Hobbies and interests
Cheerleading
Reading
Adventure
I read books multiple times per month
Kennedy Simpson
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FinalistKennedy Simpson
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FinalistBio
My greatest life goal is to be of service to the world. In order to do this, my first goal is to do well in my academic pursuits; these pursuits include high school and college.
Goal 2 – Once I have completed college, I would like to work in an organization where my service is beneficial to the world. Some of these might include working within the government as a foreign agent; an FBI agent; a special agent or even locally in one of the many jobs in Criminal Justice.
My personal goal is to live a productive life in society making contributions whether through volunteer services; church or other organizations that help others.
I am most passionate about animals. I did for a time, volunteer at the horse stables, feeding, rubbing, and saddling them. I loved this as I love most animals. I am also passionate about fulfilling not only the expectations of myself but also of others when I am depended upon to do something.
I believe I am a great candidate for scholarships because I have proven over the years that I am consistent, dependable, willing, and able to perform. I consistently maintained good grades throughout my school years.
I am dependable because I have regularly attended schools and in cheerleading, In addition, in the church, I have performed in different roles (creating liturgical dances; reading scriptures; leading the worship programs; participating in drama presentations, etc.).
My performance in each of these is evidence of my willingness to do what is asked or expected of me.
Education
Frederick Douglass High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
- Criminology
Career
Dream career field:
Criminal Justice
Dream career goals:
I would like to work within the government as a foreign agent; an FBI agent; or other jobs in Criminal Justice which I may not be familiar with now.
Sports
Equestrian
Intramural2015 – 20161 year
Awards
- No
Cheerleading
VarsityPresent
Research
Education, Other
Frederick Douglass International Baccalaureate School/Program — Researcher and Defender2022 – 2023
Arts
Prince of Peace Community Church as Liturgical Dancer
DanceWe have video recordings of the dances.2017 – 2019
Public services
Volunteering
Prince of Peace Community Church; United States Committee for Refugees (NGO) — I helped to assimilate the food bags/boxes and also passed them out to the persons in need.2019 – 2022
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Hester Richardson Powell Memorial Service Scholarship
How have you demonstrated resilience to inspire someone else?
As I approached my 17th birthday, I began to notice a small and steady change in me. I have always been shy, and independent. I would do anything to keep attention from myself. I have learned over the last year that being independent, shy, and peace-loving can hinder the resilience I need in life. There have been several situations that have caused me to relook my life and what it will take for me to become resilient and succeed.
Firstly, as a young child, I participated in different activities, including drama, ballet, and cheerleading. In cheerleading, we won a National Championship and I had to perform on a national stage. This still, however, did nothing to help my shyness. When it was time to receive my award, I was the only one who was too shy to go to the stage to get the award. Knowing this, as embarrassing as it was, ignited something in me to try to get over this shyness.
I continued in cheerleading and participated in church activities (as plays, liturgical dancing, and speaking). My shyness was a little less noticeable or obvious to me, but I continued to talk to myself and tell myself that I could do it. I always resisted vehemently when asked to do something that required attention to be drawn to me. After some coaxing and me talking to myself, I eventually could perform each task assigned with renewed vigor.
Fast forward to my senior year in high school. I had two very serious cheerleading mishaps. First, I had a concussion from a fall during cheer practice and had to miss practices and performances. It was during this time that I began to really give some thought to my future as a cheerleader. I knew how much this meant to me and wondered if it was worth it to continue. I asked myself many questions, such as, could it possibly be worse the next time? Then I remembered Martin Luther King who endured so much adversity in his life, yet he was resilient enough to continue his assignment. I asked myself, what would I do if I had received death threats as he had received?
Then, my second cheerleading accident occurred. I sprained my ankle and required crutches. They were uncomfortable and everyone was looking at me. This incident really became a time of reckoning for me as I thought, Beyonce. She uses an alter ego which helps her overcome her shyness. It works for her and she has proven to be very resilient.
I now recognize that my shyness does not have to be a drawback to my resilience. My mother has exhibited extreme resilience. A divorced mother of two; in ill health; she works very hard and always bounces back whenever bad things happen. She requires a wheelchair when shopping for groceries and often must rest after work. Most importantly, too, is that I see that not only does my brother mimic me as I do the things that must be done to keep the house running, but he also studies hard to keep his grades up as he sees me do. Then lastly, my niece who is ten years younger than me is following in my footsteps in cheerleading and remaining on the honor roll. Fulfilling all these goals during rough busy times enforces the importance of resilience in life.
Resilience is like a willow tree, flexible. It will bow down to the ground and bounce back up. I choose to be a willow.
Kennedy Simpson