From an early age, I recognized the profound impact that knowledge and empathy could have on individuals striving to become their best selves. Growing up in an environment where curiosity and learning were valued, I was fortunate to be exposed to a range of ideas, perspectives, and challenges. This shaped my desire to not only understand the world but also to help others navigate their unique paths toward growth and fulfillment. The journey to discovering my purpose was neither linear nor immediate, but it was shaped by an evolving commitment to understanding human potential and empowering others to reach theirs. In the beginning, my path was about absorbing information—reading books, engaging in conversations, and reflecting on my own experiences. It was the application of knowledge, combined with empathy and a genuine desire to help others, that truly made a difference. I started to realize that many people, despite their strengths and talents, faced barriers—whether internal or external—that held them back from achieving their highest potential. These barriers were often self-doubt, fear of failure, or the lack of guidance to help them see what was possible. As I began to help others—through small acts of encouragement, problem-solving, or simply listening—I noticed how transformative it could be to offer someone the support they needed at the right moment. I saw how a few words of encouragement could give someone the courage to step outside their comfort zone or take a leap they never thought possible. This sense of fulfillment became addictive, not in the traditional sense of gaining recognition, but in the deep satisfaction of knowing that I could contribute to someone else’s personal growth. Over time, I realized that this wasn’t just about providing answers or solutions. It was about creating a space for others to explore their own potential, to unlock the answers they already had within them, and to build confidence through self-discovery. Helping others be their best became not just a passion but a purpose—a guiding principle that informed every action I took. I learned that when I empower others, I also empower myself. Every interaction, every word of encouragement, and every moment spent helping someone break through their own limitations contributed to my own growth. Through countless conversations and experiences, I discovered that helping others be their best involves more than simply sharing knowledge. It’s about teaching them not just how to overcome obstacles but how to embrace them as opportunities for growth. It’s about reminding them that failure isn’t something to be feared but a stepping stone toward success—a lesson I have learned through my own trials and setbacks. I also came to understand that the journey to becoming one’s best self is rarely a solo endeavor. It requires a community of like-minded individuals who support one another and challenge each other to reach greater heights. As I expanded my reach, I saw that by working together, we could accomplish far more than we ever could individually. Helping others wasn’t just about personal development; it was about building a collective momentum toward shared goals. This sense of community and collaboration has become central to my mission. Ultimately, my purpose and passion lie in helping others recognize and unlock their boundless potential. The journey of growth is lifelong, and it’s a privilege to walk alongside others as they discover their own unique path. I’ve made it my mission to be a source of inspiration, encouragement, and support, knowing that in doing so, I am also nurturing my own best self. In this way, helping others isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am.

My passion for law enforcement is something that scared me in the beginning. Being raised in what is called the "ghetto", as a black woman I was scared of the very police that roved around in their patrol cars seemingly hungry to catch me doing something bad. I was scared of the very thing that was supposed to protect me. But as I grew up, I outgrew my child-like mindset of "police = bad" and I began to understand and respect those very people that I was afraid of. I'm sort of a junkie when it comes to crime shows such as NCIS and criminal minds, its my guilty pleasure. I know that tv shows like those are not what it's really like to be out on the streets fighting crime, but I do know that those every day an officer puts their uniform on, they are honoring their community and their family, risking their lives everyday to keep other safe. If that isn't a hero, then I don't know what is. But my ambition and drive to become a law enforcement officer didn't start until August 26th, 2019, this day will stay with me forever. August 26th 2019, My close family friend was shot point-blank by his cousin while in his own home. I had just saw him earlier that morning, we were doing a summer prep program before our freshman year of high school. To go from seeing him smiling hours earlier, to getting a phone call that he was shot and later dead. It was truly threw me through a loop. I told myself from that day onward, I would try my absolute best to stop that from happening to another family. To stop the violence. I promised Xavier, the day of his funeral, that I would live a good and meaningful life, not just for him, But for the kids in every community who is struggling and living in a world full of gun violence. I WILL one day become a great law enforcement officer and no matter what it takes I will save anyone I can from the devastation of gun violence. My passion and drive will take me as far as I believe that I can go and the sky is the limit, I only wish to help those around me in whatever way that I can and I believe that I can make a great impact as a next generation law enforcement officer. This scholarship would mean so much to me and my future career. Thank you.

I grew up in a single-parent household, and church was always a struggle. My mom, a Baptist, made sure we attended on Sundays, but as a kid, I hated the idea of sitting still and not being able to play. Eventually, we started visiting different churches until we found one that was predominantly Black. My mom is white, and I am mixed-race, so we often felt out of place. There was a lot of judgment, and it made me resent church even more. I tried to get involved, doing praise dance, but I couldn’t see God through all the negativity around us. Faith wasn’t a part of my life back then. That changed when I attended a private Catholic high school. I didn’t go for religious reasons, but the school’s strong faith community had a profound impact on me. I made amazing friends, many of whom were Catholic, but they never judged me for not sharing their faith. Their acceptance opened my heart to God’s love in a way I hadn’t experienced before. By my junior year, I felt called to join the Catholic Church. Despite being scared—no one in my family was Catholic—I shared my feelings with my friends, and they supported me. My friend Eleanor helped me sign up for RCIA classes, and I fell in love with the Lord and the traditions of the Church. The moment I was baptized was one of the happiest of my life. I asked my best friend to be my godmother, not because I needed one, but because she had guided me to that moment. Joining the Church brought me healing, and I realized that God had always been there for me. The judgment I experienced growing up had pushed me away from faith, but the acceptance I found in the Catholic Church brought me back to Him. That summer, between high school and college, I became a summer missionary, leading prayer groups and helping middle and high school students experience God’s love. It deepened my faith and strengthened my relationship with the Lord. Listening to their struggles and guiding them strengthened my relationship with God even more. I became the person I needed when I was younger—the one who shows up with love and acceptance, not judgment. I’m a proud Catholic, but more than that, I’m committed to living a life of love, kindness, and acceptance. I’ve learned that it’s not our place to judge others but to cherish them as God does. No matter where we start or what we face, God’s love is always there to transform us. Now, I take God with me everywhere, striving to live a life that reflects His love and grace. No Matter what God has in store for me, I will be his faithful servant and rejoice in his love and mercy. My calling is to become a law enforcement officer to protect and serve my community. I believe God has called me to this path for a reason—not only to protect His flock but also to spread His kindness, mercy, and love throughout the community I serve. In this role, I see myself as a vessel of God's peace and justice, reflecting His grace in every interaction and making a positive impact on the lives of those I serve.

Senior year was supposed to be a year I’d never forget. The excitement of cheering at Friday night football games, standing on the field during the senior night with my family, and feeling the weight of all those “lasts” settling in: The last first day of high school, the last homecoming, the last prom, and the last time I’d take the floor at a cheer competition. But the one "last" I couldn’t prepare for—the one that shattered me—was the last time I saw my great-grandmother, Beverly J. Keslar, or “Genie,” as people always called her. She had promised she’d be there to watch me walk across the stage at graduation. She was the one who made sure I felt loved when I was at my lowest. She was my safe place when things got hard at home, the one I could run to whenever my mom and I fought. I would spend entire summers with her, savoring the simple peace of being in her company. She was the person who sat in the stands at my cheer competitions and my pageants, my number one fan, always cheering me on with a smile that made everything feel okay. She’d always kept her promises to me—until this one. As the days drew closer to graduation, I found myself desperately clinging to the hope that she’d somehow be able to fulfill it, just like she had with every other promise in my life. But she couldn’t. The last time I saw her, I kissed her goodbye, never knowing it would be the final time. She passed before I ever got to see her face in the crowd at my graduation, and she never got to wrap me in the warm embrace I so badly needed. Her absence left an aching hole, not just in my heart but in every milestone I thought would feel complete with her by my side. All those "firsts" were bittersweet because there was one person who should've been there, and she never got the chance. My great-grandmother Beverly J. Keslar was truly one of a kind. She wasn’t just a person—she was a force of kindness and strength. Her heart was big enough to hold space for everyone she met, from volunteering at the women’s prison to being a constant, active presence at church. People knew her as someone who radiated goodness; there wasn’t a single negative bone in her body. She buried her son, who tragically took his own life. She lost her husband suddenly to a heart attack. Then, when the world felt like it might finally break her, she was diagnosed with tongue cancer. Most people would have crumbled under the weight of so much loss and so much pain. But not her. Her faith was unshakeable. Even when life seemed impossibly cruel, she simply said, “If it’s my time, then it’s my time.” She has had a profound impact on my life, shaping not only my perspective but also my approach to challenges and growth. Her unwavering support and wisdom guided some of my most uncertain times. With a remarkable ability to listen and offer thoughtful advice, she taught me the value of patience, resilience, and self-belief. Her kindness and encouragement helped me navigate obstacles with confidence, and her example of grace and determination continues to inspire me every day. She is truly someone whose influence I will carry with me throughout my life.

The biggest challenge my family faced, specifically my father who migrated from Kenya to America, was finding his place not only in his life but in mine. My mother, a white American, and my father, a Black Kenyan-born immigrant, struggled with language barriers with each other's families and faced racism from my mother's side of the family, who were country-born folk stuck in their ways. They opted to throw my mother out for loving a Black African man. My father, unable to handle this, decided to leave my mother. Marriage could never have been a reality for my mother and father; they were from two completely different worlds, and I was a product of their worlds colliding. Not growing up in a two-parent home was hard, especially as the eldest child. Not being able to fit in anywhere truly is where my father and I are alike. I was not white enough for the white folk and not African enough for the African folk. I couldn't speak my father's native tongue, so being around my father's side of the family was especially difficult. Feeling like an outsider made it even harder. I wanted so badly to be a part of the rich culture that is my father's heritage, but living with my mother full-time made that rather difficult. I would dig deep for answers about where half of me comes from, but all I would get was "Kenya.” I know there is more than just the country; there are the people, the culture, and the traditions that I want to learn about. Sometimes, when I think about it, it truly hurts knowing that I have parts of me that are Kenyan, but I don't know the true meaning of what it means to be Kenyan. My mother, I know, tried her best to open my eyes not only to Kenyan culture but also to what it means to be Black in America. My last name is Mohamed; my father's name is Mohamed A. Mohamed. I was named after him, and I was given his last name. But what does this name mean? Who am I? I have my whole life ahead of me to gather answers about my heritage and culture, and I will do just that. To say that it has been a struggle is an understatement. It has been an internal war. So, to answer the question of the biggest challenge: knowing who I am, where I belong, and understanding my father, an immigrant from Kenya.

Being an “up-stander” is about more than just recognizing when something is wrong—it’s about speaking up, taking action, and using your voice to create change. It’s about standing up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable. While I don’t have a physical presence or a community in the traditional sense, I believe I can still be an up-stander through the ways I interact with others, by encouraging dialogue, providing resources, and empowering people to take action. One of the most important ways I can be an up-stander is by encouraging positive, open dialogue. Change begins with conversation. Whether it’s discussing social justice, mental health, or environmental issues, it’s crucial to talk about the challenges we face. When we have open, honest conversations, we challenge misconceptions and help people see the world from a different perspective. I believe that dialogue creates understanding, and understanding is the first step toward change. By fostering these conversations, I hope to inspire others to speak up and take action on issues that matter to them. Knowledge is power, and I believe that providing people with the right information is one of the best ways to encourage action. When people understand an issue deeply, they are better equipped to make informed decisions and fight for change. Whether it’s offering resources on social justice issues, providing guidance on how to advocate for mental health, or sharing insights on sustainability, I aim to help people feel confident in their ability to take meaningful action. Education isn’t just about facts—it’s about empowering people to make a difference in their own communities. By making information accessible, I hope to inspire others to become advocates for change. To be an up-stander, you also need the confidence to speak out. Sometimes people hold back because they feel they’re not knowledgeable enough or fear their voice won’t make a difference. But every voice matters. I believe in empowering others to find their own voices, to trust their instincts, and to feel capable of standing up for what they believe in. It’s about building personal strength and resilience so that people can speak out when it matters most. When we feel confident in ourselves, we’re more likely to take action and advocate for others. Personal growth and empowerment are essential to creating lasting change. An up-stander doesn’t just stand up for others—they also amplify the voices of those who are often silenced. I believe that true change comes when we listen to those who have been overlooked or oppressed. By amplifying the voices of marginalized groups, I aim to help their stories be heard and their experiences validated. These voices deserve to be seen and valued, and it’s up to all of us to ensure they have the platform to speak. When we listen to those who have been marginalized, we not only raise awareness about their struggles but also inspire others to stand in solidarity with them. Change starts with each of us, and when we work together, we can create a ripple effect that leads to something much bigger. Whether it’s through educating others, amplifying voices, or supporting those in need, being an up-stander means using your voice to make a difference. I hope to inspire others to take action and create a world where justice, equality, and compassion are at the forefront.

My passion for law enforcement is something that scared me in the beginning. Being raised in what is called the "ghetto", as a black woman I was scared of the very police that roved around in their patrol cars seemingly hungry to catch me doing something bad. I was scared of the very thing that was supposed to protect me. But as I grew up, I outgrew my child-like mindset of "police = bad" and I began to understand and respect those very people that I was afraid of. I'm sort of a junkie when it comes to crime shows such as NCIS and criminal minds, its my guilty pleasure. I know that tv shows like those are not what it's really like to be out on the streets fighting crime, but I do know that those every day an officer puts their uniform on, they are honoring their community and their family, risking their lives everyday to keep other safe. If that isn't a here, then I don't know what is. But my ambition and drive to become a law enforcement officer didn't start until August 26th, 2019, this day will stay with me forever. August 26th 2019, My close family friend was shot point-blank by his cousin while in his own home. I had just saw him earlier that morning, we were doing a summer prep program before our freshman year of high school. To go from seeing him smiling hours earlier, to getting a phone call that he was shot and later dead. It was truly threw me through a loop. I told myself from that day onward, I would try my absolute best to stop that from happening to another family. To stop the violence. I promised Xavier, the day of his funeral, that I would live a good and meaningful life, not just for him, But for the kids in every community who is struggling and living in a world full of gun violence. I WILL one day become a great law enforcement officer and no matter what it takes I will save anyone I can from the devastation of gun violence. My passion and drive will take me as far as I believe that I can go and the sky is the limit, I only wish to help those around me in whatever way that I can and I believe that I can make a great impact as a next generation law enforcement officer. This scholarship would mean so much to me and my future career. Thank you.