacation Bible School. But it wasn't all work and no play - we still found time for the occasional hide-and-seek game around the church building! Feeding the homeless, delivering Christmas gifts to the less fortunate, and volunteering at our annual Trunk or Treat (otherwise known as Halloween) were in my nature and I always recruited my friends to help. We always had an enjoyable time. I joke with people that I've been to more weddings, funerals, and baptisms than anyone my age. The pity part about that is, I don't view flowers as romantic as other girls. I view flowers as something that celebrates life or death...and nothing is romantic about that. But hey, at least I've seen some beautiful floral arrangements. My favorite pastime was working in the nursery on the first Sunday of the month. This motivated me to attend college to be a teacher. I wanted to help children in the same way I was helped when I was in need. I also wanted to positively change the lives of those in need. I knew that my college degree would be the key to achieving these goals. I guess it's safe to say volunteering in the church led me to study education. Along with teaching the children Bible stories, I also taught them how to count, their ABCs, and tie their shoes. I was both surprised and delighted to see how quickly the children learned. It was incredibly rewarding to watch them progress and develop. I knew that I had found my calling in life. Aristotle once said: “Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” One of the benefits of spending so much time serving in my church and in my community was the amount of community service awards I obtained throughout my high school tenure. These hours opened doors for me that will fund my education. I guess you could say that service is my key to happiness. I look forward to serving once I am on my college campus. I have already completed my background check to be allowed to serve as a tutor at an elementary school near my campus. I have joined the local National Education Association (NEA) and the FAMU Gospel Choir. I plan to be an active participant in both organizations, and I believe they will be an excellent support system for me. I am confident that I can make a difference in the community.

Albert Einstein once said: 'I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university. The above quote has always been my creative way to get through uncomfortable situations. I can be a little shy in the beginning because people with strong energy can be overwhelming. But I had to train myself to look at them on the same level. They may be just as nervous as I am. I worked at Six Flags during the summer. On my second day at work, my manager approached me and asked me to lead my department. I accomplished this due to my maturity and ability to solve problems. My duties include promoting rider safety, cleaning, and sanitizing park stations, and completing paperwork on employee interaction with customers. I was voted Crew Member of the Month. One of my personal goals has been to learn how to drive. When I was eight years old, I was struck by a car while riding my bike. It was one of the most frightening experiences of my life, and I was unable to ride my bicycle for over a year following the incident. Once I had recovered for a while, I was able to ride my bicycle with no problems once again. However, I was 15 when a distracted driver hit my mother's car. During the accident, I was trapped inside the vehicle. Due to both incidents, I found that I was no longer interested in learning how to drive because of my experiences. While all my friends took driver training courses, I refused to do the same thing. To get to school, I took the bus while my friends drove. My fear of driving was so great that I was unable to do it. Gradually, I began to try to accomplish this goal. As I progressed, even simple tasks such as backing out of the driveway led to me passing driver training and being able to drive myself to school. I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment when I overcame my fear of driving. Without driving, I would not be able to live my life the way I do today. Even though I am cautious, I am proud of the accomplishments I have made so far. In my case, this was just one of the ways that I was able to achieve a personal goal I had set for myself. While it may have been easy for some, it proved to be very challenging for me. The cost of attending college is quite high. However, I am confident that my education at Florida A&M University will enable me to be a catalyst for positive change in the community in Early Childhood Education. As a teacher and community leader, I will ensure that every cent spent on my education directly impacts my future impact in communities, academia, and professional practice. In addition, I believe that investing in me will lead to a multiplier effect. It is my goal to help others grow by sharing my knowledge.

Albert Einstein once said: 'I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university. The above quote has always been my creative way to get through uncomfortable situations. I can be a little shy in the beginning because people with strong energy can be overwhelming. But I had to train myself to look at them on the same level. They may be just as nervous as I am. I worked at Six Flags during the summer. On my second day at work, my manager approached me and asked me to lead my department. I accomplished this due to my maturity and ability to solve problems. My duties include promoting rider safety, cleaning, and sanitizing park stations, and completing paperwork on employee interaction with customers. I was voted Crew Member of the Month. One of my personal goals has been to learn how to drive. When I was eight years old, I was struck by a car while riding my bike. It was one of the most frightening experiences of my life, and I was unable to ride my bicycle for over a year following the incident. Once I had recovered for a while, I was able to ride my bicycle with no problems once again. However, I was 15 when a distracted driver hit my mother's car. During the accident, I was trapped inside the vehicle. Due to both incidents, I found that I was no longer interested in learning how to drive because of my experiences. While all my friends took driver training courses, I refused to do the same thing. To get to school, I took the bus while my friends drove. My fear of driving was so great that I was unable to do it. Gradually, I began to try to accomplish this goal. As I progressed, even simple tasks such as backing out of the driveway led to me passing driver training and being able to drive myself to school. I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment when I overcame my fear of driving. Without driving, I would not be able to live my life the way I do today. Even though I am cautious, I am proud of the accomplishments I have made so far. In my case, this was just one of the ways that I was able to achieve a personal goal I had set for myself. While it may have been easy for some, it proved to be very challenging for me. The cost of attending college is quite high. However, I am confident that my education at Florida A&M University will enable me to be a catalyst for positive change in the community in Early Childhood Education. As a teacher and community leader, I will ensure that every cent spent on my education directly impacts my future impact in communities, academia, and professional practice. In addition, I believe that investing in me will lead to a multiplier effect. It is my goal to help others grow by sharing my knowledge.

Giving back to my community is to do something with no expectations in return. Martin Luther King said: “Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. Having observed organizations like this one raise funds to put students like me into college, I have seen firsthand the impact volunteerism and service can have in a community. Several of my peers in my community have benefited from the volunteer efforts of others. As a result of this experience, I have been motivated to give back more. I am now a volunteer mentor for students in my local community. I have made it my mission to help those who are in need, and to give back to my community in any way possible. I am passionate about making a difference and making the world a better place plan on giving back because I aspire to become a mathematics teacher. My grandmother, who was that teacher, greatly influenced my decision to work in education. Her actions helped me to realize how important it is to put yourself out there. This is for the benefit of my future and the lives of those I hope to impact in the future. I aim to establish a school that emphasizes test-taking skills, mathematics and the arts.As my school transitions from K-12 to college, we will build confidence and strategies to facilitate the transition. There is a considerable cost associated with attending college. However, I am confident that my education at Florida A&M University will enable me to be a catalyst for positive change in the community regarding Early Childhood Education. In my role as a teacher and community leader, I am committed to ensuring that every dollar spent on my education will directly impact my future impact in communities, academia, and professional practice. Additionally, I believe that investing in me will yield a multiplier effect. By sharing my knowledge, I hope to help others grow. Currently, I have a tuition/housing variance of $15,849 per year. My first year of college expenses would be greatly enhanced if I were awarded a scholarship I have carefully researched and visited institutions that will assist me in developing my skills to achieve my goal of becoming a teacher. In addition, I have realized my dream of opening my own school. The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Florida, is my dream school to make this happen.

Many years ago, a kindergarten teacher requested a field trip to see an airplane up close since her students had never seen one. Instead, the airline provided free flights for the students as well as lunch at the airport for them. Due to their poverty, the students were not familiar with escalators and had never used one. This teacher provided exposure. My grandmother was that teacher. As a result of her actions, I became more aware of the importance of putting myself out there. This is for my future and those whose lives I hope to impact. My goal is to begin my career as an elementary school teacher, and eventually establish a school that emphasizes test-taking skills and the arts. Despite some institutions making standardized testing optional, it will still be used as a measure of knowledge. During my school's transition from K-12 to college, we will work to build confidence and strategies to facilitate the process. Giving back to my community is to do something with no expectations in return. Martin Luther King said: “Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. Having observed organizations like this one raise funds to put students like me into college, I have seen firsthand the impact volunteerism and service can have in a community. Several of my peers in my community have benefited from the volunteer efforts of others. As a result of this experience, I have been motivated to give back more. I am now a volunteer mentor for students in my local community. I have made it my mission to help those who are in need, and to give back to my community in any way possible. I am passionate about making a difference and making the world a better place plan on giving back because I aspire to become a teacher. My grandmother, who was that teacher, greatly influenced my decision to work in education. Her actions helped me to realize how important it is to put yourself out there. This is for the benefit of my future and the lives of those I hope to impact in the future. I will establish a school that emphasizes test-taking skills and the arts.. As my school transitions from K-12 to college, we will build confidence and strategies to facilitate the transition. There is a considerable cost associated with attending college. However, I am confident that my education at Florida A&M University will enable me to be a catalyst for positive change in the community regarding Early Childhood Education. In my role as a teacher and community leader, I am committed to ensuring that every dollar spent on my education will directly impact my future impact in communities, academia, and professional practice. Additionally, I believe that investing in me will yield a multiplier effect. By sharing my knowledge, I hope to help others grow. Currently, I have a tuition/housing variance of $15,849 per year. My first year of college expenses would be greatly enhanced if I were awarded a scholarship. I have carefully researched and visited institutions that will assist me in developing my skills to achieve my goal of becoming a teacher. In addition, I have realized my dream of opening my own school. The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Florida, is my dream school to make this happen.

Giving back to my community is to do something with no expectations in return. Martin Luther King said: “Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." Having observed organizations like this one raise funds to put students like me into college, I have seen firsthand the impact volunteerism and service can have in a community. Several of my peers in my community have benefited from the volunteer efforts of others. As a result of this experience, I have been motivated to give back more. I am now a volunteer mentor for students in my local community. I have made it my mission to help those who are in need, and to give back to my community in any way possible. I am passionate about making a difference and making the world a better place plan on giving back because I aspire to become a teacher. My grandmother, who was that teacher, greatly influenced my decision to work in education. Her actions helped me to realize how important it is to put yourself out there. This is for the benefit of my future and the lives of those I hope to impact in the future. I aim to establish a school that emphasizes test-taking skills and the arts in the future. It should be noted that although some institutions have made standardized testing optional, it will still be used as a measure of knowledge. As my school transitions from K-12 to college, we will build confidence and strategies to facilitate the transition. There is a considerable cost associated with attending an HBCU. However, I am confident that my education at Florida A&M University will enable me to be a catalyst for positive change in the community regarding Early Childhood Education. In my role as a teacher and community leader, I am committed to ensuring that every dollar spent on my education will directly impact my future impact in communities, academia, and professional practice. Additionally, I believe that investing in me will yield a multiplier effect. By sharing my knowledge, I hope to help others grow. Currently, I have a tuition/housing variance of $15,849 per year. My first year of college expenses would be greatly enhanced if I were awarded a scholarship. Just a snapshot of my accomplishments during my time in high school: I was accepted in Westlake’s Magnet program which only accepts a small percentage of applicants. I was recommended and accepted as an IB Diploma candidate. I maintained a 3.2 GPA while taking a rigorous course load of AP, Magnet, Honor, and IB courses. I am on the Fine Arts track and was invited to present my artwork in art galleries in Atlanta and was the only invited student to sell all my pieces. I still managed to earn hundreds of hours of Community service (including Empty Stocking fund, Turkey Giveaways, and Toys for Tots), I was a co-captain on the Cross country team, an officer in the Debate Team, the Math League, sat on the Board of the Youth United Way, won first place in the Science fair at my school, participated in Twenty Pearls Foundation, and visited Nelson Mandela’s jail on Robben Island in South Africa. My other hobbies include hanging out with my diverse group of friends talking, laughing, and making smores around the fire pit, playing Spades with my family, collecting Item dolls, and attending Broadway plays. I have carefully researched and visited institutions that will assist me in developing my skills to achieve my goal of becoming a teacher. In addition, I have realized my dream of opening my school. The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Florida, is my dream school to make this happen.