Losing my grandfather, Harry White, on March 16, 2023, profoundly impacted my life, especially since this date also falls in my birthday month. The timing made the loss even more poignant. Just a day before his passing, I had visited him in New Jersey, where the rest of my family resides while I continue my studies in Delaware. Although I knew his health was declining, nothing could prepare me for the deep sorrow I felt when he actually passed away. My grandfather was a father figure to me during a crucial time in my life, especially while my own dad was incarcerated. He was there for me from the very beginning, providing unwavering support. He would drive me to school, attend my games, and celebrate my accomplishments, whether it was an award ceremony or my graduation. His presence in my life was a source of stability and love, and the thought of losing him was something I struggled to accept. Seeing his health decline the previous summer was heartbreaking, and I often found myself wishing for him to stay with us just a little longer. Harry came from a challenging background as one of 11 siblings in an abusive household in Alexandria, VA. Despite his past, he never portrayed himself as a victim. Instead, he became the most loving and helpful person you could ever know. His resilience and kindness made him a pillar not just in our family but in our entire community in New Jersey. He dedicated his life to giving back, especially to other seniors who were close to or older than him. His compassion knew no bounds, and he often volunteered his time to help those in need, demonstrating the importance of community and connection. As I navigate the complexities of grief, I often reflect on the lessons he taught me. His birthday is coming up on January 19th, and he would have been 91 years old. Each year, that date serves as a reminder of his legacy of love and service. While I mourn his absence, I am also inspired to honor him by living in a way that reflects his values. His kindness and commitment to helping others motivate me to pursue my own path in social work, focusing on vulnerable populations and community advocacy. In the face of this loss, I initially struggled with the idea of continuing my studies and pursuing my career goals. There were days when I didn’t think I could carry on. However, I realized that channeling my grief into action could be a way to keep his spirit alive. By striving to make a positive impact in my community, I hope to honor the memory of my grandfather and embody the values he instilled in me. His legacy of love, resilience, and commitment to giving back will forever guide me in my journey, reminding me that even in loss, we can find purpose and strength.

During my undergraduate studies, I had the privilege of demonstrating exceptional leadership skills as the coordinator for a community service project aimed at supporting homeless youth. This experience not only tested my abilities but also solidified my commitment to advocacy and service. One significant challenge we faced was mobilizing volunteers and resources within a limited timeframe. Many students were busy with their academic commitments, making it difficult to gather a team. To address this, I organized an outreach campaign within my university, leveraging social media and campus organizations to raise awareness about the project. I presented the initiative at various club meetings, emphasizing the urgent need for support and the meaningful impact our collective efforts could have. Through these outreach efforts, we successfully recruited a diverse group of volunteers, which brought fresh perspectives and skills to the project. I facilitated training sessions to prepare the volunteers, focusing on empathy, communication, and teamwork. This not only equipped them to engage effectively with the youth we were serving but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among the team. I encouraged open dialogue, allowing everyone to share their ideas and concerns, which helped build trust and collaboration. The project culminated in a successful event that provided essential resources, such as food, clothing, and educational materials, to over 100 homeless youth. Witnessing the positive impact of our collective work was incredibly rewarding and reinforced my belief in the power of teamwork and community engagement. My leadership was recognized when I received the Human Service of the Year award during my undergraduate studies. This acknowledgment was not just a personal achievement; it was a testament to the hard work of my team and the collective impact we had on the community. Also, being part of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) allowed me to further develop my leadership skills and network with like-minded individuals dedicated to making a difference. Looking ahead, I plan to apply the leadership skills I’ve cultivated to my future career in social services. I aim to focus on youth advocacy and homelessness, where I can lead initiatives that empower vulnerable populations. My experiences have taught me the importance of collaboration, empathy, and adaptability, which I will carry into my professional endeavors. By fostering inclusive environments and encouraging teamwork, I hope to create impactful programs that address the root causes of social issues and uplift those in need. My goal is to inspire others to join this mission, ultimately making a positive difference in the lives of the individuals and communities I serve.

From a young age, I knew I wanted to give back to my community, especially after witnessing the mistreatment my friend faced while in foster care. This experience profoundly impacted me and ignited my passion for advocating for vulnerable populations. I wanted to dedicate my life to supporting those in need, particularly youth who encounter significant challenges. This commitment has guided my academic journey. I completed my bachelor's degree in human services, which provided me with valuable insights into social issues and the skills needed to support individuals in crisis. Currently, I am in graduate school, having just finished my first semester, and I am preparing to start my second semester on January 6th. Pursuing a master’s degree is both rewarding and challenging; it allows me to deepen my understanding and expand my capabilities in helping others navigate their struggles. Balancing my full-time job as the Youth Action Board Coordinator with my studies and internships has been a difficult journey. Juggling these responsibilities requires immense dedication and time management skills. I often find myself working late into the night to complete assignments while ensuring that I provide the support and guidance my youth need. The long hours and demanding schedule can be overwhelming, but I remain committed because I know this effort will be worth it in the end. In my role, I mentor unaccompanied youth and actively engage in initiatives focused on youth homelessness. Participating in community discussions about these critical issues has reinforced my dedication to this career path. I also volunteer with the Food Bank of Delaware during the holidays, ensuring families in need have access to nutritious meals. Additionally, I work at the Sunday Breakfast Mission in Wilmington, where I assist the older adult homeless population. These experiences not only deepen my understanding of the complexities faced by those in need but also enhance my resolve to make a difference in their lives. Ultimately, my childhood desire to give back has evolved into a clear career path focused on advocacy and support for youth and vulnerable populations. While the journey has been tough, the knowledge and experience I gain make it worthwhile. I am committed to creating a meaningful impact in my community, and I look forward to continuing my journey in graduate school and beyond. I am excited about the future and the positive changes I can help bring to the lives of those I serve. Every challenge I face strengthens my resolve, and I am determined to create lasting change for the youth and families in my community.

Exemplifying a spirit of excellence in my everyday life is rooted in my commitment to personal growth and my desire to make a positive impact, particularly through my work with unaccompanied youth. As a full-time graduate student balancing my studies with my role as the Youth Action Board Coordinator/ Intervention Specialist, I strive to maintain high standards in both areas. I approach every task with determination, ensuring that I not only meet my responsibilities but also seek innovative ways to enhance our programs. My work with youth goes beyond mentorship; it’s about uplifting those I serve. I invest time in understanding the unique needs of the young individuals I mentor, creating a supportive environment where they feel valued and empowered. This focus on their development reflects my dedication to excellence in mentoring. In addition to my work with youth, I prioritize giving back to my community. During the holidays, I volunteer with the Food Bank of Delaware, helping to ensure that families in need have access to nutritious meals. This commitment to addressing food insecurity is crucial, especially during a time when many are struggling. I also volunteer at the Sunday Breakfast Mission in Wilmington, where I help provide meals and support to the older adult homeless population. This experience has deepened my understanding of the complexities of homelessness and reinforced my desire to make a difference. I actively engage in initiatives focused on youth homelessness, participating in conferences and discussions that address this critical issue. Collaborating with community organizations allows me to share insights and work towards lasting solutions that truly make a difference in the lives of young people. Leading by example is essential to my approach. Being close in age to my clients allows them to see someone relatable pursuing goals and overcoming challenges. This connection can be incredibly motivating for them. My strong work ethic and resilience inspire them to strive for their own aspirations. I also organize workshops and events that foster connection and support among young people, providing them with opportunities for personal growth. Ultimately, my spirit of excellence is about making a meaningful difference in my community. By holding myself to high standards and continuously seeking improvement, I hope to inspire others to do the same. I am committed to creating positive change, and I believe my efforts can contribute to a better future for the youth and the broader community I serve. Through mentorship, community service, and active engagement, I strive to uplift those around me and foster a sense of hope and resilience.

Pursuing a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) aligns with my deep-rooted desire to make a meaningful difference in people's lives, especially those in vulnerable or marginalized communities. This program will equip me with the comprehensive knowledge and skills needed to address complex social issues effectively and open doors to specialized areas within social work, allowing me to tailor my career to my interests and strengths. I can gain practical experience through another internship or fieldwork, providing me with a real-world understanding of the challenges and rewards of social work. Additionally, this degree is a stepping stone towards achieving a leadership position within the field, enabling me to influence social policies and advocate for systemic changes that better support the individuals and communities I aim to serve. Ultimately, earning an MSW is a critical step in fulfilling my career goal of helping people and making a lasting, positive impact on society. During my final two semesters as an undergraduate, I had the opportunity to intern at Life Lines Program powered by West End Neighborhood House. This experience allowed me to gain firsthand expertise in the field and exposed me to working with a new population, specifically ages 16-23 who have aged out of foster care or who are unaccompanied. Additionally, I assisted with the foundation of Delaware's first Youth Action Board (YAB), further expanding my practical experience and understanding of engaging with, supporting, and listening to young adults.I'm committed to providing high-quality and compassionate services to help individuals navigate their challenges effectively.As the YAB Coordinator, I want to serve these young people and raise awareness of their needed resources.Due to my hard work and perservance I was able to receive a last minute scholarship for my internship.My progress for the year didn't stop there I was awarded the Human Services Award for the year and follwing graduate I was offered a full time position at Life Lines as the Intervention Specialist and Youth Action Board Coordinator. I am extremely passionate about this community and field of study because, although I have not experienced homelessness directly, people close to me, especially those around my age, have. I want to help break down the barriers that prevent people from accessing and affording housing. What motivates me is seeing young people show up every day to work on self-sufficiency skills that will enhance their lives. I hope that when they leave this program, they can see that they have learned something valuable and that they had dedicated workers who were willing to assist and provide resources to help them improve.

Before I was even one year old, my father was drugged at a party with something called PCP. While he was under the influence, he asked my grandmother for money, but she either didn't give it to him or said something he didn't like. As a result, he ended up committing ax murder on her. After a psychiatric evaluation, they concluded that it was a result of the drugs that made him act out of character. I didn't learn about this story until my sophomore year of high school. My mom told me he killed someone, but I looked up the details online myself. I never met my grandmother, but learning about this incident made me feel some way because I would never get to meet her. Growing up, it also made me wonder where my dad's side of the family was. The emotions I had to navigate through at the time after learning what happened were sadness, anger, defeat, and regret. I knew that I never wanted to take drugs or be involved in activities around them. I have practiced meditation before, and it helped me soothe my pain and put my mind at ease. Since discovering this information, I have incorporated meditation into my daily routine. Through the Masters of Social Work program, I plan to gain practical experience that will help me understand the challenges and barriers vulnerable populations face. This knowledge will allow me to advocate for systemic changes that promote social and economic justice and equitable access to essential services. I aspire to take on leadership roles in social work and the human services field to influence organizational and societal change and contribute to the well-being of at-risk populations. Ultimately, my career goal is to make a lasting, positive impact on society by implementing strategies that enhance the quality of services provided to those in need.I am extremely passionate about my community and field of study because, although I have not experienced homelessness directly, people close to me, especially those around my age, have. I want to help break down the barriers that prevent people from accessing and affording housing. My most significant influence in life is my mom. I'm not upset at her for keeping this information from me because I know it would have been too much if she had told me when I was younger. She is a strong woman who adored my father's mother and was distraught when she found out about this tragedy. Even as a single teen mother, she achieved things people never thought she could because of her situation. She was able to overcome and do so much.

Hello, my name is Damia White. I am from Bridgeton, NJ, and recently graduated from Goldey-Beacom College with a Bachelor of Human Services degree in May. From 2020 to 2024, I was on the track team and participated in shot put, hammer throw, discus, and weight throw events. I am a National Honor Society of Leadership and Success member and served on the executive board as the secretary and community outreach specialist. I volunteered at various sites throughout the year, including Ronald McDonald House. In my last two semesters of college, I interned at West End Neighborhood House under the Life Lines program, which focuses on youth aged 16-23 who have aged out of foster care or are unaccompanied. Additionally, I assisted with the foundation of Delaware's first Youth Action Board (YAB), further expanding my practical experience and understanding of engaging with, supporting, and listening to young, I'm committed to providing high-quality and compassionate services to help individuals navigate their challenges effectively. As the YAB Coordinator, I want to serve these young people and raise awareness of their needed resources. Last Fall, I received a scholarship for my internship and was awarded the Human Services Award of the Year for my dedication and leadership in the program. Following graduation, I accepted a job at Life Lines and now serve as the full-time Intervention Specialist and Youth Action Board Coordinator. These last three months have been devoted to getting familiarized with my new roles and responsibilities of my job and everyday working on my professionalism skills. This summer I was about to realize I don't want to stop my education after what I have achieved thus far. Now, I am pursuing my Master of Social Work degree at Delaware State University. My goal is to make a positive impact in combating homelessness, particularly with my Youth Action Board, as all of them have experienced some form of homelessness. Currently, we are working with legislators and the Policy and Advocacy Committee of Delaware to become familiar with legislative processes and eventually pass a bill in favor of youth experiencing homelessness. I am extremely passionate about this community and field of study because, although I have not experienced homelessness directly, people close to me, especially those around my age, have. I want to help break down the barriers that prevent people from accessing and affording housing. What motivates me is seeing young people show up every day to work on self-sufficiency skills that will enhance their lives. I hope that when they leave this program, they can see that they have learned something valuable and that they had dedicated workers who were willing to assist and provide resources to help them improve.

To embody strong leadership, resilience, unselfishness, focus, and a strong work ethic in my daily routine, I strive to take the initiative at work because I work with youth between the ages of 16-23 years old that have aged out of foster care or unaccompanied. Since I'm 22 and close to their age, sometimes it's hard to get the same respect as older adults, so I try to communicate clearly and again be relatable to the crowd, stay positive in setbacks sometimes working at a nonprofit organization and being new to the human services field it's difficult because I'm learning new things and although sometimes I have ideas I had to realize that its a process that may take months and it has taught me to be patient, assist others, stay focused on my goals I just recently graduated from Goldey Beacom with my Bachelors in Human Services now I'm enrolled to take classes to eventually obtain my Masters of Social Work at Delaware State University, and maintain a high level of professionalism in every task I'm. I aim to integrate these behaviors to foster personal growth and inspire those around me. My pursuit of a master's degree in social work (MSW) is driven by my commitment to making a difference in the lives of those in vulnerable or marginalized communities, which was ingrained in me by my grandfather who was a police officer in Bridgeton, New Jersey. The importance of this program cannot be understated; it promises a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to tackle complex social issues and opens doors to specialized areas of social work that align with my personal strengths and interests. Through my internship and fieldwork, I anticipate gaining invaluable practical experience, providing me with a deeper insight into the challenges and rewards inherent in social work. On a broader scale, this degree is a pivotal step towards leadership roles within the field. I aspire to influence social policies and advocate for systemic changes that uplift the individuals and communities I am dedicated to serving. Achieving an MSW is a crucial milestone in my journey to help people and effect lasting positive change in society. Leadership inspires and motivates me to face challenges. I am doing that with the Youth Action Board I coordinate. It involves recognizing the potential in others and empowering them to enhance their contributions for the greater good. My youth have experienced some form of homelessness, but that doesn't make me view them any differently. I see the potential in every one of them to be successful. I work with them on soft and professional skills to help them shine. In social work, leadership goes beyond the individual and aims to transform societal structures and policies to ensure equity and justice for all. I am passionate about advocating for those without a voice, challenging the status quo, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. My Youth Action Board and I are working with the Policy and Advocacy Committee of Delaware to learn the legislative process and eventually contribute to putting a bill into place. As I strive to become a leader in social work, I focus on addressing current challenges and laying the groundwork for sustainable, systemic change that will benefit future generations.