Title: Resilience Amid Risk: A Journey of Self-discovery and Ambition From the sun-drenched landscapes of Haiti to the academic halls of an American college, my journey has been as diverse and colourful as it has been arduous. My name is Jamesly Metayer, and I stand before you as a testament to the unyielding power of perseverance in the face of adversity. More critically, it illuminates my plans for the future, underscoring the role that financial prudence, particularly in relation to student loans, can play in shaping one's prospects. Born in Haiti, I was raised amid the monumental challenges that confront a developing nation. Amid economic deprivation and hardships, I nourished my intellectual curiosity, finding in education a refuge from the difficulties that marked my everyday life. I soon realised the transformative potential that education holds, and this realisation gave wings to my ambitions. Now, as a Junior in an American college, I continue to grapple with financial constraints, having already accrued a student loan debt of $15,000. Despite these hurdles, I have taken strides to ensure my academic and personal growth. As a student, I have avidly engaged with my academic pursuits, fostering a strong and tenacious spirit. Concurrently, I have made sure to balance these rigorous academical demands with robust participation in extracurricular activities. M Beyond the confines of the college, I have chosen to work a full-time job despite being a full-time student. Stepping into the professional world, I have discovered the practical applications of my academic learning, enhancing my understanding of organizational dynamics and teamwork. My career aspiration stretches beyond the conventional corporate ladder. Upon graduation, I plan to serve my adopted nation by joining the United States Air Force. My vision is not merely to sport the uniform but to ascend its ranks, leveraging the discipline, leadership, and strategic thinking abilities kindled through my varied experiences. This commitment stems from my earnest desire to give back to the society which has offered me countless opportunities. As for the pressing question of how I plan to manage my student loan debt, my focus is on strategic financial planning. I believe that efficient resource allocation is a vital skill that everyone should master. With a carefully curated roadmap, I intend to channel savings from my job towards servicing the loan. Additionally, I am aware of the support the military provides towards paying off educational debts, and I plan to utilize such provisions to alleviate my financial burden. Undeniably, my journey so far reflects a series of battles fought against economic hardships, stretching from Haiti to the United States. Yet, each struggle offered invaluable life lessons about resilience, aspirations, and dreams. The hardships pushed me to believe in myself, to aim higher, and never to give up. Knowing that every struggle, every sacrifice paves the way towards the realization of our dreams. To all the students battling economic hardships, I extend my solidarity. Life continually tests our perseverance, yet it pays to remember that obstacles are learning opportunities in disguise. Let us move forward, undeterred by financial constraints, focusing on our goals, Financial prudence, coupled with an unwavering commitment towards our objectives, will equip us to address our student debt’s. In the end, it all comes down to this - the battles we choose to fight and the resilience we display in our pursuit of dreams. And as I stand before you – a Haitian boy turned American man, a student juggling academics and a full-time job, an aspiring Air Force officer. My journey is my testimony to the incredible power of belief, perseverance, and ambition.

The sense of belonging and identity are fundamental aspects of human life that contribute towards healthy and thriving communities. The essence of being part of a community goes beyond the physical location and bear significant influence on personal growth, development, and overall well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to foster nurturing and conducive environments that empower and enhance individuals, groups, and societies as a whole to lead fulfilling, happy, and successful lives. If afforded the opportunity to improve my community, there would be numerous ventures I would explore. The focal areas would include better community governance, promotion of social unity, environmental conservation, establishment of open spaces and recreational facilities, investments in social enterprises, and improvement of mental and physical well-being. This essay aims to unpack these areas and emphasize their significance in fostering social prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainability. Better community governance A robust community governance model is crucial for the effective administration and decision-making process of an area. Establishing a community council made up of local residents representing different segments of society will ensure effective execution of community initiatives, financial transparency and foster an inclusive approach to development. This council would be instrumental in addressing the needs of the community members more efficiently and cohesively, making the community a safer and more pleasant place to reside. Promotion of social unity In today's culturally diverse societies, promoting inclusiveness and social cohesion cannot be understated. Encouraging intercultural exchanges, such as community feasts, music festivals, and art exhibitions, would create a sense of unity and shared identity, facilitating trust, empathy, and harmony within the community. Environmental conservation The preservation of our natural environment is vital for the sustenance of the ecosystem and the welfare of future generations. Collaborative initiatives such as community clean-ups, tree planting drives, and educational programs focusing on responsible waste management and energy consumption are crucial to improve the environment. Establishment of open spaces and recreational facilities Accessible and well-maintained facilities not only promote physical activity and encourage a healthy lifestyle but also contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the community, making it a dynamic and desirable place to live. Such open spaces often act as a common platform, enabling the exchange of ideas, cultures, and experiences, which are essential factors in fostering social harmony. Investments in social enterprises Social enterprises operate within the community to address social needs and problems sustainably. Investing in such enterprises is vital for community improvement and growth since it addresses pressing issues while supplementing traditional businesses and enabling wealth distribution. Moreover, these entities play a pivotal role in training and employing local residents whilst building nurturing networks that produce valuable social capital. Improvement of mental and physical well-being Lastly, the overall mental and physical well-being of the community members is a key aspect of community improvement. Ensuring access to affordable healthcare services, health education, sports facilities, support groups, and regular health screenings can have a multiplying effect on overall‘s life. In conclusion, the continuous improvement and development of the local community is paramount to ensure social prosperity and inclusivity. It is through this sustained pursuit of betterment that we create a collective identity that thrives on fostering the well-being, growth, and evolution of its members. Investing in robust community governance, social unity, environmental conservation, infrastructure development, social enterprises, and mental and physical well-being are integral aspects of shaping an environment that contributes positively to our lives today and secures the welfare of generations to come. Therefore, if given the opportunity, I would channel my efforts into these areas to create a community rich with possibilities, opportunities, and inclusiveness, enabling us all to flourish harmoniously.

A wise man named Alberto Giacometti once said “The object of art is not to reproduce reality, but to create a reality of the same intensity.” When you think About art you think of big names like Picasso, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, or even Raphael, but I believe the small pieces are what make a picture. My favorite artist is the honorable Frida Kahlo. Who is Frida Kahlo, you might be asking? You might know her as Frida Kahlo de Rivera or Magdalena Carmen Frieda Kahlo y Calderón was a famous Mexican painter that was very known for her paintings of portraits and self-portraits. Her works were inspired by nature's sacred artifacts of Mexico. She was born July 6, 1907, in Coyoacán, Mexico City, and died July 13, 1954, in Coyoacán, Mexico City. The reason why I choose Frida was that like me she faced what seems like Immense challenges, like losing her leg or being divorced constantly. At age 18 Frida Kahlo was injured beneath a handrail, which went through her back and broke her collarbone, two ribs, and broke he beg, but still managed to live a rich and full life that most of us can only dream about. Not only was Frida a formidable artist, but she was also involved in politics and was a trailblazing feminist. Another reason why I choose Frida was that she reminds me of my mother. Just like Frida my mother never gave up or lost sight of what she wanted to do or be. The artwork that I chose was created by me on photoshop, I created this photo because it reminds me of life. The sky represents endless possibilities and untappedped potential. The water’s dark because like life, you never know What's coming or what's lurking. This Picture is life you have to opportunity sink or float.

The scholar Mahatma Gandhi once said, “A man is but the product of his thoughts what he thinks, he becomes.” This quote depicts the importance of visualization and manifestation, in the shaping of personality. Thoughts can either be constructive meaning inspirational or helpful. Thought can also be destructive to one’s mental psychic and or physical body. But why should those things matter good or bad those things makes up who we are. John Locke once said “the human mind is a clean slate at the time of birth. With socialization, it learns.” This quote helps explain the previous quote by showing how what we think makes up who we are. Your attitude is derived from your feelings and your feelings are derived from your thoughts. Are you probably asking yourself right now who was Mahatma Gandhi? According to google Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was an Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist, and political ethicist who employed nonviolent resistance to lead the successful campaign for India's independence from British rule. But later assassinated To end India's religious strife, he resorted to fasts and visits to the troubled areas. He was on one such vigil in New Delhi when Nathuram Godse, a Hindu extremist who objected to Gandhi's tolerance for the Muslims, fatally shot him. He believed in a dream that he later give his life for. I chose this quote from Gandhi because of his principles and morals. No matter the circumstances he fought and believed.

Marcus Garvey once quipped“The black skin is not a badge of shame, but rather a glorious symbol of national greatness.” His quote depicted the way I perceived myself as a 19-year-old black man from the Gonaives of Haiti. Being of Caribbean origin has drastically impacted my life. Being from the Caribbean has taught me many things, like how to be disciplined, how to be grateful, and how to be humble. Once I graduate, I will use my degree to help the West Indian/Caribbean communities by creating a foundation or an organization to help Caribbean kids. When I graduate college I want to take my Besty degree in accounting to the United States Air Force. From there I will rise the ranks and hope for one day to become a general. Once upon a time when I was a kid my dad told me a son “never tell people your dreams.” From a kid's point of view, I thought he was just a bald angry man but as I developed I started seeing eye to eye. People will always tell you what you can’t do and never what you can do. Dream without action is just potential, potential without focus is just opportunities being wasted. As a BLACK African American kid, I feel like the world has put soo many stereotypes and limits on us. As a community, we go through so much hate and we are subjugated to things that no other people will ever go through. In life, I face many challenges every day. I got bullied my whole life for not being able to use proper grammar and for being the blackest kid in the school. But instead of turning that negative energy into animosity and hate I took it and made it fuel. Never stop sleep and always compete that's my motto. Fire is a tool, it can burn or it can create the choice that is always yours. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to review and listen to the story that is my life.

Greetings ladies and gentlemen my name is Jamesly Metayer and I currently attend the Edward Waters University, in Jacksonville Florida. I am a first-year accounting major hailing from the good city of Fort Lauderdale Florida. I am also a part of the Honors College here at Edward Waters, The first-ever D1-D2 men’s volleyball program and a class of 2025. Let me tell you a little bit about myself I was born and raised in the Gonaives of Haiti, I am One out of three kids in my family, and I am THE first to go to college. I’d like to volunteer in the community and give back to the people. I came from poverty and that taught me to be humble. I lived every day of my life by a quote, it reads “Those who believe that they can and can’t are usually right”-Confucius Growing up was a struggle, low-income families coming from a Third World country, providing for a family of four. But my mom always said, “Hard times create tough problems, tough problems create strong men.” Growing up my parents were a big influence on my wanting to succeed. Each working two to three jobs every day, this change the way I see life. On the first day of middle school, my mom fell I’ll from overworking herself and was hospitalized for 3 years, after that my dad had to work way more for us to keep going to school. Sometimes we didn’t even eat, have money for lunch, buy a new backpack every year, buy new clothes, or even get a haircut. Pursuing a college education is very important to me because it opens doors and roads I never had. Everyday my mom would always tell me Jamesly try hard every in school and be somebody. My parents never had that opportunity to be successful, so they raised me the best they knew how. Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday I use to go to church. As a kid was in a mindset that why am I going to church it’s soo long, but as I grew up I grew closer with god. Thank you for the opportunity to share my story andante life.

When people here volleyball do you think about girls. Volleyball wasn’t really a guys work and I feel like that more people should do volleyball. I live in Florida now a lot of people do volleyball here. But I first started volleyball I loved it and the minute the ball touched my hand to the digs to the kills to the aces. it was like the feeling when you touch a door and you get shot or rub your feet on the carpet in touch somebody . Volleyball change my lives in more ways than I can count. One of my favorite moments on the volleyball court when I saw the smiles oh my team is faces. We were just playing playing even tho we were losing I was fun. The thing that makes me passionate about volleyball is meeting new people, connecting with different people. Ivy volleyball as a medium used to connect/bring people together. The way that I plan to support and grow the game is to go to college, graduate, play pro volleyball, and this build 3 giant volleyball sport complexes just specifically for volleyball. I want to create a club team and a pro team to increase the number of volleyball athletes in the world. I also want to host Volleyball Academy every year to train and educate players. I know how it is, I know the problems I know the pain. But you have to make sacrifices,Like Kobe said, everything take sacrifice. If you want everything you have to give everything to give me a time to give your attention to give everything you have your body go hard and fight never stop being persistent. I was taught that there are two people in life the ones that believe in the ones that achieve, but why can’t you be both.