Jack Terry's story inspires me as I read the stories of the Nazi Concentration Camps. Did you know that the Germans also brought individuals with Down Syndrome to the Nazi Concentration Camps? They viewed them as "inferior" as well. My youngest brother Grant has Down Syndrome and Autism and Jack Terry's story hits home for me. I'm empathetic for his journey and struggles. He is an inspiration! Just as Terry's story is inspirational, my brother was an inspiration for my dream and he changed my perspective forever when he was born. He is the most influential person in my life. He has severe sensory issues. Watching my brother's struggles during haircuts has driven me to seek innovative solutions. Coming from a low-income, minority family with two disabled parents who have both had strokes and a father who is awaiting a liver transplant has made life difficult financially. Pursuing a trade was a smart decision, and it made sense so I could help my brother. So, I attended Boces and am obtaining my Cosmetology program while completing high school; however, I know my dreams are bigger and I want to own a salon to be an entrepreneur and change the lives of individuals with disabilities. I have learned to have a backup plan, stay motivated, and never give up! I recently obtained my Sensory Safe and Autism Certification for hairstylists since there wasn't anyone certified within a 3-hour radius. In addition, I also received an award for the 2024 Best and Brightest Seniors as a result of this certification and my contributions to the community. I am determined to create a more comfortable haircutting experience for kids with sensory issues. Those outside the community or those without education might not understand. Education for professionals is key. Training is key! Maya Angelou said it best “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.” Did you know that the unemployment rate for special needs individuals is 65%, compared to the national average of 4.3%? Society needs to break down those barriers, but honestly, it happens one employer at a time. Some people might not care about these statistics; however, when you have a loved one with a disability you instantly become an advocate for inclusion. Diversity and inclusion are two causes that I’m extremely passionate about because of my family. Both of my parents have had strokes and my mother has had bilateral carotid and vertebral dissections. My career goal is to create an inclusive and accommodating salon, where individuals of all abilities can thrive. My short-term goal of obtaining my cosmetology license is a small step toward my ultimate mission. I dream of attending college and pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business, and ultimately I want to own a salon and be able to hire individuals with disabilities. My mission and career goal is to influence positive change in the communities I serve. Can’t you see it? I want to break down those barriers for people like my brother who has Down Syndrome/Autism or my parents who are stroke victims. I am filled with inspiration, passion, and unwavering commitment. My journey toward furthering my education and creating meaningful contributions in Business and cosmetology fills me with hope. I believe in my ability to make a profound impact. I will be able to give them meaningful and fulfilling employment in a welcoming environment. It will be life-changing for those individuals! Thank you for considering me for this scholarship so I can reach my dreams and make a positive impact in the world.

Inspiration and passion can strike at any time. For me, it struck when I was nine years old. My inspiration for my dream came into my life and changed my perspective forever when my youngest brother was born. He is the most influential person in my life. Grant has Down Syndrome and Autism, and he has severe sensory issues. Watching my brother's struggles during haircuts has driven me to seek innovative solutions. Coming from a low-income, minority family with two disabled parents who have both had strokes and a father who is awaiting a liver transplant, pursuing a trade was a smart decision and it made sense so I could help my brother. So I attended Boces and am obtaining my Cosmetology program while completing high school; however, I know my dreams are bigger and I want to own a salon to be an entrepreneur and change the lives of individuals with disabilities. I recently obtained my sensory and autism certification for hairstylists since there wasn't anyone certified within a 3-hour radius. In addition, I also received an award for the 2024 Best and Brightest as a result of this certification and my contributions to the community for the disabled. I am determined to create a more comfortable haircutting experience for kids with sensory issues. Those outside the community or those without education might not understand. Education for professionals is key. Training is key! Maya Angelou said it best “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.” Did you know that the unemployment rate for special needs individuals is 65%, compared to the national average of 4.3%? Society needs to break down those barriers, but honestly, it happens one employer at a time. Some people might not care about these statistics; however, when you have a loved one with a disability you instantly become an advocate for inclusion. Diversity and inclusion are two causes that I’m extremely passionate about because of my family. Both of my parents have had strokes and my mother has had bilateral carotid and vertebral dissections. My career goal is to create an inclusive and accommodating salon, where individuals of all abilities can thrive. My short-term goal of obtaining my cosmetology license is a small step toward my ultimate mission. I dream of attending college and pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business, and ultimately I want to own a salon and be able to hire individuals with disabilities. My mission and career goal is to influence positive change in the communities I serve. Can’t you see it? I want to break down those barriers for people like my brother who has Down Syndrome/Autism or my parents who are stroke victims. I am filled with inspiration, passion, and unwavering commitment. My journey toward furthering my education and creating meaningful contributions in Business and cosmetology fills me with hope. I believe in my ability to make a profound impact. I will be able to give them meaningful and fulfilling employment in a welcoming environment. It will be life-changing for those individuals! Thank you for considering me for the NE1 NE-Dream Scholarship so I can reach my dreams and make a positive impact in the world.

My name is Lily, and I have been working at a salon for several years. This experience has sparked my love for hairstyling and cosmetology. I contributed to my community this past year when I flew down to Florida to obtain my certification as a Sensory Safe and Autism Certified Hairstylist. This was a big expense for me to fly down, hotel expenses, and time to complete the day-long training. I am currently in the Cosmetology program at Oneida Herkimer Madison Boces. Completing this certification was important, because there weren't any certified hairstylist within a three hour radius and I have a younger brother with Down Syndrome and Autism who we had to restrain to get his haircut before I had the training. I knew there was a better way to care for these individuals in my community and now I am the only certified hairstylist in the area. As soon as I graduate, I will be able to service this community in the right way I decided to pursue this passion through our Boces program while obtaining my high school diploma. Given the financial challenges my family faces due to my parents' disabilities, pursuing a trade school education seemed like the most practical choice for me. Both my mom and dad have had strokes, and their medical hardships have fueled my ambition and drive to succeed. My stepdad's encouragement, who himself attended a trade school for welding, has been instrumental in shaping my career path. My parents can't afford for me to go to college since they don't work and they are disabled and my younger brother is severely disabled. We have a family of six and I am the oldest child, I sometimes feel this heavy burden but this scholarship will help me pay for tuition at Ole Miss. I want to go and I have a passion and desire to be an entrepreneur open an inclusive salon and hire special needs individuals (including my brother). I want to carve a new path and break down community barriers. After graduating, I want to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Business and Entrepreneurship at Ole Miss. I have already been admitted!! What excites me most about cosmetology is the opportunity to redefine beauty standards, especially for individuals with unique traits. The unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities is 65%, compared to the national average of 4.3%. Having a brother with multiple disabilities and volunteering in the community with many individuals, I know we need more opportunities for these individuals to be trained and work in the community. Having a family member Down Syndrome has impacted how I want the world to improve services for him, and I have realized that I need to be the one to do it. My ultimate goal is to: - own a salon employ individuals with special needs - train the employees how to cut hair for special needs individuals This business will impact the world because it will employ people who need jobs and will allow individuals to get haircuts in a safe, friendly manner. I’ve learned that being an entrepreneur is about being passionate and driven. I want to be an entrepreneur to make this world a better place for all individuals with disabilities. I'm confident that I will be successful because my brother's employment and success depends on it, and he is the most important person in my life. Thank you for considering me for the Bright Lite Scholarship and if I am chosen I will use it to enhance my career and have a positive impact on the world.

The story of Amber Lark is nothing short of remarkable. Her ability to support health and wellness and make a difference in the world is inspiring. Similarly, it reminds me of my story in so many ways. I have realized that beauty goes far beyond superficial appearances. The love coming from my heart truly defines my inner beauty. I know I have limited time on Earth, I no longer count the years until beauty fades, but instead embrace each moment. My mother battled breast and ovarian cancer. I witnessed the profound beauty within her eyes. Stripped of her hair and ravaged by illness, she embodied a beauty that surpassed society's shallow definitions. In her hospital beds, her strength and determination shine brighter than ever, reminding me of the power of fighting fiercely and rising again. These experiences have shaped my ambition and drive to succeed. I am currently getting my degree in cosmetology, and my next internship will be at the 315 salon, which specializes in wigs for cancer and alopecia patients. My vision for the beauty industry is nothing short of remarkable. My goal is to transform society's view of beauty. I aspire to create an inclusive and accommodating salon where individuals of all abilities can thrive. My personal experiences have ignited a fire within me, compelling me to advocate for more training and job opportunities for those with disabilities. By redefining the standard of beauty and embracing one's unique traits, I aim to bring about a transformative change in the world. My short-term goals, from graduating high school to obtaining a cosmetology license, are stepping stones toward my ultimate mission. I dream of attending college and pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business, all in pursuit of making a significant impact in the cosmetology industry. With the strength and resilience of my parents flowing through my veins, I am confident in my ability to overcome any obstacles that come my way. The beauty within me is deep-rooted, and I am determined to show the world the limitless beauty that resides within us all. Thank you for considering me for the recipient of the Mrs. Amber Lark Memorial Scholarship. I am filled with inspiration, passion, and unwavering commitment. My journey toward furthering my education and making meaningful contributions in Business and cosmetology fills me with hope and excitement. I believe in my ability to make a profound impact. I am grateful for the opportunity to showcase the beauty unfolding as I embark on this incredible path toward my future goals of transforming the beauty industry.

My parents divorced when I was young and both my mother and father are legally disabled after having suffered strokes and beating cancer. When I turned sixteen my mom and stepdad gave me a hand-me-down car that I appreciated so much because to me it meant freedom. On the day I turned sixteen I was so excited! When I went for my license the examiner hopped in my car and I forgot my seatbelt. After that, I had a panic attack during the remainder of the test. Obviously I failed. I think she even called me dangerous. One week later I took it again and hit a curb and if you’re guessing… I failed again. So I figured it’s important to never give up. I paid for one on one driving lessons and then took it for a third time. I drove up for my test and it was the same examiner that called me dangerous just a few weeks before; however, this time I passed! That old car gave me freedom and taught me perseverance, drive and ambition that are life lessons that are able to carry me through. Not everyone will be able to have the freedom to drive like I’m able to do so. I think of my younger brother Grant who has Autism and Down Syndrome and I wonder if he will ever be able to drive a car but I hope that I can help him learn so that he has the same freedom and experience like his peers. Guaranteed, I might not be the best one to give driving lessons, but there’s nobody better than a big sister to have your back and help you succeed. The impact of a car can mean so much to a child. It’s that pivotal time for growth.