As an undergraduate social work student at Bowie State University, I am deeply committed to advocating for marginalized communities. From a young age, I knew I wanted a career that involved helping others, but my path became clear during my junior year of high school. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed widespread financial insecurity, job loss, and mental health struggles. Seeing these challenges firsthand reinforced my desire to pursue a field where I could make a tangible difference. Although I was accepted into my dream school, financial concerns led me to attend community college, where I earned my associate degree before transferring to Bowie State University. My journey in social work began when I started working full-time in a Title 1 public school in Washington, DC, where many students came from low-income households. These students faced overwhelming obstacles, including community violence, food insecurity, and substance abuse. The school implemented various community-based programs to provide families with aftercare services, mental health support, and essential resources. Seeing how these initiatives positively impacted students and their families confirmed that social work was the right path for me. It also reinforced my belief that real change happens both through direct client work and broader advocacy efforts. Lately, the current political climate has motivated me to take an active role in fighting for social justice. Through my coursework, I am gaining knowledge about systemic inequalities, social justice, and policies that impact vulnerable populations. My field placements will further prepare me for hands-on work in case management, crisis intervention, and community advocacy. I am particularly passionate about ensuring underserved communities have access to resources that promote stability and self-sufficiency. Social work is not just a career path for me—it is a calling to create meaningful, lasting change. Balancing work and school has been a challenge, but it has also shaped me into a resilient and disciplined student. Throughout my academic journey, I have worked consistently to support myself financially, allowing me to minimize student loan debt. While I was fortunate to receive a scholarship during community college, I am now paying out of pocket for my education. Managing tuition while working has strengthened my budgeting skills, forced me to prioritize needs over wants, and reinforced the value of perseverance. However, my demanding schedule has also meant making sacrifices, such as having limited time to engage in campus activities that could enhance my academic and professional growth. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to my education and future in social work. Receiving this scholarship would significantly ease my financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies and fieldwork opportunities that will prepare me for my career. With this support, I will continue developing the expertise needed to advocate for policy changes, support vulnerable communities, and drive meaningful social change. My goal is to leave a lasting impact, whether through direct client work, legislative advocacy, or program development. This scholarship is not just an investment in my education—it is an investment in the future of social justice and community empowerment.

As an undergraduate social work student at Bowie State University, I am deeply committed to advocating for marginalized communities. From a young age, I knew I wanted a career that involved helping others, but my path became clear during my junior year of high school. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed widespread financial insecurity, job loss, and mental health struggles. Seeing these challenges firsthand reinforced my desire to pursue a field where I could make a tangible difference. Although I was accepted into my dream school, financial concerns led me to attend community college, where I earned my associate degree before transferring to Bowie State University. My journey in social work began when I started working full-time in a Title 1 public school in Washington, DC, where many students came from low-income households. These students faced overwhelming obstacles, including community violence, food insecurity, and substance abuse. The school implemented various community-based programs to provide families with aftercare services, mental health support, and essential resources. Seeing how these initiatives positively impacted students and their families confirmed that social work was the right path for me. It also reinforced my belief that real change happens both through direct client work and broader advocacy efforts. Lately, the current political climate has motivated me to take an active role in fighting for social justice. Through my coursework, I am gaining knowledge about systemic inequalities, social justice, and policies that impact vulnerable populations. My field placements will further prepare me for hands-on work in case management, crisis intervention, and community advocacy. I am particularly passionate about ensuring underserved communities have access to resources that promote stability and self-sufficiency. Social work is not just a career path for me—it is a calling to create meaningful, lasting change. Balancing work and school has been a challenge, but it has also shaped me into a resilient and disciplined student. Throughout my academic journey, I have worked consistently to support myself financially, allowing me to minimize student loan debt. While I was fortunate to receive a scholarship during community college, I am now paying out of pocket for my education. Managing tuition while working has strengthened my budgeting skills, forced me to prioritize needs over wants, and reinforced the value of perseverance. However, my demanding schedule has also meant making sacrifices, such as having limited time to engage in campus activities that could enhance my academic and professional growth. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to my education and future in social work. Receiving this scholarship would significantly ease my financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies and fieldwork opportunities that will prepare me for my career. With this support, I will continue developing the expertise needed to advocate for policy changes, support vulnerable communities, and drive meaningful social change. My goal is to leave a lasting impact, whether through direct client work, legislative advocacy, or program development. This scholarship is not just an investment in my education—it is an investment in the future of social justice and community empowerment.

As an undergraduate social work student at Bowie State University, I am deeply committed to advocating for marginalized communities. From a young age, I knew I wanted a career that involved helping others, but my path became clear during my junior year of high school. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed widespread financial insecurity, job loss, and mental health struggles. Seeing these challenges firsthand reinforced my desire to pursue a field where I could make a tangible difference. Although I was accepted into my dream school, financial concerns led me to attend community college, where I earned my associate degree before transferring to Bowie State University. My journey in social work began when I started working full-time in a Title 1 public school in Washington, DC, where many students came from low-income households. These students faced overwhelming obstacles, including community violence, food insecurity, and substance abuse. The school implemented various community-based programs to provide families with aftercare services, mental health support, and essential resources. Seeing how these initiatives positively impacted students and their families confirmed that social work was the right path for me. It also reinforced my belief that real change happens both through direct client work and broader advocacy efforts. Lately, the current political climate has motivated me to take an active role in fighting for social justice. Through my coursework, I am gaining knowledge about systemic inequalities, social justice, and policies that impact vulnerable populations. My field placements will further prepare me for hands-on work in case management, crisis intervention, and community advocacy. I am particularly passionate about ensuring underserved communities have access to resources that promote stability and self-sufficiency. Social work is not just a career path for me—it is a calling to create meaningful, lasting change. Balancing work and school has been a challenge, but it has also shaped me into a resilient and disciplined student. Throughout my academic journey, I have worked consistently to support myself financially, allowing me to minimize student loan debt. While I was fortunate to receive a scholarship during community college, I am now paying out of pocket for my education. Managing tuition while working has strengthened my budgeting skills, forced me to prioritize needs over wants, and reinforced the value of perseverance. However, my demanding schedule has also meant making sacrifices, such as having limited time to engage in campus activities that could enhance my academic and professional growth. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to my education and future in social work. Receiving this scholarship would significantly ease my financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies and fieldwork opportunities that will prepare me for my career. With this support, I will continue developing the expertise needed to advocate for policy changes, support vulnerable communities, and drive meaningful social change. My goal is to leave a lasting impact, whether through direct client work, legislative advocacy, or program development. This scholarship is not just an investment in my education—it is an investment in the future of social justice and community empowerment.

As an undergraduate social work student at Bowie State University, I am deeply committed to advocating for marginalized communities. From a young age, I knew I wanted a career that involved helping others, but my path became clear during my junior year of high school. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed widespread financial insecurity, job loss, and mental health struggles. Seeing these challenges firsthand reinforced my desire to pursue a field where I could make a tangible difference. Although I was accepted into my dream school, financial concerns led me to attend community college, where I earned my associate degree before transferring to Bowie State University. My journey in social work began when I started working full-time in a Title 1 public school in Washington, DC, where many students came from low-income households. These students faced overwhelming obstacles, including community violence, food insecurity, and substance abuse. The school implemented various community-based programs to provide families with aftercare services, mental health support, and essential resources. Seeing how these initiatives positively impacted students and their families confirmed that social work was the right path for me. It also reinforced my belief that real change happens both through direct client work and broader advocacy efforts. Lately, the current political climate has motivated me to take an active role in fighting for social justice. Through my coursework, I am gaining knowledge about systemic inequalities, social justice, and policies that impact vulnerable populations. My field placements will further prepare me for hands-on work in case management, crisis intervention, and community advocacy. I am particularly passionate about ensuring underserved communities have access to resources that promote stability and self-sufficiency. Social work is not just a career path for me—it is a calling to create meaningful, lasting change. Balancing work and school has been a challenge, but it has also shaped me into a resilient and disciplined student. Throughout my academic journey, I have worked consistently to support myself financially, allowing me to minimize student loan debt. While I was fortunate to receive a scholarship during community college, I am now paying out of pocket for my education. Managing tuition while working has strengthened my budgeting skills, forced me to prioritize needs over wants, and reinforced the value of perseverance. However, my demanding schedule has also meant making sacrifices, such as having limited time to engage in campus activities that could enhance my academic and professional growth. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to my education and future in social work. Receiving this scholarship would significantly ease my financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies and fieldwork opportunities that will prepare me for my career. With this support, I will continue developing the expertise needed to advocate for policy changes, support vulnerable communities, and drive meaningful social change. My goal is to leave a lasting impact, whether through direct client work, legislative advocacy, or program development. This scholarship is not just an investment in my education—it is an investment in the future of social justice and community empowerment.

As an undergraduate social work student at Bowie State University, I am deeply committed to advocating for marginalized communities. From a young age, I knew I wanted a career that involved helping others, but my path became clear during my junior year of high school. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed widespread financial insecurity, job loss, and mental health struggles. Seeing these challenges firsthand reinforced my desire to pursue a field where I could make a tangible difference. Although I was accepted into my dream school, financial concerns led me to attend community college, where I earned my associate degree before transferring to Bowie State University. My journey in social work began when I started working full-time in a Title 1 public school in Washington, DC, where many students came from low-income households. These students faced overwhelming obstacles, including community violence, food insecurity, and substance abuse. The school implemented various community-based programs to provide families with aftercare services, mental health support, and essential resources. Seeing how these initiatives positively impacted students and their families confirmed that social work was the right path for me. It also reinforced my belief that real change happens both through direct client work and broader advocacy efforts. Lately, the current political climate has motivated me to take an active role in fighting for social justice. Through my coursework, I am gaining knowledge about systemic inequalities, social justice, and policies that impact vulnerable populations. My field placements will further prepare me for hands-on work in case management, crisis intervention, and community advocacy. I am particularly passionate about ensuring underserved communities have access to resources that promote stability and self-sufficiency. Social work is not just a career path for me—it is a calling to create meaningful, lasting change. Balancing work and school has been a challenge, but it has also shaped me into a resilient and disciplined student. Throughout my academic journey, I have worked consistently to support myself financially, allowing me to minimize student loan debt. While I was fortunate to receive a scholarship during community college, I am now paying out of pocket for my education. Managing tuition while working has strengthened my budgeting skills, forced me to prioritize needs over wants, and reinforced the value of perseverance. However, my demanding schedule has also meant making sacrifices, such as having limited time to engage in campus activities that could enhance my academic and professional growth. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to my education and future in social work. Receiving this scholarship would significantly ease my financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies and fieldwork opportunities that will prepare me for my career. With this support, I will continue developing the expertise needed to advocate for policy changes, support vulnerable communities, and drive meaningful social change. My goal is to leave a lasting impact, whether through direct client work, legislative advocacy, or program development. This scholarship is not just an investment in my education—it is an investment in the future of social justice and community empowerment.

As an undergraduate social work student at Bowie State University, I am deeply committed to advocating for marginalized communities. From a young age, I knew I wanted a career that involved helping others, but my path became clear during my junior year of high school. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed widespread financial insecurity, job loss, and mental health struggles. Seeing these challenges firsthand reinforced my desire to pursue a field where I could make a tangible difference. Although I was accepted into my dream school, financial concerns led me to attend community college, where I earned my associate degree before transferring to Bowie State University. My journey in social work began when I started working full-time in a Title 1 public school in Washington, DC, where many students came from low-income households. These students faced overwhelming obstacles, including community violence, food insecurity, and substance abuse. The school implemented various community-based programs to provide families with aftercare services, mental health support, and essential resources. Seeing how these initiatives positively impacted students and their families confirmed that social work was the right path for me. It also reinforced my belief that real change happens both through direct client work and broader advocacy efforts. Lately, the current political climate has motivated me to take an active role in fighting for social justice. Through my coursework, I am gaining knowledge about systemic inequalities, social justice, and policies that impact vulnerable populations. My field placements will further prepare me for hands-on work in case management, crisis intervention, and community advocacy. I am particularly passionate about ensuring underserved communities have access to resources that promote stability and self-sufficiency. Social work is not just a career path for me—it is a calling to create meaningful, lasting change. Balancing work and school has been a challenge, but it has also shaped me into a resilient and disciplined student. Throughout my academic journey, I have worked consistently to support myself financially, allowing me to minimize student loan debt. While I was fortunate to receive a scholarship during community college, I am now paying out of pocket for my education. Managing tuition while working has strengthened my budgeting skills, forced me to prioritize needs over wants, and reinforced the value of perseverance. However, my demanding schedule has also meant making sacrifices, such as having limited time to engage in campus activities that could enhance my academic and professional growth. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to my education and future in social work. Receiving this scholarship would significantly ease my financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies and fieldwork opportunities that will prepare me for my career. With this support, I will continue developing the expertise needed to advocate for policy changes, support vulnerable communities, and drive meaningful social change. My goal is to leave a lasting impact, whether through direct client work, legislative advocacy, or program development. This scholarship is not just an investment in my education—it is an investment in the future of social justice and community empowerment.

As an undergraduate social work student at Bowie State University, I am deeply committed to advocating for marginalized communities. From a young age, I knew I wanted a career that involved helping others, but my path became clear during my junior year of high school. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed widespread financial insecurity, job loss, and mental health struggles. Seeing these challenges firsthand reinforced my desire to pursue a field where I could make a tangible difference. Although I was accepted into my dream school, financial concerns led me to attend community college, where I earned my associate degree before transferring to Bowie State University. My journey in social work began when I started working full-time in a Title 1 public school in Washington, DC, where many students came from low-income households. These students faced overwhelming obstacles, including community violence, food insecurity, and substance abuse. The school implemented various community-based programs to provide families with aftercare services, mental health support, and essential resources. Seeing how these initiatives positively impacted students and their families confirmed that social work was the right path for me. It also reinforced my belief that real change happens both through direct client work and broader advocacy efforts. Lately, the current political climate has motivated me to take an active role in fighting for social justice. Through my coursework, I am gaining knowledge about systemic inequalities, social justice, and policies that impact vulnerable populations. My field placements will further prepare me for hands-on work in case management, crisis intervention, and community advocacy. I am particularly passionate about ensuring underserved communities have access to resources that promote stability and self-sufficiency. Social work is not just a career path for me—it is a calling to create meaningful, lasting change. Balancing work and school has been a challenge, but it has also shaped me into a resilient and disciplined student. Throughout my academic journey, I have worked consistently to support myself financially, allowing me to minimize student loan debt. While I was fortunate to receive a scholarship during community college, I am now paying out of pocket for my education. Managing tuition while working has strengthened my budgeting skills, forced me to prioritize needs over wants, and reinforced the value of perseverance. However, my demanding schedule has also meant making sacrifices, such as having limited time to engage in campus activities that could enhance my academic and professional growth. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to my education and future in social work. Receiving this scholarship would significantly ease my financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies and fieldwork opportunities that will prepare me for my career. With this support, I will continue developing the expertise needed to advocate for policy changes, support vulnerable communities, and drive meaningful social change. My goal is to leave a lasting impact, whether through direct client work, legislative advocacy, or program development. This scholarship is not just an investment in my education—it is an investment in the future of social justice and community empowerment.

Welcome to Naomi's Emporium! Do you know what an emporium is, if you don't let me add on to your knowledge. An emporium is a large retail store selling a wide variety of goods. We all know that COVID-19 impacted a lot of us in a negative and positive aspect. Before, I had no desire to start my own business but being that because of the uncertainty of how things will play out I decided that I needed a back up plan. My friend Joi has hosted her own pop up shop and convinced me to start my own business and to just start selling at pop up shops. Pop up shops are events where multiple vendors/ small businesses sell their products. Right now pop up shops are very popular in my area, Prince George's County Maryland so I thought starting off selling there could just bring in extra cash for now. I thought about what I could possibly sell because I like to be unique and didn't want to sell something that a lot of people are already selling. Most young entrepreneurs are selling lashes, hair bundles, charm bracelets, or hoodies so I wanted to stand out and be original. I decided on selling keychains/keychain accessories, resin coasters, blankets, and dream pillows. My dream pillows are hand sewed and I put different herbs inside which always has a scent but can also promote positive dreams, give the feeling of love, clear the mind, or just help someone fall asleep. As for the name of my business, Naomi is my middle name which I hold dear to my heart being that I am named after my great great grandmother. Although emporium means a large retail store and I am not yet large, I will be soon. My first pop up shop will be on November 28, 2020 and I am very excited. I hope to network with other young entrepreneurs and gain clientele. When I feel as though I have a large amount of clientele I will expand my business to online and add more products to sell. By fall of 2021 I want to have started college and opened my online website. I would like to be my own boss and continue to be my own boss so I am glad I started at age 17. At age 30, I hope to have already touched a million dollars because of my business. I want to be featured in a magazine or article as yet another successful black woman knocking down stereotypes and becoming wealthy on her own. There have been many trial and errors so far but I cannot wait to meet new people and share my products/story with others. Although I have my own business, I still would love to be some type of leader to the youth because I feel as though that is my calling. I hope to inspire other girls, especially young black girls, to start their own business and be her own boss. My business started off being something that could just give me extra cash but it has grown to be something bigger than that. I have so many ideas and visions of what I could do with my business and where I could go. I have learned so much about starting and having a business. I have also grown an appreciation for those with business because this is not easy at all. Being a woman and a black woman at that starting my own business puts ten times more pressure on me to work harder and push forward to get to my success. Once I have my mind set on something though that's all I am striving for and right now no one is going to stop me until I reach my goals.

Welcome to Naomi's Emporium! Do you know what an emporium is, if you don't let me add on to your knowledge. An emporium is a large retail store selling a wide variety of goods. We all know that COVID-19 impacted a lot of us in a negative and positive aspect. Before, I had no desire to start my own business but being that because of the uncertainty of how things will play out I decided that I needed a back up plan. My friend Joi has hosted her own pop up shop and convinced me to start my own business and to just start selling at pop up shops. Pop up shops are events where multiple vendors/ small businesses sell their products. Right now pop up shops are very popular in my area, Prince George's County Maryland so I thought starting off selling there could just bring in extra cash for now. I thought about what I could possibly sell because I like to be unique and didn't want to sell something that a lot of people are already selling. Most young entrepreneurs are selling lashes, hair bundles, charm bracelets, or hoodies so I wanted to stand out and be original. I decided on selling keychains/keychain accessories, resin coasters, blankets, and dream pillows. My dream pillows are hand sewed and I put different herbs inside which always has a scent but can also promote positive dreams, give the feeling of love, clear the mind, or just help someone fall asleep. As for the name of my business, Naomi is my middle name which I hold dear to my heart being that I am named after my great great grandmother. Although emporium means a large retail store and I am not yet large, I will be soon. My first pop up shop will be on November 28, 2020 and I am very excited. I hope to network with other young entrepreneurs and gain clientele. When I feel as though I have a large amount of clientele I will expand my business to online and add more products to sell. By fall of 2021 I want to have started college and opened my online website. I would like to be my own boss and continue to be my own boss so I am glad I started at age 17. At age 30, I hope to have already touched a million dollars because of my business. I want to be featured in a magazine or article as yet another successful black woman knocking down stereotypes and becoming wealthy on her own. There have been many trial and errors so far but I cannot wait to meet new people and share my products/story with others. Although I have my own business, I still would love to be some type of leader to the youth because I feel as though that is my calling. I hope to inspire other girls, especially young black girls, to start their own business and be her own boss. My business started off being something that could just give me extra cash but it has grown to be something bigger than that. I have so many ideas and visions of what I could do with my business and where I could go. I have learned so much about starting and having a business. I have also grown an appreciation for those with business because this is not easy at all. Being a women and a black women at that starting my own business puts ten times more pressure on me to working harder and push forward to get to my success. Once I have my mind set on something though that's all I am striving for and right now no one is going to stop me until I reach my goals.