"If they think money will solve the problems, I am afraid those people will have a rough ride. Intelligence solves problems and produces money. Money without financial intelligence is money soon gone (Kiyosaki).” Unfortunately, you won't learn any of this in today's school system. As an aspiring 11th grader I can say that throughout my years of elementary, middle school, and part-time in high school, the school system is set on teaching you how to be a good employee, not a good employer. We are taught to study hard, get good grades, then find a safe and secure job working for someone else. It is not my intention to work for anyone else for the rest of my life. In school, money is not taught. Hence the reason why the majority of people who have gone to school received an excellent education, got a high-paying job, and still struggle financially. It is because of their enslavement to the pursuit of money. Ask yourself this right now. Are you working for money, or is money working for you? Lectures. A special form of communication we all have had to suffer through. As enticing as that sounds, lectures aren't exactly an efficient way to teach someone. I always remind myself that education is cheap, experiences are expensive. Lectures are how they teach you in school, but not in real life. Nowadays I see and hear many adults who work jobs, get their paychecks at the end of the month, balance their checks and then wonder why they are having financial difficulties. The answer is simple. Their lack of financial education is the problem. In the absence of financial education, you will put yourself in a bind for life that will be hard to get out of. Get up, go to work, pay bills, get up, go to work, pay bills. Do you do that? My efforts to educate you in this field are limited to 500 words, so really hope I can leave it up to the school systems to realize waking up in the middle of the night terrified about paying bills is a horrible way to live. An existence dictated by paychecks is not really a life at all. I understand that many of these concepts may sound a bit confusing, but I promise that with the right financial education, you can open a lot of doors and avoid the pitfalls of life. Unfortunately, I cannot travel back in time, tweak up the school system, and save many from financial struggles. So that being said, I must act now for the sake of future generations.

"Mr. Mareki?" I asked "hmm?" he said not making eye contact with me "Today", I began, "Today you asked the group about how to - how to um succeed in running a business" He stared down at his computer screen typing away "Yes, I remember" "I had my hand raised for what seemed like ten minutes and you never called on me. I know you saw my hand, but I don't understand. I have good ideas about how you could - " "Leave it up to the boys will you?" He leaned back in his chair and clicked his tongue. Taken by surprise I took a few steps back. "Thanks" he smirked "Better get to class I don't want to have to write you a pass" Embarrassed, I started to walk towards the door. All at once, I had a million thoughts running through my head. It started making complete sense. Just as I was about to grab the door handle, I turned around. "Yes, Elizabeth?" He turned to me obviously annoyed. "We women give birth!" I blurted without thinking "We run entire households. Surely we can run a business Mr. Mareki!" “Is that so Mrs. Clayton?" he tilted his head I stood up straight ready to debate “Absolutely, and the world would see that if they just invested in women's entrepreneurship ideals emotionally and financially. The state can take initiatives to train women in business skills for better job opportunities. They could even do simple things like taking risks and giving us women leadership roles. Like me. For the class project, assign me to be the team leader of my group. I’m the only girl! Give me a chance to prove myself. It’s hard being a woman. For example sir, we don’t have access to equal job opportunities. If we did society would be a better place!” He just stared at me and smiled “Anything else?” He asked “All I’m asking is that society will try to empower women.” “And how exactly do we do that?” "Show support to women around you and remind them of their strengths. It will give them a sense of belonging. Women's narratives will only change if we work together. Encourage them to act. Society needs to offer more jobs to women that they deem to be a "man's job". One of the biggest problems in society today is women’s unpaid labor. In order to eradicate the problem, resources can be appropriately managed through empowerment policies that aim to increase women's income. Stand up for women's rights as if they're your own, sir. Support my education even if you think it's silly that I want to one day run my own business. Treat me fairly like the other guys in my group and be open to any ideas I have." In response to my words, Mr. Markei rose from his chair laughing aloud while applauding me. “The other boys in your group thought you were not qualified to lead the project. I decided to put the test up to myself. It is because of this that I did not call on you during our group time, but I have seen you are strongly committed to the groups’ success." I was completely shocked “Oh, well, yes. Thank you, sir” He walked me to my next class. In the moments before he let me go, he whispered something to me I will never forget. “I believe you have the determination that will make you one of the most influential leaders one day, influencing the way society sees women, thus empowering them more than ever.” I do.

As a child, it's frightening - at least I found it to be. The day it happened, it was unclear to me what was going on. Still, I can feel their tough touch on my youthful skin and hear the pounding of my heart as I watched the situation spiral out of control, and I should have done something to prevent such a disaster, but I didn't. I should have told them to remove their hands from me. I should have yelled and fought. I was only a child though, so really, what could I have done? As minutes turned to hours, hours turned into days, days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years, I was unaware of how quickly time passed. I was bound that my story should remain a secret. That was until I stumbled upon this “Bold Know Yourself Scholarship”. Regardless of how traumatized I was by the experience, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Crazy? Yes, but it is true. In the absence of that experience, I would never have learned how to say no. This has helped me tremendously. Whatever someone does or tries to do to me, I can now stand up for myself without hesitation. I find this trait about myself extremely valuable, especially in the world we live in today. I have two younger sisters who are still very young and I try my best to make sure that they learn to say no when they feel uncomfortable because I would hate for them to go through what I did. I hope to teach my children so they may teach their children that having the power to refuse is one of the most important traits in life.

As a child, it's frightening - at least I found it to be. The day it happened, it was unclear to me what was going on. Still, I can feel their rough touch on my youthful skin and hear the pounding of my heart as I watched the situation spiral out of control, and I should have done something to prevent such a disaster, but I didn't. I should have told them to remove their hands from me. I should have yelled and fought. I was only a child though, so really, what could I have done? As minutes turned to hours, hours turned into days, days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years, I was unaware of how quickly time passed. I was bound that my story should remain a secret. That was until I stumbled upon this “Bold Memories Scholarship”. Regardless of how traumatized I was by the experience, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Crazy? Yes, but it is true. In the absence of that experience, I would never have learned how to say no. This has helped me tremendously. Whatever someone does to me, whether they give me drugs, bully me, put their hands on me, or want something I do not want to give, I can now stand up for myself without hesitation. I have two younger sisters who are still very young and I try my best to make sure that they learn to say no when they feel uncomfortable because I would hate for them to go through what I did. I hope to teach my children so they may teach their children that having the power to refuse is one of the most important traits in life. I would know, it's one of my Boldest Memories.

After my trip to the nursing home in 2020, It is my goal to help the seniors in my community. Following our performance, my band team walked around to introduce our youthful selves to the elders. There, I encountered a petite African American woman who was overjoyed to see me. In the course of our small talk, I discovered that neither her children nor her great-grandchildren visit her. "Christmas is on its way I'm sure they'll come to see you!" I said with hope. After a heavy sigh, she explained that it was her own family who sent her to this nursing home. It is hard to explain my desire to be her child or grandchild because I knew I could take care of her and bring her joy. She shared many insightful words with me about family, friends, boys, and relationships as a whole. From the beginning of the conversation, she held my hand tightly, never letting go. As I walked away, I wondered if it would be the last time I ever heard her voice or touched her bony wrinkled hands, covered with lines and speckled with sunspots. Prior to getting back to school, every other goal I had in mind seemed irrelevant. I had then set out on a journey to become a grandchild or a child for the elderly in my community. Good food and bingo sure seem enticing. However, having worked with seniors in the past, I can tell you that they crave companionship. I can say now that I have taken over eight visits to the nursing home. Although I never did come across that little old African American woman again, I am glad that I at least made a small impact on her life and hope she's doing well wherever she is now.

After my trip to the nursing home in 2020, It is my goal to help the seniors in my community. Following our performance, my band team walked around to introduce our youthful selves to the elders. There, I encountered a petite African American woman who was overjoyed to see me. In the course of our small talk, I discovered that neither her children nor her great-grandchildren visit her. "Christmas is on its way I'm sure they'll come to see you!" I said with hope. After a heavy sigh, she explained that it was her own family who sent her to this nursing home. It is hard to explain my desire to be her child or grandchild because I knew I could take care of her and bring her joy. She shared many insightful words with me about family, friends, boys, and relationships as a whole. From the beginning of the conversation, she held my hand tightly, never letting go. As I walked away, I wondered if it would be the last time I ever heard her voice or touched her bony wrinkled hands, covered with lines and speckled with sunspots. Prior to getting back to school, every other goal I had in mind seemed irrelevant. I had then set out on a journey to become a grandchild or a child for the elderly in my community. Good food and bingo sure seem enticing. However, having worked with seniors in the past, I can tell you that they crave companionship. I can say now that I have taken over eight visits to the nursing home. Although I never did come across that little old African American woman again, I am glad that I at least made a small impact on her life and hope she's doing well wherever she is now.

After my trip to the nursing home in 2020, It is my goal to help the seniors in my community. Following our performance, my band team walked around to introduce our youthful selves to the elders. There, I encountered an petite African American woman who was overjoyed to see me. In the course of our small talk, I discovered that neither her children nor her great-grandchildren visit her. "Christmas is on its way I'm sure they'll come to see you!" I said with hope. After a heavy sigh, she explained that it was her own family who sent her to this nursing home. It is hard to explain my desire to be her child or grandchild because I knew I could take care of her and bring her joy. She shared many insightful words with me about family, friends, boys, and relationships as a whole. From the beginning of the conversation, she held my hand tightly, never letting go. As I walked away, I wondered if it would be the last time I ever heard her voice or touched her bony wrinkled hands, covered with lines and speckled with sunspots. Prior to getting back to school, every other goal I had in mind seemed irrelevant. I had then set out on a journey to become a grandchild or a child for the elderly in my community. Good food and bingo sure seem enticing. However, having worked with seniors in the past, I can tell you that they crave companionship. I can say now that I have taken over eight visits to the nursing home. Although I never did come across that little old African American woman again, I am glad that I at least made a small impact on her life and hope she's doing well wherever she is now.

I wish I'd known Theresa Lord while growing up. She sounds like a wonderful person who would have encouraged my dreams of education no matter what subject. Recently, I have come across a school in New York that would be a dream come true. The Juilliard School is one of the most prestigious schools in New York that allows you to develop your creative potential beyond limits you might have thought were impossible. Unfortunately, it is up to me to encourage myself to reach this goal. As I have become accustomed to patting myself on the back and lifting myself up when nobody else does. And I will tell you why. It would be reasonable to assume that as a child, having ten other siblings, four younger and six older siblings, I would have had a role model. Unfortunately, I did not. I have four older sisters whose choices often trouble my parents. I watched them follow the course of living what one would call a "fool's paradise", from dropping out of school, selling their bodies, getting pregnant early, and even attempting suicide. So you see, at an early age, everyone assumed I would imprint my steps onto theirs. There were times when I thought maybe my fate was to be the same. As you can imagine my parents (a mother and father of eleven) were usually in distress. Despite their best efforts to raise us right, all of the older girls in my family refused to listen and permanently ruined it for us all. At times my parents would yell at me for simple stuff. As they confronted me, their bodies were turned toward me and their eyes stared into mine, but I instantly knew their words were not directed at me, but rather toward my four older sisters, who had all dropped out of college and were living their lives inappropriately. Born with a gift of singing and writing, coupled with my dream of becoming a songwriter, led me to my passion for composing songs about life's hardships whenever I encountered them. Although I was constantly put down for my music by many, It was still my way of coping. In times of crisis, I craved paper, a pencil, and a quiet room so that I could just let my tears fall on the page and express how I felt. I feel the need to share my music with those around me to help them realize they, too, could get through anything. The devastating suicide attempt of my sister inspired me to write my newest song "Break The Ice," which I then used to help classmates who were struggling with depression to overcome it. As a person who challenged began to myself, I realized I was capable of breaking free from the mold that so many people often expected me to fit into. I realized my sister's choices did not define who I was or who I would become. Now I dream big no matter who what. One day, it is my hope to attend Juilliard school to further my education in music so that I may be able to thrive in the music industry. My actions will also help me demonstrate to my parents that I am something different from the rest of my sisters, that they did their best to raise us right, and that it's up to each of us (my siblings) to take their words to heart. The determination to succeed in my endeavors will give me the strength to keep going forward with my future no matter what the obstacles may be.

One day I sat there alone in my house at the dining room table doing school. It was unbearably silent. With slumped shoulders, I continued to work through the algebraic expressions that had been troubling me for what seemed like an eternity. From the other side dining room, I saw the Amazon Alexa sitting on the shelf staring at me like a souvenir. “Alexa?,” I asked “Play some music”. Before I knew it Alexa was playing today’s top hits. Ariana Grande, Billie Ellish, Justin Beiber, Maroon 5, and more. Just what I needed! A little music to get me through another day and it’s been this way since. As you read this I am blasting “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey. My legs are bouncing, my heads rocking, and I am tapping the keys along to the drums of the songs. Imagine that! “She took the midnight train going anywhere!”. I envision myself chasing my goals and dreams. The dream I’ve had of being a singer since kindergarden. The goal, to win scholarships so I can finally attend my dream school in New York and say to my parents, “Look, Mom! Look, Dad! I made it! I never stopped believing” All while I dance around the room to the rhythm of the electric guitar over Steve Perry's vocals and the loud bangs of the drum with the mellow sound of the piano playing in sync with the mood. Music (expecially "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey) gives me the motivation and drive to attempt to overcome the discomfort and pain in hopes of a a brighter future. This is a daily motivation for me. Music is what gets me up in the morning and what puts me to sleep at night.

Music has always been a part of my life. I have opened my ears to different genres and artists and am always open to the messages they convey. "We are the World" has always been the one song that has stuck with me throughout the good times and the bad. Lionel Richie and Micheal Jackson wrote this song for the citizens of Africa who have suffered famine. Since its release, over 63 million dollars have been raised from this song to help children all over Africa. “We are the world” portrayed many of the biggest pop stars of the time like Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Kenny Rogers, Billy Joel, Micheal Jackson, Diana Ross, Al Jarreau, Steve Perry, Kim Carnes, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, and more. This is inspiring because many artists put in the time and large amounts of effort into this song to raise money for Africa. While listening to the song I am always moved by each solo, each of which emphasized how individual the singer was, which gave me a sense of unity. "We Are the World" influenced how music and meaning were created, demonstrating that a racially and musically diverse group of artists can work together and produce high-quality works. My admiration for this song is deep, as I believe myself capable of reaching out to people through my own music. "Break The Ice," one of my most recent songs, highlights the deadly seriousness of depression and suicide by telling the story of a boy who struggled with it. In the future, I hope to dedicate this song and many others I have written to people who are struggling because I believe we are the world, we are the children, we are the ones who make a brighter day so we need to start giving.

“A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work (Collin Powell)”. One quality I possess is determination and the drive to inspire others. Unlike many people I grew up with, I was the one who endured pain and discomfort in the hopes of a brighter future. One characteristic I value most about myself is my passion for music. Having these traits combined has enabled me to inspire people through my songs in a positive manner. In seventh grade, on a school night, I was sleeping when the house phone rang. My dad woke up and picked up the phone. A few seconds later he rushed to go get my mom. The Pasco County sheriff’s office had called to inform my parents that my sister had attempted suicide by trying to run herself off of a bridge. The devastating suicide attempt of my sister inspired me to write one of my most recent songs “Break The Ice” which I then used to help a few classmates who were struggling with depression to approach and overcome it. Through my lyrics, I was able to let people know they had something worth living for. Throughout my life, I have not had much support for my music. I had people rip up my songs in front of my face. They’d tell me to stop dreaming because only the best out of the best get there and I’d be better off working a nine-to-five. I was so young at the time, that I just gave in. I forced myself into different hobbies that I enjoyed, but I knew weren't meant for me. My adopted family of twelve was going through a lot of problems at the time. In times of crisis, I craved paper, a pencil, and a quiet room so that I could just let my tears fall on the page and express how I felt. For seven years I was living my life for someone else. All just for someone else’s approval. I realized though that at the end of the day, I found myself in the same position. Sitting at my desk writing music. Then it clicked. Why was I given this gift of singing? Why was I given this gift of writing? Why was I given this gift of playing an instrument if everyone said I couldn't put it to use? I remember thinking, no way! Got put this vision in my head for a reason! He gave it to me for a reason! This is what he wants me to do, so I will do it, and I did. If there is one thing that I’ve learned so far, it is that if you have a dream, you have to chase it. The only person that will stop you from achieving your dreams is you! You make that choice. One day, it is my hope to be able to thrive in the music industry. The determination to succeed in my endeavors will also give me the strength to keep going forward with music no matter what the obstacles might be. In the future, I hope to continue using my lyrics for the greater good, start my own record label, win a Grammy Award, and establish a scholarship fund of my own where anyone who desires to take their talents further and contribute to a worthwhile cause can do so.

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character” (King). Like Martin Luther King, I as well have a similar dream. I dream that one day will come when the nations wake up and realize we are all under the same sky. That we are no different from our neighbors, rather we are equally valuable to our neighbors. This year I learned that over 7 million African Americans or blacks in the United States reported having a mental illness. To put this into a different perspective, that is more people than the populations of Chicago, Houston, and Philadelphia combined. Mental health in the black community is intertwined with Black experiences that create remarkable differences in how mental health problems are acted upon and even experienced. Many societal factors, such as stereotypes, racism, and prejudice, exclusion, and stigma can be extremely disturbing and stressful. Additionally, they present one burdensome challenge to African Americans who are seeking treatment for their mental health. Resulting in racial stereotypes that have affected the minds of many Americans, Black Americans are usually portrayed as violent, less educated, and even more dangerous than White Americans. That means when it comes down to doing something about one's mental health black people such as myself are more prone to receiving the wrong diagnoses. They are also more likely to be turned away without a diagnosis at all. Many blacks are also so afflicted by society's stereotypes that they feel as though they should not even try to seek help for their mental health. For example, “Women of color who go by the “strong independent black woman” stereotype are 60% less likely to attempt to find mental help”. Helping the black community achieve social justice starts with understanding how culture, racism, and society impact mental health in the black community. Many people have been wrongly educated about Blacks in the world we live in. A society where people of color have equal rights and are not judged based on their skin color would be one exemplary utopia. African American communities would start to see their mental health improving. Mental health clinics would be more willing to provide support once educated on the hardships of black Americans, and the black community would achieve social justice once and for all. This endeavor will not be an easy one. Racism is deeply ingrained within society, but we must fight. Our journey will take us up mountains, long distances without food or water, and we will fall, but we will always rise again. As Martin Luther King once said, “If you can’t fly then run, If you can’t run then walk, If you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

Throughout my life, I was often asked, "What makes you happy?". The first thing that always came to mind was my White Air Force 1, my computer, sleeping, tv, or my favorite pair of jeans. Everything of material nature. There came one point in my life where I was forced to give many of these things away. I donated my shoes to a church, my favorite pair of jeans went to a girl at school who wasn't as privileged as I was, and I would skip my afternoon nap and help my little sister with her homework. My time spent watching television and on the computer was replaced with bonding time with my siblings. So, what makes me happy? Well, it's simply the act of giving. About a week after I donated my shoes to my church I saw a little girl around my age wearing them. She was so happy! It was her very first pair of Nike shoes when those same exact shoes had been one of many Nike shoes I had received. The smile on her face was whiter than the shoes themselves as she showed them to all her friends. Soon after, my sister received excellent grades on her report card. Now my siblings and I are getting along more. Things like this make me happy. Not owning shoes, but giving someone shoes. Not owning a pair of nice jeans, but rather giving someone a pair of nice jeans. Not sleeping, watching tv, or playing on my computer, but rather putting that to the side and giving my time to others.