A pivotal point in my life that illuminated the importance of education and achieving my goals was the day my auntie graduated from Florida A&M University. It was my 6th birthday, and we were in the cool and windy city of Tallahassee. My family of six drove up to see my aunt walk across the big stage ready to achieve all that she had worked for; A master's degree at the college of pharmacy. At that time, I was unaware of what she achieved but I knew that this milestone would change her life. The celebration and the warmth of the college put a spirit in me that I never felt before. I wanted to be like my aunt and cross that big stage with that same warmth. As I grew older, I asked her about her experiences at FAMU and she told me that I need to be prepared for anything. The culture can cause a lot of pressure with peers focusing on party culture and standing up for myself because at the end of the day, nobody there can help me but myself. But what she told me was that the community and culture made her work hard and stay focused. To never doubt yourself and always push through. Ask for help when you need it because it is always around the corner. Many opportunities will arrive, you just must be the one to take it. My auntie’s encouraging words and discernment helped me realize that an HBCU is all about what you put into it. During my high school career, I maintained a weighted GPA of 4.3 and participated in the Army JROTC program at my school encouraging cadets to be better versions of themselves. I became the Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders Parliamentarian helping students speak about their concerns in high school and their fears with classmates. During this time, i was also a board member of our Black Student Union and accumulated 196 community service hours all while coming back from online school from 2020-2023. My passion for science and solving will lead me to a bright future with a Bachelors in Chemistry, Masters in Forensic Chemistry, and Doctorates to become a Forensic Pathologist, I will help my community in solving cases to the fullest extent. I hope that I can make an even bigger dent in my generation, work for the FBI, and make a difference for my community. During the summer I hope to study under the Miami-Dade corners office and take tips from my mentor in the FBI who inspired me to get my bachelor's in chemistry to get closer to my goal. An HBCU will encourage me to take that leap of faith with internships, mentoring, networking, and personal growth. From my personal experience of meeting multiple people from multiple HBCU’s, their leadership is one of a kind. From giving advice to the next generation of students to their peers, their dialect and positivity is top notch and something that I believe is an amazing skill to have. Having the opportunity to learn more about black culture and being able to receive the wealth of knowledge and how to navigate through life from leaders at HBCU is something that not many people value anymore. I plan to contribute to this legacy by informing my peers and community that an HBCU is the place to be if you want to improve yourself with your culture, community, pride, and awareness.

I was born and raised as a Haitian American with sickle cell disease in South Florida. People close to me frequently misinterpreted my condition, which I discovered early on. I noticed things around me and heard stories of drug addicts and misinterpreted children. Despite the difficulties, I refused to let the criticisms define my worth. Rather than channeling that energy into proving that I was not only capable but extraordinary, I channeled it into having to work twice as hard to have no excuse for failure. A greater comprehension of my own values was the source of my resolve. When Covid 19 became widespread in the United States, it gave me the opportunity to re-navigate my life and pursue my passion. I was homeschooled from freshman to junior high school to keep me from getting sick and potentially being hospitalized. To pass the time, in 2021, at the age of 14, I started my baking business in the hopes of expanding my life goals and becoming great at something. My fear of being "sick" limited me but I paved my way and interned with a local Haitian bakery to better my craft. With so many other places to get cakes and pastries, I had to learn to upgrade and differentiate myself. I didn't want to be identified as a charity case. Being young, then, was that shining star that drew me in and motivated me to go through seemingly impossible obstacles. My mother was born in Haiti and immigrated to America when she was three years old. She encouraged me and pushed me to not only excel in academics and the craft of cake artistry, but also became a source of inspiration for others facing similar challenges. This journey taught me to not conform to societal expectations but in embracing one's uniqueness and facing life head-on, regardless of the obstacles. During my high school career, I maintained a weighted GPA of 4.3, participated in the Army JROTC program at my school, became Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders Parliamentarian, and accumulated 196 community service hours all while coming back from online school. As I have grown older, the weight of societal expectations and self-doubt faded. I found joy in inspiring others to pursue their dreams to the fullest. The question of whether I was good enough persisted but suppressed when I proved I could take challenge after challenge despite hospital visits close to orders, crippling pain interrupting my school life, I did not want to share because I did not want anyone to think of me as less than. Yet, I found a close group of people to support me and help me when I am down. I continued to work for my business, not only for personal fulfillment but to challenge the flawed perceptions surrounding my illness. I found strength in vulnerability, courage in adversity, and purpose in the face of doubt. My story became a testament to the fact that worth is not measured by the absence of challenges but by the resilience and determination to rise above them. Although my love for baking and helping out made a huge impact in what I wanted at the time, I found myself wanting to do more. My passion for science and solving will lead me to a bright future with a Bachelors in Chemistry, Masters in Forensic Chemistry, and Doctorates to become a Forensic Pathologist, I will help my community in solving cases to the fullest extent. I hope that I can make an even bigger dent in my generation, work for the FBI, and make a difference for my community.

Being the first born daughter, granddaughter, and first person with sickle cell in my immediate family with the full disease, my family did not know what to do. All they could do was trust what doctors say and wait for a crisis to come. My first crisis was in pre-school, my mom thought I got punched in the stomach because I complained about intense and extreme stomach pains. I was taken to the Emergency room and it was announced that I was having a crisis. As a child with sickle cell that was close to her church, I was always prayed on because we had faith to believe that my pain would be over soon. Crisis would happen throughout my years and even take me away from school activities like sports. Despite my internal pain and hardships, I carried myself with poise and remembered that anything is possible with faith, trust, and a little bit of pixie dust. Additionally, my mother was born in Haiti and immigrated to America when she was three years old. She encouraged me and pushed me to not only excel in academics and the craft of cake artistry, but also became a source of inspiration for others facing similar challenges. This journey through sickle cell taught me to not conform to societal expectations but in embracing one's uniqueness and facing life head-on, regardless of the obstacles. During my high school career, I maintained a weighted GPA of 4.3, participated in the Army JROTC program at my school, became Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders Parliamentarian, and accumulated 196 community service hours all while coming back from online school. As I have grown older, the weight of societal expectations and self-doubt faded. I found joy in inspiring others to pursue their dreams to the fullest. Despite hospital stays and excruciating suffering, I repressed my worries about my self-worth and refrained from talking about my problems. I received assistance and kept working for my company to debunk myths regarding my disease and sense of purpose. I found strength in vulnerability, courage in adversity, and purpose in the face of doubt. My story became a testament to the fact that worth is not measured by the absence of challenges but by the resilience and determination to rise above them. Although my love for baking and helping out made a huge impact in what I wanted at the time, I found myself wanting to do more. My passion for science and solving will lead me to a bright future with a Bachelors in Chemistry, Masters in Forensic Chemistry, and Doctorates to become a Forensic Pathologist, I will help my community in solving cases to the fullest extent. I hope that I can make an even bigger dent in my generation, work for the FBI, and make a difference for my community.

I was born and raised as a Haitian American with sickle cell disease in South Florida. When hospitalized, I would always watch Tinkerbell movies. When watching these movies I learned a particular phrase, "Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust." People close to me frequently misinterpreted my condition, which I discovered early on. I noticed things around me and heard stories of drug addicts and misinterpreted children. Despite the difficulties, I refused to let the criticisms define my worth. Rather than channeling that energy into proving that I was not only capable but extraordinary, I channeled it into having to work twice as hard to have no excuse for failure. Being the first born daughter, granddaughter, and first person with sickle cell in my immediate family with the full disease, my family did not know what to do. All they could do was trust what doctors say and wait for a crisis to come. My first crisis was in pre-school, my mom thought I got punched in the stomach because I complained about intense and extreme stomach pains. I was taken to the Emergency room and it was announced that I was having a crisis. As a child with sickle cell that was close to her church, I was always prayed on because we had faith to believe that my pain would be over soon. Crisis would happen throughout my years and even take me away from school activities like sports. Despite my internal pain and hardships, I carried myself with poise and remembered that anything is possible with faith, trust, and a little bit of pixie dust. Additionally, my mother was born in Haiti and immigrated to America when she was three years old. She encouraged me and pushed me to not only excel in academics and the craft of cake artistry, but also became a source of inspiration for others facing similar challenges. This journey through sickle cell taught me to not conform to societal expectations but in embracing one's uniqueness and facing life head-on, regardless of the obstacles. During my high school career, I maintained a weighted GPA of 4.3, participated in the Army JROTC program at my school, became Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders Parliamentarian, and accumulated 196 community service hours all while coming back from online school. As I have grown older, the weight of societal expectations and self-doubt faded. I found joy in inspiring others to pursue their dreams to the fullest. Despite hospital stays and excruciating suffering, I repressed my worries about my self-worth and refrained from talking about my problems. I received assistance and kept working for my company to debunk myths regarding my disease and sense of purpose. I found strength in vulnerability, courage in adversity, and purpose in the face of doubt. My story became a testament to the fact that worth is not measured by the absence of challenges but by the resilience and determination to rise above them. Although my love for baking and helping out made a huge impact in what I wanted at the time, I found myself wanting to do more. My passion for science and solving will lead me to a bright future with a Bachelors in Chemistry, Masters in Forensic Chemistry, and Doctorates to become a Forensic Pathologist, I will help my community in solving cases to the fullest extent. I hope that I can make an even bigger dent in my generation, work for the FBI, and make a difference for my community.

I was born and raised as a Haitian American with sickle cell disease in South Florida. People close to me frequently misinterpreted my condition, which I discovered early on. I noticed things around me and heard stories of drug addicts and misinterpreted children. Despite the difficulties, I refused to let the criticisms define my worth. Rather than channeling that energy into proving that I was not only capable but extraordinary, I channeled it into having to work twice as hard to have no excuse for failure. A greater comprehension of my own values was the source of my resolve. When Covid 19 became widespread in the United States, it gave me the opportunity to re-navigate my life and pursue my passion. I was homeschooled from freshman to junior high school to keep me from getting sick and potentially being hospitalized. To pass the time, in 2021, at the age of 14, I started my baking business in the hopes of expanding my life goals and becoming great at something. My fear of being "sick" limited me but I paved my way and interned with a local Haitian bakery to better my craft. With so many other places to get cakes and pastries, I had to learn to upgrade and differentiate myself. I didn't want to be identified as a charity case. Being young, then, was that shining star that drew me in and motivated me to go through seemingly impossible obstacles. My mother was born in Haiti and immigrated to America when she was three years old. She encouraged me and pushed me to not only excel in academics and the craft of cake artistry, but also became a source of inspiration for others facing similar challenges. This journey taught me to not conform to societal expectations but in embracing one's uniqueness and facing life head-on, regardless of the obstacles. During my high school career, I maintained a weighted GPA of 4.3, participated in the Army JROTC program at my school, became Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders Parliamentarian, and accumulated 196 community service hours all while coming back from online school. As I have grown older, the weight of societal expectations and self-doubt faded. I found joy in inspiring others to pursue their dreams to the fullest. The question of whether I was good enough persisted but suppressed when I proved I could take challenge after challenge despite hospital visits close to orders, crippling pain interrupting my school life, I did not want to share because I did not want anyone to think of me as less than. Yet, I found a close group of people to support me and help me when I am down. I continued to work for my business, not only for personal fulfillment but to challenge the flawed perceptions surrounding my illness. I found strength in vulnerability, courage in adversity, and purpose in the face of doubt. My story became a testament to the fact that worth is not measured by the absence of challenges but by the resilience and determination to rise above them. Although my love for baking and helping out made a huge impact in what I wanted at the time, I found myself wanting to do more. My passion for science and solving will lead me to a bright future with a Bachelors in Chemistry, Masters in Forensic Chemistry, and Doctorates to become a Forensic Pathologist, I will help my community in solving cases to the fullest extent. I hope that I can make an even bigger dent in my generation, work for the FBI, and make a difference for my community.

I was born and raised as a Haitian American with sickle cell disease in South Florida. People close to me frequently misinterpreted my condition, which I discovered early on. I noticed things around me and heard stories of drug addicts and misinterpreted children. Despite the difficulties, I refused to let the criticisms define my worth. Rather than channeling that energy into proving that I was not only capable but extraordinary, I channeled it into having to work twice as hard to have no excuse for failure. A greater comprehension of my own values was the source of my resolve. When Covid 19 became widespread in the United States, it gave me the opportunity to re-navigate my life and pursue my passion. I was homeschooled from freshman to junior high school to keep me from getting sick and potentially being hospitalized. To pass the time, in 2021, at the age of 14, I started my baking business in the hopes of expanding my life goals and becoming great at something. My fear of being "sick" limited me but I paved my way and interned with a local Haitian bakery to better my craft. With so many other places to get cakes and pastries, I had to learn to upgrade and differentiate myself. I didn't want to be identified as a charity case. Being young, then, was that shining star that drew me in and motivated me to go through seemingly impossible obstacles. My mother was born in Haiti and immigrated to America when she was three years old. She encouraged me and pushed me to not only excel in academics and the craft of cake artistry, but also became a source of inspiration for others facing similar challenges. This journey taught me to not conform to societal expectations but in embracing one's uniqueness and facing life head-on, regardless of the obstacles. During my high school career, I maintained a weighted GPA of 4.3, participated in the Army JROTC program at my school, became Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders Parliamentarian, and accumulated 196 community service hours all while coming back from online school. As I have grown older, the weight of societal expectations and self-doubt faded. I found joy in inspiring. The question of whether I was good enough persisted but suppressed when I proved I could take challenge after challenge despite hospital visits close to orders, crippling pain interrupting my school life, I did not want to share because I did not want anyone to think of me as less than. Yet, I found a close group of people to support me and help me when I am down. I continued to work for my business, not only for personal fulfillment but to challenge the flawed perceptions surrounding my illness. I found strength in vulnerability, courage in adversity, and purpose in the face of doubt. My story became a testament to the fact that worth is not measured by the absence of challenges but by the resilience and determination to rise above them. Although my love for baking and helping out made a huge impact in what I wanted at the time, I found myself wanting to do more. My passion for science and solving will lead me to a bright future with a Bachelors in Chemistry and Masters in Forensic Chemistry to help my community in solving cases to the fullest extent. I hope that I can make an even bigger dent in my generation and work for the FBI some day.

I was born and raised as a Haitian American with sickle cell disease in South Florida. People close to me frequently misinterpreted my condition, which I discovered early on. I noticed things around me and heard stories of drug addicts and misinterpreted children. Despite the difficulties, I refused to let the criticisms define my worth. Rather than channeling that energy into proving that I was not only capable but extraordinary, I channeled it into having to work twice as hard to have no excuse for failure. A greater comprehension of my own values was the source of my resolve. When Covid 19 became widespread in the United States, it gave me the opportunity to re-navigate my life and pursue my passion. I was homeschooled from freshman to junior high school to keep me from getting sick and potentially being hospitalized. To pass the time, in 2021, at the age of 14, I started my baking business in the hopes of expanding my life goals and becoming great at something. My fear of being "sick" limited me but I paved my way and interned with a local Haitian bakery to better my craft. With so many other places to get cakes and pastries, I had to learn to upgrade and differentiate myself. I didn't want to be identified as a charity case. Being young, then, was that shining star that drew me in and motivated me to go through seemingly impossible obstacles. My mother was born in Haiti and immigrated to America when she was three years old. She encouraged me and pushed me to not only excel in academics and the craft of cake artistry, but also became a source of inspiration for others facing similar challenges. This journey taught me to not conform to societal expectations but in embracing one's uniqueness and facing life head-on, regardless of the obstacles. During my high school career, I maintained a weighted GPA of 4.3, participated in the Army JROTC program at my school, became Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders Parliamentarian, and accumulated 196 community service hours all while coming back from online school. As I have grown older, the weight of societal expectations and self-doubt faded. I found joy in inspiring. The question of whether I was good enough persisted but suppressed when I proved I could take challenge after challenge despite hospital visits close to orders, crippling pain interrupting my school life, I did not want to share because I did not want anyone to think of me as less than. Yet, I found a close group of people to support me and help me when I am down. I continued to work for my business, not only for personal fulfillment but to challenge the flawed perceptions surrounding my illness. I found strength in vulnerability, courage in adversity, and purpose in the face of doubt. My story became a testament to the fact that worth is not measured by the absence of challenges but by the resilience and determination to rise above them. Although my love for baking and helping out made a huge impact in what I wanted at the time, I found myself wanting to do more. My passion for science and solving will lead me to a bright future with a Bachelors in Chemistry and Masters in Forensic Chemistry to help my community in solving cases to the fullest extent. I hope that I can make an even bigger dent in my generation and work for the FBI some day.

I was born and raised as a Haitian American with sickle cell disease in South Florida. People close to me frequently misinterpreted my condition, which I discovered early on. I noticed things around me and heard stories of drug addicts and misinterpreted children. Despite the difficulties, I refused to let the criticisms define my worth. Rather than channeling that energy into proving that I was not only capable but extraordinary, I channeled it into having to work twice as hard to have no excuse for failure. A greater comprehension of my own values was the source of my resolve. When Covid 19 became widespread in the United States, it gave me the opportunity to re-navigate my life and pursue my passion. I was homeschooled from freshman to junior high school to keep me from getting sick and potentially being hospitalized. To pass the time, in 2021, at the age of 14, I started my baking business in the hopes of expanding my life goals and becoming great at something. My fear of being "sick" limited me but I paved my way and interned with a local Haitian bakery to better my craft. With so many other places to get cakes and pastries, I had to learn to upgrade and differentiate myself. I didn't want to be identified as a charity case. Being young, then, was that shining star that drew me in and motivated me to go through seemingly impossible obstacles. My mother was born in Haiti and immigrated to America when she was three years old. She encouraged me and pushed me to not only excel in academics and the craft of cake artistry, but also became a source of inspiration for others facing similar challenges. This journey taught me to not conform to societal expectations but in embracing one's uniqueness and facing life head-on, regardless of the obstacles. During my high school career, I maintained a weighted GPA of 4.3, participated in the Army JROTC program at my school, became Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders Parliamentarian, and accumulated 196 community service hours all while coming back from online school. As I have grown older, the weight of societal expectations and self-doubt faded. I found joy in inspiring. The question of whether I was good enough persisted but suppressed when I proved I could take challenge after challenge despite hospital visits close to orders, crippling pain interrupting my school life, I did not want to share because I did not want anyone to think of me as less than. Yet, I found a close group of people to support me and help me when I am down. I continued to work for my business, not only for personal fulfillment but to challenge the flawed perceptions surrounding my illness. I found strength in vulnerability, courage in adversity, and purpose in the face of doubt. My story became a testament to the fact that worth is not measured by the absence of challenges but by the resilience and determination to rise above them.

My journey with mental health has significantly shaped my career aspirations, beliefs, and relationships. Having witnessed close friends battle their own mental health issues, I believed I could handle such situations if I ever faced them myself. In general, navigating high school can be difficult. However, this was particularly challenging for me due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the high risks posed by my Sickle Cell disorder. Consequently, I spent three out of four high school years being homeschooled, unable to interact with my peers in person. For years, I looked forward to a traditional high school experience, so the absence of such certainly affected me mentally and emotionally. While my friends attended school and created memories, I completed online classes from home alone. Occasional Facetime calls with my friends provided a semblance of connection, but it wasn’t the same as being physically present at school and socially. My daily routine consisted of completing coursework, pacing around my house, snacking, and taking frequent naps. Despite feeling the weight of depression, I hesitated to admit it. A result of prioritizing my health, the lack of social exposure intensified my sense of loneliness and fear of missing out. And while my mother encouraged outdoor walks and exercise, these activities only exacerbated my frustration. I felt adrift, spiraling emotionally downward. Baking became my refuge. Amidst the challenges, it offered a bit of solace and a welcomed distraction from the computer screen. However, this wasn't a sustainable coping mechanism, and I reached an internal breaking point in the 11th grade. Concerned for my well-being, my parents took me to a family therapist. Together, we worked on specific goals: meeting deadlines, overcoming procrastination, and adhering to a structured daily routine. During our sessions, we discussed not only SAT prep but also potential career paths. Forensic chemistry intrigued me; it offered an opportunity to contribute by solving problems for grieving families. Beyond academics, my therapist played a crucial role in building my confidence - especially in social interactions. Online schooling worsened my anxiety. The mere thought of speaking to someone outside my immediate circle triggered intense stomach aches. My therapist equipped me with tools to better understand my emotions and effectively manage those feelings. As a result, I learned how to better interact with both strangers and family members. Additionally, I developed a keen sense of social awareness. Recognizing when people do not want help became essential. While assisting friends in identifying possible triggers, I understood the delicate balance between offering support and respecting boundaries. My mental health journey continues and has transformed me into a stronger individual thus far. Steadily, I've become more focused, resilient, and adaptable. With emotional balance, I have better clarity of goals and decision-making. I firmly believe in the importance of seeking help when needed. Life can be difficult, but having the right tools is critical to managing stress, being productive, and maintaining healthy relationships.