I am one of thousands of black women living in America. Although the world has thrown everything they could at us, we're still here. I'm still here, and we continue to soar for the clouds. Growing up I was the only black girl in the room. At school, in clubs and at social events that wasn't with family. I used to be embarrassed about being different and being black in a suburban area. Now that I'm older, I'm more confident then ever to be in my skin. I am great, determined, I have drive and passion. Being in my skin has made me the strong and ambitious person I am today. I will continue to strive for new heights and make jumps I might not land. If I miss, I will get up and try again. My dream of being a successful singer and music therapist has already been put in motion. I just have to keep the wheel spinning and do the hard work. Nothing in life comes easy. From childhood I knew what I wanted to be. I am good at many things and can adapt into any new workspace. I'd like to think I can be good at any job but that's not all a career should be. There's so many people today that are stuck doing jobs they're great at but don't want to be doing. It shouldn't be this way. A career should be something that fills your soul. Something that let's you sleep contently. That makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning and say "Let's get to work" every day. That's the life I want to lead for myself. Not only that, I want to inspire others who are like me and in skin like mine. My greatest heroes are my mother and grandmother. Two extraordinarily strong black women who have never showed weakness or given up on their goals. They inspire me to be the best version of myself. I get so many of my traits from the both of them. Once my mind is made up about something, it won't be changed anymore. I will keep pushing until that goal is met. I didn't know my father for most of my childhood, but now we have a bond stronger than ever. I also realized I get my sense of empathy and kindness from him as well. All my siblings and parents are 'music geeks.' I grew up listening to the classics and all the legends. I can confidently say that music highly influenced my choice to become a singer as well. I have many goals and many milestones I want to stack up over the next five years. My first album has already hit 700 streams in the first month and my singles are getting lots of great attention. When I get my Master's Degree in Psychology (A&S), I'm going to start my own music therapy practice. I'll help music lovers or people who want to find a passion, integrate music and movement into their lives; all while helping them realize, accept and solve emotional issues they're struggling with. I love helping people so even though the journey to meeting this goal will be lengthy, when I've met it, it'll be the easiest thing in the world to do what I love. Out of everything I've been through in my life I've learned two very important things; Excellence is earned and life is precious. So I don't intend on wasting a second of mine.

I am one of thousands of black women living in America. Although the world has thrown everything they could at us, we're still here. I'm still here, and we continue to soar for the clouds. Growing up I was the only black girl in the room. At school, in clubs and at social events that wasn't with family. I used to be embarrassed about being different and being black in a suburban area. Now that I'm older, I'm more confident then ever to be in my skin. I am great, determined, I have drive and passion. Being in my skin has made me the strong and ambitious person I am today. I will continue to strive for new heights and make jumps I might not land. If I miss, I will get up and try again. My dream of being a successful singer and music therapist has already been put in motion. I just have to keep the wheel spinning and do the hard work. Nothing in life comes easy. From childhood I knew what I wanted to be. I am good at many things and can adapt into any new workspace. I'd like to think I can be good at any job but that's not all a career should be. There's so many people today that are stuck doing jobs they're great at but don't want to be doing. It shouldn't be this way. A career should be something that fills your soul. Something that let's you sleep contently. That makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning and say "Let's get to work" every day. That's the life I want to lead for myself. Not only that, I want to inspire others who are like me and in skin like mine. My greatest heroes are my mother and grandmother. Two extraordinarily strong black women who have never showed weakness or given up on their goals. They inspire me to be the best version of myself. I get so many of my traits from the both of them. Once my mind is made up about something, it won't be changed anymore. I will keep pushing until that goal is met. I didn't know my father for most of my childhood, but now we have a bond stronger than ever. I also realized I get my sense of empathy and kindness from him as well. I was diagnosed with depression when I was fifteen. It was hard to overcome all the doubt and overthinking. Nevertheless, I got through it and I'm better for it. Music helped me come out of that dark place I was in. Music does that for a lot of my family. All my siblings and parents are 'music geeks.' I grew up listening to the classics and all the legends. I can confidently say that music highly influenced my choice to become a singer as well. I have many goals and many milestones I want to stack up over the next five years. My first album has already hit 700 streams in the first month and my singles are getting lots of great attention. When I get my Master's Degree in Psychology (A&S), I'm going to start my own music therapy practice. I'll help music lovers or people who want to find a passion, integrate music and movement into their lives; all while helping them realize, accept and solve emotional issues they're struggling with. I love helping people so even though the journey to meeting this goal will be lengthy, when I've met it, it'll be the easiest thing in the world to do what I love. Out of everything I've been through in my life I've learned two very important things; Excellence is earned and life is precious. So I don't intend on wasting a second of mine. I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity and consider contributing to my many future goals.